His Punishment (9 page)

“But, dude, it’s not her fault.”
Christian defended her.

“I know that now. But when I went
back to school after my solo vacation, I found her. I know she’s afraid of me
when she saw me mad at her. Then I blamed her and all. Her fear of me turned me
on.” He started admitting his feelings.

“Whoa whoa!! You’re telling me you
have sexual desires with Tara?” Christian interrupts.

“Do you want me to go on?” James
frowned and Christian covered his mouth.

“I saw her at the parking lot, her
car sandwiched in between mine and Matt’s. I am still mad at her then I thought
she followed me again. I torridly kissed and touched her to hurt her and make
her stay away.” He continued.

“That’s why she looked so upset
that night.” Christian wondered when he remembered the night she found her at
Lyn’s house.

“You saw her? How did you know?” it
was his turn to ask.

“Did she kiss you back?” Christian
changed the topic.

“NO! Hey stop cutting me!” James
pushed him.

“OK! OK! Chill!” Christian raised
two hands up as sign of surrender. Relieved he didn’t ask him to elaborate if
he saw her.

“I didn’t want to stop, I wanted to
fuck her right there and then, she felt so wonderful in my arms. And kissing
her awoke something in me. Something hard to explain and something I never
experienced with anyone, even with Rhea . . .” his sentence trailed as he
recollects his feelings that day.

Christian was intently staring and
listening to him as if the plot to the hottest movie scene is unfolding.

“But I felt her crying and I
stopped. I was so confused at how I felt. I moved the car, and then she left. I
wanted to apologize. I wanted to talk to her but she’s gone so quickly.” James
sighed.

“What? You’re not going to say
anything?” He asked Christian.

“Are you done?” Christian asked
back and James shook his head.

“No.  Remember the ball?” James
asked.

“Yeah, the one where you were
flirting with her.”

James did not react.
Was I that
obvious?

“James, you were gleaming with the
girl. Your gestures were flirty. I knew you’re interested in her then. You
don’t just go bed a girl. You’re not that type. So what’s your problem?” an
obviously confused Christian asked.

“Well, she looked hot that night.
Yes I flirted with her. I was very attracted to her. She is a cool person,
funny and cheerful. And she was so devastatingly sexy it hurts my groins.”

“So you became a sex maniac now?”

“I don’t know what she’s done to
me.  I was trying to seduce her to get to bed with me . . .  I had sleepless
nights reminiscing our kiss at the parking, her lips was so soft and she is so
tender.” He then frowns. “We were in high spirits talking and joking until Rhea
came.”

“Yeah, I saw that. You had a very
awful taste when you chose that woman to be your girl!”

He agreed at his best friend’s
comment before he spoke again.

“I was really mad at Rhea for
reminding me. I felt she was right, I lost a wildcat because of Tara. I was
pissed again. I suddenly thought my confusion has something to do with my
temporary celibacy. I decided to leave. Then you gave me the keys and she was
there.”

“But Lyn said she’s at Sunset Bar.”
Christian frowned.

“What? No. She was at the room.” he
breathes deeply before continuing. “You see, she’s very manipulating. You
didn’t know she asked Lyn for the keys?”

“Actually dude, there’s something
you should know.” Christian shook his head.

James kept silent and wondered what
he will say. He was eager to know if he is part of the plan. He was impatient
to know the truth.

“Tara was the one who booked the
suite . . .” Christian’s voice was trailing.

“You see!!! And you say she’s
decent! She got it all planned!” James exclaims.

“Shut up! You listen to me!”
Christian interrupted him.

“Lyn and I started dating since the
day after you went to Samal.” He finally confessed.

“What?!” James looked surprised.

“Yeah. Tara knew it the night
before she took a leave from her classes. I saw her the night you tortured her
in the parking. Her eyes were puffy as if she cried a drum of tears,” he looked
at James and saw him sigh. Christian saw how sad and guilty he felt.

“We told her not to tell anyone
yet. She was so happy and she was very supportive of me and Lyn that’s why she
took her to the ball and reserved the suite for the three of us.” He was so
proud and appreciative of what Tara has been doing for him and his girl.

James can’t believe what he was
hearing. He swallowed hard as he intently waited for the rest of Christian’s
story.

“She was playing cupid for me and
Lyn after knowing we went steady weeks back and the relationship is still a
secret.” He smiled.

“You mean she didn’t lure you and
Lyn for the keys?”

“No. She had her own. She paid for
it. It was a treat for me and Lyn.”

“But, she was almost naked when I
got there.” James frowned remembering the way Tara looked when he entered the
suite.

