Summer.
The beginning of days of relaxation.
It is the time when we can have a break from schoolwork.
However, it was not the same in our household. Summer was like a day of hellish training. Nightmare of reviewing more lessons. Exhaustion made my nose spill some blood. It was midnight when I ran to the kitchen to grab something to drink. Sometimes, I thought that this routine should stop. But when? When can I live a life without worries?
*RING!*
The telephone ring echoed. My eyes narrowed looking at the telephone situated at the coffee table. I guess it was the first time this year that the telephone rang while my parents were away. My parents hate telephone calls because they prefer emails. They installed it only for emergencies or when something in their line of work needs urgent attention.
"Hello, Miss." I rolled my eyes as I heard his annoying voice.
"I'm busy right now. Don't call again." Then I hung up.
I went upstairs to finish my review. Another subject that will beat my head up. I sighed as I opened another textbook.
*RING!*
This guy is unbelievable. I told him not to call again.
*RING!*
*RING!*
"Hello, London. I was thinking that you would miss my handsome face.
So, how about we meet at the treehouse this afternoon? I have an important announcement to make."
"I don't give a damn about your announcements, Mr. Simmons. And if you are not informed, I am completely annoyed with your face. So stop calling this number before the earpiece of our telephone is destroyed due to the ugly quality of your voice. Thank you." I told him in a compost manner, then hung up for the second time.
*RING!*
"I said stop calling this number-" I didn't finish my sentence.
"I will wait for you here. Please come." He said in a melancholic tone.
"I don't care if you wait," I said grimly, then slammed the telephone.
I went back to my room. While I was writing the last sentences of my answer to the last question, I felt something was odd. His tone of voice was a little different from the last time he called. I was bothered. What if he was a man of his word? So what if he was true to his words?
When the evening came, the rain poured and was accompanied by strong winds. I can't believe it's raining on the first day of summer break. I felt sleepy and tired so I took a nap. When I woke up it was almost dawn but the rain was still pouring hard. Then, suddenly I remembered what Paris said.
"I will wait for you here. Please come."
Oh no. He might still be waiting at the treehouse.
No. Stop worrying, London. He's not that pathetic to wait for you in this heavy rain.
True. He won't wait for me.
But what if he gets sick, struck by lightning or something, and puts all the blame on you? He's wicked, remember? I hate to say this, Self. But you know well what will happen if you don't go. Yeah, I perfectly know. He would reveal my secret.
Let's go, London.
I was at the doorstep and prepared for the war against nature.
"Boots? Check. Jacket? Check. Raincoat? Check. Unbreakable umbrella? Check. The rain? Big check. Now, let's do this." I said before I stepped out of the doorstep.
I don't like it when it rains. I have bad experiences during rainy days. Then I promised myself that I would not let myself get wet with rain ever again. This guy should be thankful I let myself soak in this heavy rain just to meet him. But I bet he wouldn't know. I won't dare to tell him that. I keep doing things that I hate because of him.
I stopped my tracks and closed my eyes every time the lightning flashed. I can't help but scream when the thunderclaps. I feared that I might not reach the destination alive for I am aware that it is not safe to stroll outside during thunderstorms. I am smart enough to know it. Having no choice I defied my thoughts.
At last, I reached the tree house gasping for air. I was surprised that the treehouse that appeared right before me now came with a porch. I found him leaning on his back on that porch sipping his cup of coffee. He made some modifications to the treehouse that made me wonder if something was wrong with him. I would be furious if he made me come here so that he could brag about the porch that he made and how much money he spent.
"Did you know to what extent I despise you right now?" as I dropped the umbrella with all force.
I prayed that it didn't break. I would need that umbrella later.
"Impossible," he chuckled, "How could you despise a person like me? I am the most loved guy among all the loved guys in the world." He bragged.
"The heck I care if you are, narcissistic jerk! How dare you make me come here during this thunderstorm?!"
"You wouldn't get wet in the rain and walk here during a thunderstorm if you left after I first called you."
Well, this guy has a point. But still...
