S1E3: Be With you

Flashback on

I supported my chin as I looked at the whiteboard. This summer cram... Haaa... “Ms. DiNozzo!?” Oh, right.

I stood up and started to read. “Mr. Harry, do you know what it is!?” He said as he showed the picture. He slammed the interrogation table...” I read one paragraph from The Lost City: El Dorado by an Indonesian author named, Author Lobak.

This story was great. I don’t know why I'm intrigued into literature because of her, but my literature score was below average. “That’s enough, thank you.”

I took a seat and sighed. I wish she was here... the bell was rung.

I rashly packed my belongings, then ran to the gate without hearing my teacher. I looked at the gate and saw her standing there.

I decided to approach her. “Hey... how’s the cram school?” She smiled at me; I furrowed my brow. “Oh, right...” She gave me a black oval lunchbox.

“What are you...”

“I’m here because I kn-know... you’ll be bored and...”

I held her tight. “Thank you...” I spoke underneath my breath.

Flashback off

Victoria, Hong Kong

I opened the door and looked at her in that sky blue dress. “You look beautiful..." I kissed her shoulder, then rubbed gently.

“Are you... wearing that!?” She furrowed her brow. “It’s a formal event, right?” I chuckled and nodded my head.

“It is, but... it’s my mood. Are you ready, my love?” I lend my hands to her. She holds my hand tight, and we’re walking to the event.

I’m taking her with me to attend a big event, where only people with ‘privilege’ can attend. A gathering for the rich, they said. “Good night.” The bouncer greets us. “Your invitation, please.” I’m giving the invitation to the security and checking if it's valid or not.

I surrounded my arms on her waist, then pulled her closer. “Good night, Ms. DiNozzo. Please, this way.” The bouncer said. We’re followed by the bouncer to the ballroom.

“How rich your friend is?” She lowered her voice.

I know she’s curious. It’s not a time to talk about someone’s wealth. “We will discuss it later. Don’t worry, I’ll make it not bored as my cram school back then.”

I kissed her cheek, then rubbed her hand. “Enjoy the party.” The security said as he opened the door.

I can feel her heart pang with disappointment. “Is there... anything you want to say?” I pulled a chair for her to seat.

“Honestly, yes.” I take a seat. We’re clapping hands as the band and all the couples finish their performance.

The waitress put the appetizers in front of us. “He...”

“Ah... Julia! I’m not expecting you to come! So...” He looked at her.

I held her hand tight, then glared at him. “She’s mine! We’re already engaged.” He scoffed, then looked at her.

He tapped my shoulder, then left. I sighed in relief. “Are you okay?” Her sound concerned. “Do you want...”

“No...” I took a deep breath, then smiled. “Well, that person earlier is the host of the party.”

She’s nodding her head. “If you’re not uncomfortable, we can leave... I don’t mind, if we’re just... chilling in our room.” She said as mischief smiled on her face.

I eat the risotto in front of me. “I should defeat my fear of him.” She looks beautiful in that dress. My heart beats faster whenever she’s nearby.

“Let’s we dance!” The orchestra band played another song. I don't feel confident about that, but who are they to judge? I want the world to know she’s mine.

I don’t want to become a hypocritical person. She surrounds her arms on my waist. We sway gently with Louis Amstrong’s song they played. “Hey... are you sure you, okay?” She leaned her head on my chest.

We sway gently. All eyes on us. “I just... wanted to be with you the entire night.”

I see trees of green

Red roses too

I see them bloom

For me and you

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world (Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World)

“The song is beautiful... just like you tonight.” She punches me. “What!? I’m saying it true, babe. You’re beautiful...” She nuzzled her neck on my neck. I pulled her closer.

The song ended. “I guess... we’re a prom queen and queen now?” She chuckled. Her face reddened, and she tried to hide it.

“Julie. Stopped it!” She pouted. “I know you’ve been met another beautiful woman. I bet they were more beautiful than me.” Oh... someone jealous. Why does she trust all those rumors!? Damn Paparazzies! They are just hungry for rumors to make bucks.

I took a sip of my wine, then moved my chair to sit next to her. Screw this fancy party! “You heard the rumor, I guess...” We stared at each other. I cupped her cheek, then pecked her lips.

“What do you think!? You seem...”

“It’s not true!” I stroked her hair gently. I can see her calm face washed over her. We can’t talk here. “Do you want to get out and talk about this?” I’m looking into her eyes. She’s nodding her head.

We’re getting out of the ballroom. I took off my suit, then put it on her shoulders. “Do you... remember when you came to the school?” She looked at me. “You chose to come and not enjoy your vacation. You are always there.”

She’s not responding to my words. My heart beating fast, and I sighed. I’m not comfortable about this.

I don’t want to lose her! I might lose Maria, but not her. “If you do not believe me...” She hugged me tight.

I could feel my shoulder wet, and I heard a sob. I’m waiting for her to let out her emotions, as I kept stroking her hair gently. “Can you...”

“I will.” She looked at me with her teary eyes. “I would get out if you told me to do.” I said as I stared into her eyes, cupped her cheek.

“Why?” I can hear her sobbing.

“Being with you... it’s just a beautiful moment that happened in my life. Every second, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years, I hope.” I wiped her tears. “You're a special gift I’ve ever received, and I won’t let you down or make you cry because of those cheap journalists.”

She holds my hand and feels a surge of emotions. We’re kissing in front of a dozen camera flashes. I don’t care what happened next. For sure, they will kick me out of the agency. As I already violated their contract.