“Uh…can I just go to the ladies room first before we order?” asked Marae.

“Sure. I’ll wait for you.”

“Just give me a few minutes.” Yeah my gall bladder is about to burst in here! Marae suddenly stood up from her seat and rushed to the bathroom. Unexpectedly the chain of her necklace suddenly snapped and she didn’t notice it fall on the floor, together with the silver ring on it. Orlando picked it up and stared at it for a few seconds, it was a plain silver ring with a few small diamond stones around it. Bringing the ring closer to his eyes, he noticed an inscription inside it… Our circle of trust and love forever...Matt and Rae 2/24/99

“Does this mean she’s already engaged?” wondered Orli. Just then, he saw Marae making her way back to the table. He immediately placed the ring down on the table and waited for her to sit down.

“So, have you looked through the menu and decided on what to order?” asked Marae.

“I haven’t coz I wanted to order when you’re here. But I have seen some interesting dishes for us tonight.”

“Oh yeah? So, what do you suggest, Mr. Bloom?”

Orlando opened the menu again, “There’s this Chargrilled Tuna if you feel like eating fish.”

“Okay. What else?”

“The Napoletana pasta and the Chicken Creole look scrumptious.” Marae gave out this giggle. “What’s wrong with you, Miss Alvarez?”

“You know what? You sound like this food ad from a late night show.”

She’s making fun of me again. “I do not!”

“Believe me. You do.”

“Since you’re the one who knows this place, what do you suggest?”

“Actually, the Chargrilled Tuna that you recommended is one of my favorites here. Though I haven’t tried the Chicken Creole.”

“In that case, we’ll order those.”

“Okay.” Then, Orli called the waiter and gave him their orders. After the waiter left their table, Orlando decided that it was his opportune moment to return the necklace that Marae dropped.

“Marae, I guess this is yours.” Orlando opened his palm and revealed her necklace with the silver ring.

Upon seeing it, Marae’s initial instinct was to place her hand on her neck. Realizing that it was indeed her’s, she immediately took it from Orlando’s hand. “How did you get it?” she asked somberly.

“It fell when you got up from your seat. The chain must have snapped or something.”

“Probably. Thank you Orli!”

“Uh… didn’t mean to intrude, Rae but I just want you to know that I unintentionally read the inscription on your ring.”

“That’s okay.”

“Who is Matt?” he blurted all of the sudden.

Marae was caught unaware with his question. Nobody had asked about Matthew for the past few months. Hearing his name again brought back the pain that she thought was gone.

“He was my fiancée.” was her monotonous reply. Marae was a bit uneasy discussing Matthew with anybody and now she’s telling it to a guy.

What does she means by “was her fiancée’? Orlando thought. Looking into her eyes, seeing her facial expression when she answered him, he felt that there was something more she’d been trying to hide deep down inside. “Do you mind telling me what happened to him?”

Marae was quiet for few seconds before replying to Orlando. “We never got married because he left me one day before our wedding last year.” Saying that made her eyes well up with tears. The pain is still there.

“I am so sorry to hear that, Rae.” Orlando said with concern. “I shouldn’t have asked you for such fragile information.”

“It was not entirely clear why he left me that morning. He left a note saying that he’s leaving for the US and he can’t commit anymore.” Tears were threatening to fall down as she said these words to Orlando.

He could see that she was fighting back the tears in her eyes. He wanted to comfort her and make everything alright. “Don’t worry, Rae. You’ll find someone who will truly love you and would never leave you.”

“I know. But I don’t think I’m ready to have a relationship and commit to anyone right now.” Secretly wiping a tear that she was holding back to fall.

Well, there’s your message Bloom! Loud and clear! She’s not ready for anything, for anybody! “I guess in time you will be ready to love again. You deserve to be happy.”

“You know Mira’s been telling me that for the past few weeks.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s not like I will immediately throw myself at the first guy that I meet.”

“Of course, nobody expects you to do that Rae.”

“I guess being friends with a guy is the only thing I am planning to do at the moment. Nothing more.”

