Chapter 4
1043 Words
"Ouch, that hurts! I don't really mean to kiss you." I was guilty seeing how hurt Theo was.
He can't pull prank like that and he somewhat deserved my punch. I can dodge it, but my reflexes were fast that I punched him
"Don't pull prank like that." And I frowned because I was feeling guilty.
"Understand, Jacob Theodore Morgan?" I said completing his name and stop at that.
I gasped and look at him bewildered.
He is a Jacob too and I find it hard to breathe.
"I can't promise not to do it again, Stella Rose Carpo." Theo replied seriously as he was holding his mouth.
It was a bad decision not to know the man's face three months ago. Here I am very paranoid, suspecting every walking Jacob.
"Theo, I'm sorry but I have many things to do. It's better if you rest first." I suggested, not wanting to spend any seconds with him.
Theo is one of my friends, I considered him friends despites his display of affection towards me, but he can be the man that night and that he can't either remember or he just choose not to announce himself.
"I'll leave you then, princess. Expect me some time this afternoon." He winked and left my office.
I am holding my head in confusion; he can't be the one. I will surely recognize him back that night, but I don't know anymore, that event was confusing and haunting me.
I should have seen his face, but I did not. I groaned wanting to beat myself.
"Ms. Stella, are you alright?" I jumped of the sudden call.
"Oh, Carrie. How long have you been there?" I asked not knowing she is inside my office. I was battling against myself and I'm not winning, I'm in the battle to be defeated.
"Not long. I'm just here to remind you about your meeting in Eastwood, all afternoon."
"Really, great." I'm really feeling great. It only means I can avoid Theo.
"Carrie, don't look at me like that. I'm perfectly fine." I smiled at my own lie this time.
* * *
I'm much contented even the meeting almost bored me out. It's better than facing Theo again and I decided to head home right away.
I should have head home that night and none of this chaos is happening to me, like I was a rat hiding from a cat.
My mood darkened as I spot a familiar car outside my place. Theo is waiting. Avoiding him is hard when he knew almost everything about me. He knew my office, my home, my phone number and whatever it is. I just groaned out of frustration inside my car.
I already planned to just stay inside until he can no longer wait, but Theo spotted me, and I have no choice but to get out of my car.
"I decided to drop by knowing you are out all afternoon." He said as he saw me.
"Theo, true to your words." I said more sarcastically.
"I always am, princess. Any plan for tonight?" He asked.
"I'm really tired and wanted to just stay at home." My reply was dead and realizing it I was feeling the guilt.
He doesn't deserve this.
"Geez. You aren’t fun! How can you treat me like this? How about we hit some bar and relax?"
Bar. Not good word.
"On Tuesday night?" I asked him in disbelief.
"Was there a rule I cannot remember on not going to the bar on weekdays?" He asked like I was the unbelievable one.
"Fine, fine. You really looked tired and I'm becoming inconsiderate." He said defeated seeing my state.
"I'm sorry, Theo. Dad is not around so I'm taking all his meetings making me so busy." It was part of the truth and the rest is that I'm not comfortable around him, but seeing his rejected face added to the guilt I felt earlier.
"How about next day?" I suggested. Hoping that it will suffice to make him happy
"Too bad I'll do beaching. Probably, I'll see you on the wedding."
"You are invited?" I asked.
"Yes, of course. Check your invitation dear, that's why I am here."
Reminding of that, I didn't look of it, yet.
"Then, that's good." I commented.
Theo is not aware of how I was to Zach few years ago.
"Only, I'm not your partner but my cousin." He said as if he was irritated.
"You have cousin?" I asked just knowing the fact about his family.
"We better not talk about him. That bastard is so lucky, if only I can switch with him, so I'll be your partner!"
"I never know you are this mean! He is your cousin." I smiled at his reaction.
"Haha, you tell me when you met him." He said with warning.
"I'll be glad to meet your cousin, then. Perhaps, he is a handsome fellow!" I was teasing Theo, now.
We completely changed the mood as we are into the conversation of his cousin.
"I better lock him during the wedding." He said.
"I'm just joking! How about dinner, then?" I surprisingly offered that lightened his face to the instant.
"Finally, you made my day!" Theo cheered.
"Night." I corrected as we both get inside in the house.
* * *
"I can't believe, it's already late!" Theo complained as if he wanted to stop the time.
"True." I agreed with a yawn.
"Alright, I get it. I better go. The princess must sleep now." Finally, Theo has the sense.
"Let's go." I invited him as I started to march to unlock the door for him.
"Stella." Theo called me for the first time this day, by my name. Then, I find it familiar, almost similar.
"Hmm..." I eyed him sleepily.
"Are you okay attending the wedding of Zach?" He asked worriedly.
He knew. Of course, he will know. The man is sort of stalker if I know.
"Of course, why not?" I questioned him in return.
"I'm just asking." He chuckled after that, good thing he is not pushing the topic more.
"Goodnight, then." I was surprised by his kiss again.
He closed the door before I can even protest about it.
- - -
- Writer
