Chapter 5 - Love On The Horizon

March 25, Saturday in Marae’s Apartment, 7:25 p.m.

For the past three days, Marae’s phone has been ringing left and right ever since Nina and Sydney arrived in New Zealand. They will be staying in New Zealand for 2 months. Nina has been begging her to come to Queenstown, which is in the South Island. Marae herself have never been to the South Island since she came to New Zealand.

“Rae, when are you coming over? Sydney is itching to go around and see the sights here,” asked Nina.

“Remember Nina, I am more familiar with the North Island than the South Island. And besides I’m going to Twizel on the 28th for some shoots for Lord of the Rings.”

“Yeah! Oh I wish I could come with you and watch it.”

“Uh I’ve been sworn to secrecy about it that I wouldn’t tell anybody any details of the movie.”

“Yeah you mentioned it in your letter to me last month. How’s Elijah Wood like in person?”

“He’s friendly. Got these pair of gorgeous blue eyes that you will surely love.”

“Oh yes. Elijah is so cute. Maybe you could arrange something so we could meet him.”

“I have only known him for a month dear.”

“But you can try right? Please?”

“I’m not promising you anything. Coz he’s busy with his filming commitments.”

“Oh come on Rae?” pleaded Nina.

“Okay, okay! I’ll try.”

“Thanks. Oh I remember you mentioning in your letter that you met some actors in the set, right?”

“Like Billy Boyd…”

“Yeah and Dominic Monaghan, Ian Mckellen, Sean Astin.”

“Viggo Mortensen.” added Marae.

“Oh and this guy with a very odd name…uh?” Nina was snapping her fingers while trying to recall the guy’s name. “Uh? What’s his name? It sounded funny like it’s a name of a flower shop…”

Marae just shook her and smiled from what she heard. “His name is Orlando Bloom”

“Yeah Its Orlando Bloom! The elf guy that you mentioned.”

“Yes.” Marae haven’t talked to Orli since he called her 3 weeks ago. But he called her twice but he always missed her coz she was out with Mira all the time. And she was busy catching up with her work. And 5 days ago, Peter Jackson called her up and asked her if she wanted to be included in some of the Rohan scenes. She immediately obliged to his request. She’s a bit excited to be included in the movie even if she’s playing a minor part as a Rohan citizen.

“Anyways, I have to get going now. Sydney and I are going around the town with Auntie Linda. Check out the shops and buy some stuff.”

“Enjoy the place Nins! See you on the 29th. Tell Syd I said hello! Bye.” Click. Putting the receiver down.

Marae was in her kitchen when the phone rang again. Ring! Ring! Ring! She allowed her machine answer it for her. It was Orli. Good Evening, Marae! You there? (Silence) Guess not. Uh… Marae rushed out to get it, her hand was on the handle of the receiver of her phone to answer him but she stopped. For some strange reason she didn’t pick it up. Listening as he talked over the phone. I was just checking how you are doing. We haven’t talked for quite some time now. Just give me a ring soon. Take care. Bye! Beep. Her heart was pounding fast. I guess there’s no harm in returning his call. Gathering all the courage that she had, she dialed the number that appeared in her machine.

Ring! Ring!

“Hello?”

“Orli?”

“Rae?”

“Yeah, its me. I just got your message in my machine. Sorry I wasn’t able to answer the phone coz I was doing something in my kitchen when you called.”

“It’s okay. I was just checking how you were. I was calling you a couple of times before but you were always out.”

“I’ve been busy with work these past couple of weeks. And Mira has been having some family problems lately. So, I have to keep her company for the past few days.”

“I hope she’s okay.”

“She is now.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Yeah, I’m also glad she’s doing better now. She’s back to her usual loony self.”

“(laughs) Just like Dom. He kept on talking about her for the past couple of days now.”

“Really now? Hmmm…its weird coz she’s been talking about him too.”

“Well, maybe we could arrange something for the two of them when we get back from the South Island.”

“That would be great, Orli.”

“And maybe we could go with them.”

“Uh…maybe?”

“Oh come on, Marae. It would be fun.”

Silence.

“Marae?”

“Yeah?”

