It revolves around Heidi (2)

The things I do to keep this little menace happy. I really should unfriend him. Especially because he's impatiently looking around, as if wanting the people to run out and not just walk. He's even tapping his foot on the floor.

Ah, that's the curse of those who like to gossip. I inwardly snicker at Niccolo's predicament.

Finally, when the last person makes their way out of the building, I take a deep breath and speak up. "Ok, Niccolo, ask away What do you want to know?"

Niccolo whirls and pierces me with his gaze, his mouth rapidly spilling his words. "Aldo, are you sure she's only your childhood friend? By how you look at her, I can feel there's something more to it. She has you in the palm of her hand: you quietly listen to her, your eyes shine whenever you see her, and you glared at me as if I'm the worst plague to ever exist the moment I touched her."

I don't hate you Niccolo, I really don't. I just hate your sharp mind that's always on spot. I hate how you pay attention to those little details that make it obvious when I like someone. You would have been a wonderful detective.

I clear my throat and say, "She's my childhood friend." Though, the words come out not as convincing as I thought. Proof of it is that he is waiting for me to add more information. Or to give him another excuse. A better one. "I may have had feelings for her in the past..." I trail off, realizing I dug my own pit.

Niccolo quickly clings to that line and grins. "What about her? She felt the same? Did she know? You confessed? You dated? Tell me everything!"

Gosh! Why do you want to know about my misery so much?!

I huff and look away, hoping for someone to spare me from this suffering. No such luck. I look back at him, at his sparkling eyes, and sigh. "She was as dense as a rock. I don't even think she knew the meaning of love back then. And, just from what I see now, she hasn't changed a bit, so she might be as dumb as before." I say, rubbing my brows.

"Are you sure?" He drawls, grinning from ear to ear. I narrow my eyes. What is he insinuating? That I do not know Heidi like the palm of my hand? That is preposterous! Or… does he truly know something I do not? In that case…

Before I can open my mouth to ask, someone calls my name. I turn around and see the person we are talking about approach.

"Aldo, are you leaving now? It's been a while since we've seen each other, so let's hang out." She looks at me with hopeful and bright eyes.

The same eyes she used to ask for the pudding made by my mom during breaks in school. The same eyes she used to ask for my homework when she did not do hers. The same eyes she once used when she stayed for the night and asked me to let her in my bed because she was afraid of the storm that was raging that night.

Back then, I could not say no to those eyes; so limpid, so pure, so cute. And today… Today, I have to play differently and let her know that I am not the same Aldo as before! I am a changed man; forged for fifteen years from the hardships of my way to become a successful superstar beloved by all.

She cannot manhandle me as she did before. I am no longer wrapped around her fingers! She has no power over me!

"I don't know, I'm busy, you know, as famous as I am." I tell her sounding all important, and checking my watch for good measure. Niccolo scoffs by my side.

I heard you! Don't you dare throw my act, Niccolo! I'll end your career if you do!

"I see. Then it'll be just Raphael and me." She wryly smiles. My ears perk up at the mention of a man's name. Who, now?

"Raphael?" I ask, trying to sound casual when my insides are starting to boil in anger. Who, now?!

"Lilly's father." HIM?! "The others said they have things to do, and that they want to rest. We don't usually hang out on the first day, but I wanted to. And only Raphael said he was free. Then, I thought of you and Nicky. So, I wanted to invite you. Too bad you're busy. What about you, Nicky?" Heidi expectantly looks at Niccolo.

"Another day, Heidi, dear. I already booked this night for another woman." He winks at her, while moving his pinky at me where she cannot see.

I know I am already wrapped around her pinky! You do not have to state the obvious! Though, it is a bit frustrating. It does not matter how many times I say that it will be different, I am sure it will not. One does not have to be a genius to realize that I have some lingering feelings towards her.

I wanted to pretend to be a detached man; like those in movies and series that act all cold and aloof towards their past lovers despite still loving them, but I'm weak! I'm human! And because those guys are stupid! I don't want to be like them and let my woman be taken or flirted by another man!

It's true what they say: men cannot forget their first love. And I won't let Heidi go out with another man alone!

"I'll go!" I blurt out before she settles the matter.

"Didn't you say you were busy?" Instead of having accusatory eyes, she has that understanding look that says that if I have things to do, I should do them instead of spending time with her. One of my exes used to give me that look; and it was because she was tired of hiding her relationship with me.

Sorry, Heidi, those eyes, I won't accept them from you. I chose you in the end, so cope with me.

"Don't worry, Miss Heidi, Aldo's on vacation. He's a bit of a workaholic, so he tends to forget that. But today, he has spare time specially for you." Niccolo says, patting my shoulders. I glare at him. Can he not give me some face here and pretend with me just a bit that I am playing hard to get?!

Yes, I'm throwing myself at Heidi. But, no, it doesn't have to be that obvious!

"Oh, ok, that's good. I'll go and get my things then. Wait for me!" She leaves us alone, and for some seconds we stay silent. I practically feel defeated because I always end up doing whatever she says.

"You're really pitiful, Aldo. Think. Why did she give you tickets for first row seats? You, and not any other friend or family?" After saying those words, Niccolo leaves and handsomely waves his hand without looking back. Damn Niccolo, trying to be cool.

He even had the nerve to say I am pitiful! He will not feature in any of my next songs! No matter how much he begs! Besides, what is with his question?! Of course, she gave me those because I am her childhood friend! That is it, is it not?

Ha, I sometimes want everything to be clear so I don't strain my brain to think about anything. It's even more tiring because it revolves around Heidi. The most dense, vague and infuriating woman to ever exist!