Chapter Twenty-Seven
"Melissa-san! Please go back to your post!"
I watched Akashi-Sensei as he rubbed his face and stared frustratingly at a curly haired, tan-skinned and short girl. His eyes were pleading her to stop her antics and pay attention. She was in the same row as I, but two heads down. From the corner of my eyes, I noticed the girl was grinning widely and scratched her head. A small smile formed on my face. Nice. First day of karate and it's already interesting. So looking forward to the next few weeks of this class.
"Hai Mr.!"
"It's Akashi-Sensei to you."
The man gave out an exasperated sighed and walked down passively with hands crossed on his back. He looked at each person with an expressionless face. When he walked past me I swiftly bowed down. He smiled. "Stand up straight." I did as I was told and he nodded his head approvingly. I hear Melissa hissed and I bite my lip to contain my mocking smile. All those Bruce Lee movies are paying off.
"Okay Class. The first lesson will begin after you get into partners. I will choose them for you. Not you but me. The person chosen for you will be your partner for as long as you're here. If your partner quits I will assign you a new one. But know this. You will learn how to get along with him or her. You will learn every single detail about him. If you don't like each other. I don't care; you will find a way to. Understood."
"Hai!"
We all scattered around the room and I saw some kids beg the teacher to let them be together with their friends. I stayed in place observing my surroundings. My eyes landed on the energetic girl. She was bouncing on the tips of her feet and her hair was flowing everywhere. She caught me staring at her; she waved at me and smiled. I nodded my head slowly. My eyes averted to the sensei walking towards her. Melissa smiled mockingly and I noticed the sensei pointing at me. I groaned. Great, I got the class clown.
"Hi, I'm Melissa."
I looked at her extended handed before slowly shaking it.
"Hi… Loren."
"Nice to meet you. Hey you look familiar… Do I know you from somewhere?"
"I'm in the same class as you. You know ."
"No… Wait you're the one that always raises her hand. Now I know you. Loren Tate!"
"Bingo."
She nodded her head and smiled triumphantly. And in that instant I knew that she wasn't the type to give up easily. She will push and push until she gets what she wants. She will change everything up when she sees something she doesn't like. She's colorful and hyper. She can't stay in one place and has to be constantly moving around to feels satisfied. She has a deep and scary passion for film and always brings her water-proof camera which was given to her on her seventh birthday. She's playful but mess with the one's she loves; she will show you a deeper and darker side of her. So we can say Akashi's lesson paid off. I met one of the best people off my life.
She became my best friend, though in the beginning I didn't want anything to do with her. She did. And that day she declared us "besties till the end of times" and gave me her necklace. A gold chain with an arrow at the small end. I engraved LM. Perfect for us.
All those crazy and amazing memories with her came rushing back. The tears were non-stop and I looked at my necklace. The one I have taken care off since that day. You have to be okay. Eddie got a hold of my hand and squeezed it softly. I wiped the incoming tears away and looked at Ian from the rear view mirror. His face showed no expression whatsoever. His mouth was set in thin line and his eyebrows were pressed together; his hands were in fists and his body was stiff, not moving an inch. His eyes averted to me quickly and I saw all the emotions he was trying to hide. Damage, concern, hurt, pain, hopelessness. He shrugged and his lips trembled. I nodded my head and bitemy lip.
We have to believe she's okay.
I clutched Eddie's hand and prayed for all life that my best friend was not in any danger.
She's the one that brings me out of my black and white box; the one that always manages to make me laugh when I can't take the world. Eleven years with her. Eleven wonderful years with my best friend, Melissa. I held my breath as the hospital came into view. Eddie made a swift stop in the front.
"Go. I'll catch up with you guys."
Without another beat, Ian and I were already out of the car and running towards the entrance.
"Whoa! Slow down kid!" We ignored the complaints and glares from the passersby. Ian opened the door and I rushed to one of the receptionists in the lobby. I made a halt and clutched the counter, catching my breath. Ian looked at the woman pleadingly. She blushed and eyed us wierdly.
"Melissa Sanders." Ian was the first to speak, but his body was still rigid.
"Um, wait." We both waited impatiently for her while she looked at a binder. "There's a Sanders here but who are you to them?"
"Cousins." I responded rapidly. Ian nodded and breathed heavily.