"Still, you should call me not to go when it rained."
"I was about to do that. However, you told me not to call again."
Another point was taken. But I won't lose to this argument, Simmons.
"A miracle that you obeyed what I said."
"I'll take that as a compliment," He said as he sipped from a cup. "I never obeyed a girl's orders before." He added.
I shook my head, not buying what he said.
"Whatever you say, Paris. What is the purpose of this meeting, anyway? What's your agenda for today?" I said while taking off my drenched raincoat and hanging it on the porch railings.
"I'm well informed that you are dense and cold-hearted but, can you appreciate that I made a porch after you almost fell off the treehouse."
As I expected. He called me just to brag about the porch.
"I'm aware of what I can see. I'm perfectly aware that you paid someone to do it. In other words, it is not from your effort. It was just a coincidence that you have money and influence. Therefore, you won't impress me with your filthy money, rich playboy."
"Ouch. That hurt me." He said, acting like a wounded puppy.
"You deserve it," I said, smirking at him.
"You have been hurting me for the past few hours now. But I tell you, Mojan, that you can't hide it. You made it too obvious."
What? What did I make too obvious? Don't tell me he thinks I like him. Ha! What a bluff!
I was even shocked when he started to walk closer towards me. This is why being in the same room with boys is bad. But I'm ready to kick his balls whatever happens. It made my heart jolt when he placed his palm on my forehead.
"See? I knew it. You're burning with fever, London!"
There was a brief silence. He was looking at me like I did something terrible. He placed the cup on the table and crossed his arms.
I ignored him and went inside the treehouse. I feel a bit cold outside.
"Goodness," he said while walking to and fro, "What should I do? What should I do, London?"
"Stop panicking, idiot. This is not fever. Isn't it obvious that I ran to get here? I'm just tired."
"Wait. I've searched for it on the internet. You have to lie down." He ordered, pointing to the couch.
"No way! What are you going to do with me?"
"Just trust me. You're sick. Just do this for yourself." He said as he forced me to lie down.
"I have to go home at five a.m. before my parents come back from their business trip." I protested.
"Stay here until you get better, London." He ordered, giving me a stern look.
"Wow," I gasped and shook my head, "Never thought a doctor-wanna-be could be this scary."
I heard he wants to be a doctor someday. Bet he will be one of the hottest doctors clouded with lots of girls.
"You bet. So, lie down on the couch and be a good girl. Before I spill all your secrets, promise," He raised his hand swearing, "I won't do anything bad to you. I wouldn't want to leave someone to die because of a fever."\
"Fine." I rolled my eyes as I lay down.
Before I knew it my eyelids turned heavy and I fell asleep.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't make you come here." says the voice.
I turned around and saw the shadow but it faded away like dust. Suddenly, I was being pushed towards a door. Then I found myself in the rain outside the house. I feel cold.
"Please let me inside! Mom! Dad! I'm sorry! I'll make it perfect next time! Please! I'll study harder! I won't eat. I won't sleep. Please open the door! Please don't leave me here! Mom! Dad!' as I cried while banging on the door.
"London, wake up. You're dreaming."
"Please!" I screamed as I woke up catching my breath.
"Are you okay?" He asked with concern.
I nodded. I always had nightmares during rainy days. Most of them were about my parents giving me punishments. I acted like it was nothing in front of Paris. I don't want him to ask more questions.
"Here. I bought you something to eat." He said, proudly showing the bag of groceries.
"I think you bought too much," I commented as I looked at him while he opened the bags.
"I think I do," he laughed. "Look, I bought a hot and a cold compress, vitamins, painkillers, and...Tada! I bought you hot chicken soup."
"Thanks, I'm starving." Trying to reach it, but he moved it away from me.
"But first I want an update about your plan to convince Venice to be my girlfriend."
Yeah, this is all about making her your girlfriend. I almost forgot this is all about her.
I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Just give me that." I grabbed the soup from his hands.
I'm tired of presenting ideas, but I'll just throw any idea I can think of. Quick-witted London, here I go!
