WILD FANTASY

It was late at night and Andrea was fast asleep in her room when Lana heard three consecutive knocks on the door.

From being busy in front of her laptop her eyebrows met then she glanced at the wall clock hanging on the top of the refrigerator.

"Who is this and it's past nine o'clock and even thought to come by?" she whispered then stood up.

Lana first peeked through the peephole of the door to see who is it then after a while her chest immediately trembled when she saw Andrew standing outside.

It took a long time for Lana to act because of that. So she was even surprised when Andrew knocked again but this time it was more persistent and seemed to be unable to wait.

"What do you need and why are you here? It's late," she asked formally after she opened the door for the young man. "Andrea is already asleep so if you can leave and come back tomorrow?" she shooed the man away.

But Andrew ignored her and instead just lifted the corner of his mouth then spoke. "Can I come in?" instead he replied bringing his face even closer to hers.

Lana quickly felt a wonderful shiver when the smell of alcohol on Andrew's breath crossed her face. And that's what she saw as the reason why she didn't seem to be in her usual self when she nodded.

"W-Would you like some coffee?" she asked after closing the door and Andrew was already inside the house.

Andrew's faint laugh did not escape hir hearing. "Sounds like a real wife," he said then started to step closer to where she was standing.

Lana was automatically felt alarmed by what Andrew had done so she decided to take action and went to the kitchen to make coffee for the young man.

But she didn't think Andrew had followed her there so she accidentally dropped the teaspoon she was holding which made a noise on the tiled floor when he spoke behind her.

"Are you okay, Lana?" amusement was in Andrew's tone when she looked at him standing just a step away from her.

Lana nodded one after another and then turned her back on the young man again to continue making his coffee. But her chest tightened even more when she felt Andrew's both hands on her waist.

"Lana," Andrew whispered in her ear so she sighed violently.

"Andrea might wake up," she said trying to free herself from the young man's grip on her and she succeeded there.

She walked away from Andrew when she brought his coffee cup into the living room and then laid it on the center table. "Drink this and then leave", she calmly shooed the man away again.

Andrew just stared at her then as if nothing when he wet his red lips. Later, the young man stepped closer to her again. So she was immediately pushed back to the slightly open door of her room.

"I don't like that," he said, referring to the coffee he had mixed and then continued to take steps closer to him.

Lana swallowed. And since her room is behind her, she had nowhere else to go but in there "W-What do you want?" she asked nervously.

The corner of Andrew's lip lifted once again then she was finally grabbed by both shoulders and gently pushed into the room. His quick actions were able to push the door shut and then press the knob lock.

"Isn't it obvious to you that I want you?" Andrew pulled her arm so she ended up hugging him.

She struggled to free herself but because the man was stronger than her, she didn't do anything when he pushed her against the wall and then bent down and kissed her hard on the lips.

It was as if Lana's whole being was paralyzed once again she once again tasted the lips that for how many times made her lost her sanity. The lips she has dreamed of since she became a fangirl. Since she became his fan. And these were the same and very reasons why Andrea came into her life.

She knew it wasn't the first time Andrew had kissed her. Because in fact, the man was able to do more than that to her. But Lana could not understand why she was so weak at that very moment.

Was it because he himself admitted to her that he liked her?

She wasn't sure nor did she understand everything.

Andrew kissed her long and hard. She could not handle the man no matter what struggle she made. Especially when he held her both hands even more and raised them above her head.

Andrew became even more aggressive at that moment.

Lana let out a violent sigh as Andrew pressed his body hard against hers as he continued to kiss her. Until she felt his one hand on her buttocks then the next thing she knew is that she was lifted by him.

Lana's eyes widened as she felt the hard object bulge in the front of Andrew's pants.

"I want you so bad, Lana," Andrew whispered as he released her lips for a moment then claimed them again afterward.

At that moment, all of Lana's restraint finally gave up.

Maybe that was also due to the fact that she too was always excited and looking forward to something like this.

So no matter how hard she tried to get out of the young man's arms before, she was the one who wrapped her arms tightly around his neck now.

She responded with warm kisses on his lips which were as if Andrew had no plans to let go of her.

And soon, she started to moan when she felt Andrew's gentle bite on her lower lip.

What the young man did drove back Lana to return to her sanity. She was even able to slap Andrew, which shocked him so much that made her able to get away from the man's seemingly iron arms.

"P-Please leave, I don't know what do you want to happen that's why you came here but it's better if you will leave now," she said as her voice broke.