There’s still hope for ya Bloom! Being friends is a good start. Hearing that last statement made Orli more determined to take his chances with Marae. But he’ll take it slowly now that he already knows what she has been through.

Just then, the waiter comes to their table and brings their food.

“Wow! This smells good. Thanks.” said Orli as the Chicken Creole was placed in front of him.

“Well, let’s start eating then. You look like you’re about to drool over that Chicken, Orlando.” then she laughed.

“You always love doing that, huh?”

“What?”

“Teasing me.”

“Yeah I love it when you get all irritated when I mock you.”

“I sense that you make it a point to make fun of me every time we see each other.”

“You could say that I do. At least now you know.” Marae added as she takes a bite from her tuna.

“Now I have you and Lij to live up with.”

“He teases you a lot too?”

“Yeah! Non-stop. But you tease me at a more subtle level.”

“Oh really? Maybe you’re just being nice because I’m a girl.”

“No! I mean Lij can be really mean when he teases me.”

“I can be mean if I want to.”

“Oh don’t Marae I beg of you. Lij is enough for me to handle.” Yeah right! You don’t want her to stop coz you love seeing her laugh at you, Bloom.

“Okay I refrain myself from teasing you tonight and let you eat your dinner.”

“Thank you.”

Both were silent for a couple of seconds, concentrating on what they are eating.

“Rae, you want to try this Chicken Creole?”

“Are you sure you want to share that with me? I mean it may not be enough for you, Orli.”

“Great! You just gave me a time out from your teasing. No really you should try this.” Orlando cut a piece of the chicken and jabbed the piece of meat with his fork and held it in front of Marae.

“You’re really, really sure?” was her sarcastic response.

“Yes I am! Come on! Open wide.” he teased her as she was about to open her mouth.

“Oh stop it!” Then, leaned forward and takes a bite from the piece of chicken. “Mmmm…this is really good!”

“Told ya.” then he smiled at her and went back to eating his food. They remained in the One Tree Grill for another thirty minutes, talking and enjoying each other’s company before heading out to the plaza. They decided to walk around and check out the places in the area. The place had many stores, restaurants and clubs. The lamp posts around dimly lighted the area.

“So, when did you start acting in movies?”

“Actually, LOTR is my first major acting job for a movie. Coz I was exposed more to theater back in London.”

“Wow! This is going to be your big break then.”

“I don’t want to think of it that way. Honestly, it’s a bit scary because of all the anticipation regarding this movie. But I’m just thankful that I was given the chance to work in this project with such wonderful people.”

“I’m sure you and everyone else are doing a wonderful job in making this movie.”

“Well, you’re going to be part of it soon.”

“It’s a small part. Believe me the last thing I wanna do in life is to act in front of a camera.”

“Why is that?”

“Its just that I always look terrible in front of any camera.”

“I’m sure you’re gorgeous…uh I mean I’m sure you won’t look terrible. See?” gesturing his hands like he was a director, framing up Marae’s face closely. “I see a lovely young lady with potential talent on the brink of stardom!” squinting his eyes at her.

“Oh shut up!” she started to blush a bit and shoved his hands away from her face.

“Come on, Rae!” he gave her this cheeky smile.

“Stop bugging me, Mr. Bloom!” He was trailing behind her like a crazy lunatic.

“I’m not kidding!”

“How do you know? You’ve never seen me act!”

“Why don’t we put your acting skills to the test?” moving closer to Marae. “Wanna do an intimate scene with Legolas, hmmm?” And with that Marae walloped him slightly over his stomach.

“Not in this lifetime, Bloom!” she exclaimed.

“Ouch! And why not? Legolas is a very handsome elf.”

“I don’t intend on having a romantic scene with someone who looks even more prissy and girly than I am!”

There is no use in winning this one! “No, he’s not!”

“Ha! So, why are you being so defensive?!”

“Me? Defensive?” he was evading her gaze.

(laughs) “Oh, stop raising you’re eyebrows at me.”

“Stop teasing me!”