“So, you will come right?”

“Yes. I will come with you guys.”

Orli had this big grin on his face when he heard her say yes.

“We can talk about it when we get to Twizel on Tuesday. Oh, by the way Peter gave me yours and the children’s airline tickets. I could probably pick you up in your house on Tuesday. And meet the kids at the airport.”

“You mean you’re in Auckland now?”

“Yes.”

“What time is our flight?”

“We’ll be leaving at 8:35 a.m. and we have to be there at least an hour an a half before the departure time. So, I’ll pick you up at 6 in the morning?”

“But what about the kids?”

“A shuttle van will bring them to the airport. Don’t worry.”

“But wait, aren’t you supposed to be in Wellington filming? How are you going to be here on Tuesday?”

“Well, Miss Marae. I’m actually in Auckland right now. I just arrive this afternoon. Since I won’t be needed in the set for the next few days, Peter requested me to go here and accompany you and the kids. And Dom will be arriving tomorrow here too.”

“Okay.”

“Wait a minute! Why don’t we plan something for Dom and Mira?”

“That would be great. And since tomorrow is a Sunday, I’m sure Mira won’t be doing anything coz she usually stays at home during weekends. What time will Dom arrive here tomorrow?”

“Uh…around 1:30 p.m.”

“I see.”

Suddenly, Orli’s mobile phone is ringing. It was Atti.

“Uh Marae my mobile phone is ringing. Could we meet somewhere tomorrow?”

“Well, I’m heading off to the beach tomorrow for my usual jog at 7:30am.”

“Okay I’ll meet you there, okay. Sorry to cut this off.

“No worries.”

“Bye!”

“Bye.”

March 26, Saturday, 7:00 a.m.

Marae just finished her usual 5 rounds along the shoreline. Pepper was not with her. She decided to stay on her favorite rock while waiting for Orli to arrive. Closing her eyes, feeling the cool morning breeze.

Just then, Orli parked his jeep in the parking lot. He was wearing a gray shirt, black jogging pants and gray and black cross trainers. He immediately got out of the jeep and headed off to the beach and looked for Marae. Then, he saw her sitting on a rock with her eyes closed. He stopped walking and looked at her intently. He had a clear view of her profile. She’s so beautiful. She was wearing a red top over a black jogging pants with a black hooded jacket wrapped around her waist. I wonder what or who is she thinking of at this very moment? He didn’t want to spoil her moment. But he needs to let her know that he’s here.

“Uh Marae?” he said as he approached her closely.

Marae opened her eyes as she heard Orli’s voice call out her name.

“Hey good morning to you, Orlando! Nice day isn’t it?” she said in a very joyful mood.

“Yeah it is beautiful.” You are beautiful. He thought mischievously.

“Why don’t you sit down here in my favorite rock in the beach?”

He approached the spot where she was sitting. Marae moved a bit so Orli could sit beside her.

Wow! This is a good spot!”

“Every time I come here, I would go to this spot. When I want to be alone or write something.”

“ Oh I see. You have a thing for beaches?”

“Well, you could say I love beaches so much since I was a kid. I used to come to this particular beach near my house all the time. I would go there around late afternoon until the sun sets in the horizon. I love watching sunsets.”

“I don’t think I haven’t seen any beautiful sunsets except here in New Zealand.”

“Yes. This place has one of the beautiful sunsets I’ve seen. Still nothing compares to the ones I’ve seen back home.”

“Maybe one of these days, I can accompany you watch the sun sets in the beach.”

As usual, Marae ignored Orli’s comment. She immediately changed the topic of their discussion.

“What time is Dom arriving today?”

“He’ll arrive at 1:30p.m. Then we’ll immediately go back to Mt. Eden.”

“That’s great! We’ll be meeting halfway. And I called Mira last night and I made sure that she doesn’t have any plans for the day.”

“So, after I pick up Dom at the airport I will call you again so we can arrange what time we’ll be meeting.”

“Mira and I have been to this restaurant, One Tree Grill in Epsom.”

“I’ll trust your judgment on that since you two are more familiar in Auckland.”

“Trust me it serves one of the best dishes in town.”

