FOREIGN BLISS

CHAPTER FIVE

Days went by faster than what Christopher hoped. Saturday is already on and they need to prepare for their guesting at the TV show in the afternoon. The staffs were busy accomplishing their every task and focused on creating a stage that can showcase their full potential on the show.

“So should they answer these one by one or just the one who wants to answer it?” Lucas asked the show director, holding the folder filled with the flow of the program.

The director looked at the paper being showed on him, then adjusted his glasses before looking at Lucas. “It’s much better if they all answer, but it depends on how the question looks for them.” he said, answering his question.

“Okay, thank you.” Lucas said and gave a slight bow before walking towards the waiting room when the Gray Sky members were currently in.

While walking, he browsed on the papers he’s holding, mainly focusing on the statements and questions that the interviewers will say later on. “I guess everything’s going smooth.” He commented after done with browsing.

Upon reaching their room, Lucas reached for the doorknob then twisted it, opening the band’s waiting area, revealing the loud music that was playing on their speaker. “These kids.” Lucas whispered to himself.

Then he saw the three of them, who’s currently busy with different things: Denver tapping the drum sticks to the table while humming with the song, Johann sitting comfortable with his legs up the table and his arms crossed behind his head and eyes closed, and Christopher browsing on his phone with a lollipop stick stuck on his mouth.

“Yo,” Lucas greeted, with none of them noticing his existence. He cleared his throat and clapped his hand thrice, yet still came up with the same result, ignored.

Annoyed, he went to the speaker and turned off the switch, making them stop what they’re doing and look at the culprit. “Oh, you’re here?” Johann asked lazily, with only one eye opened and looking at him. “Did you bring food?” he added.

“You should have just called us.” Denver said, putting his drum sticks on the table, his eyes curiously looking at their manager. “What’s with the stare?” he commented, noticing the annoyed look Lucas displayed.

“What’s up El?” Christopher asked after tossing the lollipop stick on the trashcan. “Why did you turn it off? It was on the best part.” he continued, pertaining to the music on the speaker.

“Now you guys noticed me.” Lucas said, his annoyance still evident. “The show will air in three hours; I came here to check on you guys.” he said after checking the time through his wristwatch.

“Great. I can sleep for a while.” Johann said, releasing a yawn before closing his eyes once again and put his right arm on his face, covering his eyes. “Wake me up when it’s time to prepare.” he added, the slowly dozed off.

“What will you do, Den El?” Christopher asked. Denver hummed, thinking for a while before facing him, getting his tablet out and showed it to Christopher. “I’ll just play and kill my boredom.” he answered, leaning back on his chair and started playing his car race game.

“Oh, okay.” Christopher replied, before facing Lucas, an idea bubbling up inside him. “Can I go out for a while? Just in the mall near here.” he asked with expectant expression.

Lucas stared at him for a while before checking his watch again, thinking about the answer he’ll blurt out. “It’s 12:35 already, be back at 2 p.m. so you can change and prepare.” he said, making Christopher nod and stood up.

“Thanks El.” he replied, already getting his cap, mask and glasses out for his disguise. “Be careful on your way there, okay?” Lucas reminded him.

“Sure El.” Christopher answered and put his glasses on. Lucas watched him silently before speaking out his question. “Hey Chris, why are you calling me El?”

“Because you’re older.” Christopher answered without thinking. “But I am your manager, not your bandmate.” Lucas reasoned out.

“So?” Christopher said. “You’re with us since beginning. And I don’t want to call you sir.” He added then smirked before putting on his black mask.

Instead of taking it as an offense, Lucas just sighed and smile. “Just go now, kid.” he said while looking at him who’s currently putting his cap on his head, finally accepting the nickname that Christopher used to call him for years already.

“Yeah yeah.” Christopher said lazily before looking at the mirror, checking himself out. His gray sweat shirt and black pants matched with his black cap, glasses and mask. Once satisfied, he faced the door before taking a glance at his companions.

“Be back at 2 okay?” Lucas reminded again. “Call us when you’re stuck and recognized.” Denver added, reminding him on their ruled when going out alone.

“Yep. Thanks Els.” Christopher replied before walking towards the door, opening and closing it after he got out.

He silently walked and blended with the others, hoping that he can enjoy his time without having the crowd noticing him. It took him several minutes of walking before finally reaching the entrance of the mall.

After entering, he roamed his eyes at his surroundings, deciding on what stall should he visit first. “Guess I should grab something to eat first.” he said to himself then checked his watch, seeing the time reading 12: 50 p.m.