“Your eyes are about to pop out you know.” Orlando gave her an unnerving look. “Okay, I’ll stop.” They continued walking further along the pathway. A sudden gush of cold wind blew in, Orlando noticed Marae shiver a bit so he immediately grabbed the jacket she was holding and placed it over her shoulders. “Thank you, Orlando!” she acknowledged him.

A window breaks down a long dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see through the dark there is light

“Why don’t we go and warm ourselves in there?” Orlando pointed out the Tuscany Tavern across the street.

“It’s a cool bar where people can both listen and dance to contemporary music. Mira and I went there a few months ago.”

“Really? Would you mind showing me around the place?”

“Sure. Just promise me that you will not drink too much tonight”

“What makes you think that I will drown myself in booze?”

“I am not saying that you are a heavy drinker. I am just reminding you not to over indulge yourself coz you’re going to drive later.”

“Don’t worry, Marae, I won’t.”

“Good.” They walked across the street and proceeded inside the establishment. The place was already filled with quite a number of people. The local band was playing a fast song, which none of them had ever heard before. They settled in one of the tables far away from the dance floor.

“Do you want to order now?” asked Orlando.

“Sure!” replied Marae. Orlando called the server and asked for the drink menu from him. They both browsed over the list for a few minutes.

“What are you going to have, Marae?”

“I’m having the Cranberry Party Punch. How about you?”

“I’ll have the Apello.”

“Anything else?”

“No. That’s all. Thank you.” replied Orlando as he handed the menu back to the server.

While waiting for their cocktail drinks to arrive, both of them were not uttering a single word to one another. Marae was glancing over at the people on the dance floor while listening to the music playing in the bar. As for Orlando, he was looking intensely at Marae. He was admiring her profile. And when Marae turned her head back, she was taken aback with Orlando staring at her with those two incredible brown eyes.

“What are you staring about?”

“Who says I am staring, I am just looking at you.”

“There’s a difference between looking and staring.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Looking is when you just glance at something quickly while staring involves looking at something keenly. Just like what you are doing now.”

“Why does it make you uncomfortable?”

“Uncomfortable?” Hell, yes it does! “Uh! Why should I feel uncomfortable?”

“Coz seems to me you are trying to elude my gaze, Rae.”

“Are you playing games with me, Orli?”

“And what if I am?”

“Two can play this game of staring. And whoever turns his or her head away will have to treat the winner to a drink.”

“Okay.”

Marae’s eyes met Orli’s gaze. Two pairs of brown eyes looking at each other. Somebody’s heart suddenly starts to beat fast. Marae hates herself when she gets nervous especially when someone is staring at her. I must keep my head clear and concentrate hard, I mustn’t be nervous!

Good work, Bloom! He shifted his position and moved even closer to her face. Expecting Marae to lose her concentration and resign to his allure, he was taken by surprise with her response.

“Don’t give me that puppy-eyes look, Orlando. You’re starting to look like my dog.” Bingo! He completely lost it and laughed at her response.

“You’re not fair, Marae!”

“Why? I just made a comment. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

“You cheated!” exclaimed Orli.

“No! I didn’t. It’s not my fault that you’re deeply affected by what I said to you.”

“I am not affected by it. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“Uh nothing…the fact is you cheated me. So, you owe me.”

“Fine! I’ll treat you to a drink tonight just to make you stop ranting about it.”

“Hmmm… I have a better idea. Come!” Orlando stood up and extended his hand out to Marae.

“What?”

“Just give me your hand and come with me.”

“What are you up to, Bloom?”

“You know how to dance, right?”

“Yes.”

“So, would you be kind enough to dance with me tonight, Rae?” Hesitantly, Rae took Orlando’s hand and stood up from their table. They slowly made their way to the dance floor, fast music was blasting through their ears. People were gyrating all over the place. I can’t dance like that! Marae thought.

“Orli, I think this is a bad idea. I hate this kind of dancing.”

“Really?” Orlando did this bad imitation of a dancing step like he was stirring in a big cauldron.

