Chapter 3 - You Made Me Colour Blind

Blinded by the light you shine, the colours fade completely
Blinded by you every time, I feel your smile defeat me

I'm colour blind
I just can't deny this feeling

They finally released each other’s hands. Marae looked at him quite intently and realized he did looked familiar. Oh my God! He was the guy who owned the towel Pepper stole last week! she thought with a sense of dread. At that moment, Pepper went beside Orli, wagging her tail at him. I guess she recognizes him alright. Orli, noticing the dog beside him, eventually fell under the spell of her big, round, attention-hungry puppy eyes. He scooped her into his arms.

“Why hello there? You’re a very friendly fellow, aren’t you?” he crooned, giving Pepper a pat on the head.

“I think she recognizes you, Orli.”

“Oh really? Where?” Orli pretended he didn’t know what she was talking about. Of course, he knew all too well what she was talking about.

“I believe she’s the one who um, stole your towel last week here at the beach,” Marae said shyly.

“Oh! So you’re the little sneak who got my towel, huh?” said Orli. She remembered what happened last week! Orli smiled to himself. Yeah right Orli! You’re just jumping into conclusions again! With an effort, he shook the idea off. Then he put Pepper down and the little dog ran to Marae’s side.

At that moment, Lij immediately realized that Marae was the one Orli was looking for since last week. So she’s the one he couldn’t stop thinking about all this time! He remembered Orli telling him what happened that day. And being the crazy friend that he is, he decided that the time was right to spill the beans…

“Which means, mate, you finally found the woman you’ve been… ulk!”
but before Lij could finish what he was saying, Orli immediately grabbed him and clapped a hand on his mouth to prevent him from blabbing any further.

“What the hell are you trying to do Lij?!” whispered Orli. He turned Lij’s head towards him and glared, keeping Lij in a tight headlock.

“What d’you mean, mate?” he whispered back.

“This!”

“This? But I’m trying to help you out here!”

“Yeah, right! Let me handle this, okay? I don’t what you screwing this whole thing up!”

“Oh, and this is your way handling it? Yeah, real slick Orli!” Lij removed Orli’s arm around his neck. “You know Marae… Orli’s been obsessed with seeing yo..” but before he could finish what he was saying, Orli cut him off again by pushing him aside. And they both fell face down in front of Marae.

“Obsessed with who?” Marae asked in puzzlement.

“Oh, uh, nothing!…Lij’s been ah, under the weather and that’s why he’s hallucinating and saying things THAT HE SHOULDN’T SAY! RIGHT?!” Orli glowered at Lij as the other raised his eyebrows at him and grinned sheepishly.

“Uh, yeah, yeah! I’m so sorry I don’t know what I was talking about. I was a little out of it, so scrap that!” Lij said, as he struggled to stand up.

“Crazy old chap!” Orli finally laughed as he messed up Lij’s hair.

“Well, okay, if you say so. I’ve to get going and continue jogging. See you ‘round. Come on, Pepper!” Marae jogged off away from them.

As Marae was out of hearing range, Orli turned to talk to his two companions.

“Lij, you’d better not be doing a repeat performance of what just happened. Unless you’ve got sudden a craving for a slow and very painful death.”

“What?”

“Oh, don’t you say ‘WHAT?’ on me! Like you didn’t know what you were doing a few moments ago!”

“Look Orli, Lij was just trying to help out,” interrupted Dom, “even if it didn’t look like it.” Lij shot Dom an annoyed look.

“I know that, Dom. But let me do this my way. Look, I really appreciate the introductions and stuff. At least, I got the chance to know her a bit.”

“Well Orli, it’s your call,” offered Dom.

Marae continued jogging along the shore. She kept on going but she couldn’t take her mind off on what happened earlier. Who was Lij talking about? And why did Orli stop him from telling me the rest of it? These questions kept swirling around in her mind.

“Oh, why do I have to bother about it?” she said to herself, and tried to continue her jogging. Unfortunately, she didn’t notice that there was a man running from her right side towards the water. He almost bumped into her and she abruptly changed her direction. She didn’t notice the small rock in front of her that was embedded in the sand – until she tripped on it. She felt a painful twisting sensation in her ankle as she fell.

“Oh great!” she muttered through gritting teeth as she tried getting up. She felt a sharp pain shoot up her ankle. Marae tried calling for Pepper to come back but the dog kept on running away. And limping after her was a near-futile way of catching up.

“Pepper! Where are you going? Come back!”

Orli was sitting by the beach watching Lij and Dom surf. As he was about to get a book to read, he heard a dog barking from afar. He turned around and saw a familiar-looking beagle running towards him. Marae’s dog.

“Hey, what’re you doing here?” The dog kept on barking at him. She seemed agitated and restless, and kept on tugging at his shorts.

“Whoa, slow down there! What do you want Pepper?”

The dog kept on jumping and barking at him. It was as if she wanted him to follow her.

“Do you want me to follow you?” So, Orli ran after the dog. Eventually she lead him to Marae, who was limping her way back. He immediately ran to Marae’s side and put her arm around his shoulders for support.

“Marae, what happened?”

“Well, I uh…ouch!…accidentally twisted my ankle while I was jogging.”

“How?”

“There was this man who came running in the opposite direction, and as I swerved to avoid him, I tripped over this small rock in front me. Ouch! Ooh, I’m such a klutz!”

“Believe me you’re not the only one who’s a klutz. I’ve had my share on being accident prone,” replied Orli smilingly as he placed her arm around his shoulder to support her. The two continued their conversation as she was being gently led to his friends’ location.

“ Oh, really huh?” she answered between laughs. “Glad to know I’m not the only klutz in the world. How did you find me?”

“Well, for some strange reason your dog came to me and brought me to you.”

“Oh, you silly girl,” she gently chided Pepper. “And uh, thank you, Orli.”

“Anytime.”

By the time they reached the spot where Lij and Dom were, the two had just finished surfing. They saw Orli supporting a limping Marae.

“Hey, what happened?” asked Lij.

“Marae twisted her ankle back there,” answered Orli.

“And you immediately came to her rescue, did you, mate?” asked Dom with an-oh-so slight teasing tone of voice.

“You’re a fast worker, huh Orli?” joked Lij. But the young man just ignored Lij’s comment.

“I guess we ought to bring you home, Marae,” suggested Orli.

“Uh, no it’s okay. My car’s in the parking lot. I can manage. I just need some help getting there.”

“But with that twisted ankle of yours, I think driving’s out of the question.”

“That’s right, Marae. Orli can drive you home,” Lij insisted with an impish grin on his face.

“Oh, but I don’t want to trouble any of you.”

“It’s okay, Marae. He’ll be glad to do it, right Orli?” Dom added.

“You know Orli, he likes playing the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress all the time,” jibed Lij.

“Uh, don’t mind them, Marae. Their mouths sometimes run away from them. I’m bringing you home.”

“But uh, it’s not like I’m uh…refusing your offer to drive for me…but my car is quite and um…I don’t know if you can manage to uh…drive it.”

“What is it?’

“It’s a Verita.”

“That’s okay. You and Orli can bring our jeep. And me and Dom can drive your car for you,” Lij quickly responded.

“But, but I wanna go ride with them,” Dom replied mimicking a child’s voice.

“Oh will you shut up, Dom? You’re coming with me and that’s final. Don’t be a pain in the ass. And didn’t I remind you not to be nosy?”

“Oops! Sorry! I forgot my prim-and-proper manners,” Dom snickered cheekily.

“Are you all sure? I just don’t want to be such a bother for you guys.”

“YES!” they all said in unison.

“Uh, okay. And, thanks.”

All of them proceeded to the parking lot, with Orli was still assisting Marae. By a stroke of sheer coincidence, their cars were parked next to each other. Dom and Lij loaded their gear into the Laredo. Marae got the keys of her car in her pocket and handed it over to Lij.

“Um, Dom could you please open the compartment in front of you and hand me my mobile phone?” Dom opened the glovebox and handed it to her. “Thank you.”

She went to the passenger side of the Laredo. Orli opened the door for her. And as she climbed up the jeep she held on his hand for support. Pepper immediately jumped up into her lap. “Thanks,” she shyly whispered. Orli closed the door. As he was walking his way to the driver’s side, Lij stuck his head out of Marae’s car and said, “Hey, don’t you dare try driving off somewhere with her. We’ll be following you, mate!” he called out, his eyebrows wagging up and down naughtily.

“Oh, shut up, Lij!” He then got in the Laredo and drove off. They started heading towards West Coast Road onto Scenic Drive.

“How far is your place from here?” asked Orli.

