Bewitched!

Chapter 5: Just on Time

During weekends, I keep an organized schedule. Well, at least, I thought I'd allot a specific period for the activities I would be doing.

8 AM: I would check my e-mails. I would be greeted by a variety of mails – update of subscriptions to some websites, spam mail, notifications about something, group messages and etc. But the mails I look forward the most is from my friends from Germany and France.

Gillian Beilschmidt is my friend from Germany. I haven't met her personally but I have seen a photograph of hers back when I was still a fifth grader. I was assigned to write to two foreign students of the sister school of my, well, school. She has piercing ruby red eyes that could see through your soul and a boyish cut silver blond hair.

I happily click on my German friend's mail.

Jealous

From: Gillian B.

To: Lovina V.

It's awesome that you get to go outside school and hangout.

WA's being a bitch about going out.

I haven't gone out for months. WA's making me sick.

Not awesome.

I wanna go to WA South Branch, aka your school. I heard it's really large.

Gilly

I type a short reply:

You are an Idiot

From: Lovina V.

To: Gillian B.

WA Central Branch is also large. What are you talking about?

WA's not probably letting you out because of the beer incident.

Anyway, I heard there's an exchange program between our campuses.

You might be able to get study here for a while.

Lovina

I browsed through the mail inbox to check more mails. Oh, Francis's mail...I drag my mouse to Francis's mail and read it. Francis Bonnefoy, my French penpal goes to the same school with Gillian. They both appear to be very close. Just like with Gillian, I haven't seen him in personal but I have seen a photo of him. He has silky blond hair and a pair of sharp ice blue eyes. He's actually kinda good-looking.

Beer Incident and Exchange Programs

From: Francis B.

To: Lovina V.

WA happily banned Gill from leaving the campus for a whole semester.

She's mopping at the time I am sending you this message.

"Buuuuuuuu, WA's no fun at all. Can't get a joke." She says.

Tell that to the European Board members she'd pranked by replacing their car fuel with beer during one of her Beer Frenzies.

I've applied for the exchange program between our schools. I've yet to tell Gill about the program.

After all, there's no rule about her being exempted from taking part in school programs.

If we pass, greet us first, okay?

Francis

Francis has always been the mature (and perverted) one. He seemed to have a unique look at life and would give advices that would make sense. He's pleasant enough to talk to, that's why I still keep in touch with him.

Gillian is an Idiot

From: Lovina V.

To: Francis B.

She is an idiot, isn't she?

I hope both of you pass on the exchange program examinations.

I heard it's going to be tough to pass.

I'll be the first one to greet both of you here!

Lovina

I closed my laptop after checking the rest of my mails. Right on schedule, Feliciana comes in my room, wearing a long sleeved rose pink dress with cute tiny teal flowers that accentuated her porcelain skin.

"Lovi, how do I look?" she asks as she gently turns around.

8:30 AM: Feliciana often goes out because of extracurricular activities, dates, and club activities. Feliciana wearing a dress meant that she is going out with her current boyfriend, Ludwig.

"The dress is a good choice, but I think there's something lacking." I said.

Feliciana smiles bashfully. "You think? I'll trust you on this one."

I pull out an unused matching teal leggings from my organized wardrobe. Feliciana sat on the corner of my bed and watched me lay out an ensemble of clothing. Minutes later, I found myself putting the last touch on her outfit, a simple white butterfly clip on her artfully done bun. Feliciana gushed at her outfit which consisted of the long sleeved rose pink dress with cute tiny teal flowers, teal leggings, and white sandals.

Not long after, the door bell rang. Feliciana dashed down stairs as I trailed slowly behind her. Ludwig visibly flushed as Feliciana greeted him. I let out a haughty smirk – I know I'm talented at dressing people.

"Thanks a lot Lovi. I really look great in this." She said as I escort her towards Ludwig.

"Ludwig, curfew's 10 o'clock." I told the blushing German.

"Right. Thanks for everything." He shyly nodded.

10:30 AM: I usually clean the house whenever Feliciana goes out since I get to clean the house more thoroughly. I wipe the last traces of dirt on the floor with a cloth. I stood up and assessed the now cleaned house. The mayhem Feliciana caused were carefully put back on its respective containers/rooms/and etc.

Satisfied with the cleaning I have done around the house, I happily placed all of the cleaning materials I had use back in the closet. Thinking that I deserved a little pre-siesta nap (I really did deserve a little break after scrubbing all of the filth that had gathered up all weekend), I was about to settle down on the sofa when the door bell rang.

"Who could that be?" I murmured as I peeped at the door hole.

A large green eye blinked back at me through the door hole. I literally jump a good one feet away from the door, shrieking like a banshee.