“What? Did something happen?”
Christian was alarmed.

James did not reply. He didn’t know
how to tell his best friend. He felt ashamed now. It all became clear. Tara was
innocent and he forced her.

“What?!” Christian asked again.

“Yes . . .  I . . . think . . . I
forced her.” James head was low and he was massaging his head. He’s definitely
having a headache.

“That’s what you meant when you
told me, ‘thanks for the meat’ when you handed me the keys before you left?
You’re an ass James!” Christian punched him in the shoulder.

He did not answer. His heart was
throbbing so loudly. He felt so shameful. He was so guilty.
How could I do
that to her? I feel like a beast! Shit! What should I do? I accused her of
stuffs she didn’t do, and has . . . Oh God! What did I do?!

“Do you know where she lives?” he
asked Christian.

“No man. Got no idea.” He shook his
head. “You screwed big time!” he spoke again, still not believing this is all
real.

“Can you ask Lyn?”

“What will I tell her?” Christian
asked.

“Do you think she knows?” James
referring to what happened between him and Tara.

“No. Or else she could have had you
salvaged last week.” he shook his head at the thought of how protective his
girlfriend is over her.

Christian saw his best friend
puzzled and worried.

“Okay, I will ask her.  You better
fix this James!” he threatened him.

“I’m in deep shit!” he kept hitting
his forehead.

“The hell you are jerk!”

HON I DECIDED 2 EAT LUNCH AT D MALL.
THEN I’LL HAV COFFEE AFTER. WANT 2 JOIN ME LATER?

I sent a text message to Lyn who I
know will be out of class in an hour. I was hoping she’d join me if she didn’t
have a date with Christian.

SORRY HON. CHRISTIAN WANTED 2 TALK
2 ME ABT SOMETHING. BTW, HE’S ASKING YOUR HME ADD SO I TOLD HIM. MAYBE HE HAS A
GRAD THANK U GIFT 4 U. :D

OH, OK. THX N ADV. LOL.

After an hour and a half, I
finished shopping for my new Fitflops and shorts at Terranova. I decided to eat
my late lunch. I went back at the food strip of the mall and walked to choose
which restaurant is most appetizing. I settled for some ribs and decided to
eat. I found a table at the smoking area and sat.

I ordered the food as the waiter
approached me and watched him get back inside. I felt lonely being alone now.

I miss her. She used to be always
available for me. But now she’s got Christian taking so much of her time. I
wish I had someone to take my time too.

I wondered back to James. I bet he
wanted to talk seriously about what happened. Honestly, I don’t give much of a
fuss about it anymore. It’s normal nowadays. I mean, losing yourself to someone
you love. Hey wait! Did I say love? I just like him. I knew I’m so infatuated
with him since I was freshman but I never thought I love him. Just now.

The hell! Do I? I need a cigarette.

No one knows I smoke. I’m sure Lyn
would kill me if she finds out. It’s just temporary, I know I’ll quit once I’m
calm and relaxed again. Perhaps after graduation.

I opened my iPad while waiting for
the food to arrive. I took a photo of the view where I am sitting. Palm trees
swaying with the wind in the heat of the almost summer breeze. I miss the
beach.

I posted my new photo on my
Instagram account and shared it on Facebook. I slipped back my pad inside my
bag when I saw my baby back ribs arrived. Yum! I placed the cigarette in the
ash tray and started salivating.

I heard a beep and a little
vibration inside my bag. It came from my pad. I opened it while taking a piece
of the ribs I just sliced.

JEA25 just started following
you.
It’s my Instagram notification. JEA25? James Ervine Aguilar and his
basketball jersey number 25. Definitely him. I suddenly remembered his plate
number. But why? I closed the cover back and ate. Following me? Why? Oh I hope
it’s not just on Instagram . . . She wished and she was hopeful it will come
true.

I heard another beep from my pad
and saw the notif again.
JEA25
liked your photo. 2 seconds ago.
Hmm . . . I wonder.

I looked up at my plate and started
slicing my ribs again. I looked around at the almost empty row of restaurants
and saw one familiar bulk sitting at the coffee shop beside where I am. He
looked up at me and confirmed my suspicion when he smiled and stood up to
approach me.

“Hi,” he said sitting in front of
me.

“Where’s Christian?” I asked acting
calm since I knew they were together when I left them at the parking lot.

“With Lyn.” He said so natural.

“You know already?” I asked
surprised.

“Yeah. He told me over lunch.”

