Chapter 29: Yes I do the surprising!

"What's going on here?" Claire said when she got home and saw us.

I'm on the floor and holding on to the edge of a wall while Chad was dragging me off by the leg.

"Why didn't you tell me he was here?" Chad asked Claire as he kept on pulling me.

"I... Uh..." Claire uttered and she gazed at me.

"I told her not to..." I said not letting go of my grip.

"Well... You have to come with me right now and I'll take you home..."

"I told you... I can't... Just listen to me first!" I plead.

"Everyone is worried about you! Don't you know that? Let go of that wall and come with me now!"

"I know... I know... But please listen to me, Chad!"

He gave up on pulling me as he catches his breath. I was on the floor rubbing the pain off my leg.

"Okay... I'll let you talk and that includes you, young lady..." He said referring to Claire.

"Me... What did I do?" Claire asked feeling confused.

Chad sat on their sofa with his one leg over the other and arms spread on top of the backrest. Claire sat across him and I stood up and sat beside her.

"So... Convince me not to drag you out of this apartment..."

"You see... I came here yesterday morning to see and ask you if I can stay for a while... Claire let me stay since you're not here..." I explained.

"Do you even think before you did that? Luke was more than troubled looking for you..." He said. He sounded like my brother Lance.

"I know... But I got something to do tomorrow... I wanted to use what I will earn to buy him a gift..."

"Oh... What about the debt you're talking about?" Claire asked.

"I got a call from my family this afternoon and Lance told me that it has been cleared already and they knew Luke had something to do with it..."

"If that has been settled why can't you just go home now and thank Luke?..." Chad implored.

"I want to see him so bad... But I want to give him something in return for all the things he did for us... And besides, it would be from my own earning... I want him to know that I can also do to him what he had been doing for me..."

"Kris... I know you just want to prove something... But please let Luke know how you are... He's going nuts, you know that? He kept on texting every hour asking if we got news where you are... I bet he didn't sleep last night waiting for you..." Chad persuaded me. Hearing what Luke had been doing after I left felt so bad.

"I'll call him later tonight..." I said.

"You should... By the way, the other night I got a chance to talk to him... He told me that his father just made up the fiancé fiasco..."

"See... I told you I was right..." Claire commented.

"Really? God! I messed up..."

"Yeah, you did..." Chad uttered.

"That made me want to see him more..."

"I told him to do things right but I guess I have to say the same thing to you..."

"I will..."

-----

Later that night I decided to call Luke. I was so nervous as I looked for his number and called it.

"Kris! Thank God you're okay... Where are you? I'll come to you right now!" Luke was shouting but I can hear his worry mixed with excitement.

"Luke, calm down... I can't go home right now..."

"What are you saying? I'm worried sick about you! Where have you gone?... How are you doing?... I just... I just missed you so much! Please come home..." His voice became more gentle.

"I know... I know what I did is unforgivable and I want to say sorry... I should've not done that... But there's something I need to do tomorrow and it's very important..." I explained.

"But I want to see you now..."

"I want to see you too... Believe me, I do... Just let me do what I need to do tomorrow..." I said. Good thing he's not asking about what I'm going to do tomorrow.

"Kris... A night without you here... is killing me... You know... When you're here... I know you're safe... But last night I haven't got any sleep thinking about where you're at... Have you eaten... Do you have a nice bed to sleep in... It's torturing not knowing where you are..."

"Don't worry about me... I'm in a safe place, I got a nice bed last night... But I won't tell you where I'm at because I know if I did you will get here in no time..." I said trying to explain that I've been fine.

"Oh come on! Kris! I've been dying to see you so that I can explain everything..."

"I know the truth already..." I said.

"You do? How? Who told you?" He sounded surprised that I'm already aware of it.

"I can't tell you how or who told me but I just found out the truth earlier... What you have planned that night is not funny at all..." I tried to tell him what I felt that night.

"I know... It's my fault... I should've done something..."

"What's done is done and I acted immaturely... It's not your fault... It's my weakness to be blamed... I doubted you..."

"I'm really sorry... Kris... So when can I see you?..." He asked very softly.

"Tomorrow night at the park... Meet me and I'll come home with you..."

"I can't wait to see you..."

"Me too..."

After that call, I felt so relieved. I can't wait to buy the bracelet and surprise him with it.

I went out of the room to get myself a glass of water. I noticed Chad on their sofa having trouble trying to sleep.