"What if you just confess to her in front of the whole school?"
"I tried that already."
Yes. I kinda remember what a show-off he was.
"Really? I could guess why you were turned down. Bighead!" I snorted.
"How sure are you that I was turned down?"
"I was there, loser. Besides, the whole campus knows it."
He shook his head. "I'm not a loser."
I nodded. "Convince yourself that you are not."
"I'll take that soup back." He reached for the bowl as he tried to snatch it.
"No!" I said with authority, while I moved the soup away and drank it in one go.
Did I just see him smiling at me? Maybe I'm just hallucinating. I still feel sleepy. I placed the empty bowl after drinking the soup till the last drop.
"Anyway, What do you like about Venice?"
"What do I like about her? How would that help your plan?"
"It would help because it would show what you truly feel about her. You will not end up like some money-bragging rich boy. Just like what happened in your confession!" as my hands gestured from head to toe.
He gasped. "Did you just gesture the whole of me as you utter those hurtful words?"
I nodded confidently. "Affirmative. Now tell me. What do you like about her, Playboy?" as I place my hands under my chin.
"I don't know specifically. But it was freshman year, she stood up for me when seniors tried to bully me. She was like a superhero who came to save me. She doesn't remember it, though."
I feel sorry for him if only he knew the bitchy side of Venice. But I'll try not to pop his happy bubble. He would not even believe me. He seemed to be so in love with Venice's angelic face. I shook my head with dismay.
"That's so her." I lied. "She's very kind towards boys. But you were a loser ever since, huh? Bullied by seniors? The Playboy who bullies girl's hearts was bullied?"
I was glad that I successfully changed the subject. Felt like I was about to puke at any second if he talked more about his dream girl.
"Yeah, but I'm not a loser." He said in his defense. "And anyone can be bullied."
"You know what? A little tip about us, girls. We like genuine boys. We like to know if they are being true and sincere. You don't need to impress us with your riches and fame. Like what you did earlier by making this porch. Impress us with what you are. You don't have to change or make a mask to make girls love you. You'll just have to be you."
"Woah. That was deep. But I didn't make that porch to impress you. It's just I don't want to be the next one falling from this treehouse."
I rolled my eyes, turning them towards him. "Yeah, right. But to make her your girlfriend?" I shook my head and sighed. "That would be hard. She is very picky. P-I-C-K-Y. Besides, she's very fond of Scot as of now. But," I paused and he gave me a hopeful look, "they aren't officially dating yet. So you still have a chance. Take it or lose it."
"So what to do?" He said as he leaned closer.
"Just be yourself. Stop being a playboy and start being a lover boy. It made me confused because you always know your way around girls. So why would you ask me? Why are you so-," I shrugged. "You know that?"
"Yeah, I'm just nervous." He sighed.
I tried not to say the word "nervous" but he admitted it.
"Ask her out this Monday. Be with her all-time especially on those times she was having troubles. Listen when she talks about things even the nonsense ones. Most of all, make her feel what you feel for her. Simple as that. As much as possible, no money is involved. It just takes time and effort."
"How about Scot? You said she was fond of him."
"I'll distract him. You take your Venice and I'll clear the obstacles for you."
"Would you be fine?"
My brows crumpled at his question.
"What? Yeah."
If it was just Scot. Of course. He's easy to be with, unlike you.
"I mean. Will you be okay? What if you still have a fever?"
I shook my head. "Oh, don't mind that. Just focus on Venice. I will be fine when classes start. I have to go. It's already three. Thank you for the soup and everything else."
"Don't thank me. The vitamins were mine so that I won't catch your fever."
I was expecting he would let me take it so I won't have a fever again. Narcissistic jerk! He's not selfless, at all.
"Wait!" He called out, "The last check before you go." My heart skipped as he moved his hands and cupped my cheeks.
"What are you doing?" I managed to say it despite my racing heart.
"Your fever is down. You may go. See you on Monday, London." He said, then removed his hands quickly.
"Okay. See you at school, playboy." I said, turning around and hiding my blushing cheeks.