“It’s about a 30-minute drive from here.”

“I see.”

They both remained quiet for a few minutes. As they drove further down the road by the hill, Waitemata harbor came into the. The majestic beauty of the harbor and the sea was so magnificent that Orli couldn’t help but praise its beauty.

“Wow! That’s a bloody marvelous view down there.”

“Beautiful isn’t it? That’s why I love driving around Auckland, especially near this harbor. I love the sea so much. It reminds me of home.”

“Home? Where are you from, Marae?”

“I’m originally from the Philippines. I moved here 4 months ago.”

“Oh, but you don’t look that Asian to me.”

“Well, both of my parents are of Spanish descent. So that explains my non-Asian features.”

“Guess your parents are a gorgeous couple coz they have a beautiful daughter like you.”

Marae didn’t react to that last comment that Orli said. She remained silent and ignored it – in vain. I have to change the topic before he says anything more! She suddenly felt uncomfortable.

“Uh, can I just make a quick call to my friend?”

“Of course.”

Marae pulled her mobile out of her right pocket and dialed Mira’s number. It rang 3 times. Come on, Mira pick it up! she thought in desperation. She fidgeted and waited until finally, to her great relief, she heard her friend’s voice on the other line.

“Mira, it’s Marae.”

“Rae, where are you?”

“I’m on my way home now. Can you please go to my house now? Something happened to me…” Before she could explain any further her friend started to panic.

“ WHY? WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!”

“Will you please calm down? It’s not that serious. I twisted my ankle while I was jogging. And I can’t drive my car.”

“Wuh..wait! If you can’t drive your car, how are you coming home?”

“Orli is driving me home.”

“Orli? Who’s Orli? Hey, why didn’t you tell me that you already met a guy? You’re keeping secrets from me, girl.”

“Oh, shush your mouth. Can you please drop by my house?”

“Is he cute? Okay I’ll go to your house now. Can’t wait to see him!”

“THANKS A LOT MIRA! Bye!” Marae retorted mockingly and then turned off her mobile and replaced it on the dashboard.

“Who was that you were talking to?” asked Orli curiously.

“That was my friend Mira. I asked her to go to my house so someone could keep me company.”

“Is she on her way then?”

“Yeah, she is. Uh, could you make a right over Western Springs?”

“Okay. I wonder how Dom and Lij are doing back there?” Marae looked over at the back to see her Verita still trailing them.

“They’re doing fine, I think.”

“Wanna try and lose them in the freeway? We can drive away from them so they’ll get lost,” he said mischievously.

Marae let out a peal of laughter. “Uh, no Orli. They have my car remember?”

“Well, they can still get in touch with us since Lij has his mobile with him.”

“Um, I’m not going to risk my car being driven around Auckland looking for us. They would look like idiots going around the city.”

“EXACTLY!” Orli laughed heartily. Marae also laughed. She even looks more beautiful when she laughs, he mused. “Okay, we’ll do that next time. We’d better get you home first.” Right then and there, he noticed the silver ring that was hanging around her neck.

“That’s a cool ring you got there. Where did you get it?”

Of all the things he had to notice! Why the ring? she thought miserably. The ring that was given by him, by Matt, her better-left-unsaid ex-fiancé. Her mood suddenly shifted.

“It was um, given to me, uh, a long time ago,” she answered in a somber tone.

“Who?”

“Could we talk about something else?”

“Oh, I…I’m sorry if my question made you upset.”

“It’s okay. I just don’t want to talk about it right now.”

“I’m sorry.”

Good work Bloom! You blew it this time! He ignored the voice in his head. He couldn’t help but think what could be the reason why she became upset when he asked about the ring. He continued driving. They maintained a rather uncomfortable silence for 2 more minutes. Quick, you dim sod! Say something, anything!

“Um, uh, he’s yours, I take it?” he asked, indicating Pepper.

“Yes, but Pepper’s a female,” Marae replied.

“Oh, I see. You like dogs? I have one back at home, and it’s too bad I wasn’t able to bring her with me.”

“Really? What’s your dog’s name?”

“Maude. She’s kinda like a bulldog, with white fur and a few brown patches here and there. Not as cute as Pepper here.” At this point, the hyper little puppy lunged at Orli’s face and gave him a small, slobbery lick.

“Easy there, Pepper! She likes you a lot, I guess,” Marae laughingly smiled as she gently pried her pet away from him.

Feelin' jaded, when it's not gone right
All the colours have faded, then I feel your eyes on me

Feelin' fine! Sublime!
When that smile of yours creeps into my mind

“Uh, you better make a left in Mt. Eden Pass Exit. Then, when you see St. Stevens Avenue to your right, you go there. And you’ll see Parnell Village.”

“Gotcha.”

As they drove into the main entrance gate of Penrose Village, Marae told Orli to take a right to Symonds Street. Studio-type apartments lined up the street.

“Just park it right there in front of apartment number 24 by that red mailbox.”

Orli parked the Laredo by the driveway and turned off the engine. As he got out, he spotted Lij and Dom parking Marae’s Verita behind his vehicle. He opened the passenger door on Marae’s side and offered his hand to her so she could step down. Since the jeep was a bit high, she almost lost her balance but fortunately Orli was able to catch her.

“Woah, easy! I got ya.” Orli accompanied Marae towards the main door of her house. She had a hidden compartment by the door where she kept her extra front-door key. Dom and Lij followed them, humming a pop ballad in the background. Marae unlocked the door. Can’t believe Mira’s not here yet. What’s keeping her?”

“Well, come in guys.” Marae limped her way into her apartment. “Would you like anything, a snack or drinks?”

“We’re okay, Marae. Why don’t you sit down and we’ll get a cold compress for your ankle?” suggested Lij.

“It’s okay, I can get it. Why don’t you sit down and take a rest?”

“Let me help you, Marae.” Orli followed Marae to her kitchen.

“I’ll get the cold compress bag in the bathroom.”

“No, lemme get it for ya. Where’s your bathroom?”

“When you go out of the kitchen just turn left, then go straight and the last door at right is the bathroom. The cold compress bag is inside the cabinet on top of the mirror.”

“Thanks.” Marae got some chips and Coke cans from the refrigerator and offered them to the two who were busy browsing some magazines.

“Gee, thanks, Marae. You didn’t have to,” they both exclaimed.

“Where’s Orli?” asked Lij.

“He went to the bathroom to get the cold compress bag for my sprain.”

“Ah, now he’s playing nurse,” Lij whispered to Dom, which made him snicker.

“Uh, care to share the joke?” Marae inquired.

“Oh! Uh, nothing! Just a small inside joke we have. Er, uh, thanks Marae!” The two impish young men grinned goofily at Marae.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“This is okay.”

As Orli walked through the short hallway going to the bathroom, he passed by a small table where a couple of picture frames were arranged together with some angel figurines. After getting the cold compress bag, he walked back to the kitchen. Passing by the small table, a particular picture caught his attention. It was a picture of Marae with another man. She was hugging him from behind, her arms draped around his neck. They were holding hands and her face nestled over his shoulder. They made a good-looking couple. I wonder who he is? He then caught sight of the silver ring, the very same one she was wearing now around her neck. But it in the picture, it was on ring finger of her right hand. How beautiful she looks when she smiles. I hope she’d smile like that more often, he thought with a touch of sadness.

Feelin' yellow, I'm confused inside
A little hazy but mellow when I feel your eyes on me

Feelin' fine! Sublime!
When that smile of yours creeps into my mind

The sound of Marae’s footsteps indicated she was headed for the kitchen. She suddenly stopped by the short hallway … and saw Orli looking at the pictures. Especially the one of her and Matt.

“So, did you find the cold compress bag?”

“Huh? Um, yeah, got it right here.” Orli walked back to the kitchen and got a couple of ice cubes from the refrigerator. Marae sat on one of the cushioned chairs by the breakfast nook and removed her sneakers and socks, which revealed that her slightly swollen ankle. There was a faint purplish discoloration on the swollen area.

“Woah! That looks pretty bad,” Orli said as he placed the cold compress over her sprain. Just then the front doorbell rang. Dom immediately stood up to open the door.

“I’ll get it.”

He opened the door and there stood Mira. For a few seconds she stood there in disbelief and suspicion. Did something go really wrong that I actually stopped at the wrong house?

“Um, Is…is Marae home?”

“Yeah, she’s inside. Won’t you come in?”

“Thank you.”

As Mira stepped inside the house, she saw another guy reading by the couch. He looks kinda familiar, she thought. I could’ve sworn I’ve seen him somewhere. Just then she heard Marae’s voice call out to her.

“Mira! Is that you?”