"Hey... You can sleep in your room... I can sleep here..."

He got up and rest his back on the sofa.

"That's okay... It's just for a night... So you're coming home tomorrow..."

"Oh... You heard it?"

"Yeah... Thank God you made the right decision... I just hope this won't happen again..."

I nodded. I poured water into a glass and drank it. I was about to go back to the room when Chad called my attention again.

"Hey, Kris! I heard from Claire that you got the modeling job..."

"Oh... Yes, I did... But just an extra... They got this guy named Jayson as the main model..."

"Jayson?"

"You know him?"

"If that's cocky Jayson... Then I know him well... Besides... We dated for a few months..."

"What? Really?" I can't believe it.

"Yeah... But it didn't work out... I tried to tolerate his cockiness and arrogance but it's too much..."

"Oh, I see..."

"You should not stand in his way... He didn't like being toppled by anyone..."

"I'm just at the back of the picture, like a prop... so I won't get in his way for sure..."

"That's good... Then... Good luck to you tomorrow..."

"Thanks..."

-----

The next day I got a message from one of the staff saying that the shoot will commence at 3:00 PM. I thought it would be this morning but I didn't expect that it would be that late. I'm hoping that there will be enough time for me to get my gift for Kris after the shoot. Later that afternoon, I arrived at the place where we will have the photoshoot. It seemed pretty busy. As I walked in the set, I noticed the logo of one of the known fashion magazines, Moda Mag. I looked around and everyone has something to do. It's quite overwhelming as I stood not knowing where should I go next.

"Are you one of the models?" The staff asked me. I nodded and she led me to the backroom where three other models were having their make-up done and fitting clothes already

I approached one of the models who was sitting on a chair in front of a big mirror.

"Hi! Good Morning!" I greeted.

"Hi! Wait! You're the newbie from yesterday, right?"

I stared at her face and recognized her.

"You're the lady I talked to... You made it as well!" I said quite surprised. I almost didn't recognize her with the sassy make-up.

"I'm Jazz..."

"Oh... Kristofer... But you can call me Kris..."

"Uhm... Why are there Moda Mag's logo everywhere?"

"Oh... You didn't know?"

I shook my head to let her know that I don't have any idea at all.

"Right... You really are a newbie... We're going to do a shoot that will be featured in their magazine for next month..."

"Really? I thought it's just a simple photoshoot..."

"Well... Welcome to the world of modeling..." She said then flashed a smile.

"Hey! Lucky guy! You're here..." Jayson greeted as he walked up to us.

"Hi there...." I greeted. Chad warned me about him so I was a bit wary towards him.

"Just stay behind me and don't try to outshine my spot... Okay?" He said as he heavily tapped on my shoulder. He walked up to and sat on one of the chairs. Then one of the make-up artists and a stylist approached him.

"Don't mind him... He got a big ego bigger than his head..."

"You don't like him?" I asked.

"Hmmm... He's so full of himself... I guess the rumors are true..."

"What rumor?"

She leaned closer to me and whispered.

"I heard that Mr. Lorenzo offered him the job for a one-night stand..."

"That's ridiculous..." She can't be serious.

"I know right... But I can't erase the fact that it could be true..."

A staff cut off our conversation

"Hey! Get yourself ready... The shoot will begin in thirty minutes..." The staff told me then I sat beside Jazz. A make-up artist approached me and started to put on make-up on my face.

-----

I looked at myself in the mirror and I was shaken by how different I look. I look like a celebrity star, to be honest. I'm confident with how my body looks now but I never thought I could be more confident about myself. For the first set, they have me wearing a modern cut suit somewhat similar to what Luke wore at homecoming. We were called on the set and we got our solo shots first.

Jazz was doing so well. Her sassy personality shines through in her every pose. I wonder if I can have the same confidence as she does. After her set, I walked up to her.

"You were amazing..." I commended her.

"Thanks... I bet you can do it too..." She said and I just smiled.

Jayson was called next to be in the set and we both watched him. I got a chance to look at his face. He's a good-looking guy especially with his sharp eyes and thick eyebrows. But in my opinion, Luke is more handsome than him when it comes to features. After a while, Jayson was on his last set of frames.

"He's good..." I commented.

"I bet you can do better..." She sounded confident about it.

"Not a chance..." I opposed it.

"Kristofer! Where's Kristofer?" One of the staff called me out.

"I'm here..." I said as I raised my hand.