A suspiciously familiar group of laugh came from the other side of the door. Frowning, I approached the door and took another peek at the door hole. It was Antonio with the rest of the Art club, laughing at me as they waved.

"You fucking scared me!" I point an accusing finger at Antonio and the rest.

"Sorry." He let out a grin that did not reek of apology. Kiku just smirked while Matthew bashfully smiled at me.

"Having yourself scared the living daylights out of you can be a good change." Kiku said.

"Can?" I repeated.

"Can." The Japanese smirked.

"That is so you." I sighed.

"True." The insolent man shrugged, probably thinking it was better to tell the truth.

My temper flared, but I decided to act civil and ask what their business here was. Matthew who had been watching the early banter between the Antonio, Kiku and I decided to speak out.

"We were wondering if you could help us with Kiku's festival duty." Matthew said nervously. "You can say no if you don't want to!" he said in a rush as if to please me or something.

"What festival duty?"

A rather hazy memory of me reading a festival today suddenly came to mind. Then, Feliciana did say something about a festival with oriental and legendary dance that's being held sometime this month.

"My parents coerced me to lead the Bon Odori since the one supposed to got sick." Kiku replied, frowning.

"Oh, you mean with the taiko drums and stuff?" I blinked, a bit interested.

"Yes, that."

"So, do you want to help out? Kiku was supposed to supervise and help out with the decoration, but since he's doing the Bon Odori duty, there's no one to do the decoration duty." Antonio asked.

"I guess so." I slowly said. "It's not like I have any other things to do anyway. I just finished cleaning, Feliciana's out with Ludwig on a date, and Bella seems to not have the intention of coming over."

"Who's not coming?" a voice from afar said.

We all turned our heads to Bella, who was carrying a basket of presumably, pastries. She was dressed casually in a fit t-shirt and faded ¾ jeans. Despite the simple outfit, she managed to make it look sophisticated.

"I came to drop by. You weren't answering your deadbeat phone so I decided to come by just to check if you're alive or something." Bella said as she placed the basket into my arms.

"Gee, thanks for the concern." I grimaced. "They kept me here so I didn't notice my phone ringing."

"I can see that. So why are you guys here anyway? Antonio I'd understand, but…" Bella fixed her eyes on Kiku and Matthew questioningly.

"Decorating." Kiku said.

"We need lots of help." Matthew added.

"Sounds fun. Are you helping out, Lovina?" Bella turned towards me expectantly.

"I am. I have nothing to do today anyway."

"Great! Why don't we eat the scones I made before preparing for the festival." Bella suggested.

12 PM: I never miss lunch. Today is not an exemption to that. The five of us contentedly stuffed with Bella's delicious scones, lounged at the living room. Antonio, who had been looking around the living room, suddenly spoke up.

"Wow, your place is big." He said.

My dwelling place is actually a two story house with a 246 sq. meter lot. If you consider the number of occupants (which are two) living here, it is actually big. Father insisted on buying the house for us so that we'd have a lot of space for everything.

"It gets stuffy whenever Feli's around." I sighed.

"Oh, that reminds me," Bella grinned. "Where are they heading to?"

"I don't really ask," I shrugged. "Feli's responsible enough."

"I wonder how they date." Bella let out a conspiratorial smile.

"Indeed." Kiku agreed.

"I can't imagine Ludwig being lovey-dovey with Feliciana." Antonio laughed. "He's too stiff."

"Neither can I." We all dryly said in unison.

Ludwig is very popular and infamous in the Soccer club. He's known to be talented and brutal when it comes to practices and discipline during club practices.

"W-Well," Matthew suddenly joined in. "I saw them by the lakeside a while ago. They might be still there."

"Lakeside? How romantic." Bella happily gushed.

"What's romantic with a lake?" I frowned.

"You watch too much action and sci-fic movies." Bella dryly said.

"I don't watch chick-flicks."

"The only thing that I've watch that nearly comes close to chick-flicks is Twilight Saga and that's because you coerced me to. It was the most horrible night of my life." I ranted.

"I admit," Bella flushed. "That the story plot is terrible when you realize that the main female character clings to the main male character too much."

"But it still has its charms." Kiku said.

"I actually liked the book." Antonio admitted sheepishly.

"The book was badly portrayed in the movie." Matthew said.

"We're discussing about vampires instead of the Bon Odori dance. How productive."

(A/N: No offense to Twilight fans reading this fanfiction. The opinions expressed above are just a compilation of the opinions I have heard from friends, and from myself. I actually liked the book, but then I sorta got a bit ugh after seeing the movie.)