I just nodded and went back to
eating as I don’t know what to tell him anymore. A few minutes ago I was
thinking about him, then a few seconds ago, he started following me and liked
my photo. Now he’s here in front of me watching me devour my ribs.

“James! Please don’t stare!” I
pleaded.

“Conscious?” he asked with that
handsome smile.

“It’s rude to stare at people while
eating.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m not staring. I’m just watching
you.” He said as if there was no difference in the effect.

“Who gave you the right to watch me
eat?” I declared annoyed.

He didn’t talk and stared back at
his iPhone and typed.

My pad still beside me beeped
again. Another notification. This time from Facebook.

James Aguilar posted on your
wall.

I looked at him and he smiled at me
again. So devilish. So deliciously handsome. I shook my head at my thoughts.

I opened my Facebook and checked my
wall.

Chilling at the mall with Tara
Salvador.

“What?” I asked him.

“I see you’re still my friend in
Facebook,” he said teasing.

I rolled my eyes one more time and
then immediately unfriended him and showed it to him.

“Happy?” I asked.

He looked sad after what I did. But
maybe not. It’s hard to figure him out.

“We need to talk.” He said now in a
serious tone.

“We are talking!” I said, my voice
rising a bit.

“You know what I want to talk
about,” he said seriously this time.

“Not now James. I want some quiet
time.” I replied to him a little snobbish.

“OK. I’m sorry. I’ll go in now. I
need to check something.” he said and stood up. He didn’t even wait for me to
answer.

I looked at him and he never
glanced back. I tried finishing my meal, but I already lost appetite. Not
because James is not a pleasant thing to see, but because I am confused. What
does he want now?

I told the server to wrap the food
and I asked for the bill.

I went to the coffee shop and
ordered for my favorite coffee. Once I again I find myself looking for a vacant
table at the smoking area and finally found one. It has always been full. I’m
so lucky I found a seat.

I took my pad out of the bag again
and started playing Candy Crush. I wanted to relax and I enjoy playing this
game so much.

“Excuse me,” a familiar voice
caught my attention.

I looked up and saw him smirking
down at me with a coffee cup in his hand.

“What do you want?” I asked him.

“The tables are all occupied so I’m
wondering if I could share with you?” he was trying to look cute though he
naturally is already.

I looked around and saw what he
meant. I just nodded and he sat down.

I went back playing on my pad
without looking at him. Then I grabbed my coffee cup without looking. I know
where I placed it so I just searched it with my hand.

I looked up surprised when I
touched another hand. He was holding my coffee.

“Why are you holding my cup James?”
I asked him puzzled.

“Nothing. I’m just curious what
coffee you like to drink.” he grinned that boyishly handsome smirk.

I slapped his hand lightly to tell
him to get off my cup and he did. I took a sip and then put it back at the
table.

What is he doing here? I keep
asking myself. I am losing my 3 lives in candy crush because I am too
preoccupied with this gorgeous guy in front of me.

My pad vibrated while I was playing
so I exited and checked what it was. Another Instagram notification.

JEA25 mentioned you in a
comment: @tarsalva Perfect Caramel Macchiato Couple.
I checked the photo
and saw our two coffee cups together. In both cups are the letters CM in black
ink. The other cup with his name and the other cup with mine.

I rolled my eyes and took out my
cigarette case and got one stick. Before lighting it, I glanced at him to see
his reaction. He was just staring at me with a look that could kill.

“If you dare light that in front of
me,” he started to threaten me, “I won’t hesitate savaging your lips here in
front of all these people.”

I glanced around as my cheeks start
to burn. His words were so strong and intimidating but it sent shivers to my
spine. I was actually caught in the middle of two options. I wanted to light it
up to see if he would do what he forewarned me about, aside from the fact that
I would like to kiss him too. But I didn’t want to be embarrassed in the coffee
shop.

I placed the cigarette back to its
case and stood up and grabbed my cup.

“Where are you going?” he asked and
stood up too.

“Home” I grabbed my bag and sling
it in my shoulders.

He followed me to the parking lot.

“Why are you following me?” I asked
as I continued walking to my car.

“I’m not. I’m going home too and my
car is parked here.” He pointed at his car which is parked beside mine.

I don’t know if he remembers my
plate as it is not personalized, but I feel for a fact that it is not just
coincidence.

I saw him taking a picture of our
cars as I slid inside the driver’s seat and started my engine.

“Go away!” I shooed him.

He moved a bit and then hurriedly
rode his car.

I heard another beep on my pad and
checked it again before I drove off.