The man just stared at her. "I know you like me too, Lana," he replied to what she said.

The truth is that Lana's mind is very confused.

Maybe that's why her emotions change so quickly. And that's also the reason why she gives up so easily and becomes vulnerable to Andrew's simple kisses and hugs to her.

She shook her head then wiped away the tears. "It doesn't matter if I like you or not Andrew. All I want now is for you to leave, I don't want Andrea to see you here at this time and night," she replied.

Andrew's jaw tightened at what she had said. "You can't take Andrea away from me," he said emphatically.

"I'm not going to take her away from you. But for your information, I just want to remind you that we have lived without you! I brought her out of this world without you! We can handle and we will be fine even just the two of us!" she said in a low but firm tone.

"It all happened because you hid her from me!" Andrew's strong response was also in a low tone.

"Because that's the right thing to do!" she replied.

Andrew laughed softly. "I'll be back," he said as he left the room.

When she heard the sound of the car leaving, Lana finally let out her tears. While in her mind there were many questions. And the concern was not only for herself but even more so for Andrea.

"I don't like that baby Cecille! She is a plague! She is a plague in my life! Don't bring her near me!" that was Alice's hysterical cry to her older sister Cecille.

Cecille's eyes warmed at the same time as the intense anger she felt for her younger sister went into her head.

"And what is your daughter's fault in all this? It's not her fault that the man who got you pregnant ran away!" her furious shout at her youngest sister.

A week since Alice gave birth, she has actually not touched the baby.

And that hurts for Cecille.

But she couldn't do anything, she couldn't force Alice because first of all, she knew her sister's behavior was really rebellious.

"I don't care! If it weren't for her I would be in Japan today and already making a lot of money. I could have bought what I wanted! Unlike this that I do not have any centavo in my purse! I even have a problem with her diaper and milk!" Alice replied without changing her tone.

Cecille let out a heavy sigh and then bowed to the baby lying on the wooden bed.

She could not understand why there were people like her sister who disliked their own child as if they were broken toys.

Even, after all, the child has nothing to do with what they have done. As a matter of fact, the child is considered the real victim.

"I'm leaving now, take the baby, she's all yours. Do whatever you want with her, find someone who can adopt her. It is enough that I did not aborted her and let her live, but I'm not ready to be a mother for her yet," it was Alice's words that seem to awaken Cecille from deep her thought.

Cecille's anger intensified. She turned to Alice who was already carrying a traveling bag containing her personal belongings.

"No problem. If that's what you want I won't stop you. I only want one thing, "said Cecille with tears in her eyes.

Alice's drawn eyebrow rose. "What is that?"

"Don't ever show yourself to me again," she replied firmly and furiously.

Alice just smirked at her as she raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to tell me that," that's all and she left the room.

Cecille could hear the loud noise as Alice threw at the door. That was the same time when she could no longer hold on and let her tears fall. Then she compassionately carried the very beautiful baby who was still sound asleep.

She kissed her cheek then hugged her tightly. "From now on, I will be your mother, Lana, sweetheart," she said, caressing her small and perfect nose.

*****

Ten Years Later...

"I the only family she got left, I can't leave her. Her mother already did that to her and now you want me to abandon her?" Lana was stunned reading her English textbook when she heard that high tone voice of her Mama Cecille.

"Why don't you look for her mother? She is the one responsible for that child, not you! " replied her Uncle Gary, her Mama Cecille's boyfriend.

"You know Gary, if you can't accept my niece, maybe it's better for us to just end this," Cecille said in a firm voice.

From the moment she peeked at the door, Lana could clearly see the shock on Gary's face.

"You will leave me for that child?" Gary asked in a tone of coldness and disbelief as he recovered from the shock.

"I love Lana like my own child. That child is my own blood and flesh, so if you can't accept her, I'm sorry," then Cecille acted as she approached and then opened the door. "You can go now," she shooed Gary away.

"You'll regret what you did Cecilia," said Gary in a tone full of intense resentment for her aunt.

Her Mama Cecille shook her head. "I will never regret choosing my niece," she said in her usual calm tone.

When Gary came out, her aunt quickly pushed the door shut.

Then sat in the living room set made of bamboo and cried. At first, Lana hesitated to go out to approach her aunt. But she couldn't stand it either.

"M-Mama," she said touching her aunt's shoulder.

From her face being sunk into her own palms, Cecille quickly wiped away her tears and then smiled at her. "What's that, sweetie?"

