Chapter 8: Eight

Everything that had happened had to be erased from Maeluthe’s mind.

Embarrassingly, she kept shouting at herself. Just praying that the ground will just swallow her alive. That’s the only way she can think of to get rid of the embarrassment.

Maeluthe has tried to do everything. She was able to keep up with the laughter of Isiaah’s friends. She told stories and joked with them.

She also made herself drown in the beauty of the place but failed. After all that effort of hers, it just keeps coming back to her mind. . . how she even begged just to feel the man inside – she can’t bear to say it.

‘‘I’m sorry about my friends, Maeluthe.’’

He’s back again with the first name basis, she thought.

She didn’t know why her knee was still shaking. Maeluthe forced himself to face the man and faked a laugh like she had been doing before.

‘‘Actually, they are the good type of people. You are lucky because you have a friend like them,’’ Maeluthe said in a more serious voice.

That’s exactly how she really felt earlier. In fact, she was even jealous of how close the men were. She was able to meet Baste, Andrei, and Kairus, who are all funny, but you know you can count on each one of them.

Kairus Hernandez is the type of man who is passionate about what he does. H&H Hotels will not be popular in the Philippines or abroad otherwise. That’s what Maeluthe was sure of. Other than that, the guy was really blessed with his dark, serious, and cold stares. She already knew that he was sad, but like what she said to Isiaah, they are lucky with their friends.

Andrei Sager is a doctor. He didn’t have to say that to Maeluthe because he had already confirmed it with his stance and speech. But unlike the doctors she often talks to or sees, Andrei is a chill type. Everything that comes out of his mouth is true for Maeluthe. He’s really intelligent.

While Sebastian Clarete, on the other hand, is the happy-go-lucky guy. In their easy but deep conversation earlier, Maeluthe estimated how much he was trying to enjoy his life. She is somehow envious of the guy. She knows he has achieved a lot in life, many awards, and is already known in the country, but Baste remains humble. The man is foolish, but not once you will not see him disrespecting other people, especially those who are older than him.

‘‘Indeed,’’ the man agreed. He quickly sat down on the small bench that they had passed. He patted the small space beside him before looking at Maeluthe, and she sat there as well. ‘‘I realized, Baste is already there since day one. We were like half brothers. I’m getting tired of that man’s face, though.’’

The two burst out laughing at the same time. For once, they felt at ease. There is no need to linger and be embarrassed about what has just happened.

‘‘What about Kairus and Andrei? Where did you meet them?’’

Now that Maeluthe had a chance to look around the whole park, her head never stopped spinning.

This place is beautiful. Because she chose to confine herself at home when her parents passed away, she could no longer wander around for herself.

What a pathetic life, Maeluthe.

‘‘I met Drei when I was in high school. He was the geek type,’’ the man told her before laughing. ‘‘And me, I’m not really smart, so every time I talk to him, my nose really. . . hurts.’’

Maeluthe just laughed hard because of that. It is unbelievable that the man has had such experiences.

Soon, she smiled. The situation’s really perfect. It’s them, trying to get to know each other.

That situation was so perfect, and she wouldn’t ask to stop anymore.

It was nice to hear Isiaah’s voice, Maeluthe said to herself. If there was anything she wanted to ask now, I hope it would take her a little longer to hear his stories.

‘‘That’s when I promised myself that I would never approach Andrei again. But then, no, maybe I’m just too kind, and I approach him myself when I see him alone. He’s a loner back then, not until we became friends,’’ he continued.

‘‘I’m glad. . .’’ Maeluthe could no longer refrain from speaking. She suddenly felt emotional in Isiaah’s story. ‘‘I hope I have a friend like that too,’’ she added.

Ever since she really wanted to socialize with other people, but that’s exactly what she avoids. She intimidated them. As to how the young woman stood and looked, they were the ones who led her way — even if she just wanted to be friends with them.

Over the years, she just got used to it too. But that was before when her parents were still alive. With her parents, her life is fine. She doesn’t, even once, felt alone. However, when the two disappeared at the same time, her world finally stopped.

‘‘Now, you will have many friends,’’ the person next to him said. ‘‘You can talk to too many people with the kind of job you have. In one day, we have 1, 000-2, 000 customers, especially on weekdays in just one branch,’’ he added.

‘‘I know,’’ the woman laughed slightly. ‘‘Then that means we can be friends, too.’’

That’ll be amazing. The two will indeed get along well when they become friends. The needs they feel will disappear.

‘‘Yes, we shouldn’t do that,’’ he convinced her.

Noticing the young man’s long silence, Maeluthe easily addressed it. ‘‘Oh, why? Isn’t that possible because you’re my boss?’’

Isiaah shook his head violently, ‘‘No! I mean–’’

The woman just frowned at him, waiting for what he would say next.

For the very first time in his life, Isiaah was nervous and weak because of the woman.

‘‘–I don’t want to be friends with you. I-I don’t want us to be ‘just’ friends.’’

Uncontrollably, a weak laugh came out of Maeluthe’s mouth before seeing the snout of the man in front of her. ‘‘Just friends?’’

‘‘Damn it,’’ Isiaah blurted. Bewildered, she stood up and scratched his head so hard, unable to hide the embarrassment he felt because of what he said. ‘‘It’s just that. . .’’

Overjoyed, Maeluthe wanted to suppress a smile, causing her to bite her lower lip.

Is this really happening? Can I really hear that from Isaiah’s mouth?

‘‘I told you. You should stop biting your lips because I’m not–’’ Isiaah’s eyes widened as he stopped what he was saying because of Maeluthe’s lips suddenly touch his.

In shock, he was only able to watch the woman run away while laughing so much.

‘‘This is great. I am really happy,’’ he said to himself.

‘’Maeluthe Legson! You should give that kiss back! Wait until I get you!’’ he shouted even louder before deciding to chase the woman.

Whether afraid of the possible consequences of everything, he’ll never regret that he’ll take the risk this time. Never.

‘‘Be careful! Make sure you don’t get caught!’’ he continued to shout at the woman who was still laughing and waving at him.