Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Rick is currently sleeping soundly so I thought it would be the best time to call Kimberly and ask about my family. I check what time is it in the Philippines and it is perfect. The Philippines is six hours ahead of Spain. Now it is 1:00 pm so in the Philippines it is 7:00 in the evening. Kimberly is now off in school, she is probably home or somewhere but not at work anymore that is what's important. I will not disturb her or distract her when she is working.

I dialed her number and it took several rings before she pick up. I saw her background and it seems like she is in a fancy restaurant.

"Hi Kimmy. How are you? I missed you." I said.

Something is really strange with my best friend. She looks uncomfortable and uneasy. I can't explain but Kimberly is acting weird and it started the last time we speak. I can feel that she is hiding something from me.

"Hi Emi. I'm fine how about you?" she said and give me a fake smile. I can really see that her smile is seemed forced.

"I'm good. Where are you? It looks like you are on a date, am I disturbing you?" I asked to confirm.

"Yeah. I really can't talk right now Emi. I am really sorry. But I will call you, I swear. If I have time, I will go and see your family so you guys can talk, okay?" she said.

"Okay no worries Kim-"I was not able to finish what I said since she already end the video call.

This is the very first time that Kimberly does not want to talk to me. Like she is avoiding me. She used to have those dates before, but she dismiss or cancel in no time if I would come up to her for something. She always prioritize me. No other person has ever make me feel important and valued but Kimberly. But now, I have no idea what is going on. I sighed deeply and lay down beside little Rick. I hugged him and I feel better. This kid really has a magical effect on me. I was about to burst in tears because of Kimberly's cold treatment towards me. But it all suddenly disappeared just by hugging the child I babysit. Never mind, maybe Kimberly has her own reasons, maybe she has her own problems as well. I shake all the negative thoughts away. I should not think of something bad about my friend. I did not even noticed that I fell asleep while hugging little Rick. It feel so good having his tiny body in my arms that I feel asleep soundly along with him.

………………………………………………………..

"Are you okay, babe?" my date asked me.

"I'm fine. Let's eat." I replied.

I am currently at the restaurant having a date with this guy that I just met yesterday. I am feeling bad right now. I did not have a good sleep for weeks now. Since the last time Emily and I spoke. Since I found out who her employer is. I stopped talking to her and I avoid her family. I don't know what to do. Should I tell Aunt Emilia about it? She will be very devastated. The forgotten guilt has consumed me and how much more to her. For sure she will feel very bad.

Emily called today and I hang up on her. It is the very first time that I declined to spend time with her. That never happened because she is my very first priority and I am also to her. I know that I hurt her feelings and it hurts me more. I am hiding a secret from her. A secret that is unforgiveable if she finds out that I am hiding from her. A secret that me and her own mother only knows.

"You can tell me what's bothering you babe. Maybe I can help." said the man in front of me which makes me feel a bit annoyed.

"No, I'm fine." I said.

But the truth is I really want to punch him. He is acting like a longtime boyfriend or husband rather. I now regret that I went out with him. I just met him yesterday, he offered help when I was on my way to my classroom and was having a hard time carrying all my studying materials. He is a good friend of my co-teacher. He went to school to see him. I said yes when he invited me over dinner and gave him my number as a way of gratitude for helping me.

"It seems that you are not listening to me." he said.

He is really pestering me. I am not in the mood anymore. I want to go home but I don't want to be rude to this man who took a lot of effort for this so called dinner date. He really rented the whole restaurant exclusively for us. Well, he is a good looking guy and a gentleman as well but I am really bothered right now because of Emily.

"I'm really sorry Max. I am not feeling well, can we go home?" I asked.

"Of course, babe. I'll take you home. You should have told me earlier. I noticed it for a while but you said you were fine." he said blaming me and it annoyed me again.

"I'm sorry, you are right." I said to drop the discussion and I can go home.

"All right let's go." he said.

I can tell that he was pissed off. I can't really blame him. I bet it cost him a lot to pay an exclusive stay for this restaurant. We went to his car, just like a real gentleman, he opened the door for me. While we are traveling I noticed that he goes to a different direction. He already knows where my house is located because he picked me up earlier, I gave him my address together with my number yesterday. I was a bit nervous when I look at him his face was so serious. He was clenching his jaw and his eyebrows almost lined in one.

"W-wait, Max this is not the way to my place." I nervously said. He just smiled like a devil.

"Who says we are going to your place?" he asked with a devil grin.

"Max, this is not a good joke." I said.

"You know what, it is unfair that I spend a lot for that restaurant and spend time with you then get nothing." he said.

=Sarsi=