“Please stop! You don’t do justice to the dance. Let’s go back to our table.” Marae was about to walk away from the crowd. All of a sudden there was a change in the music playing in the background. Couples were dancing intimately close to one another. A piano refrain started to play…

Something in your eyes
Makes me want to lose myself
Makes me want to lose myself

“Come back, Marae.” Orlando spoke softly. Marae stopped and looked back at Orli. He was making his way towards her. “I’m sure you can dance with this music.” He took her hand and entwined it tightly with his hand. Marae nervously looked at him as she placed her other hand over his shoulder. And Orli placed his other on her waist. They started to dance slowly to the music.

There's something in your voice
Makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts
The rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've felt so low
If you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

Unconsciously, both of them were so caught up with the mood of the moment that they were dancing closely now. With her eyes closed, Marae placed her head over his chest near the shoulder. She could feel her heart beating so fast but deep down inside her she felt secure... a feeling that she used to feel when she and Matthew were together. She closed her eyes, feeling the soothing music surround the two of them. At one point, she wanted that feeling to remain but she was too afraid to trust anyone again. Its too soon she thought to herself. Tears began to well up in her eyes. You are still afraid to admit to yourself that you’re beginning to have feelings for him. Too scared to trust and put your heart on the line. Both of them remained silent as the music played on. Orlando placed his hand over her head, his bended elbow touching the back of her neck. Keeping her as close as possible to him. Never wanting to let go of this moment. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. This is perfect. He thought as they swayed to the music.

Everything was going on perfectly when his stupid mobile rang.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Bugger! Who could be calling me NOW! Orlando ignored the ringing of his mobile in his pocket and continued dancing with Marae.

Ring! Ring!

Marae heard somebody’s mobile ring, so she broke away from Orli’s tight embrace, looked at him and asked, “Orli, is that your mobile ringing?” Orlando pulled out his mobile from his pocket and saw Dom’s name flashing. He shook his head before answering it. I’m going to kill Dom when I see him. “WHAT DO YOU WANT?” he yelled loudly.

“Woah, Orli! Why are you shouting at me?” Dom asked in confusion.

“You want to know why?”

Marae started walking back to the table even before the song ended. Orlando followed her as he talked to Dom, whom he wanted to kill at that very moment, if he got his hands on him.

“Yeah why?”

“You just spoiled a perfect moment between me and Marae, that’s why!” he whispered furiously over the phone.

“I’m really sorry, mate! Did I just catch you in a situation where you are pulling off your enigmatic charms at Marae?”

“Yes you did!”

“And what are you doing?”

“We were having this intimate moment when you rang. Talk about perfect timing, Dombo!”

“Aw pwoor Orli Worli didn’t get any smooch tonight, huh?” Dom teased.

Orlando was starting to get irritated with Dom and trying his best to ignore it. “It’s none of your goddamned business!”

“Okay I’ll stop pestering you. Anyways, I just called up to say that we are heading our way back to Penrose Village. And we will wait for you guys in Marae’s apartment, okay?”

“Well, there’s no use of staying here either since you completely ‘spoiled’ it!”

“Don’t worry, mate. You’ll get your chance soon.” (laughs)

“Shut up! You better stop or else I’ll run you over with the jeep later.”

“Okay! Bye mate!” Click. Orlando closed his mobile phone and headed straight back to the table where Marae was already waiting for him.

“Who was that on the phone?” asked Marae.

“It was Dom. He and Mira are heading back to your place right now.”

“Aww… just when I was enjoying myself here.” Marae heaved a sigh of disappointment before drinking her punch.

“I told Dom the same thing. Those two have perfect timing in spoiling the fun for us.” Marae responded by just laughing at his comment. “Most especially Dom!” added Orlando.

“I guess we better be heading back to my place too.”

“We should go back coz they might run off with your car again.” They both stood up from their seat and headed out to the parking lot. Orlando opened the door for Marae and held her hand as she climbed up the jeep. “Thanks!” she replied with a smile and then he closed the door for her.

A couple of minutes into driving, Marae was starting to feel a bit drowsy. She couldn’t keep her eyes open, not to mention she was also feeling cold. She tucked her hands under her arms and slightly slid down her seat. Orlando noticed her curling up into her seat.

