CHAPTER 28 (A DATE I NEVER AGREED TO… I THINK)
"Jessica, I had the weirdest dream ever", I told Jessica.
"What was it about?" Jessica asked.
It was already after classes. Jessica and I were sitting under a tree, chatting. I just had to tell her about my awfully weird dream about Kyle.
"I dreamed that Kyle asked me out on a date and that he liked me", I gushed.
Jessica laughed out loud. "You have the wackiest dreams ever! Kyle? Please".
I laughed too. "I know. It's totally weird and I even agreed because I was so sleepy".
"That would've been bad".
"Absolutely".
"You're lucky it's just a dream, or else Kyle would be… Here… Wait! Oh my gosh! Anthea! He's here!"
My smile vanished from my face. Jessica was pointing to the gates of the school. Oh my gosh.
Kyle was standing outside, holding a bouquet of flowers. He was wearing a green shirt and walking shorts.
I wasn't so sure things were just a dream last night.
"I think he's waiting for you", Jessica said.
"I guess I'd better go there", I gulped. I have to face this. I waved goodbye to Jessica and I assured her that I'd be fine.
I walked towards Kyle. I took a deep breath while walking. He beamed when he saw me. I was smiling nervously.
What was I supposed to do? I didn't want to hurt Kyle. It's not his fault.
"Er… Hey Kyle", I said nervously.
"Hey Anthea. Um… These are for you", he said, handing me the bouquet. He was really smiling now. I have to admit, he did look pretty handsome and charming.
"Thanks Kyle. So where are we going?" I asked him as I got the bouquet.
I really wished that everything was a dream right now. Never did I imagine that this would happen to me. But then, I have to face reality.
No matter how awful things seem.
"We're going to this Italian restaurant. It's called the Italian Kitchen. It's nice there", he smiled and started holding my hand.
Whoops! Not so fast mister.
I pulled my hand away and smiled a bit. "Er… Sorry. It just feels awkward".
Whew. That was a close one.
"Oh okay. It's fine", Kyle said, a bit disappointed.
No way was I letting him hold my hand that fast.
We got inside a taxi and arrived at the restaurant after ten minutes.
I have to say, the restaurant is pretty impressive. There was a wooden sign on the top which said "Italian Kitchen". The inside was exquisite. There was an Italian band and a lot of people were inside. Woah. This was a posh place.
As we entered the restaurant, the smell of Italian cuisine filled my nose. The food seems to be delicious here. Just the aroma makes my mouth water.
A waiter approached us.
"Any reservations?" the waiter asked us.
"Yes. Under Mattley", Kyle replied.
The waiter flipped through his list on his clipboard.
"Ah yes. Here's your reservation. Come here", the waiter said and led us to a table for two at the back.
It was a bit far away from the rest of the diners. Kyle probably wanted privacy.
I gulped. This did not seem so good.
We sat down and the waiter took our order and left. Kyle was smiling at me.
I so did not feel comfortable here.
"Kyle, why are you doing this?" I asked him. I definitely needed an answer.
He suddenly held my hands on the table. I wanted to pull my hands away but I was afraid that he's get offended.
"It's like what I said last night. I really like you Anthea… I know we'd be great together", he said, really meaning it.
"Hold on. But I barely know you Kyle! I've only known you for a week!" I protested. This was so ridiculous. It didn't make sense.
"I know I'm being fast, but I really do like you Anthea".
"No Kyle. Absolutely not!"
"Please Anthea? Give me a chance".
"I'm sorry Kyle. But I-I already like someone. You can't force me to like you".
"Oh really? Maybe you're just making that up".
"No I'm not. It's really true".
He snorted. "Whatever. I'm way better anyway".
Ugh. I never he was this stubborn. And he's way better? As if he could ever compete with Harry. I seriously wanted to strangle him now.
He took out his wallet, but then a picture fell from his pocket. I picked it up from the floor.
I seriously wanted to slap him when I saw the photograph.
