2.

    “Hey, babe. It's you."

My heart pounded when I saw the shock on Gab's expression when he heard about the endearment. He immediately clung to me and rudely asked me. "What babe? Who is this? And why is she calling you babe?"

"Dude, relax," MJ said, patting him on the back. "I'm just a friend."

I felt so uncomfortable facing MJ because my mind was replaying the kiss we shared at the party. And it was even more awkward because Gab was standing close to us!

You shouldn't be guilty, Alexis. You didn't do anything. You never initiated it.

"S�"She’s a former classmate in high school. Don't you recognize her? We went to the same high school together. Remember?"

"Ah, I do recognize you," said Gab with a hint of haughtiness in his voice. "You hooked up with a classmate of yours before, right? Her name's Aliyah, wasn't it?"

I rolled my eyes. "Gab, you sound rude."

MJ looked at me and only chuckled. I stared at Gab and gestured him to get lost and let MJ and I talk. "Okay. I'll leave you two to talk. I'll just be at the counter," he half-heartedly said before he unexpectedly kissed me on the lips in front of MJ. "Don't try to steal my girl," he added before he walked away. I felt myself warming up.

"Your boyfriend's too clingy," she said.

"He's a good person," I replied. MJ looked at me in the eye, her eyeglasses sat on the top of her head while a headphone dangled around her neck. She looked cool.

"Or maybe, he wasn't ready for a competition."

I raised my eyebrow, "Are you?"

MJ's eyes lit up and a small smirk suddenly appeared on her face. "I was born ready, babe." I squinted my eyes and chuckled. Idiot.

"Anyway, I'm sorry about what happened," she said later on. I felt my cheeks redden at the memory.

"Don't ever mention that in front of Gab, please." God, I sounded so defensive.

"Sure. But I want to talk to you. Do you have the time?"

My brows knitted in confusion. "What do you want to talk about? We can talk here."

MJ leaned closer and was able to trap me between her arms. "Anything."

We were just three inches apart and her lips were so close to me. I imagined myself kissing those but thank God, sanity hadn't left yet. "W-What kind of answer is that?" I stammered.

"Just say yes," she insisted, locking her deep brown eyes with mine.

"I don't know... maybe?"

"I'll take that as a yes. I'll send you a DM. Bye." And just like that, she pulled away and was gone.

I heaved a sigh as I felt my heart bursting inside my chest. Then I scoffed when I realized something. She said that she'll send me a message but she didn't even ask for my number.

 

 

 

 

I never wanted to wear these high heels but Kelly was so persistent. But I was still honestly thankful that she forced me to wear a skimpy black dress and this pair of high-heeled shoes because this house party was indeed serious. And despite being so uncomfortable with my dress, I also felt beautiful tonight. I wish Gab could see me but he said he can't come since he was studying for an exam.

"So, you and MJ bumped with each other at the grocery store?" Kelly asked as we took a drink from the kitchen.

Drake's house was huge and yet, it was still crowded with people. Most of them were mutual friends while there were also others we didn't recognize. Rian, a chick in a flowy yellow dress and a former classmate was playing disc jockey and was pretty good at it. She had been mixing The Chainsmokers and Maroon Five's most famous hits and I admit this gal seriously knew how to get this party started.

I nodded to Kelly and replied, "Yes. The last person that I wanted to see was MJ but imagine such a cliché storyline, we did see each other after all! And guess what, she also called me babe in front of Gab's face. He went nuts after."

Kelly giggled, "Your boyfriend is always jealous of everything. I doubt he knew that you're here."

Well, he knew.  "Yup! He didn't want me to be here."

"Well, what's new? He hates me," Kelly said, scoffing.

"Besty," I said as I snaked my arm around her small shoulders. She was way shorter than me. I'm 5'1 while she's 2 inches shorter. "I love you, okay, and no one, even Gab, could ever take that away."

She batted her lashes and hugged me tightly. "Thanks, bes."

"Always," I replied. "And Gab doesn't hate you, okay? He's just overprotective."

We broke the hug and clicked our glasses together before we consumed our drinks. Then a light pinch on my cheek disturbed our besty moment. It was Drake. He was already in front of us wearing a tuxedo and a necktie.

