Chapter 2: Secret Garden

VAUGHN

I led Pasha and Rhys waygoing on our favorite cafe here inside the campus. And as we strolled the winding pathway, the earlier tension seemed to have dissipate, with Pasha and Rhys apparently having put their difference aside. Since I was ahead of them, so I just let them catch up and talke to each other.

Rhys asked Pasha, "Why are you mad really?"

Pasha replied, "First, you stolen the spotlight, and second, you caused a commotion."

"What commotion are you talking about? You're the one who caused it, right?" Rhys protested.

Pasha retorted, "No, it's you! I'm not gonna do that if you didn't pretend being injured."

I sigh, exasperated. Why were they arguing over who was at fault, when they were both guilty?

"Seriously, please stop arguing," I interrupted. "You're both at fault, okay?"

"You messed up!" they chimed in unison, making me giggled at their stubbornness.

Pasha grasped my right hand suddenly, filling the space of my fingers. While Rhys gently dabbed my head with his palm, patting it softly. Just then I realized, I haven't put my words to congratulate him.

I glanced at Pasha. As my peripheral vision reached her, I saw a smile spreading across her face.

I asked to myself, puzzled. What's gotten into her?

"Hmm?" I uttered, gazing Pasha.

She chuckled softly. "Nothing, I just feel delighted," she said.

My head leaned in confusion. "Huh?"

"Just forget about it!" she replied.

I swiftly glanced at Rhys. Apparently, he's also looks happy, as if something's happened that provoke them to act in that way.

I felt a surge of uncanny feeling. I can't quite decipher their sudden mood swing, but I just set it aside, since I don't have an interest to know reason as well.

Just a moment more, we've arrived at the Cafe'. I glanced at Rhys, as he voluntarily opened the glass door for us. His eyes seemed to smile even before his lips did.

"Thanks," I said, reciprocating his deed.

He replied, "You're welcome!"

Pasha muttered, imitating Rhys in a mocking tone, "You're welcome!" And then, she let out a dismissive "Tch!"

I glanced at Pasha, narrowing my eyes, transmitting caution. Pasha's eyes darted to the side, avoiding my gaze. She's giving me an oddly looking face, while mumbling something.

So stubborn!

I I look away from her and continued inside the Cafe'. "You two, go ahead, I'll get our orders," I said, but I stopped suddenly.

I twirled and face Rhys. "Should I get your donuts?" I asked.

"Yes, please!" he replied.

Then, I also asked Pasha, "How about you, Pash?"

Her lips widened as she smile before answering, "Anything from you."

My brow furrowed, puzzled by what she just said. "Huh?" I uttered.

"I mean, anything that you want for me," she clarified to me.

"Okay, then I'll just get your cupcake," I said and twirled back, proceeding on the counter.

The owner of Secret Garden, greeted me right away as I reached the counter. "Hi, Vaughn!"

So, I greeted her back, "Hello po, Siss Gina!"

Then, she asked, "What's your order?"

"Uhmm... I'll have a three cups of latte, one piece of donut, cupcake, and a soft, plain bread roll," I ordered.

"Anything more?"

"Uhmm, nothing, that's all."

"Okay, just wait for a moment, we'll just serve it on your table."

"Okay! Thank you, Siss Gina!"

After conversing with her, I walked straight ahead towards Pasha and Rhys who's at the table beside the glass wall. I took a sit on the sofa, facing the two. They were talking about the volleyball game, and I just let them with it, cause I don't have an energy left in me anymore.

I felt sleepy.

After a few minutes, Ate Gina approached us, carrying my orders. "Here's your order," she said, putting the tray down the table.

"Thanks, Siss Gina! Your the best!" said Pasha, jesting the woman.

Ate Gina said, "And you're silly as always!" They both laughed, and Ate Gina left afterwards. After that, we started consuming our snacks.

Pasha and Rhys continued chatting, while I was simply sipping on my coffee, hoping to prevent my drowsiness. But I still couldn't stopped yawning, and both Pasha and Rhys seemed to notice that.

"Why, Vaughn?" asked Pasha.

Rhys's concurred, "Yeah, why?"

"Nothing, I'm just a bit sleepy," I explained.

Pasha said, "Maybe you got tired."