“Are you feeling cold, Rae?”

“A little. Would you mind if I just doze off for a while?”

“No, I don’t mind. Just sit back and rest.”

“Just wake me up if you get lost or something. I will just doze off for a couple of minutes.”

“Okay, love.” replied Orlando as he continued driving back to Penrose. He turned the radio on and he was surprised to hear that the same song that he and Marae were dancing to earlier was playing now. He turned the volume down a bit and listened to the song, reminiscing about what had happened earlier. He came to a stoplight. While waiting for the red light to turn green, he slowly turned his gaze to the woman sleeping beside him. He stared at her face, which was directly facing him. He extended his hand towards her and caressing her cheek. Marae stirred a bit which caused him to withdraw his hand and he just stared at her.

If you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
If you knew how happy you are making me

Orlando was too caught up with staring at her face that he didn’t notice that the vehicles behind him were already blowing their horns coz the green light was on. Damn! Then, he continued driving to Penrose.

Mira and Dom had already arrived in front of Marae’s apartment. Dom parked Marae’s car on the other side of the street to make it look like they haven’t arrived. They were tolerantly waiting for Orlando and Marae to arrive.

“What’s taking them so long?” asked Mira.

“Orlando said that he and Marae were going to leave The Tavern right after I talked to him.” replied Dom as they sat in the front steps of the apartment.

“And what are we going to do once they get here? I’m sure that they will wring our necks for ditching them out tonight.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mira! Believe me sooner or later they will thank us for it.” Dom gave Mira his reassuring smile.

“I hope you’re right, Dom.” Just then Dom saw Orlando’s black jeep turn into Symonds Street. Dom immediately stood up and grabbed Mira’s hand and pulled her down the steps.

“Whoops! They’re here. Come on, we better hide!”

“What are you saying?!”

“They mustn’t see us, Mira…not yet!” he dragged Mira behind a couple rose bushes near the driveway.

“What are you up to?” whispered Mira to him.

“Let’s see if our foolish plan worked well enough for those two.”

“I just hope everything worked according to our intentions,” added Mira.

“We’ll see.” Both Mira and Dom waited inaudibly behind the bushes.

Just then, the black jeep parked in the driveway. Marae was still soundly asleep in her seat. Orlando turned off the engine and removed the keys of the jeep. He turned to Marae and gently roused from her sleep.

“Marae, we are here,” he said softly. She opened her eyes slowly, and sees a pair of dark brown eyes looking down at her.

“Huh?” she asked. Her brain didn’t immediately understand what Orlando just said to her.

“I mean we just arrived in your apartment.”

“Oh! You didn’t get lost?”

“Well, I almost did. Good thing I asked the highway patrol which exit to take from Pah Road to Penrose.”

“Aww...poor sweetie! You should have woken me up.”

“I didn’t bother waking you up coz you looked very tired. Anyways, we’re now.”

“Are Mira and Dom here?”

“Well, I don’t see your car anywhere in the vicinity. Looks like we arrived before them.”

“That’s a bit odd because if Dom told you that they were on their way here when he called you earlier they should have been here by now.”

“Hmm…knowing Dom he might be up to something again.”

“And with Mira who knows what they’re probably be planning right now.”

“Yeah...we should be ready then.”

“Come on, let’s go outside and wait for them to arrive.” Marae and Orlando got out of the jeep and walked over the front steps of her apartment. They both sat on the steps. On the other hand, the two peeping toms were thrilled to see their unwilling victims were getting along very well. Dom had to cover Mira’s mouth to prevent her from shrieking as she watched Orlando and Marae talk to one another. Dom’s arm brushed slightly against the branches of the rose bush, which caused it to move a bit.

“Do you hear something moving?” asked Marae.

“Uh...no.”

“I thought I heard something moving over the rose bushes.”

“Its probably some animal that made it move.”

“Probably.” Marae looked at her watch. 11:05p.m. “What’s keeping those two?”

“I know. If I had my own way I would have brought you home and left Dom alone out here. I hate waiting this long for that sucker.”