“I have to get my lunch first.” he said, walking to the left direction and into the escalator.

While in the escalator, he looked around once again and noticed every detail his eyes can detect. “Ours were definitely better.” he muttered, taking pride in their family malls.

Christopher is the second son of the owner of the first ranked malls worldwide. Their mall, Evanian Mall, has several branches that people can literally see it in every continent.

“I just ate a lollipop, so having a vegetable meal will-” his mumbling to himself were interrupted when he collided with a person who’s walking from the opposite direction, making the shopping bags that the female holds scatter on the floor.

“Ow!” they said almost in sync.

“And that’s why I shouldn’t have followed those two.” the girl, Daphne muttered to herself while staring at the floor and the scattered bags. “These stuffs weren’t really needed in-” her words were stopped midway when the man who collided with her talked.

“I’m sorry, miss.” Christopher said, now in a kneeling position and offered his hand to help Daphne stand.

“No, it’s also my-” she stopped talking once again when she looked at the man she bumped with. Those eyes were familiar. She thought, with her heartbeat starting to increase as if delighted to receive a gift she wanted for a long time. Wait- Christopher?!

Her eyes widened when she realized on who did she bumped with. She looked around hurriedly and saw series of stares being cast on them. With that, she looked at the floor and saw the glasses he was wearing, then quickly took it and put it in Christopher’s open hand.

Christopher curiously took the glasses and watched the girl get all the shopping bags around her. He then looked around and saw the crowd slowly forming, with some murmuring and whispering to each other. Crap, he thought.

“Put it on now.” Daphne whispered then gathered all the shopping bags she loose hold and stood up.

“Uh, I’m gonna get-”

“Run!” Daphne suddenly said and took his hand, making him run along with her. I’m sure they recognized him, why did his glasses fell for crying out loud! Daphne mentally complained.

She learned about the fans’ and supporters’ sharp eye when it comes to their idol from Melanie and Fiona. They did give her a little, or more like lots, of briefing and explanation about things that she doesn’t know whether reliable or not.

“See?! I told you it’s Christopher from Gray Sky!” the moment the girl from the crowd said those words loudly made them run faster, because that sudden excited yell was followed by series of footsteps with pace that are gradually increasing.

Christopher followed the direction where Daphne’s going, specially that her hand was on his. He found them running and turning in every corner until they reached the staircase where people manually walk.

They hid behind the wall and watched the people who chases them continue running and went passed by them. 

“Thanks.” Christopher said after releasing a sigh of relief and done catching his breath. Daphne looked at him and raised her thumb up. “No prob. And sorry for bumping into you.” she said, accepting the gratitude and apologizing at the same time.

“It’s fine. I’m not looking at where I’m going either.” Christopher said and lowered his mask down to wipe his face. “You really saved me.” he said and smiled.

Daphne fought the urge to smile and literally act weird in front of him. “It’s okay. It’s my p*****t for ruining your disguise.” she said and gave a small, reassuring smile.

Don’t scare him off with your weirdness Daph. She thought, mentally reminding herself. The past days weren’t the usual one she’s having before. The changes weren’t really noticeable due to her façade yet she knew herself well, so she's aware of what's happening in her system.

“Uh, you see,” Christopher started, internally debating whether to say the words he wanted to say or just let it be and leave her alone. “I’m about to have lunch. Care to join me?” he asked.

Daphne looked at him with a shock face. “No it’s fine.” she said, politely turning down his offer. “You can go and take your time like nothing-”

“It’ll be my p*****t for taking me out of the possible ruckus back there.” Christopher interrupted with a smile.

“Okay, if it’s really fine with you.” Daphne answered, thinking that it’s the best way or else she will look like a girl acting high and mighty when she’s actually not.

“Let’s just wait for a while to make sure they won’t pass by here anymore.” Christopher said and put back his mask. “I don’t want to risk us to run again.” he added and laughed softly.

“Well,” Daphne started. “I know a place where people rarely go. It’s just some floors up from here.” she suggested. “We can take the stairs to go there.” she added.

Christopher thought for a while before looking at his watch, seeing that it’s already 1:23 p.m. He will go back to the building in a few minutes. “Sure.”

They walked silently and only the sound of their footsteps were echoing on the staircase. After a while, they reached the fifth floor and Daphne signaled that she should go first and take a look.

When the coast is clear, she looked at him and nodded. “It’s clear.” she said then smiled.