“Yup! Where are you?”

“Kitchen!”

Mira then proceeded to the kitchen. Marae was sitting on one of the chairs with a cold compress on her foot.

“Hey! What happened to you?”

“I sprained my ankle. Oh, this is Orlando Bloom. Orlando, I’d like you to meet my fellow teacher, Miranda Mitchells.”

“Nice to meet you Miranda. And call me Orli.” He extended a hand to Mira.

“So, you’re Orli.” Mira grinned and threw a speculative look at Marae. “Nice to meet you. Call me Mira.”

“Hey, you blokes! Come on over and meet Marae’s friend,” Orli called out. Dom and Lij got up and went to the kitchen. Marae made quick introductions between Mira, Lij and Dom. Mira was secretly delighted to meet Elijah Wood in person.

“These two were the ones who helped me get home. Since I wasn’t able to drive my car,” Marae added.

“But remember, Orli was the one who gave you a lot of help,” teased Lij. He could saw Orli giving him a ‘you’re going to die later’ look.

“Well, thanks for helping her out. How did you know Marae?”

“I met Lij last week in the movie set. And I met Orli and Dom just today. They’re actors.”

“Wow! I knew it! I kinda recognized you Lij, or should I say, Elijah Wood.”

“Oh no! My cover’s blown! I just found another fan!” said Lij in mock horror, and then gave a hearty, friendly laugh.

Just then, the phone rang. Marae struggled to get it, but Orli quickly beat her to it.

“I’ll answer it for you. You mustn’t walk around so it wouldn’t swell up any further.” He then picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

By some weird coincidence, the person on the other line was none other than Louise. When a male voice answered her sister’s phone she became skeptical and thought she dialed the wrong number. But what a nice British accent! she thought.

“Uh…is this the residence of Marae Anne Alvarez?”

“Oh, you mean Marae? Yeah, she’s here. May I know who’s calling?”

“It’s her sister, Louise. Who’s this?”

“I’m Orli. Just wait a bit and I’ll get her.” On the other line, Louise’s overactive, crazy brain was now flooded with questions as she waited for Marae to get the phone.

“Marae, it’s your sister, Louise.”

“Thanks.” Marae limped her way to where the phone was, which was in a corner near the hallway and partially hidden from the living room where Mira, Lij and Dom now were. “Hello?”

“Hey, who was that guy who answered the phone?” asked Louise, sounding like the ever-careful and concerned sister that she really was.

“Uh-huh. I know what you’re thinking, my dear sister.”

“Hey, I’m just asking who he is.”

“His name is Orlando Bloom.”

“Orlando Bloom?” she laughed. “Sounds like a name of a flower shop or something. Where did you meet him huh?” Louise asked inquisitively.

“I just met him today.”

“And he’s in house already?”

“Wait a second! Your dirty mind is on a roll again. Mira is with me also, along with his friends.”

“Ooh, and his friends too, hmm? By the way, I love his accent.”

“He’s an actor, you know.”

“No kidding! What movie did he do? I’m sure I haven’t heard his name before.”

“He’s currently doing a movie here in New Zealand.”

“Yeah, what?”

“Before I answer your question, promise me you won’t do anything crazy over there like scream your head out or something.”

“Why would I scream? I don’t think I even know him.”

“Okay, he’s is the movie ‘Lord of the Rings’ I told you about. He plays your beloved elf Legolas Greenleaf.” Marae held the phone away in anticipation that her sister would scream again. But strangely enough, there was no scream…only dead silence.

“Hello? Louise? Are you still alive back there?” No answer. “Louise, I’m going to call you when you’re alive again, okay?” But finally, she responded…somehow.

“I…I can’t b-believe it…I just t-talked to…to…Legolas.”

“He’s not really Legolas, he’s just playing him, okay?”

“Still! At least I’ve heard how he sounds like. Is he good-looking? What does he look like?”

“Uh, yeah. You could say he’s pretty good-looking. But I haven’t seen him as Legolas.”

“Oh God! I think I’m going to die of envy now. You should’ve told me!”

“Well, now you know. And I won’t be giving anymore details because the people from New Line Cinema would kill me if I disclose anymore information to you. And by the way, why did you call me in the first place?”

“So, how long have you’ve known Marae?” asked Lij.

“About 4 months. Why d’you ask?”

“Well, we wanna help Orli. Ever since he first got a glimpse of her, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.”

“No kidding! But, I thought they just met today.”

“Actually, they almost met each other last week on the set, too.”

“And since you’re close to Marae, maybe you could help set things up for them,” Dom smilingly suggested.

“I, I’d love to! I’ve been pestering her to meet someone after what happened to her last year.”

“Why? What happened to her?”

“Oh, I don’t think I’m in a position to blab all the details. It wouldn’t be fair for Marae. But let’s say that she’s nursing a broken heart.”

“OH!” Lij and Dom exclaimed at the same time and grinned meaningfully at each other.

Just then, Orli walked into the living room and joined them.

“Who’s nursing a broken heart?” he asked.

“Oh, nothing. We were just talking about Mira’s cousin,” Dom hastily replied.

“Where’s Marae?” asked Mira.

“She’s on the phone talking to her sister.”

“Ah… Dad called last night. He was asking about you. He sounded worried, Rae,” Louise said.

“Well, isn’t it too late for him to be worried about me?” answered Marae somewhat irritably.

“He just wants to talk to you dear. Give him a chance.”

“You know, ever since he went away to take that job 15 years ago, he was never worried about me. He never had!” Marae’s voice started to rise and it cracked a bit.

“Look, don’t be bitter on him. He really wants to talk to you. I even gave him your number.” Marae was silent for a few seconds. “Rae, you have to remove this chip on your shoulder. He’s our dad after all. Look, um…I think I cast a small cloud on your day today. But you know I want you to do this. Just call me soon when you’re ready to talk, okay?”

“Don’t worry about it. Bye.” She had to put the phone down, because she was on the verge of crying again. She bent her head down. Deep down inside she always wanted this to happen. Now is your chance to get your own ever since he went away. A few tears rolled down her cheeks. How she wanted to have her father with her again! The warm and special closeness they had when she was young. Just then, Orli came in and saw faint traces of tears on her cheeks.

“Marae, are you okay?”

She raised her head up and looked at him. She was slightly puffy-eyed and wiped what looked suspiciously like tear marks hastily from her face. “Yeah, I’m okay. What is it that you want?”

“I just wanna tell you that we have to go. Billy just got a call and I think we need to get back.” Orli was sure for certain she was crying. But he acted as if he didn’t notice it. Deep down inside he was puzzled, though. Seeing those sad eyes again made him want to take her into her arms and shield her from all the unhappiness in the world. He just couldn’t stand seeing those eyes become sad again.

“Oh. Okay, I’ll be right out in a sec.” Orli left and Marae made sure her face was completely tear-free before coming out and saying goodbye to them.

“Marae, we gotta go now. Billy’s been calling, ‘coz the poor lad’s all by his lonesome. And we have to buy dinner for everyone. So we really got to go back to Hamilton. We’d like to thank you both for your kind hospitality,” Lij spoke politely.

“And it’s a pleasure meeting you Mira.” Dom stretched out his hand to Mira, who secretly slipped him a piece of paper with Marae’s and her number at home. The two mean to contact Mira so they could plan out their mission of getting Orli and Marae to meet again.

“Thank you so much for your help guys. Don’t worry I’ll be alright now. Mira’s going to stay with me tonight. You sure you know your way back?”

“Well, we have Orli here to drive us back. He knows the way back home. Right, mate?”

“Yeah, no problem. So, we’d better be heading off now. Thank you, Marae.” Lij and Dom were the first ones to leave. Orli was the last one to leave. But before he left, he gave same gentle words of parting to Marae. “Take care.” And he gave her a pat on the shoulder.

“You, too. And…and thanks.”

Before getting inside the Laredo, Lij shouted, “See you next week, Marae! Bye!” and waved back at them. Orli gave her one last lingering look before he went inside the jeep.

“Bye!” said Marae and Mira and waved back at the guys. They watched as the jeep sped away from their view. Then, Marae was quiet for a while.

“Hey, why are you so quiet all of the sudden?”

“Um, nothing.”

“Oh, come on Rae. I’ve known you for months so I know when something’s wrong with you.”

“My sister called earlier. And my dad wanted to call me.”

“So? What’s the problem with that?”

“He never wanted to talk ever since he left 15 years ago.” Marae dashed limping inside. But Mira followed her and found her friend slumped on the couch.

“Hey, I know it’s hard not having your dad for 15 years.”

“But I’ve begged him to come back with us for years.”