“Okay.”

“Since, we’ve planned out almost everything for tonight. I’m going to jog some more rounds by the beach. Wanna come?”

“How many rounds have you finished?”

“Five. Before you arrived.”

“Wow! How many more rounds are you planning to run?”

“Probably another 5 more. So, are you up to it, Mr. Bloom?”

“I think I’m smelling another dare here?”

“Its not a dare, Orli. I’m just asking you if you can do it.”

“I can do it, Marae.”

“If you say so. You ready?”

“Of course. I’ll even give you a head start.” Marae just rolled her eyes when she heard him say that.

“You are so confident with yourself, aren’t you?” asked Marae cynically.

“Well…”shrugging his shoulders as if he was so sure that he can beat her. And he gave her this sheepish grin. Marae just shook her head and laughed at him. She then removed her jacket from her waist and wore it before running off. Orli watched her as she bolted away from him so quickly. He followed her at once and was able to catch up with her at once. They jogged together side by side and were quiet for a few minutes. Orli decided to break the silence between them.

“So, why didn’t you bring Pepper along this morning?’

“I just decided to leave her at home today. I’m buying a book before going home. She’ll be quite a handful if I bring her along.”

“Aww! I miss the little bugger.”

“She does like you, which is really odd.”

“Why do you say that? Am I not a lovable person?”

“Well…I…I guess you are.”

“You guess I am not huh?”

“Well, if a dog like Pepper likes you and it means only one thing.”

“And what’s that?”

“You have great animal appeal!”

“What? You probably mean by my sexy animalistic appeal, right?”

Marae suddenly laughed when she heard him say that. She couldn’t run properly. She was already out of breath from all the running and laughing.

“Yeah your sexy animalistic appeal to dogs!” She laughed even more. And that made her stop running. “Wait! I have to stop or else I die laughing!” (breathes heavily). Putting her hands over knees as she gasps for some air. “Sorry Orli! I just couldn’t help myself.” She was trying to control her laughter by covering her mouth.

“Oh stop teasing me Marae!”

“So sorry.” She was smiling at him.

“Haha!” She won’t be laughing at me like this once she gets under my spell. He was giving her this unsmiling face.

“Oh come on Mr. Bloom don’t pout at me like that.” She walked towards in front of him. And looks at him intently into his eyes and said, “I think your animalistic charm is waning off?” she said teasingly.

He is now staring back at her. Two pairs of brown eyes gazing at each other for a few seconds. And he had clear view of her face. God knows what Orli is thinking now. God, how I want to kiss you right now. He thought. But he just smiled at her and said, “Miss Alvarez, my appeal is definitely not waning off. And I think you’re the one who’s falling for it.”

“And what made you think I was?” she said as placed her hands on the side of her waist.

“I just have this feeling.” He smiled at her again which caused Marae to blush a bit but he didn’t say a word about it.

“Well, you can think whatever you want. But I will now continue my jog if you don’t mind.” Marae felt a sudden flush on her face after he smiled at her. She immediately turned around to jog away him, hoping he didn’t notice it.

People see different things
When they look on the horizon

And I can't see anybody else
I can't stop looking at you
Take this dream and make it true

All I see is love, sweet love
On the horizon, oh yeah
Just one look in your deep brown eyes
And baby I'm flyin'

The two of them did a couple of rounds around the beach. Then, they both walked together going to the parking lot.

“So, I’ll call you as soon as Dom arrive this afternoon.” said Orli.

“Yeah I will call Mira as soon as I get home.” responded Marae. She instantly opened her car got a bottle of mineral water from her knapsack. “Hey, Orli! You wanna have a drink of water?”

“Sure.” Marae reached inside her knapsack and threw her spare bottle of mineral water to Orli. “Thanks love.”

“You’re welcome.”

“See you later Marae.”

“Yeah. Drive carefully okay?” Then, Marae got into her car and before driving off and said, “Bye!”

“Bye” said Orli as he waved back at her. He watched her drive off the parking lot before getting inside his jeep. Driving off to Mt. Eden.

Marae’s apartment, 10:30 a.m.