6:45 PM: The old theater parking lot, which is the venue of the festival, has been transformed from a dull and ghostly space into a lively and colorful spot for festivities and social events. Banners skillfully cut and artistically designed hover in the air and lights of different sizes and colors lit up the place.

"To think we managed to finish decorating in such a short notice." Bella remarked as we helped ourselves to a well deserved serving of cold lemon juice.

"It's all because we talked about Twilight." I frowned.

"Now now Lovi. It isn't fair to Twilight that you're accusing them of your procrastination." Antonio laughed as he settled on a seat beside me.

Before I could retort, a panting Kiku came towards us. I immediately vacate my seat in order for him to take a seat and regain his composure.

"Gee, you really look wiped out." Bella said.

"Who wouldn't be wiped out after leading the Bon Odori?" Kiku grumbled.

"Here grumpy," I said, giving him a glass of cold lemonade. "And I thought I'm the moody one."

Kiku shot me an irritated look before gulping the contents of the glass.

"What brought you here anyway?" Antonio asked.

"Girlfriend. Suddenly wanted to come. Coming. I look ridiculous. No extra clothes." Kiku blushed.

"I d-didn't know you were so concerned of looking presentable in front of your…er…Hera." Matthew said.

Kiku said nothing and blushed into a deeper shade of red.

"That's not a problem." I shrugged, sauntering towards him. "Just…Antonio, lend Kiku your jacket." I said, looking at Antonio's rather fashionable jacket.

Antonio wordlessly handed his jacket to Kiku. "What are you planning?"

"Making a sweaty and messy looking Japanese into a very presentable and hot Japanese." I replied as I fetched a 1 liter bottle of water.

7 PM: Bella whistled appreciatively while Antonio and Matthew stared wide eyed at Kiku, who every much looked didn't look like he lead a Don Oburi dance, clad with Antonio's black leather jacket with a recently bought oriental designed white v-cut shirt and improvised (I ripped some parts of the jeans much to the owner's protests) ragged fading gray skinny jeans with his fashionable red converse sneakers. His hair which became a bit messy, was skillfully made into something resembling a stylish hair style.

"Whoa, Lovi, how'd you do all of that?" Antonio blinked.

"Improvise. That's the magic of being artistic." I smiled.

"Nice job Lovina. He really looks hot now." Bella grinned.

"I don't even recognize myself." Kiku murmured as he eyed his reflection incredulously.

"That's the point. Now go and have fun with Hera." I said as I pushed him to the entrance of the parking lot.

"Eh?!" Kiku panicked as he was unceremoniously pushed out in the clear.

"Kiku…you look great." A gentle voice said.

Hera Karpusi, a stunning vision in a simple green dress, approached both of us with a smile. The rich color of the dress contrasted perfectly Hera's sun kissed skin.

"Err, I'll be leaving you two now." I said, inching away from them awkwardly.

"Wait…" Hera stopped me, touching my arm. "Why don't you join us? I heard that there's a campfire dance starting at any moment now. I've always wanted to dance with some" She said.

"But I can't come with you two." I mumble.

"Who said you'll come alone," Kiku smiled. "Right, Antonio?"

Antonio, who had just passed by innocently, blinked at Kiku. The idiota, of course didn't was happening just slowly nodded as he shot me a look that said "Err, what?". Damn him and his lip services.

"There you have it. You have a partner and you'll be able to dance with us."

"Kiku…" I growled begrudgingly at him.

Hera laughed. "She really does have a temper."

"But she also has her charms." Kiku smiled.

"Indeed. That's why a lot of the guys in our batch are interested in her." She drawled on a bit louder.

"Uh…" I blushed. Jesus, can they talk about me somewhere?!

"Isn't that right?" Antonio murmured, taking my arm.

"What are you doing?" I protested.

"Have a good time!" Kiku let out a sly smile as Hera chuckled.

Bella and Matthew approached them and happily chatted amongst themselves as they look on to Antonio and me.

Shit.

Did they just set us up?

Then it all became clear - the festival that Feliciana has been babbling about.

"Lovi, there's going to be a festival soon." Feliciana chirped as she crashed into my bedroom.

The music being played to my ears somehow muffled Feliciana so I had to lower the volume of my mp3 player before asking what she said.

"A festival." She repeated.

I shrugged as I pull the volume up back. It was midterms so I had to focus on studying. Feli, being her naturally airhead self, chatted on about a romantic dance.

"Camp fire…Ludwig…Dinner…Dance…Antonio….out…you….Dance…couple." was the only words I heard.

"Really? That's nice." I said noncommittally.

I felt my cheeks flush as Feliciana's words registered.

"There's a campfire dance after the Bon Odori. Ludwig and I will dance right after dinner. I hope Antonio asks to go out and dance with you. You two will look like a couple!" she rambled happily.