“We’re stuck together waiting for them.” Marae lifted her head and saw that the skies were clear, stars were shining over them. “Wow! Look at those stars! It’s been a long time since I last looked at them closely. Me and brother used to spend endless nights back in Manila looking at the stars.”

“You did?”

“Yes. My brother loves astronomy. And New Zealand is a perfect place for stargazing.”

“You should ask him to come and visit you here.”

“He wants to but he can’t right now. Coz his work prevents him from taking a vacation.”

“Hope he can visit this country someday.”

“I’m sure he will. He can probably introduce you to stargazing as well.”

“I’d like that.” Both of them were silently staring at the clear night sky. Without moving her head, Marae looked furtively at Orlando for a few seconds then went back to looking at the sky. Orlando, meanwhile, sensed that she was looking at him.

Meanwhile, Mira was busy looking at Orlando and Marae by the steps. She suddenly felt Dom’s hand tug her arm frantically. She turned around and saw that there was a small bee on his nose. Her eyes widened and she immediately used her handbag to smack the bee off of his nose, which caused Dom to yelp so loudly.

“Oops! I’m so sorry, Dom! I didn’t mean to hit you!” she answered worriedly. Dom, who was writhing in pain, covered his nose with his hands.

“Do you always attack an insect like that?”

“Sorry! Its just I hate bees. I didn’t mean to. Let me see your nose.”

Dom removed his hand and revealed that the tip of his nose was as swollen and red as a plum. Mira couldn’t help but laugh at him. “And why are you laughing?”

“Your nose is sooo red!” she snickered.

“Its red because of you.”

Orlando heard something yelp by the bushes. “What was that?”

“You heard it too?”

“Yes. I think something’s behind those bushes. I think we should check it out.”

“I’ve been hearing strange noises too,” added Marae.

“Come on, Marae! Let’s go and see.” As they approached the rose bushes, they could hear someone giggling behind it. “I don’t think we’ll find any animals behind these bushes.” As Orlando looked over the bushes he sees Mira and Dom huddled behind it.

“Look what we have here, Marae!” Marae was behind Orlando when she sees Mira and Dom.

“What are you two doing down there?”

“We uh…uh? Admiring your roses here, Marae!” answered Dom as he smiled cheekily at her.

“Yes! And I was just showing Dom how beautiful they are.” added Mira.

“Since when did you take so much interest in flowers, mate?” asked Orlando.

“Hey! A guy can be interested in flowers once in a while.” Dom answered defensively.

“Yeah right, Dom!” commented Orlando.

Marae pulled Mira to her side and whispered, “And how long have you been staying there?”

“Oh long enough to see that you and Orlando are getting along very well.”

“And what do you mean by that?”

“I can sense that something wonderful is about to happen between the two of you.”

“Oh will you stop presuming again! You still owe us for what happened tonight.”

“No! You owe me sweetie! Promise me that you will give me all the details on what happened between you and Orlando tonight.”

“Shut up!”

“Hey Dom! What happened to your nose, mate?”

“Well, a bee settled on my nose and when Mira saw it she whacked it with her bag.” Marae and Orlando guffawed.

“Oh man! You should take a look at your nose, it is so red as a ripe tomato. Well, that’s what you get from eavesdropping on people,” joked Orlando then he whistled the tune of Rudolf the red-nosed Reindeer that irritated Dom so much.

“Shut up, man! It still hurts.”

“Why don’t we go inside and take a look at it?” suggested Marae.

“Thank you, Marae! You are such an angel.” They all proceeded to the front door of the apartment. Marae reached into her bag for the keys to the apartment. As she opened her door, Pepper immediately ran towards her.

“Hey Pepper!” she hugged her dog as it wagged her tail excitedly and jumped right into her lap. “Look who’s here to visit you?” The dog eagerly went to Orlando.

“Hello!” as Orlando patted Pepper’s head. The dog was so hyper around him.

“My dog really loves your animalistic appeal, Orlando.”

“She just loves me that much.”

“Mira, why don’t you get Dom some ice for his swelling nose.” suggested Marae.