Marae is now talking over the phone to Mira. She is trying to convince her to come over to her house this afternoon.

“Come on, Mira. Could you just come on over and help me…uh decorate my apartment this afternoon?”

“Could you just do it yourself? I’m too lazy to do anything today.”

“Please? I want to go to this shop and pick up a few things for my place. And I need your artistic judgment when it comes to these stuff.”

“Haha! You’re the one who has a better judgment than I am. You’re good in decorating and combining things.”

“I’m begging you Mira, please. Okay, what if I treat you to dinner after we fix up the place?”

“Oh really?”

“Yes!”

“Well, then I’m going there right now. Just give me a couple of minutes to prepare myself.” said Mira excitedly.

“Thanks Mira.”

“Oh and could we go to One Tree Grill for dinner?”

“That’s where I am treating you for dinner. And don’t worry I’ll driving us there.”

“Oh thank you, thank you! See ya later. Bye.” Click.

“Whew! Glad that’s been taken cared off.”

After 20 minutes, Mira arrived in Marae’s apartment. Then, they both went to this home deco shop. Marae bought a couple of plain colored flowerpots, a few picture frames and pastel checkered tabletop covers. Afterwards, Marae and Mira proceeded back to the apartment.

After redecorating her apartment for almost two hours, Mira and Marae decided to hang out in the apartment. They were watching TV by the living room. Mira was busy eating popcorn in front of the TV set and Marae was sitting beside her, then her mobile which was in the shelf beside the TV rang. She immediately jumped up from her seat and leaped over Mira to get it. She sees Orli’s number flashing on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Marae, Dom just arrived and he’s currently waiting for his baggage to arrive so I sneaked in this phone call to you.”

“Mira’s here already and she still doesn’t know that we are meeting with you guys later.”

“Good.”

“Have you told Dom about it?”

“Yeah. I told him.”

“Uh, can we meet at the One Tree Grill at 6:30 p.m.?”

“Okay.”

“Me and Mira will be there early to get good seats and it would be better we get there first.”

“You are more familiar with the place, right?”

“Yes. You know Mira, it would take her forever to get ready.”

“Just like Dom!” Laughs.

“Really?”

“Yes. Could you imagine we waiting for an hour for the guy to dress up?

“Those two have something in common, alright!”

“Anyways, where is One Tree Grill exactly located?

“It’s in number 9 Pah Road, Greenwoods Corner. You can’t miss it.”

“Okay I gotta go. Dom is coming. See you later.”

“Just call me if you two are having trouble finding the place, okay?”

“Yes. Take care, Marae”

“You too. Bye.”

Just then, Dom come into emerged from behind and tapped Orli’s shoulder.

“Hey mate! Whom were you talking to?”

“A friend.”

“And do I know who’s this “friend” is?”

“You’ll find out later. Anyways, we’re going to One Tree Grill today at 6:30 p.m.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“It was recommended by a friend.”

“Why is this “friend” keeps on coming up? What are you up to mate?”

“Oh won’t you just stop asking me all these silly questions of yours.”

“You are hiding something from me mate?” asked Dom.

“One more word out from your mouth and I’ll leave you here at the airport to rot.”

“Okay mate.”

The two guys headed off towards the exit door of the Auckland Airport and proceeded to the parking lot. Soon after they drove to Mt. Eden going to Bavaria Hotel in Valley Road.

5:00 p.m. in Marae’s Apartment

Marae is almost done dressing herself up. She’s wearing a plain white peasant blouse, navy blue jeans and black low cut boots. And with it she has her denim jacket in hand in case it becomes cold in the evening. Meanwhile, Mira is still busy running around like crazy in Marae’s room. She still hasn’t decided on what clothes she will wear for dinner. Marae has already reminded her to prepare early coz they have a dinner reservation at 6 p.m. at One Tree Grill. And they have to drive for almost 25 minutes to get there.

“Mira would you please hurry up! Or else we’ll loose our dinner reservations!”

“Just give me a few minutes and I’ll be done.”

“You’ve been saying that for the last 30 minutes!”

“Yeah I’m coming! Hold your horses will ya?”