They continued walking until they reach the last room on the left, Infinite BnM, a restaurant that gives the costumers the leisure to read books while eating their desired meal.

Upon entering, they met a warm decorated area, on where the books were neatly stacked on both left and right and the walls were painted in an antique and classical style, along with the chandeliers as their source of light, giving off the vibes of ancient times.

“I’ll go and order. Is there anything particular you like?” Daphne asked when they took a seat at the table near the window. Christopher shook his head. “Just the same as what you’ll have.”

Daphne nodded and stood up. “Uh, you can take off the mask if you’d like.” she said and roamed her eyes at the place. “There’s no one here except the cashier.” she continued and smiled.

“Thanks again.” Christopher said and removed his mask, putting it on the table and looked at her with a smile. Daphne then walked towards the cashier after seeing him comfortable at the place already.

“Two spaghetti meatballs and two iced tea please.” Daphne said, stating her order before pulling out her wallet and took the needed amount before giving it the cashier.

“Okay coming right up!” the cashier said enthusiastically before walking towards the kitchen entrance and told their order.

“Are you his girlfriend?” the cashier asked Daphne after she went back to her position. Daphne quickly shook her head with matching hand gestures.

“Please don’t say a word about him being here.” Daphne requested. The cashier smiled and nodded. “Only if you guys will come back.” she said and winked before laughing.

“I don’t know if possible but we’ll try.” Daphne replied and smiled shyly. “And thank you, Vivienne.” she added after looking at her tag.

“You know, I am not really a fan of them.” Vivienne said. “But my sister is practically addicted to them so I knew some.” she added and smiled. “My sister will get jealous if I tell her I saw Christopher in person.”

“Serving the spaghetti meatballs and their teas!” the staff from the kitchen shouted, making Vivienne look at their direction before speed walking towards them, taking the tray with their order with her.

“Enjoy.” Vivienne said and gave the tray before winking. “I promise I won’t tell a soul.” she whispered when Daphne reached for the tray, making her smile and thank her once again.

Daphne walked back to their table and saw Christopher looking the window beside him. This really seemed unreal to me. Daphne thought.

She put the tray down making him look at it before looking at her. He smiled and took the plates and put it in front of them, then placed the iced teas beside it and put the tray on the nearby table.

“I don’t know if you like this but enjoy.” Daphne said and took the spoon and fork, pacing a pair on her plate and offered other pair to him. “And oh, the cashier said she won’t tell anyone about your existence here.”

“Thank you.” Christopher said after taking the spoon and fork. “And don’t worry. I eat almost everything.” he added and laughed, making Daphne laugh as well.

“Why are you out here alone anyway?” Daphne couldn’t help but ask. “We’ll guest at an afternoon show and I still have some time left before it; so I decided to go here for a while.” He answered.

After the question she asked, they continued eating with loud, awkward silence. One, because they’re practically strangers, two, they don’t know what to say, and three, they can’t find the right topic to open up.

Without realizing the time, he was passed the time limit he was given, which cause his manager, Lucas to call him.

“Excuse me.” he said before taking his phone and answered the call.

“You’re four minutes past 2 p.m!” Lucas’ loud voice greeted him, not giving Christopher the chance to at least say hello on the caller.

“What do you mean I’m-” he stopped talking when he looked at his watch and saw that he really is past the time limit. “Crap.”

“Don’t crap me! Get back here and prepare young man.” Lucas continued scolding, making Christopher nearly remove the phone from his ear. “Calm down. I’m going back.” Christopher said and sighed. “Sorry.”

“Ok kid,” Lucas said and sighed. “Just get back here.” he said after calming down then hanged up the phone.

“Looks like your time’s up.” Daphne commented after he put the phone back on his pocket.

Christopher nodded sheepishly before shyly scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah. Sorry about that.” he said before smiling, bowing slightly.

“It’s fine.” Daphne answered and waved her hands in a dismissing manner. “I’m done eating too so I’ll go now as well.” she continued.

Christopher took his mask and put it back on, before standing up and looked at her. “Oh, how much is this meal? I said I’ll treat you right?” he asked, nearly forgetting about the deal he offered a while ago.

“It’s fine.” Daphne answered and stood up, taking all the shopping bags. “You’re in a hurry, right? You should get going now.” she continued, denying his offer.

“But-” he hadn’t finished his argument when she spoke again. “If you really insist, you can just make it up to me by going now and don’t be later than you already are.” Daphne said, smiling as she tries to persuade him to agree with her.