Lana did not speak. She just hugged the person she has known since childhood as her mother. Even to say she has always been aware of the true story of her life.

"Promise Mama I will study hard so that you won't have any difficulty sewing. I will be kind and help you with the house chores," she said, stroking the hair of her aunt who is now crying.

Moments later, her aunt looked up at her and sat her on her lap.

"I know you're worried. I will not leave you, no matter what happens. In my heart, you are my child and I am your mother. And a mother does not and never leave her child," she promised her.

Lana no longer spoke.

She believed what her Mama Cecille had said.

And in her heart, the promise she made is true. The time will come, she will give her Mama Cecille a beautiful and abundant life. They will not be poor for life.

*****

Eleven Years Later...

"Oh, there you are. I cooked a snack it's on the table, just eat," said her aunt who was busy sewing a school uniform.

Smiling, Lana looked at her aunt who has always been supporting her.

Just over a week after she was born, her mother left her and never came back.

"I have good news for you, Mama," she said standing up then continued to the kitchen. Lana returned carrying a bowl of cassava in coconut cream.

From being bend over to the sewing machine her acclaimed mother faced her.

"What's that?" her Mama Cecille asks.

A sweet smile tore from Lana's lips. "I have a job!" in a cheerful tone.

Cecille's face brightened at what she said. "Oh, that's good. Where is it by the way? " she turned her attention back to the clothes being sewn so the machine made a noise again.

"Mercedes Estate, it's a big company of houses and condos," she replied. "So don't take too many orders because you don't have to work hard. I'll work for the two of us from now on," she added with a smile.

Cecille laughed at her first before she spoke. "And what do you want me to do? Nothing? That would be hard, I would be paralyzed if I didn't move. The good thing that you should do with your money is to save them, and then, get married."

At the last thing her aunt said, Lana couldn't help but laugh. "Find a husband right away? I don't even have a boyfriend," she replied as she finished the food from the bowl she was holding.

Her Mama Cecille shrugged. "It's been a long time since Richard, haven't you moved on with him yet?"

At the name she heard, Lana quickly felt the pain draw in her chest. "He's my first love, Mama," she answered almost in a whisper.

That was when Cecille took off the glasses she was wearing. "Lana, you were only eighteen then. You are now twenty-one and soon will be a career woman. Why can't you forget him?"

Lana didn't answer so her aunt continued sewing.

"Gary was my first love also, but because I focused my attention on loving you I didn't find it hard to forget him," she said glancing at her afterward.

"Look, I will tell you if I like Karen, the only problem is, I don't, so please stop being suspicious!"

When she remembered what Richard had said to her, Lana smiled bitterly.

That was when she confronted Richard after hearing from someone who had seen him and Karen entered the cinema together.

A month after that argument with Richard, the man left her and admitted to her that everything was true and even her suspicions. That literally something had been going on for a long time with him and with that woman she was jealous of.

"I loved him so much, Mama, yet he replaced me with another woman," she said in a sad tone.

"I know, that's what you always say," replied her aunt then sighed. "Admit it to me, Lana, did something happen to you and Richard?"

Lana was surprised by her aunt's straightforward question. "Oh no, Mama! Nothing!" she said with a series of shakes of her head. "I think that's the reason why he was not satisfied with me. Because I don't want anything to happen to us," she replied sadly.

Her aunt nodded. "That's better because nowadays many men are looking for that. Unlike in our time that virginity is important. "

"I don't want to be like my mother, that's what I really avoid," she said telling the truth and then stood up to turn on the TV. "Maybe you forgot your favorite TV series in the afternoon. There, perfect timing," she said with a smile as she saw a perfect face on the screen. "Andrew Scott is really handsome, right Mama? I really admire him," Lana's mood changed quickly when she saw her favorite actor.

"Well he is obviously and really very handsome, he is also good at acting. But I just can't help doubt him. He has been famous for a long time but why doesn't he have a girlfriend? " her aunt's meaningful words that she knew for a fact were obviously to tease her.

Lana's immediately pouted her lips at what she heard. "Hey Mama, Andrew isn't gay, maybe he's really not attracted to those he works with, or maybe it's because we haven't met so he hasn't fallen in love yet!" at her last words Lana couldn't help but shudder.

Mama Cecille laughed softly at what she said. "That is exactly the reason that I see why you are having a hard time seeing the good qualities of your suitors. You're so obsessed with that actor," she said, following her words with an amused laugh.