“Oh man its really turning out to be this enormous spot on your nose!” Orlando attempted to touch and pinch it but Dom shoved his hand away before he even did so.

“Don’t dare touch me man!” Orlando just laughed at him.

“Come on, Dom! Let’s get some ice to keep it from swelling up even further.” Mira took Dom to the kitchen to get some ice. Leaving Orlando
and Mira alone in the living room again.

“I am so tired,” sighed Marae as she sat down her couch.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Orlando. I had fun tonight. Its just I don’t usually stay up late. And I tire easily.”

“I’m glad you had a great time. Maybe we could go out some other time again.”

Marae didn’t respond at once. Is he asking me out on a date? No! It’s a friendly date nothing more. “Uh? Sure.” she answered apprehensively.

“Great! We’ll do it after we take our revenge with those two back there.”

“Okay. And just as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work and we’ll do it during our free time.”

“Sure. Well, we’ll have more time to plan out our revenge during our stay in Twizel this week.”

“Of course. We could plan our…” Marae wasn’t able to finish what she was saying because Mira and Dom came back into the living room.

“What are you two talking about?” asked Mira.

“We were just talking about what time he’ll pick me up here on Tuesday before going to the airport.” answered Marae.

“Yeah! I thought it would save us time if I could pick up Marae and we could go to the airport together and meet the kids there.”

“Nice plan mate!” added Dom.

“Anyways, I think we better get going now so you and Mira can rest,” said Orlando.

“Yeah you better take Dom home so he can nurse his nose back to its normal size!” joked Marae.

“Ouch! You know Marae, you’ve been spending too much time with Orlando that you are starting to imbibe his lunacy.”

“I am not as big a lunatic as him!”

“Believe me, Dom. I was also the subject of her mockery from time to time.”

“Haha! Okay you two should be on your way now coz it’s getting late.”

“Yeah we are going now.” answered Dom. Marae and Mira walked the two guys outside the apartment.

“Goodnight, Mira! Goodnight, Marae” said Dom as he hugged them both.

“Goodnight!” replied Mira and Marae. Dom ran towards the jeep and jumped right in leaving Orlando with the two ladies.

“Look, I better go back inside and prepare myself a cup of coffee. I’m leaving you two now. Goodnight, Orlando!”

“Goodnight, Mira!” Mira waved back at him as she went inside the apartment.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening, Marae! I’ll see you on Tuesday, okay? I’ll be here by six in the morning.”

“Thanks again, Orlando. I will see you then. Goodnight!”

“Goodnight, Marae!” They stared at each other for a few seconds. BEEP! BEEP! Dom interrupted them again with his honking. Marae smiled and said, “I guess Dom is in a hurry to go home.”

“Yeah!” And I will wring his neck for interrupting us again!

“Drive safely okay. You and Dom take care. Bye!”

“Bye!” He started walking towards the jeep, where Dom was already grinning at him like a crazy dog. Orlando just shook his head at him. Marae went back inside her apartment and closed the door behind her. She was standing by the door, grinning by herself. Without even noticing that Mira was secretly watching her.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Nothing!” Marae started to go up to her bedroom. And Mira barely caught her as she started to ascend.

“What happened with you and Orlando tonight?”

“Why are you so interested to find out?”

“Come on, Rae! Please tell me.” pleaded Mira.

“After what you and Dom did to us tonight? Why should I tell you?”

“Please?”

“Okay fine I will but right after you make me a cup of coffee. I will be right down and tell you everything.” Mira got so excited that she practically zoomed out to the kitchen.

Back inside the jeep, Dom was also pressing Orlando to spill the details about his date with Marae.

“Come on, Orli. Tell me what happened.”

“No way!”

“Please?”

“NO!”

“Hey man! You owe me. If Mira didn’t think of that plan you wouldn’t have had the chance to spend some time with her tonight.”

“Fine! Let’s just say that things are becoming clearer now.” He knows that things are getting better for him now. Their first date has now opened doors for both of them. And Orlando’s wishing that it’s something that would lead them to become more than friends. Just wishful thinking.