Christopher sighed and scratched the back of his neck once again like what he normally does when he’s shy or confused. “Fine. You win.” he said, unsuccessful in defending his agenda.

They walked together towards the exit, where they met the cashier, Vivienne once again, but this time, she’s holding a broom and a dustpan.

“Thank you for coming!” she greeted enthusiastically like before and waved her free hand after holding the broom and the dustpan in one hand.

Christopher smiled, then he remembered that he’s wearing a mask so he waved his hand and offered a slight bow. “Thank you for not snitching on us.” he said as a joke, making her laugh and wink at them. “Just come back here again huh?”

Christopher and Daphne looked at each other before looking away at the same time, flustered at their timing that made them look at each other at the same time.

“We’ll see.” Christopher answered, almost in a whisper. “Yeah.” Daphne seconded, with voice mirroring his tone, making Vivienne laugh again at their sudden awkwardness.

“Go now guys.” Vivienne said, breaking their mini awkward trance. “Bye!” she said loudly while waving at them, with Christopher and Daphne waving back until they turned around and faced the front.

“Uh,” Daphne started. “I’ll just take the stairs. I don’t know the world of you guys but I heard from my friends that many eyes are following you. So it’s better if you go alone and be careful on your way back.” she added, suggesting a way to get down.

“No it’s fine, It’s easier if we go down with the ele-”

“Sorry to cut you again but no. What if those who’s chasing you are still there? They saw me with you so they might chase you again if they saw us together. They might remember your clothes or mine or something. It’s better if you’re more careful.” Daphne said, her overthinking and ways to avoid trouble is getting the best of her again.

“You’re quite a perfectionist and a strategist.” Christopher complimented, impressed by her way of thinking. If I’ve been with someone else, I think that person will agree in gong with me. He thought, amazed by her uniqueness as someone who knew him.

“I guess it’s part of me to worry over little details.” Daphne said, with a small smile present in her features. “Oh wait.” she said, opening her shoulder bag and took out her dark gray knitted beanie, the one she brought in case it’ll be colder.

“This might not be a big help but at least something changed from your outfit.”  she said, handing out the beanie to him.

“You really think about everything huh?” he asked as he took the beanie. “I just want to be sure.” Daphne answered quietly, just enough for the both of them to hear while staring on the ground.

 Oh sheezniz, I creeped him out! Her brain shouted as she thought of her actions she now regrets.  I should’ve just kept quiet.

“Thank you.” Christopher said, making her lift her gaze and saw him already wearing her beanie. He folded the cap and tried to put it in his sweatshirt’s pocket, but the cap is unnecessarily noticeable.

“Here.” Daphne said, this time, offering a small white paper bag that once had the colored pens she brought, but she put it in her bag and handed the bag to him. “It’s not that small or big for the cap.” she added.

Shoot. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut. Daphne thought, internally panicking about the mistake she thought she did. I should sew my mouth for good.

“Thank you.” Christopher said, taking the paper bag and placed his cap inside. “You should go now. You’re late right?” Daphne said, making him remember that their manager might give him a long sermon after he came back.

“Crap, you’re right!” he said after realizing the things he nearly forgot, speed walking towards the elevator. “Thanks for everything!” he yelled after he looked back and waved his hand, making Daphne wave her hand with a smile in return.

I did it right, right? Daphne thought to herself, before walking towards the elevator’s opposite direction and into the manual staircase.

While in the elevator, Christopher opened his phone and checked on the updates when his phone vibrated and revealed their manager calling him again.

“I’m on my-” Christopher didn’t finished his statement once again when Lucas spoke, nearly breaking his eardrums.

“Hurry! The two are done with changing outfits and now on their hair and make-up!” Lucas shouted in the other line. “It’s 2:25 p.m. for crying out loud!” he continued.

“Sorry El. I got caught up in some people recognizing me so I need to run and save myself.” Christopher reasoned out, making Lucas heave a deep sigh. “Didn’t we told you to call us when that happened?”

“Are you alright?” he continued asking. “I’m fine El. Besides there’s a girl who-” Christopher stopped midway when he realized something.

“Who what? Helped you?” Lucas asked from the other line. Hearing no response from Christopher, he asked again. “Hey Chris, you there?”

Christopher continued blinking and internally asking himself on why did he forgot about that.

“What’s her name?”

As if on cue, the elevator dinged, opening on the first floor, snapping him out of his trance. “I forgot to ask her name!”