“Maybe he’s making up for lost time now.”

“Does he have to let 15 years pass by before realizing that?”

“Give him a chance, girl.”

“You know, he was supposed to come home for my wedding last year but he didn’t. Not even when Mom told him what happened and it didn’t push through. He didn’t call me, and just kept on telling Mom that he was too busy with work. Why does he always do that?” In the middle of her speech, tears started to brim on her eyes again.

“Well, I don’t know. There could be many reasons why he’s like that. But how will you know if you won’t talk to him? Maybe once and for all, it would be all up to you to fix it,” Mira consoled her friend.

On their way home to Hamilton, the gang’s talk seemed to revolve around Marae.

“So, mate what are you planning to do now that you have met Marae?” asked Lij.

“Guys, I think I have to be a bit cautious with her. I think she’s in a relationship right now.”

“WAS in a relationship,” Dom corrected him.

“What do you mean by ‘was in a relationship’?”

“That’s what Mira told us earlier.”

“But I saw a picture of her with a guy in her apartment.”

“I guess they just ended a relationship. Mira won’t give us any more details about it without telling her.”

“So you shouldn’t give up, mate,” added Lij. “Trust me on this, okay? We’ll help you with this.” At that moment, Dom noticed the mobile phone on the dashboard of the jeep.

“Hello? Whose phone is that?”

“That’s Marae’s. I think she left when she got out of the jeep earlier.”

“SEE! That’s a sign mate! That means you’ll see her again!”

“Ah, knock it off Lij! Since when did you, of all people, believe in signs?”

“Oh, just have a little faith in it, Orli. Besides, here’s another sign for ya.” Lij handed him a piece of folded paper. Orli opened it and it revealed Marae’s phone number.

“Where did you get this?”

“Let’s say a beautiful angel helped us to get it,” grinned Dom.

“You can call her tonight and tell her that she left her mobile. Take it from there, bud! Maybe you two can arrange for a little tête-à-tête?”

Orli looked at the piece of paper in his hand. Here’s your chance. Grab it! But he felt a bit apprehensive.

“I don’t know, mates. I don’t want to jump the gun, y’see.”

“Hey, there’s no harm in trying. I never thought of you as a quitter, mate,” Dom said.

“Yeah, unless you want me to try something else and let Marae know what you really feel,” joked Lij.

“Hah! You do that and I’ll make sure that you’ll get your death wish in the form of a hundred barbed and poisoned arrows all aimed at your bloody arse. (Sigh!) I suppose it’s out of my hands now. Might as well call her tonight, then.”

“That’s the spirit, boy!” the other three guys cheered.

10 p.m., Marae’s apartment

Mira had just curled into bed to sleep. But shortly afterwards, a noise woke her up. It turned out that Marae seemed to be preoccupied with turning her apartment upside down.

“What’s wrong with you, girl? If you wanted to redecorate your apartment you could have done it earlier and not during this time of the night.”

“I can’t find my stupid mobile!” Marae continued searching like crazy in her bedroom.

“Where did you leave it?”

“Oh, don’t ask me that question now because I can’t remember where I last placed it.”

“Maybe you couldn’t remember where you placed it because your mind got distracted by a certain British lad you just met, huh?”

“Oh, stop dragging Orli into this! Would you please get your butt over here and help me find it?”

“Do it yourself. I’m sleepy.” As soon as her head touched the pillow, the phone suddenly rang. But Marae went down the stairs to get it. Who’d be calling me at this time of the night? It’s 10:08, for goodness’ sakes! She got the cordless phone and sat on the couch before answering it.

“Hello?”

God! Her voice sounded lovely over the phone. “Uh, is this Marae?”

“Yes, who’s this?”

“It’s Orli.”

She was surprised that he knew her number. How the heck did he get my number? She definitely didn’t remember giving it to him. “Orli! How did you find this number?”

Damn! I can’t tell her how I got her number! Gotta think of a reason. “Sorry if I have bothered you or something. I called up to tell you that you left your mobile in the jeep this afternoon.”

“Oh, stupid me!” Marae muttered and slapped her hand on her forehead in self-exasperation.

He heard a noise over the phone. “Uh, what was that?”

“Nothing. I just smacked myself. I couldn’t believe I left it with you. I was practically turned my apartment inside out looking for that darn thing.”

“Oh, you did?” He gave a full, masculine laugh of amusement. “How’s your ankle?”

“Well, the swelling has subsided a bit. But now, I don’t know since I was moving a bit again when I was looking for my mobile.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep it safe for you. I won’t even think of peeking at its contents.”

“Thanks. I’m tend to misplace things especially when certain things bother me at times.”

“You alright, Marae?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just your daily family issues.”

“I had my share of those too. I remember back when my family was quite apprehensive when I decided to come here to shoot for almost 2 years. I didn’t want to be separated from them but I had to do this. It was like a once-in-a-lifetime break.”

“Yeah. I know it’s been 4 months since I moved in here and I also couldn’t stand being away from my family also.”

She heard Orli dive a sympathetic sigh over the phone. “We both don’t like being away from the people we love. But our new found friends become our kinda like our family, right?”

“Where are they?”

“Who?”

“Your family, the one you left behind.”

“They’re back in London, in Kent.”

“At least for you, after 2 years, you can come back to them.”

“Does that imply that you yourself are staying here for good?”

“Probably. It still depends on what will happen.”

“What will happen to what?”

“What will happen to me in the future.”

“Oh, I see. But you will still come back home?”

“Not in the near future. Not now. There are some things that I, um, need time away from before I deal with it,” she replied in a somber, yet hesitant tone.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay.”

“So, er, how am I going to give you your mobile?”

“I’ll be accompanying the children on the Hobbiton set this coming Tuesday, remember?”

“Oh yeah, that’s right! Perfect! I’ll probably drop by in the afternoon since I have scenes to do in the studio. You sure you don’t need it in the meantime?”

“Yes. At least I know it’s in good hands. Not unless my crazy sister calls over. Just don’t answer it.”

“Why?”

“Well, if she finds out that my mobile is with you, she’ll probably go insane. She’s a Legolas fan, you know.”

“Oh I see. I now have my first official fan.”

“You should hear her gush over your character.”

“Hmm, I can imagine. Have you read the book?”

“I started reading the ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ last week, and I’m almost done with it. And it’s all because of Louise, my bookworm of a sister who adores your character.”

“So, she coaxed you into reading it, huh?”

“Yes. She absolutely wouldn’t stop gushing over this elfie guy!”

“Hey, you’re talking to the elfie guy!”

“Sorry. I just can’t help but laugh about it.” Marae gave a lively giggle.

Good! She’s laughing again. Gee, I love the way she laughs. “Well, you haven’t seen me in action yet.”

“Oh? Let’s see if you can change the way I see Legolas.”

“Why, how do you see him?”

“Well, I don’t think he’s that exciting as I would imagine him to be. I think Aragorn is better than him.”

“Hah! Aragorn? Legolas is way better than him. I assure you when you see me as Legolas, you’ll fall under his spell.” And hopefully under my spell too.

“Are you daring me?”

“If you’re up to it.”

“And what if I don’t take you up on your dare?”

“It means you’re denying the fact that Legolas is better than Aragorn.”

“And what if you can prove to me that Legolas is better than Aragorn?”

“Well, you just to go with me to dinner.”

“And if you lose, you won’t bug me over not liking Legolas?”

“Yes. Deal?” Hah! She doesn’t know what she’s getting into. She’s going to lose. He smiled impishly to himself.

What am I getting myself into? she thought with a niggling sense of dread. “Deal!”

“Okay!”

“Better prepare to loose because I’m keen on not falling for the elfie guy.”

“We’ll see.”

Marae looks at her watch and saw with a start that it was almost 11:30p.m. She yawned.

“Getting sleepy?”

“Yeah. I usually sleep around this time when I have work.”

“You teach children, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Lij told me.”

“Yes. I’ve been teaching children for more than a year now.”

“So, I guess I better let you go to sleep now. See you on Tuesday.”

“See you. And thanks for keeping my mobile. Goodnight, Orli.”

“Goodnight to you too, Marae.”

“’Bye and take care.”

“Take care.”

In the aftermath of their cordial and pleasant phone conversation, Orli grinned. A warm and fuzzy feeling of gladness ran through him because now he knows there was still a chance. A slim one to be sure, but he’s not giving up on her. He’ll see this to the end, and hopefully it will be a happy ending.