"You look like a broker," Kelly teased.

"Correction, I'm a lawyer now! I passed the bar exam, remember?"

Drake was older than us. He was Kelly's cousin. He became close with us because he was also our babysitter when Kelly and I were still kids. We called him Kuya, which means older brother.

"Thanks, Kuya Drake. Now I don't have to worry about anything if ever Kelly and I break a government rule."

Drake laughed and pinched my cheek again. "I'm just glad you're here!"

"Yeah, thanks for calling my mother," I replied as I cringed my face because he still hadn't stopped pinching my cheeks! Kelly shove his hands away from my face and yelled, "You're ruining her make-up! Stop pinching..."

I giggled at the sight of them and decided to walk towards the garden. There was a big swimming pool and several people were enjoying the cool breeze as the smoke from their cigarettes rose through the air.

I checked my phone and the screen registered 7:34 pm. There were also 10 missed calls from Gab. I sighed and called him. I could still hear the music but it wasn't that loud anymore from where I stood.

He picked up at the third ring.

"Love! Why didn't you pick up your phone earlier?" he yelled before I could even say hello.

"Well, hello too, Gabriel Santiago. I texted you, idiot. And will you stop yelling? Who are you to yell at me, huh? Are you my mother?" I exclaimed, yelling as well.

"Yes, but that was an hour ago," he said in a more sheepish tone.

"Gab, I was preparing for the party... you know that!"

"Yeah, right. I told you not to come but you still did."

"Fine! I'm sorry, okay? But, it's Drake's celebration party. You know that he's a very close family friend and he was expecting us. Besides, he called my mother. And I also told you to come with us, didn't I? I texted you the details."

Gab heaved another sigh and a long pause was heard. Then he started to apologize in a much calmer voice. "Sorry if I yelled. And I'm sorry if I wasn't able to go with you. I'm sure you look gorgeous."

I giggled, "I'm wearing a skimpy black dress. Wanna see?"

I heard him groan. "It's Kelly again, isn't it?"

"Come on, don't be mad! I look beautiful and sexy."

"That should be mine for the taking, love," he replied in a childish tone.

Supposedly, but he wasn't with me. "I'll send you a photo, okay?"

"Alright," he finally replied. "Just please be home early, and don't get drunk."

I felt my face lit up. "I'm sorry, too. And yes, I'll be home by 10."

"9."

I rolled my eyes. "Bye, I love you."

"I love you, too."

Relief flooded over me as I ended the phone call. Several friends greeted me as I walked back inside the house.

"Oh, there you are... here, bes. Drink this."

I cringe, "What is this?"

"I don't know but they said it's a good drink. It smelled nice too. On three, One... two... three!"

The drink tasted sweet and bitter and I immediately realized that it was only beer. Kelly and I laughed loudly. "You're crazy, Kelly."

"I was just teasing you, bes. Anyway, how are you with Gab?"

"We're fine."

"Fine, as in, fine or...?"

"You've got nothing to worry about, Kelly."

 

More people came and Kelly was already occupied with talking to several of our mutual friends. I decided to stand at the mini-bar that faced adjacent to the main door. From where I stood, I could see everyone who's entering the house and the people who were having a good time on the dance floor.

"Do you have a whiskey?" I asked the bartender who looked younger than me. His name tag showed me that his name was Felix.

"Yes, miss. I'll get it for you."

"Thanks."

I scanned the crowd again, looking for a distraction. I was bored and Kelly was nowhere to be found. I might as well leave her behind if things will not get better.

But I guess I wasn't supposed to leave the party earlier that night. Because out from the corners of my eyes, I saw her walking towards me; hands buried inside her pocket jeans and a white polo shirt, unbuttoned on top, completed her look. She was striding towards my direction with her eyes locked with mine. And good Lord, she was smirking.

My heart was racing as she approached me.

"May I join you, beautiful?"

I gasped at the sight of her. And damn, she smelled good. "Y�"Yes, I ordered a whiskey."

"The night is young. Are you sure you want to drink that?"

Felix handed me the bottle of whiskey and I smiled. MJ was staring back at me and her oval-shaped face tightened as I gave her a small wink.

"Try me," I said as trotted towards the garden, gripping the cold of whiskey in my hand.