“If you’re not down here after 10 minutes I’m leaving without you.”

“YES!!!”

Marae waited for Mira in the living room. She was flipping through a magazine when her mobile rang. It was Orli.

“Hey Orli!”

“I’m glad I was able to catch you there.”

“Why? What’s up?”

“Oh nothing. Its just Dom is still getting ready for our dinner. I’m just waiting for him to finish up.”

“I think we’re in the same scenario here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mira is doing the same thing as we speak. And it’s for more than 30 minutes already."

“If only we could go ahead without them, huh?”

“Yeah but we planned this for them remember?”

“It would have been better if we could have the dinner by ourselves.”

“Some other time, Orli. Now, we better hurry up these two or else we’ll loose our reservation. And we only have about an hour.”

“Okay, see you in an hour.”

“Bye.”

Just as soon Marae placed the receiver down. Mira finally came down dressed in a white and blue floral dress and strappy sandals.

“Finally!” sighs Marae.

“How do I look?”

“You look very nice. That’s perfect for tonight’s dinner!”

“Perfect for what?”

“Perfect meaning…who knows you may meet some guy at the restaurant.”

“I don’t need a guy in my life right now.”

“You know Mira you’re sounding just like me now.”

“As if you have already move on with life and found yourself a guy to finally love and make you happy for the rest of your life.”

“Oh don’t start with this again.”

“You know what Rae?”

“What?”

“There’s a certain glow on your face now.”

“What glow are talking about?”

“Like you’re in love.”

“What are you talking about? I am not in love.”

“Its because you don’t wanna think you’re falling in love.”

“Look. I don’t want to talk about it right now. I think we better go or we’ll be late.”

“No really, Rae. You look stunning.”

“Stop teasing me, Mira.”

“Who knows maybe something good will happen tonight.”

“Yeah for you maybe.” Marae said as she smiled at Mira.

“Come on, let’s go.”

One Tree Grill, 5:50 p.m.

Marae and Mira has already sited inside the restaurant. They sat near the window so they rather Marae would have a clear view of the people coming into the restaurant. Marae kept on looking at her watch.
And Mira just can’t help but notice how jittery her friend is.

“Marae, are you jerky all of the sudden?”

“Nothing its just…”

“Wait! Are you expecting someone?”

“Me? Waiting for someone? Don’t be ridiculous!”

“Well, you’ve been looking at your watch like 5 times since we got here.”

“Oh don’t mind me, Mira”

“Okay, maybe we should order.”

“NO! Not yet!” interrupted Marae.

“Marae, what’s going on?”

“Okay, promise me that you won’t walk out after hearing what I have to say.”

“Okay, I’m listening.”

“We’re meeting Dom and Orli tonight.”

“What?!” shrieked Mira.

“Me and Orli planned it. It’s actually for you and Dom.”

“Oh my God! I don’t believe you and Orli did that.”

“Its our job to make you two happy.”

“Thanks Rae!” said Mira as she hugged her friend.

“They’re supposed to be here at 6 but I guess they were delayed due to Dom’s tardiness in dressing up just like you.”

Oh? And how did you found out about it?”

“Orli called earlier while you were dressing.”
“I see.” giving Marae one of her sarcastic smile.

“Anyways, could you look out for the guys? I have to go to the comfort room. I’m leaving my bag and car keys with you. Be back in a sec.”

“Okay.”

Just as Marae was out of her peripheral vision, Mira secretly got Marae’s car keys and placed it inside her bag. At that very same moment, Orli’s jeep drive into the vicinity. Mira anxiously waited for the guys to come in the restaurant. Orli was wearing a plain, black, long-sleeved shirt tucked in black jeans and black sneakers. And Dom was wearing a plain red shirt and jeans, and also black sneakers. Marae was making her way back to their table when she met Orli and Dom by the entrance.

“Hello Marae!” greeted Dom.

“Glad you two were able to make it on time.”

“Just in the nick of time. No thanks to Domster here.”

“Don’t worry about anything, Bloom. We’re here now right?”

“Yeah.” Orli replied in a serious tone.