Nobody told me you'd feel so good
Nobody said you'd be so beautiful
Nobody warned me about your smile
You're the light, you're the light
When I close my eyes
I'm colour blind

Chapter 3- You Made Me Colour Blind

Blinded by the light you shine, the colours fade completely
Blinded by you every time, I feel your smile defeat me

I'm colour blind
I just can't deny this feeling

They finally released each other’s hands. Marae looked at him quite intently and realized he did looked familiar. Oh my God! He was the guy who owned the towel Pepper stole last week! she thought with a sense of dread. At that moment, Pepper went beside Orli, wagging her tail at him. I guess she recognizes him alright. Orli, noticing the dog beside him, eventually fell under the spell of her big, round, attention-hungry puppy eyes. He scooped her into his arms.

“Why hello there? You’re a very friendly fellow, aren’t you?” he crooned, giving Pepper a pat on the head.

“I think she recognizes you, Orli.”

“Oh really? Where?” Orli pretended he didn’t know what she was talking about. Of course, he knew all too well what she was talking about.

“I believe she’s the one who um, stole your towel last week here at the beach,” Marae said shyly.

“Oh! So you’re the little sneak who got my towel, huh?” said Orli. She remembered what happened last week! Orli smiled to himself. Yeah right Orli! You’re just jumping into conclusions again! With an effort, he shook the idea off. Then he put Pepper down and the little dog ran to Marae’s side.

At that moment, Lij immediately realized that Marae was the one Orli was looking for since last week. So she’s the one he couldn’t stop thinking about all this time! He remembered Orli telling him what happened that day. And being the crazy friend that he is, he decided that the time was right to spill the beans…

“Which means, mate, you finally found the woman you’ve been… ulk!”
but before Lij could finish what he was saying, Orli immediately grabbed him and clapped a hand on his mouth to prevent him from blabbing any further.

“What the hell are you trying to do Lij?!” whispered Orli. He turned Lij’s head towards him and glared, keeping Lij in a tight headlock.

“What d’you mean, mate?” he whispered back.

“This!”

“This? But I’m trying to help you out here!”

“Yeah, right! Let me handle this, okay? I don’t what you screwing this whole thing up!”

“Oh, and this is your way handling it? Yeah, real slick Orli!” Lij removed Orli’s arm around his neck. “You know Marae… Orli’s been obsessed with seeing yo..” but before he could finish what he was saying, Orli cut him off again by pushing him aside. And they both fell face down in front of Marae.

“Obsessed with who?” Marae asked in puzzlement.

“Oh, uh, nothing!…Lij’s been ah, under the weather and that’s why he’s hallucinating and saying things THAT HE SHOULDN’T SAY! RIGHT?!” Orli glowered at Lij as the other raised his eyebrows at him and grinned sheepishly.

“Uh, yeah, yeah! I’m so sorry I don’t know what I was talking about. I was a little out of it, so scrap that!” Lij said, as he struggled to stand up.

“Crazy old chap!” Orli finally laughed as he messed up Lij’s hair.

“Well, okay, if you say so. I’ve to get going and continue jogging. See you ‘round. Come on, Pepper!” Marae jogged off away from them.

As Marae was out of hearing range, Orli turned to talk to his two companions.

“Lij, you’d better not be doing a repeat performance of what just happened. Unless you’ve got sudden a craving for a slow and very painful death.”

“What?”

“Oh, don’t you say ‘WHAT?’ on me! Like you didn’t know what you were doing a few moments ago!”

“Look Orli, Lij was just trying to help out,” interrupted Dom, “even if it didn’t look like it.” Lij shot Dom an annoyed look.

“I know that, Dom. But let me do this my way. Look, I really appreciate the introductions and stuff. At least, I got the chance to know her a bit.”

“Well Orli, it’s your call,” offered Dom.

Marae continued jogging along the shore. She kept on going but she couldn’t take her mind off on what happened earlier. Who was Lij talking about? And why did Orli stop him from telling me the rest of it? These questions kept swirling around in her mind.

“Oh, why do I have to bother about it?” she said to herself, and tried to continue her jogging. Unfortunately, she didn’t notice that there was a man running from her right side towards the water. He almost bumped into her and she abruptly changed her direction. She didn’t notice the small rock in front of her that was embedded in the sand – until she tripped on it. She felt a painful twisting sensation in her ankle as she fell.

“Oh great!” she muttered through gritting teeth as she tried getting up. She felt a sharp pain shoot up her ankle. Marae tried calling for Pepper to come back but the dog kept on running away. And limping after her was a near-futile way of catching up.

“Pepper! Where are you going? Come back!”

Orli was sitting by the beach watching Lij and Dom surf. As he was about to get a book to read, he heard a dog barking from afar. He turned around and saw a familiar-looking beagle running towards him. Marae’s dog.

“Hey, what’re you doing here?” The dog kept on barking at him. She seemed agitated and restless, and kept on tugging at his shorts.

“Whoa, slow down there! What do you want Pepper?”

The dog kept on jumping and barking at him. It was as if she wanted him to follow her.

“Do you want me to follow you?” So, Orli ran after the dog. Eventually she lead him to Marae, who was limping her way back. He immediately ran to Marae’s side and put her arm around his shoulders for support.

“Marae, what happened?”

“Well, I uh…ouch!…accidentally twisted my ankle while I was jogging.”

“How?”

“There was this man who came running in the opposite direction, and as I swerved to avoid him, I tripped over this small rock in front me. Ouch! Ooh, I’m such a klutz!”

“Believe me you’re not the only one who’s a klutz. I’ve had my share on being accident prone,” replied Orli smilingly as he placed her arm around his shoulder to support her. The two continued their conversation as she was being gently led to his friends’ location.

“ Oh, really huh?” she answered between laughs. “Glad to know I’m not the only klutz in the world. How did you find me?”

“Well, for some strange reason your dog came to me and brought me to you.”

“Oh, you silly girl,” she gently chided Pepper. “And uh, thank you, Orli.”

“Anytime.”

By the time they reached the spot where Lij and Dom were, the two had just finished surfing. They saw Orli supporting a limping Marae.

“Hey, what happened?” asked Lij.

“Marae twisted her ankle back there,” answered Orli.

“And you immediately came to her rescue, did you, mate?” asked Dom with an-oh-so slight teasing tone of voice.

“You’re a fast worker, huh Orli?” joked Lij. But the young man just ignored Lij’s comment.

“I guess we ought to bring you home, Marae,” suggested Orli.

“Uh, no it’s okay. My car’s in the parking lot. I can manage. I just need some help getting there.”

“But with that twisted ankle of yours, I think driving’s out of the question.”

“That’s right, Marae. Orli can drive you home,” Lij insisted with an impish grin on his face.

“Oh, but I don’t want to trouble any of you.”

“It’s okay, Marae. He’ll be glad to do it, right Orli?” Dom added.

“You know Orli, he likes playing the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress all the time,” jibed Lij.

“Uh, don’t mind them, Marae. Their mouths sometimes run away from them. I’m bringing you home.”

“But uh, it’s not like I’m uh…refusing your offer to drive for me…but my car is quite and um…I don’t know if you can manage to uh…drive it.”

“What is it?’

“It’s a Verita.”

“That’s okay. You and Orli can bring our jeep. And me and Dom can drive your car for you,” Lij quickly responded.

“But, but I wanna go ride with them,” Dom replied mimicking a child’s voice.

“Oh will you shut up, Dom? You’re coming with me and that’s final. Don’t be a pain in the ass. And didn’t I remind you not to be nosy?”

“Oops! Sorry! I forgot my prim-and-proper manners,” Dom snickered cheekily.

“Are you all sure? I just don’t want to be such a bother for you guys.”

“YES!” they all said in unison.

“Uh, okay. And, thanks.”

All of them proceeded to the parking lot, with Orli was still assisting Marae. By a stroke of sheer coincidence, their cars were parked next to each other. Dom and Lij loaded their gear into the Laredo. Marae got the keys of her car in her pocket and handed it over to Lij.

“Um, Dom could you please open the compartment in front of you and hand me my mobile phone?” Dom opened the glovebox and handed it to her. “Thank you.”

She went to the passenger side of the Laredo. Orli opened the door for her. And as she climbed up the jeep she held on his hand for support. Pepper immediately jumped up into her lap. “Thanks,” she shyly whispered. Orli closed the door. As he was walking his way to the driver’s side, Lij stuck his head out of Marae’s car and said, “Hey, don’t you dare try driving off somewhere with her. We’ll be following you, mate!” he called out, his eyebrows wagging up and down naughtily.

“Oh, shut up, Lij!” He then got in the Laredo and drove off. They started heading towards West Coast Road onto Scenic Drive.

“How far is your place from here?” asked Orli.