"Okay… Um, 384."
Not another second wasted, we ran towards the elevator. Ian clicked the up button uncontrollably. I looked up and hissed as it was still in the sixth floor. I rapidly grabbed his hand and opened the staircase door. Taking two steps at a time, we quickly made it to the third floor. We frantically looked around looking the room. I ran a hand through my hair and Ian almost knocked some people out, he was spinning everywhere. Where are you? I caught my breath when I noticed Phil walking down with Adrianna. I ran that direction and Ian followed me.
"Phil!"
Startled, both looked at me. I ignored Adrianna's daggers and she rolled her eyes. Phil's eyes were puffy and his cheeks were filled with a pink twinge. He was crying. I held the tears and Ian clutched both of my shoulders behind me. He held his breath and stared intently at Phil.
"How's Mel?"
I bit my lip and he looked at me confused.
"Um, Mel?"
I nodded and stepped closer to him urging him to tell me. Why aren't you answering me? A few tears rolled down and I wiped them away.
"How is she?" Ian said behind me. Both Phil and Adrianna looked at him, acknowledging his presence. Phil swallowed and shook his head. Ian clutched my shoulders harder and I shook my head.
No. It's not possible. He's lying. That's the only explanation.
Ian let go off me. I kept shaking my head and more tears rolled down. I suddenly felt someone spin me around and wrap his arms around me, and he pulled me into an embrace. It was Eddie, and he held my quavering form. I let out small whimpers and tears continue to stream down.
"Everything's going to be okay." He whispered and he pulled me closer.
She's okay. She'll get better. She can't be gone. She just can't. Melissa… why you too? My thoughts didn't disperse and I glanced at Ian. His gaze was fixated on the ground; his eyes were watery and he stood there not knowing what to do. He slowly walked backwards and sat on the small couch. He clutched his hair and his body trembled lightly.
"Loren…" Phil placed his hand on my back. "She's not the-"
"Loren!"
My eyes widen as I immediately recognized that voice. Eddie slowly let me go and Ian stood up. Swiftly, I turned around and more tears rolled down. I pulled her into an embrace and hugged her tightly. She was startled but she managed to hug me back.
"Whoa! Nice to see you too."
She's okay. She's breathing and walking perfectly. Everything is okay. She grabbed me by my arms and slowly pulled me away. I was shaking and concerned took over her features.
"What happened to you?"
"What kind of question is that? You had me worried and I came here thinking something bad happen to you."
"Me? What made you think that?"
"You're mom called me and I just inferred that you were in danger."
She nodded comprehensively. "Never ever giving my phone to my mom again." She looked me before hugging me again. "But I'm so glad you're here. My dad he-he got stabbed…"
"Mel… I'm so sorry." I hugged her tighter and she nodded. I know she wants to cry. I know, but she doesn't want to let those tears fall. I parted away from her and smiled. I wiped my tear-stained cheeks. "I'm so glad you're okay. I was freaking out." She nodded and rubbed her eyes. "Blame my mom." I let out a quiet laugh and swallowed all my worries away.
"How's your dad?"
At my question, her body shook. I was about to pull her into another embrace but Ian stepped in suddenly and pulled her instead. I stepped back and let them have their moment. Ian wrapped his arm around her and his hand softly rested on Melissa's head. She covered her face with his shirt and let out muffled whimpers. His hold tightened on her when her body shivered. "It's okay. Everything will be fine." He whispered and Melissa nodded. Ian closed his eyes and kissed her the top of her head softly.
I felt Eddie behind me and I grasped his hand. I sighed and looked over to Phil. His eyes were fixed on Mel and Ian. I walked over to him and gave him a small hug.
"Sorry about that." I said and he smiled. Shaking his head, he averted his gaze to them again. Adrianna stood closer to him and encased her arms around his possessively. "Who's he?" She asked the question that Phil wanted to ask. "Ian," I responded. "A close friend."
"Doesn't look like just a friend to Melissa."
I looked back at them and Melissa had her arms wrapped around his torso and he was cupping her cheeks as he gently wiped her tears away. He's lips moved slowly and she nodded at his words of reassurance. I shrugged; it's only a matter of time before they profess their love for each other. I turned back to Adrianna and Phil. Phil looked back at me and crossed his arms. Adrianna looked at me from head to toe and smirked.
