CHAPTER FOUR

ALLY looked to her left and right but Gael stopped her by the shoulders and caught her eyes. Her heart missed a beat.

“I don’t see anything in front of me other than you,” he said.

Gael’s hands on her shoulders brought tiny tickles to her body. Ally fought so hard to not slump her face on his broad chest to be locked in his arms. But how could she believe him when he was too serious? What would it cost him if he would smile a bit? Like, duh!

“You don’t look like you’re sincere.”

“I don’t have to be sincere when it comes to strangers.”

“And I don’t like to be touched by strangers either,” Ally said dryly. She flinched and Gael withdrew his hands from her shoulders. At first, she thought he was starting to be a little kind to her. “Can you move aside now?”

Gael got out of her way but he did not leave. He stood by her side.

“It’s so lovely…”

Ally was about to touch the photograph but Gael nudged her hand.

“What’s wrong with you?” she snarled and caught her hand when she felt tiny bolts of electricity flowed through her veins.

“I’m planning to buy it from Arnold. You can look but you can’t touch.”

Ally stared.

“What are you talking about? Arnold and I are good friends and he agreed to give this to me. You can choose any other photographs around here, except this.”

Gael smirked.

“This photograph is too beautiful to be given for free.”

Ally stopped. Arnolds’ photographs were all precious. But since they were friends, it was okay with him to give it to her for free. She hated this guy even more for making her feel guilty! Suddenly she was too scared to touch the frame.

“Alright, you won.” With one last sad look, Ally turned her back at her beloved The Ruins.

*** *** *** *** ***

ALLY totally lost her interest to mingle with Arnold’s guest. Gael just ruined her night. First, he would tell her he’s beautiful and refute her afterward. That man was surely problematic.

She chose to go out of the studio and hang out. Siya leaned on the railings and checked on her phone. She did not receive any text from Gino. What could he possibly be doing right now? No matter how busy he was with his bar and his band, he always had the time to check on her.

She looked at the night sky and got disappointed instead. She could not see any stars. Damn, pollution.

“I’m sorry.”

Ally jumped when she heard Gael’s voice behind her. Her forehead knotted in disbelief. Did he intentionally follow her?

“What?”

“That was rude of me.”

Ally shrugged. “You were telling the truth anyway. I admit I’m an abusive friend sometimes.”

“You know I’m not used to getting things that I want for free. I believed everything comes with a price.”

Ally stared at Gael’s handsome face. A short moment later, she found herself shaking her head and made a clacking sound.

“I don’t understand you, rich people. Anyway, I accept your apology. You can go back inside now.”

“I want to talk about Ghia and Gino with you,” he said.

Ally’s forehead wrinkled.

“They had stopped seeing each other already.”

“But it doesn’t mean that they had already broken up. I’m worried about my sister. I know she won’t allow being separated from that best friend of yours.”

“And what do you mean to say?”

“I can sense that they’re up to something.”

“And what would that be?”

“That I don’t know. That’s why I said I’m worried. Whatever it is, I know our parents won’t approve of it. You had to watch out for that friend of yours or he’ll end up regretting his actions. Don’t let him come near Ghia again.”

Ally laughed blandly. He was just apologizing a few moments ago and now, he just started another argument.

“Gael, your parents need to grow up. No matter what they do, they can’t stop Ghia and Gino. They loved each other so much that only death could separate them, do you understand? Unless it’s okay for your parents to be murderers. And do you know what I’m thinking? You should watch out for your parents. They need a serious lecture about love.”

“I don’t know anything about love, Ally. I don’t even have time for it,” Gael replied.

Ah, how her name sounded pleasant from his lips.

“I can teach you a thing or two.”

She saw Gael’s shocked expression. He managed to recover though but she could not help cackling. She covered her mouth and looked away. She would not want to make him mad again.

“I’m not mad. It really is funny,” he said. He leaned on the railings too.

They were so close their elbows almost rubbed. Ally noted how his scent pervaded her nostrils and again wondered how would it feel being locked in his embrace. She also wondered how his hard muscles would feel against her touch.

Ally, you’re becoming a pervert!

“I don’t wonder why Ghia does not want to lose Gino,” she said, her voice becoming serious. “He was her happiness, I’m sure of that. I could always see in their eyes how in love they are with each other. I don’t think they would fight for their love if they are not sure of it. You are already wealthy, Gael. Gino can provide Ghia everything she wanted and needed. He’s a good man. What kind of parents would deprive their child of her happiness?”

“We only want what’s best for Ghia.”

“What do you actually know what’s best for Ghia? Is she still a baby? Are we not getting a point here? Migosh.” Ally rolled her eyeballs heavenward. It really was hard to talk to someone with a closed mind.

“You have no idea how it feels to be a part of our family.”

“And I would not dream of becoming a part of your family either,” Ally said without halting.

“Look after your friend, Ally.”

“They’re not doing anything wrong.”

“I’m leaving.”

Ally looked at the empty night sky and propped her chin on her hand.

“Take care.”

Ally jumped when she felt Gael put something on her shoulders before he left. Oh, his coat! Ally was not able to respond immediately. She could only watch him walking away.

Ally stroked the coat in awe, her heart pounding. She pulled it closer to her body. It was as if she was already hugging Gael. She could not help smiling. The thrill inside her body was overwhelming.

*** *** *** *** ***

“HERE YOU go,” Arnold said with a smile and handed her a square wrapped in a brown paper when they were about to leave.

“What’s that?” Ally asked.