"Get ready... You're next..." The staff said.

"Okay... Thanks..."

"Go, Kris... Nail it..." Jazz encouraged me.

I just nodded and I walked over to the set.

I just enjoyed my time being in front of the camera. Like what I did the last time, I just followed every instruction that the photographer asked me to. He asked for fierce, I gave him fierce. It was a fun experience. I thought I was on my last set when Mr. Lorenzo came up to the set and asked the photographer to get additional frames.

"Why did he get more frames than I am?" I heard Jayson asked him.

"It's the client who asked for it..." Mr. Lorenzo answered him. He looked at me and I knew he was a bit upset.

I just followed what I was told. I'm confused as well as why they would want extra frames but I just got a kick out of it.

When I was done, I joined Jazz in the back room and prepared for our next set which is a group shot.

"I told you... You're better than Jayson... I saw the manager of Moda Mag and they love your shots..." Jazz said quite excited about it.

"It's just luck... I guess..."

"You got it right... Lucky boy... Don't get in my way on the next set... Do you understand?" Jayson said as he approached us.

Jazz and I looked at each other and this time he sounded more upset.

"I... Uh... I understand..." I uttered then he walked away.

We were called to be on set. Jayson was already in front of the camera while the rest of us positioned ourselves at the back. We were waiting for the photographer's cue for us to start when Mr. Lorenzo walked into the set.

"Uhm... Kris... You'll be in front... And Jayson, you have to move back..." Mr. Lorenzo instructed.

"What? No!" Jayson opposed.

I was confused like everyone was. I was not able to react to what Mr. Lorenzo just said.

"Why do I have to be in the back?" Jayson asked.

"It's the client's request... They want Kris to represent the brand in their magazine..."

"But I'm the main star here... You promised me..." He tried to lower his voice but I still heard him.

"I did try to talk it out with them but they think Kris will cater better... I worked hard for my brand to be featured in their magazine... I can't lose this chance..."

"This is crazy... I rather get out of here than back up a newbie..."

"Suit yourself... I'm not going to stop you..."

Jayson scoffed and turned to face me. He looked at me full of anger in his eyes. I didn't do anything but why it felt like it's my fault. He turned around and knocked down one of the light stands and stormed out of the set. Mr. Lorenzo apologized to the photographer and the staff.

"See how bad his attitude was? Anyways, congratulation Kris!" Jazz said as she tapped me on my shoulder. I'm still trying to process everything.

"Get ready guys... Let's focus so we can wrap this up!" Mr. Lorenzo said aloud.

I didn't how it happen or why I'm now in front of the camera with all other models behind me. With every shot, the photographer gives us good feedback. The feeling of doing something right really fills me up so I did the best that I can do until the last frame.

Everyone applauded as we finished the shoot. The staff from Moda Mag seemed happy with the results as they, with Mr. Lorenzo, checked on the pictures. Jazz and I were at the backroom fixing our things up and getting ready to go.

"We'll hang out in a bar nearby, do you want to come? Let's celebrate!" Jazz said as she picked her bag up.

"I can't... I'm meeting someone tonight..."

"Ooohhh... I see... Well... It's nice working with you, Kris... I hope we can work together again..."

"I had a great time working with you too... See you around..."

We said our goodbyes and Jazz headed out with the other models. I was about to go too when Mr. Lorenzo approached me.

"Kris..."

"Hello... Sir..."

"You don't have to be polite... You've done well today..."

"Thanks... But I still think it's not fair to Jayson..."

"Don't be silly... It's Moda Mag who decided to make you the lead... They saw so much potential on your solo shots... They loved it..." He said complimenting me.

"Thank you..."

"By the way, I'm here to personally give you this..." He handed me an envelope. I opened it and there's a stash of cash inside.

"Whoa! Isn't this too much?" I asked seeing all the money inside which seemed to be more than what I was told to receive.

"Well... You mentioned your family needed it and I feel like I have to give you a bonus for a job well done today..."

"If that's the case, I will accept this... Thank you so much..." I said. I can't decline this, right?

"I'm just wondering if you want to make a contract with me..." He offered as he put his hand over my shoulder.

"You know... I can make you the face of my brand and I know a lot of designers... If you want I can introduce you to all of them..." He said but then I felt a slight squeeze on my shoulder. I thought this can't be good. I'm feeling awkwardly uneasy. Maybe what Jazz told me about him and Jayson was true and this is how he got Jayson in his hands. I stepped back a bit enough to remove his hand away from my shoulder.

