Chapter Sixty

Ria managed to get my car back to the house, but she wasn't home until three days after. She traveled to the capital for their concert. I struggled to make up for my absent days at school while ignoring both Tristan' and my dad's call. Whatever Jude Kam is up to, I would rather not be part of it. That man is too handsome or rather too innocent to be played. Too innocent? I can't say, businessmen are usually desperate. I just can't be a part. Not only that, but I craved so much to see Damien, we only spent a day together, then all these. I didn't see myself traveling to Albany sooner anymore, I'm being watched. Things fall apart…

Nothing breaks like my heart.

*

"Big baby, honey pie." Ria pressed a full kiss on my lips. That was enough to wake me. I realized how much I have missed her usual morning ritual. Just three days and I was almost near to being depressed. She holds the energy of my life.

"When did you come back? Tell me you didn't sleep in this house." I said.

"I came back last night." She had her usual unending smile on. "You were pretty asleep. I have the key anyway, so I got in without having to disturb you."

"Thanks for helping with my car."

"I missed you a lot, babe." She hugged me. "You know, being the only lady in that band can be so boring."

"Well, I was miserable without you in this house."

"I can see that!" She laughed. 

I checked the time. "Oooh! I have morning lectures. I'd be late." I rushed to the bathroom.

"Always late!" She yelled behind me.

In my next life, I try to be as early as a bird. But in this life I'm a spoiled child and I will always be late. Thanks to Ria, I make it to lectures early enough. I met Henry after school that day, we had our first day out. We went to the beach. I loved it there. I made memories I will never forget. I kept my phone switched off to avoid calls from either Jude or Tristan. Also, I tried not to think about the conditions he gave me, about what the unknown deal he made with this unknown godfather of his. I know I shouldn't be nonchalant about stuffs like this, but being with my Damien was enough for me.

*

Some weeks after…

I had forgotten about Tristan. But his calls never stopped.

"Hey." I embraced Kim, who was at the door. She had her usual big smile and I especially was glad that we would have another homemade food. He-he! She made a foodie anyway.

Ria joined us in the living room, she kissed Kim and sat by her side.

"Oh, Kim, shouldn't you be at the coffee shop?"

I hadn't thought of that. It's not the weekend and the last time I checked, her job doesn't have shifts.

"I quit." Who would have imagined that Kim would quit her dear job? We were both surprised. Ria had a blank stare and I also, we knew there must be a reason, but she seemed to be taking her time. She was quiet. The last time Kim was this quiet, she wanted to tell us she will be absent from my performance with the church band at a concert.

"Will you tell us why?" Ria, as impatient as ever. I was enjoying the silence, she ruined it!

"I'm leaving this country, tomorrow. I'm sorry I didn't notify you guys earlier…"

"Really?! Kim!" Ria shrieked, cheeks burning.

"I'm sorry, Ria!" Kim said. "You should listen to me first. I got a call yesterday. My dad got a stroke. He asks to see me. I'm scared… For the worst…"

Ria was the first to embrace her, then I sat on the other side.

"Don't even think of the worst, Kim. We're not loosing anyone this year."

"I know. I might not come back. My family left this country since I was a teen, I didn't go with them because of school. I think it's time to go back. I'll miss you guys."

Ria patted her back. " You know I'll miss you more." Ria kissed her.

I embraced Kim, too.

"We'll surely miss you, Kim. Make sure you keep in touch. I'll be right back."

I felt like I owed Kim a lot. Yes, I did. The first day we met, in that coffee shop, I was thinking of how to start living. Damien asked me in his letter to pick up my guitar, I didn't know how to go about it. But Kim appeared from nowhere and helped me with that. We spent barely a year together, and we've become like family. We are family. Just a pity I only learned recipe from her -- noodles. I took something from the room and went back to them. I saw an incredibly awful sight.

They were… Kissing!

I mean kissing hard. I felt a lump grow higher and higher in my stomach, like an empty pit being rooted out. Pit of jealousy, I shouldn't be. But, watched them made me feel like it was meant only for me. I thought of interrupting by announcing my presence, but that didn't make sense to me. What if what, I felt, was all written over my face. Paige!

I bit my lips until it bled and turned back to my room.

"Hey Paige! I've seen you already." Kim gasped, withdrawing herself from Ria's hold. They looked as if they were going to make out right there if I didn't stop them.

"Come on, stop staring at us like that. Come sit here. And I'll explain." Kim said. Bai tried to speak, but she was too embarrassed to. Her cheeks burned red in ecstasy.

Damn her!

"Now you explain." I murmured.

"Ria isn't a lesbian. It's not what you think."

I was quiet. Ria too.

"I'm a lesbian. Or rather… I was." She said.

How many surprises in one day?! First she's leaving, then this? Who would believe that Kim do girls?

"I vowed to stop. I will." She went on. "I and Ria, we've been together for a long time, and she knew who I was."

"She never told me." I said.

"Ital was supposed to be a secret." Ria finally spoke. "And it's our first. I've never kissed Kim like this before and…" She smiled, winked at Kim. "It wasn't that bad."

"Ria told me not to be a lesbian. A long time ago. She was eighteen and smarter"Kim laughed. "I liked her so much. I wanted to make out with her. I tried a lot to, but… She only became more of a tease. She just fulfilled her promise because I changed just as I promised."

I was quiet for a while. "Ria isn't saint. At least, not anymore. I think she's learned a lot from you."

"I can see that. She's become so flirty around girls, especially…"

"She kissed me once!" I confessed. I expected Ria to frown at me, but she wasn't.

"And I haven't had any better kiss ever since."

Kim frowned. "You're not going to go back to what I dropped because of, r Ria." She warned.

"Pinky swear." Ria swore playfully.

"Okay, I have to go now. " She stood up. Ria and I hugged her and accompanied her to the door.

"I will miss you, Kim." They kissed again. I almost shrieked. 

"And I will miss you also, Kim. You should pray for Ria. I'm scared for her…" And for myself. I placed a bank card secretly in her purse. She didn't notice, but when she does. I know she'll be grateful.