“It’s about a 30-minute drive from here.”

“I see.”

They both remained quiet for a few minutes. As they drove further down the road by the hill, Waitemata harbor came into the. The majestic beauty of the harbor and the sea was so magnificent that Orli couldn’t help but praise its beauty.

“Wow! That’s a bloody marvelous view down there.”

“Beautiful isn’t it? That’s why I love driving around Auckland, especially near this harbor. I love the sea so much. It reminds me of home.”

“Home? Where are you from, Marae?”

“I’m originally from the Philippines. I moved here 4 months ago.”

“Oh, but you don’t look that Asian to me.”

“Well, both of my parents are of Spanish descent. So that explains my non-Asian features.”

“Guess your parents are a gorgeous couple coz they have a beautiful daughter like you.”

Marae didn’t react to that last comment that Orli said. She remained silent and ignored it – in vain. I have to change the topic before he says anything more! She suddenly felt uncomfortable.

“Uh, can I just make a quick call to my friend?”

“Of course.”

Marae pulled her mobile out of her right pocket and dialed Mira’s number. It rang 3 times. Come on, Mira pick it up! she thought in desperation. She fidgeted and waited until finally, to her great relief, she heard her friend’s voice on the other line.

“Mira, it’s Marae.”

“Rae, where are you?”

“I’m on my way home now. Can you please go to my house now? Something happened to me…” Before she could explain any further her friend started to panic.

“ WHY? WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!”

“Will you please calm down? It’s not that serious. I twisted my ankle while I was jogging. And I can’t drive my car.”

“Wuh..wait! If you can’t drive your car, how are you coming home?”

“Orli is driving me home.”

“Orli? Who’s Orli? Hey, why didn’t you tell me that you already met a guy? You’re keeping secrets from me, girl.”

“Oh, shush your mouth. Can you please drop by my house?”

“Is he cute? Okay I’ll go to your house now. Can’t wait to see him!”

“THANKS A LOT MIRA! Bye!” Marae retorted mockingly and then turned off her mobile and replaced it on the dashboard.

“Who was that you were talking to?” asked Orli curiously.

“That was my friend Mira. I asked her to go to my house so someone could keep me company.”

“Is she on her way then?”

“Yeah, she is. Uh, could you make a right over Western Springs?”

“Okay. I wonder how Dom and Lij are doing back there?” Marae looked over at the back to see her Verita still trailing them.

“They’re doing fine, I think.”

“Wanna try and lose them in the freeway? We can drive away from them so they’ll get lost,” he said mischievously.

Marae let out a peal of laughter. “Uh, no Orli. They have my car remember?”

“Well, they can still get in touch with us since Lij has his mobile with him.”

“Um, I’m not going to risk my car being driven around Auckland looking for us. They would look like idiots going around the city.”

“EXACTLY!” Orli laughed heartily. Marae also laughed. She even looks more beautiful when she laughs, he mused. “Okay, we’ll do that next time. We’d better get you home first.” Right then and there, he noticed the silver ring that was hanging around her neck.

“That’s a cool ring you got there. Where did you get it?”

Of all the things he had to notice! Why the ring? she thought miserably. The ring that was given by him, by Matt, her better-left-unsaid ex-fiancé. Her mood suddenly shifted.

“It was um, given to me, uh, a long time ago,” she answered in a somber tone.

“Who?”

“Could we talk about something else?”

“Oh, I…I’m sorry if my question made you upset.”

“It’s okay. I just don’t want to talk about it right now.”

“I’m sorry.”

Good work Bloom! You blew it this time! He ignored the voice in his head. He couldn’t help but think what could be the reason why she became upset when he asked about the ring. He continued driving. They maintained a rather uncomfortable silence for 2 more minutes. Quick, you dim sod! Say something, anything!

“Um, uh, he’s yours, I take it?” he asked, indicating Pepper.

“Yes, but Pepper’s a female,” Marae replied.

“Oh, I see. You like dogs? I have one back at home, and it’s too bad I wasn’t able to bring her with me.”

“Really? What’s your dog’s name?”

“Maude. She’s kinda like a bulldog, with white fur and a few brown patches here and there. Not as cute as Pepper here.” At this point, the hyper little puppy lunged at Orli’s face and gave him a small, slobbery lick.

“Easy there, Pepper! She likes you a lot, I guess,” Marae laughingly smiled as she gently pried her pet away from him.

Feelin' jaded, when it's not gone right
All the colours have faded, then I feel your eyes on me

Feelin' fine! Sublime!
When that smile of yours creeps into my mind

“Uh, you better make a left in Mt. Eden Pass Exit. Then, when you see St. Stevens Avenue to your right, you go there. And you’ll see Parnell Village.”

“Gotcha.”

As they drove into the main entrance gate of Penrose Village, Marae told Orli to take a right to Symonds Street. Studio-type apartments lined up the street.

“Just park it right there in front of apartment number 24 by that red mailbox.”

Orli parked the Laredo by the driveway and turned off the engine. As he got out, he spotted Lij and Dom parking Marae’s Verita behind his vehicle. He opened the passenger door on Marae’s side and offered his hand to her so she could step down. Since the jeep was a bit high, she almost lost her balance but fortunately Orli was able to catch her.

“Woah, easy! I got ya.” Orli accompanied Marae towards the main door of her house. She had a hidden compartment by the door where she kept her extra front-door key. Dom and Lij followed them, humming a pop ballad in the background. Marae unlocked the door. Can’t believe Mira’s not here yet. What’s keeping her?”

“Well, come in guys.” Marae limped her way into her apartment. “Would you like anything, a snack or drinks?”

“We’re okay, Marae. Why don’t you sit down and we’ll get a cold compress for your ankle?” suggested Lij.

“It’s okay, I can get it. Why don’t you sit down and take a rest?”

“Let me help you, Marae.” Orli followed Marae to her kitchen.

“I’ll get the cold compress bag in the bathroom.”

“No, lemme get it for ya. Where’s your bathroom?”

“When you go out of the kitchen just turn left, then go straight and the last door at right is the bathroom. The cold compress bag is inside the cabinet on top of the mirror.”

“Thanks.” Marae got some chips and Coke cans from the refrigerator and offered them to the two who were busy browsing some magazines.

“Gee, thanks, Marae. You didn’t have to,” they both exclaimed.

“Where’s Orli?” asked Lij.

“He went to the bathroom to get the cold compress bag for my sprain.”

“Ah, now he’s playing nurse,” Lij whispered to Dom, which made him snicker.

“Uh, care to share the joke?” Marae inquired.

“Oh! Uh, nothing! Just a small inside joke we have. Er, uh, thanks Marae!” The two impish young men grinned goofily at Marae.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“This is okay.”

As Orli walked through the short hallway going to the bathroom, he passed by a small table where a couple of picture frames were arranged together with some angel figurines. After getting the cold compress bag, he walked back to the kitchen. Passing by the small table, a particular picture caught his attention. It was a picture of Marae with another man. She was hugging him from behind, her arms draped around his neck. They were holding hands and her face nestled over his shoulder. They made a good-looking couple. I wonder who he is? He then caught sight of the silver ring, the very same one she was wearing now around her neck. But it in the picture, it was on ring finger of her right hand. How beautiful she looks when she smiles. I hope she’d smile like that more often, he thought with a touch of sadness.

Feelin' yellow, I'm confused inside
A little hazy but mellow when I feel your eyes on me

Feelin' fine! Sublime!
When that smile of yours creeps into my mind

The sound of Marae’s footsteps indicated she was headed for the kitchen. She suddenly stopped by the short hallway … and saw Orli looking at the pictures. Especially the one of her and Matt.

“So, did you find the cold compress bag?”

“Huh? Um, yeah, got it right here.” Orli walked back to the kitchen and got a couple of ice cubes from the refrigerator. Marae sat on one of the cushioned chairs by the breakfast nook and removed her sneakers and socks, which revealed that her slightly swollen ankle. There was a faint purplish discoloration on the swollen area.

“Woah! That looks pretty bad,” Orli said as he placed the cold compress over her sprain. Just then the front doorbell rang. Dom immediately stood up to open the door.

“I’ll get it.”

He opened the door and there stood Mira. For a few seconds she stood there in disbelief and suspicion. Did something go really wrong that I actually stopped at the wrong house?

“Um, Is…is Marae home?”

“Yeah, she’s inside. Won’t you come in?”

“Thank you.”

As Mira stepped inside the house, she saw another guy reading by the couch. He looks kinda familiar, she thought. I could’ve sworn I’ve seen him somewhere. Just then she heard Marae’s voice call out to her.

“Mira! Is that you?”