“What’s with you Bloom? That’s isn’t the way to act in front of a beautiful lady here.” And with that reply he got a thwap on the back from Orli.

“Hey mate! You could have at least show proper courtesy and compliment the beautiful young lady in front of you.”

“Will you stop interrupting me? I’m about to compliment how gorgeous Marae looks tonight.” he said irritably to Dom.

“Well, you just complimented her, mate!” added Dom.
“Shaddup!”

“Before you two start World War 3 in here we better go to our table coz Mira’s been waiting for us. I could see her glaring at me already.”

“Sorry Marae. Really. You look beautiful tonight.” Then he smiled at Marae. And Dom was smiling geekily at them.

“Thank you, Orli. You and Dom don’t look that bad either.” she smiled back.

“Orli likes to dress his best when he’s trying to impress someone.” added Dom.

Marae just laughed at Dom’s comment.

“No really, Marae. He does that all the time.”

“Okay I believe you, Dom.”

“And I think it’s working quite effectively huh, Orli?”

“Shut up, Dom or else you’re going to get it.” Orli muttered to Dom.

And every single time we meet
I learn what love is for
It's taking less and giving more

All I see is love, sweet love
On the horizon, oh yeah
Just one look in your deep brown eyes
And baby I'm flyin'

They slowly made their way through to where Mira was waiting for them. Mira waved at them as they were approaching the table.

“Hello Mira!” greeted Dom. Then, he made his way beside where Mira was seated, giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek. They all settled down into their seats, with Orli seated beside Marae

“Hi Mira!” added Orli.

“How are you two doing?”

“We’re okay. I’m glad that we’re having this get together tonight.” answered Dom.

“Actually, it was Orli and Marae’s idea to have this dinner.”

“Yeah! Orli’s been secretly meeting and calling her about it.” teased Dom.

“Aha! So, that’s why you’ve been acting strangely these past few days.”

“No! I’m not!”

“Yes you were!”

“Look we are just doing this for you guys, right Orli?” replied Marae.

“Yeah. Since you two needed the opportunity to spend some time together we thought of setting this up.”

“Really now?” Dom asked mockingly.

Mira moved a bit closer to Dom and mumbled, “We’re supposed to be setting them up, and not them setting us up.”

“I know, I know! And we’d better do something fast!” he mumbled back.

“Don’t worry I have a plan in mind just wait!” she mumbled in response.

“What’re you two mumbling back over there?” asked Orli.

“Uh, nothing, mate! Just uh, something that would be er, beneficial to everyone.” Mira immediately elbowed Dom to prevent him from fanning further suspicions from their intended victims.

“Okay. So, you want to order now?” asked Orli.

“You guys go ahead. I’ll just make this quick phone call outside.” Mira then immediately stood up from her seat. She speared the look at Dom while standing behind Marae and Orli. She also made a series of frantic yet comical hand gestures that could be loosely interpreted as “I’ll be calling you anytime soon so keep it open and answer it A-S-A-P!” And quickly after a few minutes, Dom’s mobile rang. He pulled it out from his pocket, and sure enough Mira’s number was flashing.

“Uh..I better answer this important call right now. You two just sit here and talk. I’ll be back in just a few seconds.” Dom answered hastily as he darted out of the restaurant. Mira was standing beside the entrance door of the restaurant, fervently waiting for Dom to come out. And he finally did.

“Mira, what are you planning to do?”

Mira opened her bag and retrieved a bunch of keys and held in front of Dom’s face. “This is my plan.”

“Keys?” What does it have to do with your plan?”

“I happen to have Marae’s car keys with these bunch of I have here.”

“And?”

“And my plan is for us to take Marae’s car and leave those two inside so they can spend more time alone by themselves, right?” How can they have their privacy if we’re there?”

“Brilliant idea, Mira! I couldn’t have thought of a better plan myself.”

“Glad you agreed with me, Mr. Monaghan!”

“Of course! Plus I..I mean we could also have our own time together too.”

Mira just smiled at him. Then, “So? Are you ready to carry out this plan?”

“Yes Ma’am!” Dom said as he saluted Mira.

“We’ll just call them after a few minutes and tell what happen. Then, you and Orli could meet in Rae’s house later.”

