Chapter 7

James

I and Josh met yesterday after I had the bump incident with Anna. I was at the parking lot at that time and went to fetch my motorcycle. My house is just near the school but I love riding my big bike that’s why I used my big bike often. Before I even started the engine, the guy who I don’t know told me that I have a cool bike and his name was Josh. He asks me if we could hang out some time and I agreed to it. And now, we ended up hanging out at Anna’s place.

I’m kind of having fun when I’m around with Anna and I don’t know why do I have this feeling when I’m around her. This bet is surely the best thing that has gone good with this day so far. I don’t think Anna will win and the date has no meaning. It’s just a bet, it’s not like I like her already.

In my surprise, Anna grabs my shirt and leans her head against my chest with her eyes closed. I can feel her hand shaking and I think that the phasmopobia thing wasn’t a joke at all.

Josh glances at the both of us and he have this unexplainable look written all over her face. He turns off the dvd player and said, “I think we should go.”

“Anna.” I called her name and when she look at me, there are tears escaping from her eyes. I took out my handkerchief from my pocket and gave it to her, “I’m sorry.” Is all I said.

“No, I’m sorry.” She replied.

“Do you want me to get you some water?” Josh suggested.

Anna wiped the tears from her eyes and let out a heavy breathe. “I’m fine. I think I just lost the bet.” She chuckles, “Let’s just hang out some other time.”

“Are you sure? I can stay if you want.” Josh suggested.

“I’m fine. I think it’s just best if the both of you will leave.” She said.

“Okay. Take care. See you at school. I’ll be heading first.” Josh have this weak smile plastered on his lips and head out without even talking to me.

She looks at me with a faint smile and said, “I’m sorry. For messing up your shirt and your handkerchief. I should’ve gone with the bet and just admitted defeat.”

“No, I should be the one who’ll be saying sorry. Don’t worry about it. This bet is nothing, just forget about it. See you? I guess.” I stare down at my feet and went towards the main door to head out.

“James.” She called out my name and turn to look at her.

“I lost the bet. I need to face the consequences. This is just a bet, right?” She showed me her smile.

This is kind of awkward because silence filled the air. I don’t know what to say.

I just smiled back at her and pinch both of her cheeks, “Saturday. Next week. 8pm. I’ll pick you up sweetheart.” I wink at her playfully and she just smiled at me.

“I’ll go ahead.” I let go off her cheeks and turn my head away from her. I took off.

--

What just happened a while ago? What is this feeling I’m having when I’m with her? It’s unexplainable and full of mixed emotions. What is happening to me?

I have this things running inside my head. I went straight to my bedroom when I reach our house. I sat down at my bed and stare down at both of my feet.

“James?”

“James?”

“James?!”

I exited from the thoughts that are running inside my head and was surprised to see Andre standing in front of me.

“What do you want?” I ask as I lie myself down.

He came to sit beside me, “What were you thinking? I’ve been calling your name like three times?” He replied with a doubtful look on his face.

I change the topic and said, “How’s your car?”

“Fine. I guess.” He replied to my question.

“Why are you in my room anyway?” My brother usually goes in my room if he needed something but with the looks of things, I think he have something to say.

“Lorraine.” He said.

It has been years since I last heard of that name. Lorraine is my first girlfriend but now she is just my ex. I never liked and loved her actually. My mom just insisted me dating her because of some business. I did not actually agreed at first but when my father's business starts to fall down, I needed to date Lorraine so that his father will help my father's company. But my father was not that lucky, his company continued to fall down. Until one day, he is offered a job here and before we even move, I broke up with Lorraine and told her why I dated her at the first place.

I was surprised that she knew it all along. I asked her why did she not break up with me and she told me that she loves me. I apologize because I can't give any love in return. She was silent until she gave me her last words, "You'll love me back. You just wait and see." I ignored it. Because whatever she will do, there is no way I'll love her.

She is beautiful, sexy, has blonde hair and hazel brown eyes. She is rich and is very spoiled by her dad. But I don't really feel loving her. You can't just force yourself to love someone whom you don't even love. I just treat her as my friend.

“She’ll be here next week.” He sighs and it was evident that he was annoyed by it.

“How do you manage to do that?” I ask.

He took his phone out of his pocket and showed me the message that Lorraine sent to him. That girl seriously need to have a boyfriend already because he doesn’t stop irritating me and my brother.

“I thought you changed your number already?” I followed another question.

“I did!” He retorted. “I don’t even know how she got it.” He added.

Seems like I have a problem to settle. The text that Lorraine sent said that she’ll be here next week at around eight and I have a date with Anna next week at eight. I’m definitely going to that date.

“What were you thinking again?” He ask.

“I have a date next week.” I said frustratingly. “It was a bet, okay?” I added.

He chuckled for seconds, “A bet for a date?” He laughs, “Whoever that girl was, she’s definitely lucky.”

“Who’s the girl anyway?” He followed with a question.

“Why do you want to know?” I crossed my arms against my chest.

He just kept on teasing me. What can I say? He’s my big brother.