“Your favorite The Ruins. I had it wrapped so it would be convenient for you.”

She smiled reluctantly.

“I thought Gael already bought that from you.”

“I did not know you were friends,” Arnold said with a mischievous smile.

Ally stopped herself from rolling her eyeballs.

“We are not friends. Just pure acquaintances. And I had no idea you are friends with him, too. How was that possible?”

“I am a well-known blogger, remember? I was invited to an event sponsored by their telecom company. I did an interview with him and we clicked. Since then, I was always present on every occasion. He’s such an eligible guy, isn’t he? What do you think, Ally?” Arnold smiled slyly.

“I believe I have the right to remain silent,” she retorted.

“Is that Gael’s coat?” he asked, pointing at the coat she was wearing.

“W-well, yeah,” she said in an awkward manner. “H-he lent it to me.”

Lyneth and Arnold grinned from ear to ear.

“I had no idea what’s with two of you but Gael really bought this for you. I really thought something’s going on… you know.”

Ally stared at Arnold in disbelief.

“Did he really say that? Like, he really meant to buy for me?”

“He did! And I had to make sure you’ll accept it because I’ll answer him if you won’t. He’s going to ruin my career and I will not be invited to their company’s bloggers conference anymore.” Arnold gave her a warning glare. “You owe me, Ally. Take it.”

“But…”

“Take it!” Lyneth said. She even made her hug the photograph. “He’s taking it, Arnold.”

“Good!”

*

ALLY had not totally gotten over everything that happened tonight. She hung the photograph of The Ruins where she used to hang her college graduation photo. The view was perfectly facing her bed. Ally found her self giggling. Gael really bought it for her!

She sat on her bed and watched the photo. She could only imagine Gael handing the photograph personally to her. She was exhausted but she did not want to go bed right away either. She’ll stare at the photograph as long as she wanted.

Ally was still a little drowsy when she got out of her bed the next morning. She went to the comfort room to gargle and wash her face. She was still sleepy. She slept a few hours after midnight. She did stare at the photograph while wrapped in Gael’s coat. Ally was in cloud nine but now she had to deal with a lack of sleep.

She returned to her bed and put Gael’s coat inside her closet.

“Good morning, grumpy guy,” she greeted the poor cloth before closing it.

She sat on her bed and stared at The Ruins again. She was like having a craze at the moment. She was giddy and sleepy at the same time. Ally yawned and lied back on the bed.

Ally heard familiar voices together with the familiar creaking of her door. She could not make out of the words and she did not bother to open her eyes. She needed more sleep.

Ally rolled to her side when her bed moved and slowly opened her eyes. She saw Gael sitting on her bed, his forehead wrinkled while looking at her.

“Ah, you…” she said with a grin.

“What?”

“We just saw each other last night and here you are now in my dreams.”

“What dream are you talking about? Wake up.”

“I don’t’ want to,” she groaned. “I don’t want you to go yet. I still want to look at you.”

“You’re crazy,” he said with a smirk.

Ally got up and moved closer to him.

“It’s your fault, you intruded in my dream.” She reached for Gael’s cheek. It felt smooth and real. She wondered how kissing his lips would feel even in a dream?

“What are you doing?” Gael asked, his eyebrows knitted together.

“Shh. I don’t want to interrupt my dream. You know I still haven’t thanked you for lending me your coat last night and for buying the photograph for me. I slept late staring at it all night,” she said and giggled. “Maybe that’s the reason why I dreamt of you.” Her eyes reverted to his slightly parted lips. His fresh, minty breath smelled real, too. And without a word, Ally touched his lips with hers.

Every feeling felt real to Ally, even the thrill inside her body. Even Gael’s stiffening felt real, too. But Ally did not think of moving away from him. If a nightmare felt real, then how much more a beautiful dream?

Ally did know what to do next. It was the first time she had kissed someone even it was only a dream. She waited and watched until Gael finally took over.

She felt his tongue parting her lips. She opened her mouth and let him claim her lips. Ally did not expect it. She closed her eyes and moaned. Gael caught the back of her head and suddenly, she felt the bed against her back again and found him on top of her. She was dizzy of pleasure. She did know what to do. It was her who started it and now, she was letting herself drown in Gael’s kisses.

Ally hooked her arms around his neck and followed the rhythm of his mouth. Despite everything happening in a dream, Ally should not disappoint her first kiss.

Then she heard moans. Ally was not surprised if they came from their throats. Darn, her dream felt more real than a typical wet dream!

“Ally, you’re not dreaming,” he said huskily.

“Hmm?”

“We’re kissing for real.”

“What?”

Ally gasped when she received a sharp slap on her thigh from Gael.

“Hey, that hurts!” she snarled and suddenly, her eyes widened in horror and her body shivered.

Gael was right. She was not dreaming. He was really here and they were kissing for real!

Ally screamed at the top of her lungs.

Gael moved away from her.

“Don’t scream!”

“Why would I not scream? You took advantage of me!” she said furiously. She grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it on him. “Get away from me!”

“It was you who took advantage of me. You pretended to be dreaming to kiss me. How dare you!” Gael retorted.

“You took advantage of me!”

“You did!”

“Excuse me!” she said in wide eyes. She covered herself with a blanket. “What else could you have done to me if I did not become sober?”

“You should thank me instead,” he insisted. “Don’t tell me you didn’t like it.”

Ally’s lips pursed tightly. She would not be surprised if she’s as red as a chili pepper right now. Yes, she liked it. But she will not tell it to his face!

“How dare you! Mom! Dad!”