Instagram notification.
JEA25
mentioned you in a comment : @tarsalva his and hers?
The photo was of our
two cars. His black Montero and my white Montero.

Urgh! Is he annoying me? Is he
making sure I will never bug him again? What does he really want from me? THIS
side of James is difficult. I prefer the angry James that’s easy to predict!

Oh no! I take that back. I don’t
want him to hate me again. But, wait! Who the hell told me he doesn’t hate me
anymore?

Now I’m scared. What other
punishment does he have in mind?

I started driving in traffic of the
highway to our house. I can see James’ car trailing behind me. Is he following
me?

The slow pace of the cars is
getting me fidgety. I hate traffic. Most especially now that James is just
behind me. I wonder what he thinks of my driving. Does he think I am a stupid
girl driver?

I get interrupted in my thoughts
when I heard a car beep and looked beside me. It was James. His passenger
window was lowered down. I rolled down mine too when he signaled me to do so.

I looked at him.

“Traffic!” he shouted.

“Obviously!” I said and rolled my
window back again.

Our cars are moving very slow in
the direction of our village.

My phone rang and I got it. It was
an unregistered number but it looked familiar.

“Hello?” I answered the phone.

“I’m bored.” I heard James from the
other line.

“Urgh!”

“I should have asked my driver to
pick the car from the mall and just rode with you. So you can just drive for
me.”

“Haha” I said sarcastically.

“What time are you going to school
tomorrow?” he asked. We don’t have classes anymore. We just have to pick up our
graduation togas and some other stuff.

“I don’t know.”

“Can I just ride with you?” he
teased.

“No!” I shouted.

“Awwww . . . what do you have to
yell for?”

“I’ll talk to you later, I’m
driving.” I said without thinking and then hung up.

Traffic is slowly easing and I am
already in the entrance of the village when I saw his car still behind me. I
parked at the side and waited for him to overtake me. To my surprise he parked
at my back and went out to walk to my car.

I rolled the window down.

“What’s the matter?” he asked
worried.

“Are you following me?” I asked.

“No! In case you forgot, I live
here too.” He pointed out.

“Tssss!” then I rolled the window
up again and sped off.

When I got to the house, of course,
he’s not behind me anymore.

I went straight to my room and told
the helpers not to disturb me as I am not going to have dinner anymore.

After watching TV, I decided to
take a shower. I was heading towards the bathroom when my phone rang. When I
looked, it was James. Yes, I saved his number again. I don’t know why. I just
hope I don’t get itchy fingers like before. I deleted his number after that
punishing kiss at the parking lot and now that he’s the one who called first, I
saved it back in my contacts list.

I answered the phone wondering what
he wants. “Yes?”

“Hi!” he said cheerfully.

“Why?” I asked snobbishly.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“Why do you answer me with just one
word?” he sounded hurt. Or atleast perhaps pretending.

“What is it to you? Did you hear me
complain when all I heard from you before was, pfft, grr, urgh, hmp?!” I asked
throwing back all my angst at him.

“Sorry.” He said then remained
quiet.

“Why did you call?” I questioned.

“Uhm, you said you’ll talk to me
later.”

“What?” I frowned at what he said.

“In the car, when we hung up, you
told me, you’ll just talk to me later,” he said.

“That? I didn’t mean that!”

“Oh,” sounding hurt again. Is he
serious?

“I’m busy James, I’m going to take
a shower.” I tried to brush him off.

“Can I come?” he says seductively.

“WHAT!!” I exclaimed. Pervert!

“Kidding. Okay. I’ll just call you
again.” Then he hung up on me.

This guy is so weird. I went to the
bathroom and showered and was done in 30 minutes. I usually take long showers
in the evening to calm my nerves.

When I went back inside my room, I
heard my message alert tone.

James possibly. Hopeful and
somewhat expecting.

I opened my messages and saw a long
chain of his text messages.

ARE U DONE? 9:10

CAN I CALL NOW? 9:11

HELLO? 9:12

WHY ARE U SO LONG? 9:13

ARE U STILL IN D SHOWER? 9:14

DID U SLEEP ON ME? 9:15

TARA! 9:16

Then my phone rang. And guess who?

“What do you want?” I asked
irritated.

“Glad you’re okay! I thought you
drown in the shower!” James said in an exaggeratedly relieved voice.

“Haha,” I laughed sarcastically.

“Are you going to sleep now?”

“Yeah.” I faked a yawn.

“Can you come down for a sec?”

“What? Why?” I asked so puzzled,
then went out of my room’s balcony. It’s in the second floor and I instantly
saw his black Montero parked across my house.