“Yup! Where are you?”

“Kitchen!”

Mira then proceeded to the kitchen. Marae was sitting on one of the chairs with a cold compress on her foot.

“Hey! What happened to you?”

“I sprained my ankle. Oh, this is Orlando Bloom. Orlando, I’d like you to meet my fellow teacher, Miranda Mitchells.”

“Nice to meet you Miranda. And call me Orli.” He extended a hand to Mira.

“So, you’re Orli.” Mira grinned and threw a speculative look at Marae. “Nice to meet you. Call me Mira.”

“Hey, you blokes! Come on over and meet Marae’s friend,” Orli called out. Dom and Lij got up and went to the kitchen. Marae made quick introductions between Mira, Lij and Dom. Mira was secretly delighted to meet Elijah Wood in person.

“These two were the ones who helped me get home. Since I wasn’t able to drive my car,” Marae added.

“But remember, Orli was the one who gave you a lot of help,” teased Lij. He could saw Orli giving him a ‘you’re going to die later’ look.

“Well, thanks for helping her out. How did you know Marae?”

“I met Lij last week in the movie set. And I met Orli and Dom just today. They’re actors.”

“Wow! I knew it! I kinda recognized you Lij, or should I say, Elijah Wood.”

“Oh no! My cover’s blown! I just found another fan!” said Lij in mock horror, and then gave a hearty, friendly laugh.

Just then, the phone rang. Marae struggled to get it, but Orli quickly beat her to it.

“I’ll answer it for you. You mustn’t walk around so it wouldn’t swell up any further.” He then picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

By some weird coincidence, the person on the other line was none other than Louise. When a male voice answered her sister’s phone she became skeptical and thought she dialed the wrong number. But what a nice British accent! she thought.

“Uh…is this the residence of Marae Anne Alvarez?”

“Oh, you mean Marae? Yeah, she’s here. May I know who’s calling?”

“It’s her sister, Louise. Who’s this?”

“I’m Orli. Just wait a bit and I’ll get her.” On the other line, Louise’s overactive, crazy brain was now flooded with questions as she waited for Marae to get the phone.

“Marae, it’s your sister, Louise.”

“Thanks.” Marae limped her way to where the phone was, which was in a corner near the hallway and partially hidden from the living room where Mira, Lij and Dom now were. “Hello?”

“Hey, who was that guy who answered the phone?” asked Louise, sounding like the ever-careful and concerned sister that she really was.

“Uh-huh. I know what you’re thinking, my dear sister.”

“Hey, I’m just asking who he is.”

“His name is Orlando Bloom.”

“Orlando Bloom?” she laughed. “Sounds like a name of a flower shop or something. Where did you meet him huh?” Louise asked inquisitively.

“I just met him today.”

“And he’s in house already?”

“Wait a second! Your dirty mind is on a roll again. Mira is with me also, along with his friends.”

“Ooh, and his friends too, hmm? By the way, I love his accent.”

“He’s an actor, you know.”

“No kidding! What movie did he do? I’m sure I haven’t heard his name before.”

“He’s currently doing a movie here in New Zealand.”

“Yeah, what?”

“Before I answer your question, promise me you won’t do anything crazy over there like scream your head out or something.”

“Why would I scream? I don’t think I even know him.”

“Okay, he’s is the movie ‘Lord of the Rings’ I told you about. He plays your beloved elf Legolas Greenleaf.” Marae held the phone away in anticipation that her sister would scream again. But strangely enough, there was no scream…only dead silence.

“Hello? Louise? Are you still alive back there?” No answer. “Louise, I’m going to call you when you’re alive again, okay?” But finally, she responded…somehow.

“I…I can’t b-believe it…I just t-talked to…to…Legolas.”

“He’s not really Legolas, he’s just playing him, okay?”

“Still! At least I’ve heard how he sounds like. Is he good-looking? What does he look like?”

“Uh, yeah. You could say he’s pretty good-looking. But I haven’t seen him as Legolas.”

“Oh God! I think I’m going to die of envy now. You should’ve told me!”

“Well, now you know. And I won’t be giving anymore details because the people from New Line Cinema would kill me if I disclose anymore information to you. And by the way, why did you call me in the first place?”

“So, how long have you’ve known Marae?” asked Lij.

“About 4 months. Why d’you ask?”

“Well, we wanna help Orli. Ever since he first got a glimpse of her, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.”

“No kidding! But, I thought they just met today.”

“Actually, they almost met each other last week on the set, too.”

“And since you’re close to Marae, maybe you could help set things up for them,” Dom smilingly suggested.

“I, I’d love to! I’ve been pestering her to meet someone after what happened to her last year.”

“Why? What happened to her?”

“Oh, I don’t think I’m in a position to blab all the details. It wouldn’t be fair for Marae. But let’s say that she’s nursing a broken heart.”

“OH!” Lij and Dom exclaimed at the same time and grinned meaningfully at each other.

Just then, Orli walked into the living room and joined them.

“Who’s nursing a broken heart?” he asked.

“Oh, nothing. We were just talking about Mira’s cousin,” Dom hastily replied.

“Where’s Marae?” asked Mira.

“She’s on the phone talking to her sister.”

“Ah… Dad called last night. He was asking about you. He sounded worried, Rae,” Louise said.

“Well, isn’t it too late for him to be worried about me?” answered Marae somewhat irritably.

“He just wants to talk to you dear. Give him a chance.”

“You know, ever since he went away to take that job 15 years ago, he was never worried about me. He never had!” Marae’s voice started to rise and it cracked a bit.

“Look, don’t be bitter on him. He really wants to talk to you. I even gave him your number.” Marae was silent for a few seconds. “Rae, you have to remove this chip on your shoulder. He’s our dad after all. Look, um…I think I cast a small cloud on your day today. But you know I want you to do this. Just call me soon when you’re ready to talk, okay?”

“Don’t worry about it. Bye.” She had to put the phone down, because she was on the verge of crying again. She bent her head down. Deep down inside she always wanted this to happen. Now is your chance to get your own ever since he went away. A few tears rolled down her cheeks. How she wanted to have her father with her again! The warm and special closeness they had when she was young. Just then, Orli came in and saw faint traces of tears on her cheeks.

“Marae, are you okay?”

She raised her head up and looked at him. She was slightly puffy-eyed and wiped what looked suspiciously like tear marks hastily from her face. “Yeah, I’m okay. What is it that you want?”

“I just wanna tell you that we have to go. Billy just got a call and I think we need to get back.” Orli was sure for certain she was crying. But he acted as if he didn’t notice it. Deep down inside he was puzzled, though. Seeing those sad eyes again made him want to take her into her arms and shield her from all the unhappiness in the world. He just couldn’t stand seeing those eyes become sad again.

“Oh. Okay, I’ll be right out in a sec.” Orli left and Marae made sure her face was completely tear-free before coming out and saying goodbye to them.

“Marae, we gotta go now. Billy’s been calling, ‘coz the poor lad’s all by his lonesome. And we have to buy dinner for everyone. So we really got to go back to Hamilton. We’d like to thank you both for your kind hospitality,” Lij spoke politely.

“And it’s a pleasure meeting you Mira.” Dom stretched out his hand to Mira, who secretly slipped him a piece of paper with Marae’s and her number at home. The two mean to contact Mira so they could plan out their mission of getting Orli and Marae to meet again.

“Thank you so much for your help guys. Don’t worry I’ll be alright now. Mira’s going to stay with me tonight. You sure you know your way back?”

“Well, we have Orli here to drive us back. He knows the way back home. Right, mate?”

“Yeah, no problem. So, we’d better be heading off now. Thank you, Marae.” Lij and Dom were the first ones to leave. Orli was the last one to leave. But before he left, he gave same gentle words of parting to Marae. “Take care.” And he gave her a pat on the shoulder.

“You, too. And…and thanks.”

Before getting inside the Laredo, Lij shouted, “See you next week, Marae! Bye!” and waved back at them. Orli gave her one last lingering look before he went inside the jeep.

“Bye!” said Marae and Mira and waved back at the guys. They watched as the jeep sped away from their view. Then, Marae was quiet for a while.

“Hey, why are you so quiet all of the sudden?”

“Um, nothing.”

“Oh, come on Rae. I’ve known you for months so I know when something’s wrong with you.”

“My sister called earlier. And my dad wanted to call me.”

“So? What’s the problem with that?”

“He never wanted to talk ever since he left 15 years ago.” Marae dashed limping inside. But Mira followed her and found her friend slumped on the couch.

“Hey, I know it’s hard not having your dad for 15 years.”

“But I’ve begged him to come back with us for years.”