"What happened to you? Couldn't find your crappy clothes? On second thought, these ones are so much better than all you're flea market ones."
"Adrianna not now."
I sighed and ignored her snappy comments. I forgot that I rushed out of Eddie's apartment with his clothes on. "Hey, I'm so sorry about what happened to your dad." I said to Phil. "Just have hope that he will be okay." He nodded and smiled. "Thank you and I will." His hands turned into fist and his face showed slight guilt. It wasn't my place to ask him what was wrong. I squeezed his shoulders and smiled reassuringly. Adrianna scooted closer to him and shot daggers at me. I let go and turned back to Eddie. I found warmth in his arms again, and he kissed me lightly on the lips whilst placing locks of my hair behind my ear.
"So the rumors are true." Adrianna hissed and walked away from us. Phil looked over at Mel and Ian; he deliberated over interrupting them and let the protective brother take over. But he let them be and caught up with his girlfriend.
"You okay?"
I nodded and Eddie gave me a small smile. I shivered; I thought I had lost my best friend.
"The scare is over, Babe. It's over." He pulled me closer and sighed. It's over… I looked at Mel and Ian pull away. She grabbed his hand and he smiled gently as they walked towards us. Eddie and I parted. Melissa let go of Ian's hands and grabbed mine. She dragged me to the other side of the room and sat me on the beige couch. The boys chuckled and sat down, indulging intheir own conversation.
"So how was it?"
I looked at her confused. "How was what?" She rolled her eyes. "You're seriously asking me that? How was Eddie? Was he any good?"
"Mel…" I blushed feverishly when I realized what she was referring to. "How did you know?"
"Oh c'mon! You're wearing his clothes which means you were over his house and something happened for you to wear them. Maybe, he ripped them off when you guys were doing the deed. Plus, you have sex hair."
I rapidly fixed my hair and cleared my throat, capturing Ian's and Eddie's attention. I looked up at them and Eddie was blushing and Ian was cachinnating boisterously. I glared at Mel and she shrugged. "How was it?" She pushed again.
"Amazing." I muttered.
"What was that? I didn't hear you."
"Amazing." I repeated a little louder.
"What? Talk more loudly, will ya?."
"Amazing!" I bit my lips. I said it a little bit too loud. The boys once again looked at me and I saw Eddie smile. I clutched Melissa's arms and dug my nails on her skin. She rapidly snapped her arm back and massaged that spot. "I hate you." I spat. She shrugged innocently and raised her eyebrows. "Get out!" I hushed her and she whispered. "You actually did it? I was just kidding with you!" I groaned and leaned deeper on the couch. I stared at Eddie and he was blushing ten different kinds of red. He was telling something to Ian which caused him to slap him on the back. I sighed and then I remember all his previous girlfriends. Models to be accurate. Models that have bodies that are just perfect. His sexual life was good with them. Now, he's stuck with me, someone who just recently lost her virginity. I let out a silent groan. I bet I was horrible. And he's telling Ian just that.
"What's wrong with you?" I looked at Mel and clutched my stomach. She nodded quickly understanding. "Insecurities."
"No."
"Yes."
"Mel…"
"Yes. You're wondering if you were any good."
"Thanks for being so blunt."
"Hey, my job is to tell you the truth and girl, I have seen you dance. You can move. So I'm sure you're as great, if not better, in the bedroom."
"Melissa…" I warned. She smiled. "He enjoyed it. You left poor Eddie in awe and wanting for more. He's head over heels for you."
"How can you say that?"
"Are you blind or something? Do I need to get you glasses to see how flushed he is right now? I bet all that remembering and telling Ian how amazing it was is giving him another boner."
"Mel!"
"What? It's the truth. Look at the way he is looking at you."
"I don't know…"
"Oh My God! I want to crush all of those stupid insecurities of yours. He loves you and I'm pretty sure he showed it to you whenever you both did it."
"We said our I love you's already."
"No! When?"
I reminisced and smiled. "Today in the morning and I also sung to him and met his manager." Mel got up from the couch and put a hand in front of her. "Hold up. What?" I grabbed her hand and pulled her down. "Can you calm down?"