When her aunt said that Lana's excitement intensified even more. "Oh my gosh Mama, I have a strong feeling that we were really meant to be. Honestly, even though I haven't seen him personally, I feel that the day will come when we will meet in the most romantic way! "

"Anyway, he is handsome and you are beautiful. You two would be a perfect match, and if you will end up together, your baby would surely be handsome or definitely be beautiful!"

They laughed out loud and at the same time at what her aunt said. "That's why I love you so much Mama, you have always been my best and number one supporter," that was true inside her.

Her aunt didn't answer, she just smiled and stared at her.

While in Lana's mind, maybe what Mama Cecille was saying to her was true. She doesn't pay attention to her many suitors because of her attraction to Andrew Scott.

Mama Cecille loves watching dramas and TV series.

And that's when she first saw Andrew's handsomeness on television.

At that time, the young man was just starting in show business. But because he was handsome and good at acting, the young man rose quickly. And she's already one of the many to follow the man's career.

She doesn't regularly watch Andrew's movies because she doesn't have the budget for that. But now that will be having a job, she knew she could finally do it with Mama Cecille.

Andrew Scott is half-British and half-Filipino. He grew up in London in the United Kingdom and decided to return to the Philippines with his sister Samantha who, as far as she knows, is now studying Culinary at a large and famous school here in Manila.

Andrew's grandmother was a well-known actress during her youth. That paved the way for the young man so many in the show business became interested in him. She read about those pieces of information and some are from Andrew's own interviews.

And at least in the world of being a simple fangirl, there are no rejections, no heartaches. Pure romantic excitements, pure love. That even if they say she can only be with Andrew in her dreams and only there will she be able to hug and kiss him she is very much contented and happy.

Three Years Later...

"Where are you going again?" her Mama Cecille as she helps with packing the clothes she will take on their company outing.

"In Palawan, Mama.Don't worry, I'll buy you a beautiful set of pearl earrings and a necklace," she promised with a smile.

Her aunt rolled her eyes though smiling. "Just come home to me safe and sound, I will be happier with that," she replied.

Lana laughed softly then stood up and hugged the woman who raised her as if she was her own daughter. "Thank you, Mama, I love you so much," she said kissing Cecille on the forehead afterward.

"Three days, after that the next day would be your birthday. When you come back here, I will cook you your favorite Kare-Kare," she said patting her arm.

It was then that Lana let go of Cecille from her tight embrace. "Imagine, I'm already twenty-four, how time flies," Lana commented then followed her words with a light chuckle.

Cecille stared at her then spoke. "The only thing that is missing in your life is color, sweetheart," she said seriously and passionately.

"Color? As in love life? Is that what you mean, Mama?" she asked giggling afterward.

"Yes, having someone to be with you together for the rest of your is so much better than living in a world full of fantasies. It is not a good idea to grow old alone, lucky for me, I have you. But you are beautiful, I know you can give me beautiful and handsome grandchildren in the future," Cecille said then chuckles again.

Lana clicks her tongue. "Mama, you are talking about Andrew Scott again, right?" she said pouting her lip because of her aunt's teasing.

"Oh, isn't that true? Since you started working you never missed any of his movies?"

Well that's actually true.

It has been three years since she was hired as an agent at the company she works for until now. The only difference is that she is now the Regional Manager where she holds the entire NCR or National Capital Region.

"A lot has changed in you, so I understand why you now have a higher standard for choosing a man to love," said Mama Cecille as she remained silent.

Lana sighed. "Maybe it still not yet the time for me to fall in love, Mama," she replied shortly then smiled at her aunt.

"You won't really be interested in your suitors as long as..." that's when Mama Cecille cut off the rest of what she wanted to say and then glanced at the big blow-up picture of Andrew Scott on the wall of her room.

Lana smiled that she got what Mama Cecille meant to her because of that.

"Oh, alright, I'm going to sleep. What time are you leaving tomorrow?" her follow-up question when she was already at the door.

"About four in the morning Mama," she replied.

Her aunt nodded. "All right, so you can have breakfast before leaving," she said.

Lana just nodded then continued what she was doing.

It has been three years since she was hired as an agent for houses and condos at the Mercedes Estate.

Maybe it's because of her perseverance and dedication that her career has gone well. So she can say that their life is far more different now from the poor kind of living that they used to have.

Her aunt stood as her mother continued in accepting orders and did not stop sewing clothes, dresses, and school uniforms.

Despite the fact that she is already earning a lot.

Maybe that's the way it is because Mama Cecille has always been hardworking.