"Just take a nap, we'll lookout of you," she suggested.

"Yeah, Don't worry, I'll take care of you," said Rhys, smiling widely.

I narrowed my eyes, doubting his idea. "Your smile's creepy, Rhys," I said, my words dripped with skepticism, but he just laughed at it.

"Aaaah!" Rhys whined in pain, as Pasha pounded him.

Pasha is really the definition of violence. That's why if you can't handle her, you can't be her friend, and glad we could handle her.

Pasha and Rhys flanked me, moving in tandem as we settled into the sofa. Pasha made me lie down, positioning herself in a way that allowed me to rest my head on her lap, using her legs as my cushion. Meanwhile, Rhys settled into the opposite end of the sofa, gently lifting my legs and positioning them across his lap, adjusting them to a comfortable position.

"Sleep now, Vaughn," said Pasha.

Rhys grasped my hand and starts squeezing it, just like what he use to do. And the last thing I saw before my eyes had closed was Pasha's smile, then after that, I fell as sleep.

PASHA

"He's asleep," I said, while stroking Vaughn's hair. He has a soft and smooth brown hair, naturally for him having a strong British blood.

"Yeah, he's asleep... yet he remains beautiful," said Caspian, his words granting on my nerves.

"Don't lust after Vaughn!" I muttered. For certain, if Vaughn wasn't sleeping, I could smacked him.

Caspian blurted, "I'm not, hag!"

Where did he get that word?!

I wanted to get up and kick him but I chose to set it aside, because I don't want to bother Vaughn from his sleep.

My gaze locked onto Caspian, narrowing my eyes to intimidate him. "Stand by what you said... Caspian Pineda," I warned, my voice firm.

Caspian's eyes darted away, avoiding my blazing gazed. I noticed the fear on his face, so I was so happy inside. After that, no one tried to speak between Caspian and me.

I continued brushing Vaughn's hair using my fingers, while Caspian continued squeezing Vaughn's hands with a smile spreading on his face. His eyes sparkling as if it was saying how important Vaughn was to him.

I wasn't oblivious to his deep feelings for our friend; I already knew that since we were at highschool. But I chose to remained silent, knowing I wasn't the one who should influence the course of event.

I whispered, "Caspian."

Caspian responded, "What is it again?" his tone tinged with annoyance, but I just let that slide.

"Do you still remember the promise we made to Vaughn when we were still in high school?" I asked genuinely.

Vaughn was asleep, so I think It was okay for us to talk about that. He probably wouldn't hear us, as if he had a psychic ability to hear things even when he's sleeping.

I glanced at Caspian. The smile on his lips still remained, as he continued to caress Vaughn's hand.

"Of course, I remember. That was the day after his 3-day hospital stint, right?" Caspian said, glancing back at me with a hint of amusement. "I'll never forget how Vaughn laughed so hard he almost ended up back in the ER. All thanks to you."

It's so embarrassing to think, but he's actually right. Vaughn really laughed at me, because I was crying so much because I thought he wouldn't wake up.

Just imagine what you'd look like if you cried for three days, then didn't shower for three days. When I asked Vaughn why he was laughing at me, he said I looked like a hag.

"I'll ask you, Caspian....," I said, glancing at him. "How far can you go for our friend... for Vaughn?" Caspian couldn't answer my question immediately.

Maybe he's still thinking carefully about what he should answer. But I wouldn't be surprised if he answered "I don't know", since it has an uncertain answer.

Caspian replied, "I don't know."

As I expected.

"But one thing is for sure... I'll do anything for him, even if it means is offering my own heart," he added.

His words caught me off guard; I didn't expect him to answer that way. Moreover, he spoke with conviction, as if he was ready to make that sacrifice at any moment.

I uttered, "I see."

But then, he asked me back, "How about you?" He glanced at me intently. "How much can you do for him?"

I anticipated this question from him. A flipped of bottle.

With unwavering confidence, I replied, "I'll protect him, no matter what happens... no matter the cost."

"If someone dares to hurt him, I'll make sure they pay a billion times over. No matter who it is, even if it's you... Caspian."

After I spoke those words, I look at Caspian. He's sweetly smiling, unfazed by my warning.

"I see...," he said. "So, I don't have to worry about him, if I ever need to take drastic measures."