"Uhm... That's a great offer but I think after this I will take a break from modeling... I need to focus on my studies since our final exams are coming soon..."

"Oh... I see... That's too bad... You are a great model with so much potential..."

"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Lorenzo but I promised my family that I will keep my 'A's this year..." I explained but that was really my plan.

"I understand... If that's your decision then it's fine... But if ever you change your mind just tell me and I will make your name big in the modeling industry..."

"Thanks, Sir... I'll keep that in mind"

"I guess it's time for me to go..."

"Take care, Sir... Thank you again..."

-----

When I made it out of the building or was already dark, it was past 7:30 PM. I sent Luke a message to meet me at 9:00 PM at the park. I can still make it at the jewelry shop but I don't think I can go back to Claire's apartment to grab my stuff so I called her up.

"Hi! Claire! Are you at home already?"

"Yes... I'm here..."

"Uhm... I got a favor to ask... Can you bring my stuff and meet me at the jewelry shop near your apartment?"

"Why don't you get your stuff here yourself?" She asked.

"I can't... Luke and I will meet at nine and I still have to drop by the jewelry shop... I don't have enough time..."

"Tsk! You're making my head hurt... Fine... I'll get you your stuff... But be there before me or else I will leave them on the street..."

"Got it... Thank you, Claire!"

I looked at my watch and it was ten minutes before 8:30 PM. I'm at the jewelry shop and waiting for my gift to be ready and get wrapped. I got a message from Claire saying that she's getting near at the same time, the salesman called me up to give me my purchase. I was so happy when I got the gift for Luke. I can't wait to give it to him.

I went out of the shop and I saw Claire waiting outside with my stuff.

"I'm sorry to bother you with this..."

"It can't be helped..." She said as she handed over my stuff. I pulled my suitcase to my side and I put my guitar strap on my shoulder.

"So... You're ready to see him?" She asked.

"I am... I can't wait..." I said quite delighted.

"I'm glad that you made up with him... But please don't ever do this again... If there's any misunderstanding... Talk it out...  Okay?" She sounded like her brother Chad.

"Sure will do..."

We both giggled about it. I still can't believe how much she has grown as a person. I like this new Claire.

"Oh... Is that the gift you got for him?" She said as she pointed out to the paper bag that I'm holding.

"Yep... I hope he will like it..."

"Hmmm... It would be better if you will give him flowers too..." She suggested.

"You think so?"

"Of course! I know! Wait here... I saw a flower shop just around the corner... I'll get you some blue hyacinths... Just stay here... This will be quick..." She said as she hurried her way to the shop. 

Well, the park is just a fifteen-minute ride from here. I can wait for those flowers.

"Look who's here?"

I gazed to my right where I heard someone talked.

-----

(Luke's POV)

I drove my way to the park and pulled over to an available parking space. I checked on my watch and it's fifteen minutes before 9:00 PM. I'm right on time.

I walked up to the same spot where Kris sang me a song. I can't wait to see him. It's just two days without him but it felt like forever.

Ten minutes.

I'm thinking about what would be the first thing I should do when I see him. Should I hug him tight? Should I apologize first? Or should I kiss him the moment he's inches away from me?

Five minutes.

My heart is beating faster and faster. I'm getting excited. Any time now, he will show up from ahead and I know I can't stop myself to run up to him and hold him with my arms.

Three...

Two...

One...

I stood on my toes to look far enough to see if he's walking towards me. I turned to my right... and my left... But I'm not seeing him, even his silhouette.

Five minutes had passed and I can't still see him anywhere. I'm patiently waiting. I will wait for him. I can't stop myself from smiling whenever I think any time now he'll be with me again.

Ten minutes...

I checked my phone now and then to see if there's any message from him but there's none. He might get stuck in traffic. That could be it. I will wait.

Fifteen minutes...

I just smiled in every minute that passed by. I can't wait to see his face. A few minutes of waiting is worth it for a minute-long embrace.

Eighteen minutes...

My phone rang. I quickly pulled out my phone to check if it's Kris. I took a sigh before I answered it.

"Hello, Chad, why did you call?"

I can't explain what I felt after that call. It felt heavy on my chest. I can't feel my feet and my hands are getting numb. All I know is that I'm running... running to get to him.

Please! No! Not Kris!

//////////////////////