"Don't tell me to calm down. Give me all the details."
I sighed and rolled my eyes at how many topics our conversation covers. "Well, he came over yesterday and stayed the night…"
Melissa scratched her head. "How did Mama Tate take it?"
"Pretty good actually… she did give me a talk but we're okay."
"She took a picture, didn't she?"
"Yes." We both laughed at the memories of all those times with her infamous camera. "And then he remembered how you told him about my music, which I still want to rip your head off by the way."
"Hey, I did it because I love you."
"Anyways, then we went to sleep and um, things happened while he was sleeping." I blushed and bit my lips. "And then the next day he decided to take me to his place."
"Oh is this when you declare your love."
"No."
"Oh."
"Chloe Carter called."
"Ugh, Adrianna is like a mini devil and she's the evilest of them all. So what happened? Did her call create an awkward tension between you to? How did you handle it?"
"At first it was tensed, uh, but he told me everything and all my doubts were cleared. He was honest with me and I know now that he is completely over Chloe and she is out of his life for good."
"And then…?"
"And then he said that he loves me." Melissa squealed and in her sitting position jumped on the couch making it move. I smiled and looked at Eddie. Our eyes interlocked and he flashed me a smile.
"Of course you said I love you back, right?"
"Yes but later; there were interruptions. His manager, Jake came over."
"Ah, I remember him. Our fellow friend helped us get to the concert."
"Yeah, and then to my surprise, Eddie set the meeting up so Jake could listen to me sing."
"See! I told you. You left him speechless and I know Jake was too."
"That's what Eddie said… I don't know if this is what I want, but I'm going to give it a shot and see where it takes me."
"Like you did with Eddie… and look where you guys are now. Inseparable and in love."
I laughed and pushed her softly. But I couldn't argue with that.
"Then he sang me a song."
"Another one, aw."
"And then I said I love you back and we…"
"Did the deed. Mmhhmm, that is just so romantic!" She stated dreamily.
"So you and Ian. What up with that?" She blushed and fidgeted. I laughed and then my playful demeanor disperese. "Mel, he was just as scared as I was when Lisa gave me that called. He was worried about you."
"Yeah… I kind of noticed that when we were talking."
"He really likes you. Why can't you see that?"
"Um, I don't know. Oh look, I'm hungry! I'll go get food." Melissa stood up quickly to avoid my question. She left me there in the couch all alone. She walked towards the boys and gripped Eddie's hand, hauling him to the cafeteria. I chuckled and Ian stood up and sat next to me.
"When are you going to tell Melissa how much you love her?"
"When the time is right."
"Oh, well don't wait too long. She's not going to wait her whole life waiting for you to be ready." Ian sighed and ruffled his hair with his hand.
It's too big. It's too wide. It's too strong. It won't fit…
I chuckled softly at his ringtone and he shot me a glare.
"Beyoncé boy?"
"What she's a phenomenon. I love her."
"And Ego is your favorite."
"Yes."
He checked who it was, and didn't pick it up. I didn't put so much thought into it and let it go. But the person constantly called him and the ringing was irritating. I twitched and queue the impeccable devil, Adrianna. She walked with Phil and sat on the couch across from us. The ringing continued and I looked at him. He turned his phone on silent and shrugged apologetically.
"Answer it, it could be important."
"Um, not really. No."
"Who's calling you so much anyways? An annoying ex?"
He laughed nervously. "Actually no. It's Marko um, he calls me when there are gigs."
"Why don't you answer him then?" I looked at him confused. He sighed. "He got a gig for me and he is constantly bothering me to take it. They want me to go to all around Asia to be the personal photographer for this famous minister, and I guess the pay is good."
"Wow! Congratulations! But why aren't you taking it?" I stated incredulous as to why he would let this chance pass.
"The expedition is for six months and if I take it I'll be gone in two weeks…"
"Okay? So... It's good for your career. This is a one chance of a lifetime. Don't let it pass it by." I sat up straighter. "What's holding you back?"
"Oh God Eddie! Stay away from me! Don't talk to me! That's just disgusting!"
Ian averted his gaze to Melissa and Eddie, but his eyes were solely on Mel. I followed his gaze and then it clicked. Her. He's not taking it because he'll be away from her. Ian sighed and a small smile formed on his face. I turned around and noticed Adrianna gaze shift nervously to Phil. She looked at me from the corner of her eyes and I looked at her intently. What's up with her? Eddie chuckled lightly, and pulled me up from me sitting position.