“Maybe he’s making up for lost time now.”

“Does he have to let 15 years pass by before realizing that?”

“Give him a chance, girl.”

“You know, he was supposed to come home for my wedding last year but he didn’t. Not even when Mom told him what happened and it didn’t push through. He didn’t call me, and just kept on telling Mom that he was too busy with work. Why does he always do that?” In the middle of her speech, tears started to brim on her eyes again.

“Well, I don’t know. There could be many reasons why he’s like that. But how will you know if you won’t talk to him? Maybe once and for all, it would be all up to you to fix it,” Mira consoled her friend.

On their way home to Hamilton, the gang’s talk seemed to revolve around Marae.

“So, mate what are you planning to do now that you have met Marae?” asked Lij.

“Guys, I think I have to be a bit cautious with her. I think she’s in a relationship right now.”

“WAS in a relationship,” Dom corrected him.

“What do you mean by ‘was in a relationship’?”

“That’s what Mira told us earlier.”

“But I saw a picture of her with a guy in her apartment.”

“I guess they just ended a relationship. Mira won’t give us any more details about it without telling her.”

“So you shouldn’t give up, mate,” added Lij. “Trust me on this, okay? We’ll help you with this.” At that moment, Dom noticed the mobile phone on the dashboard of the jeep.

“Hello? Whose phone is that?”

“That’s Marae’s. I think she left when she got out of the jeep earlier.”

“SEE! That’s a sign mate! That means you’ll see her again!”

“Ah, knock it off Lij! Since when did you, of all people, believe in signs?”

“Oh, just have a little faith in it, Orli. Besides, here’s another sign for ya.” Lij handed him a piece of folded paper. Orli opened it and it revealed Marae’s phone number.

“Where did you get this?”

“Let’s say a beautiful angel helped us to get it,” grinned Dom.

“You can call her tonight and tell her that she left her mobile. Take it from there, bud! Maybe you two can arrange for a little tête-à-tête?”

Orli looked at the piece of paper in his hand. Here’s your chance. Grab it! But he felt a bit apprehensive.

“I don’t know, mates. I don’t want to jump the gun, y’see.”

“Hey, there’s no harm in trying. I never thought of you as a quitter, mate,” Dom said.

“Yeah, unless you want me to try something else and let Marae know what you really feel,” joked Lij.

“Hah! You do that and I’ll make sure that you’ll get your death wish in the form of a hundred barbed and poisoned arrows all aimed at your bloody arse. (Sigh!) I suppose it’s out of my hands now. Might as well call her tonight, then.”

“That’s the spirit, boy!” the other three guys cheered.

10 p.m., Marae’s apartment

Mira had just curled into bed to sleep. But shortly afterwards, a noise woke her up. It turned out that Marae seemed to be preoccupied with turning her apartment upside down.

“What’s wrong with you, girl? If you wanted to redecorate your apartment you could have done it earlier and not during this time of the night.”

“I can’t find my stupid mobile!” Marae continued searching like crazy in her bedroom.

“Where did you leave it?”

“Oh, don’t ask me that question now because I can’t remember where I last placed it.”

“Maybe you couldn’t remember where you placed it because your mind got distracted by a certain British lad you just met, huh?”

“Oh, stop dragging Orli into this! Would you please get your butt over here and help me find it?”

“Do it yourself. I’m sleepy.” As soon as her head touched the pillow, the phone suddenly rang. But Marae went down the stairs to get it. Who’d be calling me at this time of the night? It’s 10:08, for goodness’ sakes! She got the cordless phone and sat on the couch before answering it.

“Hello?”

God! Her voice sounded lovely over the phone. “Uh, is this Marae?”

“Yes, who’s this?”

“It’s Orli.”

She was surprised that he knew her number. How the heck did he get my number? She definitely didn’t remember giving it to him. “Orli! How did you find this number?”

Damn! I can’t tell her how I got her number! Gotta think of a reason. “Sorry if I have bothered you or something. I called up to tell you that you left your mobile in the jeep this afternoon.”

“Oh, stupid me!” Marae muttered and slapped her hand on her forehead in self-exasperation.

He heard a noise over the phone. “Uh, what was that?”

“Nothing. I just smacked myself. I couldn’t believe I left it with you. I was practically turned my apartment inside out looking for that darn thing.”

“Oh, you did?” He gave a full, masculine laugh of amusement. “How’s your ankle?”

“Well, the swelling has subsided a bit. But now, I don’t know since I was moving a bit again when I was looking for my mobile.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep it safe for you. I won’t even think of peeking at its contents.”

“Thanks. I’m tend to misplace things especially when certain things bother me at times.”

“You alright, Marae?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just your daily family issues.”

“I had my share of those too. I remember back when my family was quite apprehensive when I decided to come here to shoot for almost 2 years. I didn’t want to be separated from them but I had to do this. It was like a once-in-a-lifetime break.”

“Yeah. I know it’s been 4 months since I moved in here and I also couldn’t stand being away from my family also.”

She heard Orli dive a sympathetic sigh over the phone. “We both don’t like being away from the people we love. But our new found friends become our kinda like our family, right?”

“Where are they?”

“Who?”

“Your family, the one you left behind.”

“They’re back in London, in Kent.”

“At least for you, after 2 years, you can come back to them.”

“Does that imply that you yourself are staying here for good?”

“Probably. It still depends on what will happen.”

“What will happen to what?”

“What will happen to me in the future.”

“Oh, I see. But you will still come back home?”

“Not in the near future. Not now. There are some things that I, um, need time away from before I deal with it,” she replied in a somber, yet hesitant tone.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay.”

“So, er, how am I going to give you your mobile?”

“I’ll be accompanying the children on the Hobbiton set this coming Tuesday, remember?”

“Oh yeah, that’s right! Perfect! I’ll probably drop by in the afternoon since I have scenes to do in the studio. You sure you don’t need it in the meantime?”

“Yes. At least I know it’s in good hands. Not unless my crazy sister calls over. Just don’t answer it.”

“Why?”

“Well, if she finds out that my mobile is with you, she’ll probably go insane. She’s a Legolas fan, you know.”

“Oh I see. I now have my first official fan.”

“You should hear her gush over your character.”

“Hmm, I can imagine. Have you read the book?”

“I started reading the ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ last week, and I’m almost done with it. And it’s all because of Louise, my bookworm of a sister who adores your character.”

“So, she coaxed you into reading it, huh?”

“Yes. She absolutely wouldn’t stop gushing over this elfie guy!”

“Hey, you’re talking to the elfie guy!”

“Sorry. I just can’t help but laugh about it.” Marae gave a lively giggle.

Good! She’s laughing again. Gee, I love the way she laughs. “Well, you haven’t seen me in action yet.”

“Oh? Let’s see if you can change the way I see Legolas.”

“Why, how do you see him?”

“Well, I don’t think he’s that exciting as I would imagine him to be. I think Aragorn is better than him.”

“Hah! Aragorn? Legolas is way better than him. I assure you when you see me as Legolas, you’ll fall under his spell.” And hopefully under my spell too.

“Are you daring me?”

“If you’re up to it.”

“And what if I don’t take you up on your dare?”

“It means you’re denying the fact that Legolas is better than Aragorn.”

“And what if you can prove to me that Legolas is better than Aragorn?”

“Well, you just to go with me to dinner.”

“And if you lose, you won’t bug me over not liking Legolas?”

“Yes. Deal?” Hah! She doesn’t know what she’s getting into. She’s going to lose. He smiled impishly to himself.

What am I getting myself into? she thought with a niggling sense of dread. “Deal!”

“Okay!”

“Better prepare to loose because I’m keen on not falling for the elfie guy.”

“We’ll see.”

Marae looks at her watch and saw with a start that it was almost 11:30p.m. She yawned.

“Getting sleepy?”

“Yeah. I usually sleep around this time when I have work.”

“You teach children, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Lij told me.”

“Yes. I’ve been teaching children for more than a year now.”

“So, I guess I better let you go to sleep now. See you on Tuesday.”

“See you. And thanks for keeping my mobile. Goodnight, Orli.”

“Goodnight to you too, Marae.”

“’Bye and take care.”

“Take care.”

In the aftermath of their cordial and pleasant phone conversation, Orli grinned. A warm and fuzzy feeling of gladness ran through him because now he knows there was still a chance. A slim one to be sure, but he’s not giving up on her. He’ll see this to the end, and hopefully it will be a happy ending.

Nobody told me you'd feel so good
Nobody said you'd be so beautiful
Nobody warned me about your smile
You're the light, you're the light
When I close my eyes
I'm colour blind