“Yeah…so Orli would have a reason to drive her to her house later. I love the way your mind works.”

“Thank you! We’ll be better run now, Dom.” They both headed to the parking lot and got into Marae’s car. And drove away with it.

Back at the restaurant.

“I wonder what’s taking Dom and Mira that long?” asked Orlando.

“They’ve been gone for more than 5 minutes.”

“Isn’t it odd that they both had a phone call just a few seconds apart?”

“I know.”

“I have an inkling that those two ditched us or something.”

“Hmm…I’m going to check and call Mira’s mobile and find out.” Marae opened her bag. And as she was scrambling for her mobile that she noticed that her car keys were gone. “Oh shit!”

“What?”

“My car keys are missing. It was just inside my bag.” Marae was starting to panic.

“Marae, don’t panic. Maybe its just there.”

“There’s nothing much inside my bag except my mobile, my wallet, and perfume!” her voice was starting to shake.

“Are you sure you placed it inside your bag?”

“YES! After we arrived I left my bag with Mira before going to the bathroom and…” Marae suddenly stopped talking. She suddenly had this bizarre feeling about what was happening.

“And?”

“Oh no!” And without delay Marae stood up from her seat and quickly rushed out of the restaurant.

“Marae wait! Where are you going?” Orli followed her. Marae was standing near the entrance of the restaurant staring blankly towards the parking lot looking for her car.

“My car is gone,” mumbled Marae who was still stunned from what she has just seen.

“What?”

“My car is gone. And I think I know how.”

“How?”

“Mira and Dom are obviously cannot be found anywhere outside the restaurant right now. So, I think they…” Just then, Marae’s mobile rang and it was Mira.

“Where the hell are you?” yelled Marae.

“Look! Before you go and hunt me down. I just called to say that your car is with me.”

“I kinda figured it out just now. What are you trying to pull off, Mira?”

“I think that..” “We!” Another voice streamed over the phone.

“Is that Dom?”

“Yes.”

“I knew it!” Marae said in a very infuriated tone.

“We knew all along that you and Orli were setting us up in this dinner date. Me and Dom just decided to ditch the two of you so you can have all the time by yourselves.”

“Oh really? I guess stealing my car with you was part of your sneaky little plan, huh?”

“I am not stealing your precious little car, Ms. Alvarez. I’m…uh I mean we are just borrowing it.”

“And where are you two going?”

“It’s none of your business, sweetie. Don’t worry about your car. I won’t let Dombo drive it. I’ll call you later. Enjoy your date with Orlando. Bye!” Click.

As Marae was busy arguing with Mira over the phone, Orlando’s mobile also rang. It was Dom.

“Hey man, where are you?” asked Orli.

“I’m with Mira.”

“What? So, the two of you took Marae’s car?”

“Well, it was Mira’s idea and I just kinda ride along with her plan.”

“You little sneak! Marae almost had an nervous breakdown earlier coz her car keys were gone.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that but just think of it as an opportunity for you to spend some time alone with her tonight.”

“Yeah. But this was supposed to be your “date” with Mira and not ours.”

“Well now it’s officially yours and Marae’s date! Don’t mind Mira and me, we can manage by ourselves. Just enjoy the evening with her, mate.”

“Thanks mate!”

“I’ll call you later so we could meet at Marae’s house, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Behave yourself, okay?”

“Shuddup!!!” Click.

“I guess you were talking to Dom too?”

“Yeah. Guess our plan backfired at us."

“We ended up being victimized by their little scam.” (Laughs)

“Don’t worry we’ll get even with them soon.”

“We better!”

“So? Guess this means we’ll be having the dinner date to ourselves?”

“Yup. Our first friendly dinner date.”

“Don’t worry, Marae. We’ll have a wonderful time tonight.” Marae smiled back at him. And with that they both walked back into the restaurant. With Orli’s hand over her shoulder.

All I see is love, sweet love
On the horizon, oh yeah
Just one look in your deep brown eyes
And baby I'm flyin'

-I'm, flyin baby
(All I see is love on the horizon)
I-I'm, flyin baby