It was already torn, but it was neatly taped. Kyle was in the picture, along with a blond girl. They were hugging each other and looking really sweet. They were obviously not family. I saw the date on it; it was just two weeks ago.
I could feel my blood boiling inside me. I can't believe he's just using me as a replacement for this girl! They just broke up I guess. So this is why he asked me out.
I could've yelled at him, but I decided not to. I didn't want to make a scene. I should just talk this over with him.
"Kyle, you just broke up with your girlfriend huh?" I asked him quietly.
I placed the dropped photo on the table. His eyes widened when he saw it. He began to grow a bit angry. I jut sighed.
"Kyle, people aren't like patches on clothes. They shouldn't be used to cover up your holes in life. You shouldn't use people", I told him directly. He needed to know and I certainly wasn't going to tolerate this.
However, much to my dismay, Kyle was still stubborn.
"Okay. Yeah. I just broke up with my girlfriend. Big whoop. That's not the reason. I do like you. I won't give up", he replied stubbornly.
"Kyle, I don't even really like you", I said, getting a little frustrated.
Suddenly, someone set down the food on our table. I was still looking at Kyle though with an angry expression. I can't believe he's forcing me.
"Kyle, I'll just go now. I don't want to make a scene", I resigned and started to stand up.
"No! Wait!" he stopped me and grabbed my hand.
"Let go Kyle. I'll pay for my food but I need to go".
I tried to yank my arm away but Kyle was too strong. He certainly wasn't about to let me go.
Suddenly, another pair of hands yanked his arm away from me, breaking Kyle's tight grip.
"When a lady says 'no', you really should let her go", a familiar voice said.
I turned to look and see who it was. I gasped. Oh my gosh.
It was Harry.
He was looking at Kyle with a stern expression on his face. He looked like he was about to beat Kyle up.
"H-Harry?" I asked weakly.
I couldn't believe this. Here was Harry, ready to rescue me. I was so glad that he was here. Kyle could finally let me go.
His cold expression suddenly evaporated when he turned to me, grinning widely. "Hey Anthea. It's great seeing you here".
Then he faced Kyle and his sour expression reappeared. "You, I'm not so sure I'm happy to see".
Kyle only glared at him. Oh no. I'd better stop this before things get worse.
"Harry. It's okay. Kyle and I just had a little misunderstanding. I'll just leave. Kyle, here's my payment for my food. I've gotta go now", I said and handed a few bills to Kyle.
He took them with a frown on his face. "Fine. I'll pay at the front desk. I'm sorry to see you go so soon though. But Anthea, I promise I won't give up. Remember that".
He finally smiled and stood up from the table. He was smiling only at me, he started to frown when he passed by Harry. Harry only rolled his eyes and mouthed the word 'loser' as Kyle left.
I sighed. Harry suddenly placed his arm over my shoulder. I blushed.
"You okay? I thought something was up when I was about to serve you guys your order", he said gently.
I looked at Harry's outfit. He was wearing a waiter's outfit. Did he work it? Either way, it was great that he was here to save me. He was my hero.
"Come on. I know you haven't eaten yet. Let's go to the back", he said, his arm still over my shoulder.
I nodded. I felt like in heaven. I can't believe Harry was my hero today! I felt like melting to the floor. I felt like dancing.
He led me throughout the crowd. We reached the back part wherein two doors opened to the kitchen and the owner's room.
I was surprised when Harry, instead of going into the kitchen, went inside the owner of the restaurant's room.
Whoa. What was going on?
We went inside the room. It was pretty cozy. There was a bookshelf filled with different cook books, a desk with a pile of folders on it and a few sofas. Different paintings hung on the wall and there was one portrait that showed a huge group of chefs.
"Harry, what are we doing here? I thought only the restaurant owner could come in here', I asked him. I was just so curious. What's the explanation behind all this?
"Oh. Well, you see, my parents are the owners of this restaurant", Harry said bashfully.
Wait a second. Did I hear that right? Harry's parents were the owners of this fancy restaurant??
"Really Harry?? You're not pulling my leg?" I asked again.