I steal a glance at Antonio, who was still hell-bent on getting us to the campfire which was packed with…lovers.

"Antonio…" I called out.

He seemed to snap out of his reverie enough to acknowledge my call. "What?" he said.

He faced towards me as he stopped in his tracks. The campfire lit his features through the night. His eyes, his intense green eyes that twinkled with mirth now twinkled with something I couldn't describe.

He looked different. It was unnerving to see him so…irritated?

That's it. He's irritated.

But why?

"It's too crowded here. Can't you see I can't breathe through this cesspool?!" I suddenly grumbled.

His face registered surprise and then he laughed. "Why didn't you say so?"

"because," I frowned. "You were too absorbed in trying to get me dance in the middle of that stupid fire!"

His features seemed to relax at my words. His grip became softer.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what got over me." He frowned. "when I heard Hera talking about some other guys having an interest in you, I got…I don't understand." He said, frustrated.

"…you were jealous?"

"Jealous…?" he repeated.

Then to my surprise, he suddenly blushed. The idiot blushed!

"Maybe. Now that you have said it." he murmured.

I laughed – a relieved laugh came from me. The idiota was jealous. It sounded so weird that he would get jealous and frustrated because of me. It was downright ridiculous – the notion that some senior boys are interested at me. I was supposed to draw men from me, not attract them.

Why would they like or have a tiny degree of interest at someone with someone like me.

It didn't make sense.

"Lovi, are you alright?" he asked, concerned.

"I'm alright, idiota. Well, I don't want to dance with you here." I said.

Antonio's face fell. "R-Really?"

"Well, for one, look at the dance site itself." I pointed out.

"The campfire site is too full." Antonio dryly observed as we looked on.

"And two, I want to go somewhere else."

8PM: The lakeside near the theater parking lot was silent that night. Since everyone seemed to be at the parking lot, there was no one in sight at the lakeside. The lakeside restaurants were closed and were barely visible in the night. The music and chatter that the lakeside provided was not present.

Antonio held my hand as we made our way to the shallow part of the lake. He seemed uncharacteristically silent that I suddenly shouted.

"Antonio!"

Antonio laughed. "I can't hear you!" he played along.

"You deaf, good for nothing guy!"

"I can't hear you still!"

"Blast it Carriedo, take this!" I shouted in mock anger as I splashed water at him.

Moments later, we sat on one of the vacant stools of the lakeside restaurants, tired from horsing around.

"Am I the only one who's hungry and tired, yet incredibly happy right now?" Antonio asked.

"Hungry," I repeated, as I placed my hand on my damp stomach. "Very much."

"Good, I have some rations of tomatoes right here." Antonio grinned as he took two pulp tomatoes from his baggy pants.

"Baggy pants huh?" I said. "That's convenient."

"Very," Antonio agreed. "Luckily Bella asked me to fetch two tomatoes earlier. I never knew she also liked tomatoes."

"Remind me to get back at them on Monday." I said grimly.

"Huh?" Antonio blinked.

"Nothing." I said, as I bit into the tomato.

10 PM: I plop into my bed, tired from the excitement of the festival. I forced myself to get up once more to check my mail inbox whether Gillian and Francis already replied. I first see Gillian's reply:

*Awesome Idiot

From: Gillian B.

To: Lovina V.

Nah, WA Central Branch is smaller.

It was a harmless prank, really. All I did was to put something really similar looking to beer, that's all.

I'll bag the exchange program exam so that I can get away from this hellhole.

Fuckin' Awesome Gilly

I type a short reply:

Good Luck

From: Lovina V.

To: Gillian B.

Good luck then! I know you're smart enough to pass.

Lovina

Francis's online. I type a short greeting to him:

Lovina V: Hey!

To which he replies immediately:

Francis B: Why are you still awake?

Lovina V: Just came back from horsing around at a festival

Francis B: Oh. Glad to hear that you're not stuck at home all day. Who were you with?

Lovina V: With some friends.

Francis B: Antonio, I presume, is with you too?

I stopped typing.

Francis b: bingo. Something happened between both of you, mon cherie?

Lovina V: Nothing.

Francis B: Evasive.

Lovina V: none of your business.

Francis B: how cute of you to say that.

Lovina V: Indeed.

Francis B: Well, I won't argue with you tonight. I've got to study for my exams.

Lovina V: good luck.

Francis B: Thanks.

Before I signed out, I opened our chat box and typed:

Lovina V: I'll tell you when you arrive here.

Francis B: Deal.

End of Chapter

Looong chapter as a gift for you guys. :D I hope you guys liked it. I'd have to admit, I was so into making this chapter, that I think it sounds a bit different from the previous chapters.

As always, please review!