Her mother, the thought made Lana smile sadly. Just as Mama Cecille told her, she never showed up to them.

Lana didn't want to be angry with her own mother but there was a part of her heart that still can feel that way.

As far as she knew that no mother would be able to resist with her own child.

But her mother was different and she is the exact opposite of what she has always believed in.

Lana sighed then glanced at the photo of Andrew Scott framed and hung on the wall of her room then smiled at him in such a way that it had a life of its own that as if he could see her.

"Mama said that love life is all I need. But what can I do if my heart seemed dumb to others, isn't it? " she was talking in the picture then followed what she said with a weak laugh.

That is true.

She is not attracted to all the men who express love and liking for her. Not because her life was closed to that. In fact, she also tried to date. But she didn't really see a spark. She also did not feel any romantic excitement. No matter how hard she tries, it seems like there is something missing from any of her suitors that she is looking for.

Again Lana sighed there and then finished what she was doing. She needs to be early tomorrow and since she will be driving to the office she needs enough time to sleep.

"Good night Andrew, see you in my dreams," she said as she reached for the lampshade on her bedside table and then turned it off.

As soon as her back touched the soft bed, Lana immediately felt very tired.

"What is the problem with me? Why don't I like or even admire anyone who has been my suitor?" she whispered reaching for her cell phone. The handsome man in her wallpaper immediately made her smiled and caused a strange thrill in Lana's heart.

"I'm really happy to be your fan. I don't understand why but that's the truth," she whispered again while talking to Andrew Scott's wallpaper on her cell phone.

Would she be superficial if she admitted to everyone who asked her the real reason why she is still single?

Well, she can't do that because first of all, she has a career to take care of. And the truth is, it's not about bragging but many in their company admire her.

Smart, eloquent, and professional.

Qualities that she knew were the reason why she reached her current position at the age of twenty-four.

She knew she admired Andrew.

She didn't want to think that much more than that. She doesn't want to admit that she has a deeper feeling for the famous actor.

Because first of all, she didn't know him personally. And there is no deep reason to say that she loves the young man who to her knowledge is now linked to a young and just-popular female actress.

"Maybe I too will fall in love. At the right time," she said yawning then chuckles. That's how tired and drowsiness pulled over there.

*****

Lana immediately smiled when she saw only two women standing in front of Andrew's desk to ask for the young man's signature.

She shuddered as she approached him. He turned his back on her so the young man did not notice that she was standing behind him.

"Ah," she quickly felt the throbbing of her chest when she got close to the man who when he felt perhaps her presence behind him stood up then faced her.

The man stared at her for a moment then smiled sweetly. So her heart was pounding with a mixture of nervousness, trembling, and excitement.

"Yes?" he said in a seductive tone.

"May I ask for your autograph please," she said while handing the young man the notebook and sign pen in her hand.

Andrew's smile widened then he reached out his hand. "Sure," he said signing and handed the notebook back to her.

"Thank you," she replied with a smile even though the truth was that she was like being scorched by Andrew's adhering gazes at her.

When Andrew nodded she was ready to turn her back on him.

But something else happened.

She felt his hand restrain her arm. Then she was drawn closer to him, his two hands touching her face.

Lana was barely breathing at that very moment.

She felt volts of energy unfamiliar to her.

But all of that was nothing when Andrew bowed to her and then kissed her on the lips.

She closes her eyes and seems to have lost her sanity because Andrew did something she didn't expect.

But despite her loss of self, the young lady was actually able to count three how many times he gently caress her lips with his before he released her.

Lana stared at Andrew as her eyes widened while his eyes glazed over with the intensity of his amusement for her.

"Oh, I hope you're not choosy, ah!" she heard from one of the two women, thrilled.

"Yeah, that's Andrew Scott so don't even complain! " the other one answered in the same tone.

*****

Lana was able to get up quickly because of that.

For a while, she remained to stare at the dark wall of her room then as if not in her usual self she touches her own lips.

"It was just a dream, but his kiss, his lips, seemed so real. I can still feel his kiss," she said, then inwardly glanced at the picture of the man on her wall.

"You even invaded my dream, huh!" she said thrilled with laughter then went back to bed.

She didn't know what that meant then but that didn't matter to her anymore. After all, it is just a dream, as some say, the opposite of reality.

But she had to admit that that kiss was delicious. Light, and respectful.

It wasn't the first time she had dreamed of being with Andrew. But that was the first time the young man kissed her, in her dream.

So Lana was sure that she would have to spend a few days before she could move on about it.