"Well, we're in here. So I guess it must be true. I work part-time here to help out my parents", he replied, grinning.
Wooah. This is amazing! I can't believe Harry's rich! And his parents are chefs of this high-class restaurant.
"This is amazing Harry! Really. I'm impressed", I said, completely awed.
Harry blushed. "Well, not really".
Suddenly, my tummy began to grumble. I smiled shyly. Wow. Way to make an impression. Harry grinned.
"Wait here. I'll get some food from the kitchen", he said and went outside.
I surveyed the room once more. I approached the picture of chefs. I squinted, trying to get a better look at the photograph. I saw one man to the farthest left who looked exactly like Harry, only older. He must be Harry's father. Gosh he looked handsome too.
Harry finally returned, holding a steaming plate of mouth-watering lasagne in his hand. The aroma made my stomach grumble again.
"Here. Eat this. I made it myself", he grinned widely.
I blushed. This was too much. I felt like floating to heaven. My imagination was out of control again. I imagined that Harry was my husband and he's cook for me everyday, just like now. It would be absolutely fantastic.
I just wish everything was real though. But I've got to face reality now, no matter how harsh it is.
"Anthea?" Harry prodded.
I snapped back into reality. "Oh. Sorry Harry. Thanks a lot".
I took the plate and began eating the lasagne as I sat on a sofa. It was so delicious! This made me love Harry even more. He was such a good cook.
I finished my lasagne in a few minutes. It was just too good.
"Thanks a lot Harry! It was delicious! Really", I complimented him.
He smiled.
"Harry, the chef in the picture, is your dad there?" I asked him, pointing to the picture.
"Yup. My mom's there too. Actually, all the chefs in that picture are my family", he replied.
"Seriously? All of you cook?"
"Yup. It seems that cooking's in our blood. They all have different eating joints here. One owns the Chinese pagoda, the other one owns Biggie Burgers and I think my cousin owns Ice Cream Monster".
I nearly fell off my sofa. They actually control the hugest food joints around here? And his cousin owns the Ice Cream Monster??
"Wooah Harry! For real?" I asked.
"Er… Yeah", he chuckled.
"Harry, you simply amaze me. Where should I put this by the way?" I said, holding up my plate.
"Oh. Justine will pick it up. Just set that down on the small table over there", he instructed, pointing to a small table at the back.
I placed it there, and started walking back to Harry.
I can't believe he and his family were such great cooks. And his cousin owns the Ice Cream Monster! That was really incredible. Their family certainly was powerful.
Suddenly, because I wasn't concentrating, I tripped over the carpet.
I screamed and closed my eyes. I didn't hit the desk, but I sure hit something. After I hit the thing, we both fell down to the carpet with a soft thud. Thank God the carpet was soft and plushy. It wouldn't be pleasant if it was hard.
I opened my eyes and saw Harry. His head seemed to have hit the desk and his arms were wrapped around me.
I could feel my heart go thump again. I think I was turning as red as a tomato now.
Harry grinned at me. "Hey slow down Anthea".
I blushed and immediately got off him. I helped him stand up.
"I'm so sorry Harry. Really. Oh my gosh. Did you hit your head?" I apologized.
He only smiled. "Nah. I'm fine, really. Are you okay?"
"I am. Only because you saved me. Thanks Harry".
"No prob. I think you should go home now. It's getting pretty late. I think it's seven now".
"What? Seven? My parents don't even know I'm here!" I panicked.
"It's okay. I already called them a while ago. I told them you were with me".
"Harry, you saved me again. Thanks!"
I hugged him. I was just so grateful. He patted my head and smiled when I let go.
He led me out of the restaurant and found a taxi for me. I thanked him as I got in. I owed him so much.
I replayed my little accident in my head. I think I even giggled when I thought about it.
I arrived home. My parents weren't angry at all. I was with Harry, so there was no problem.
Kyle called me so many times later on. But I never answered. I need some space anyway.
I slept peacefully that night. I didn't even notice the robin that was pecking on my window.
I dreamt about my little accident. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life after all.