"You guys can leave you know. I'm perfectly fine."
We both turned to look at Mel. Ian stood up and shook his head. "I'm staying with you."
"Mel, I'm not leaving. I'm staying here, too."
Melissa shook her head and put her hands on her waist. "No. I'm okay. Go. I know you guys want to be anywhere else but here."
"They can leave. I'll stay right here. I'm not going anywhere."
"I'm not leaving without Loren, so I'm staying here too."
"Oh gosh. Please, I don't need anyone to babysit me. Loren," she looked at me and raised her eyebrows. "I'm going to be fine. Ian will be here with me." I looked up at Ian and he had his hands on his pocket. I smile, might as well give them time alone. I nodded and grabbed Eddie's hands. I smiled warmly at Melissa, "I hope your dad gets better. I'll talk to you later." She nodded and I walked forward. I looked at Ian and smiled. "You better take care of her." Eddie patted him on the back and smiled suggestively. Ian pushed him; Eddie and I made our way to the car.
The whole car ride was quiet. I felt Eddie's gaze on me and I fidgeted. Mel's talk about my insecurities was stuck on my mind. Maybe, I was horrible. I was that bad wasn't I? I leaned on the window and Eddie tapped the wheel impatiently.
"Babe, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"I know you Loren. I know something is going on."
I shrugged and sighed. "It's just that…" I sighed again and shook my head. Eddie looked at me for a few moments. "Everything's fine, Loren. Mel is okay. I know how much she means to you and I understand the pain you went through of the possibility of losing someone important. I know…"
I turned to look at him and placed my hand on his thigh; and I smiled at him. "It's not that… but thank you I needed those words." He parked the car and I recognized the place instantly. MK. He looked at me again and softly caressed my cheek. "Then what's wrong?" I down casted my eyes and bit my lips nervously. I blushed at the words that came out of my mouth. "Was I any good?" I studied Eddie's reaction and he slowly let go of my cheek. He coughed and scratched his head. I nodded. Yeah, I was not 'any good.' I leaned back on the seat and covered my face.
I want to die right now. Disappeared and vanish from this embarrassment.
"Loren." Eddie said my name a few moments later.
I reluctantly shifted my gaze to Eddie and unexpectedly, he crashed his lips on mine. My eyes widened at his sudden action but soon closed, and I sheathed my arms around him. His lips moved rapidly on mine and he placed his hands on my waist, clutching it tight. He pulled away and his cheeks were burning.
"You were amazing."
My hold on his neck loosened, and I began playing with his collar, "Don't say—"
"No. I'm not saying it to spare your feelings. I mean it. You were amazing, Babe." He kissed me again and I smiled between his burning kisses.
"Not too bad for virgin?" I said to lighten up the mood. He chuckled lightly. We parted and there was a hint of lust in his eyes. He pulled me in again, our mouths collided and his tongue made way to my mouth. I pulled rapidly away and he turned away. "Eddie. What are you doing?" He opened the door and grunted. "I need to get out before I do anything else to you." I giggled and opened the passenger door. He was waiting for me with his arm extended. I took it and closed the door; and we walked towards MK. "What are we doing here?"
"I'm checking on my dad. Pop's been in high spirits lately and I want to see the reason."
He winked at me and I stopped walking. Mom is inside there. If she sees me like this, tables will definitely be flipped. Eddie stared at me confused. I laughed nervously and he got the message. "Your mom." I nodded. He sighed, yet still pulled me to the entrance.
What is he doing? Does he want to die? Does he want to see Mamma Tate's wrath? He dragged me inside and when he was about to turn on the small hallway that led to the club, he made a complete halt. I bumped into his back and he grabbed my hand quickly.
"Eddie?"
He was a stiff pole, and he stared wide eyed in astonishment before him. Curiosity taking over me, I sneak a glance at what he was looking at. I almost fell in disbelief.
"Mom!" I whispered.
Oh, this will be interesting to explain.
Ian tsk tsk. What are we going to do with you? I don't know. Anyways I hope you liked it :). Need to go now. BYE!
