We were eating lunch at the canteen when Peter asked Amanda out.
"Do you have any plans tonight, Amanda?" he asked.
"Uh--- no. Why? Are you gonna ask me on a date, Pete?" Amanda replied casually as she sliced the steak on her plate without giving Peter a look.
"What if I am? Are you gonna say yes?" Peter said.
Suddenly, Amanda pointed the steak knife at him.
"Back off before I kill you!" she answered jokingly. Everyone laughed.
I emptied my stainless cup--- one-shot, then subconsciously slammed it on the table which caught my friends' attention.
They gave me a puzzled look. I apologized before I hurriedly walked out the door and went straight to the garden.
"Pete? Hah! She even gave that dumbass a nickname?" I said while kicking the bush in front of me. The unfamiliar feeling was already devouring my sanity.
"So what? You're more competent, smarter, and way--- way handsome than him, Brad! So why are you bothered?" I ranted talking to myself like a complete lunatic.
"Ehem!" someone said, so I turned to see Amanda standing behind me.
"Why are you here? How long have you been there?" I asked anxiously.
"Just now. I was passing by when I heard your voice. I came just to check if you're okay coz you sounded angry. Are you okay?" she said.
"Yes. Thanks," I answered. "Anyway, where's YOUR Pete?" I asked without masking my irritation.
"My Pete? What is wrong with you?" she asked.
"Whatever! Call him however you want! Why should I even bother?!" I said sardonically before leaving her perplexed by my attitude.
I still hung out with my friends but I wasn't so happy anymore.
I acted normal in front of them not to fuel any speculations about my real emotion towards her. Besides, Peter and Amanda seemed to get along well with each other.
There wasn't any confirmation from them, but the truth was so cut and dry!
Then one morning, our teacher gathered us all for an important announcement.
"Good morning class! As we all know, a volcano erupted last week which devastated the residents at ground zero. Therefore, our school ministers and board of directors agreed to have a fundraising event in a fortnight to help those who were affected by the calamity. As seniors, we need you to come up with good ideas on how to raise some money--- at least $500," she announced.
The night of the charity ball came. Everything was set from the reception to the food and activities. We poured our time and effort in making the occasion a success.
It was held in RAIUL RAZBOINIC of course--- a cozy place for a cozy occasion. We decided to have a masquerade ball, so the reception seemed like Mt. Olympus filled with gods and goddesses. I couldn't say who was who since everyone's wearing a mask.
I was enjoying my scotch on the rocks at the bar when a lady in a body-hugging silver dress came joining me.
She leaned and whispered in her sensual voice, "You look magnificent in that suit, darling. You know where to find me... if you know what I mean."
I kept a straight face when she nibbled my ear before she left. I nearly crushed the glass I was holding. My body was shuddering in anger.
Even with her mask on, I could never forget Alicia who made my life miserable. I loved her but she toyed with my heart and I can never forget how she blamed me to save her own damn ass!
Two years ago...
One time after our class, she invited me to her dorm to help her with her homework.
I relented only when she said that her roommates were present at that time. We were already in their room when I found out that she's lying.
She just wanted to have sex with me!
I refused, saying that we might get caught if we do it there.
Then, she took off her clothes leaving only her underwear and began kissing me. I didn't respond. Her kiss deepened and her hands began to explore. It was too damn hard to think sane coz' I was already turned on. So, I kissed her with equal intensity.
My hand was cupping her exposed breast while the other was grabbing her butt pulling her closer to me.
That's when her roommates arrived. Shocked by the scene, they screamed and called for help. The next thing I knew, Alicia was accusing me of sexual harassment to save herself from humiliation!
'The nerve!' I thought still fuming.
"Man--- that lady surely wants something from you! She's hot. You're lucky," the bartender teased.
"Fiery women are exciting but dangerous!" I replied. He chuckled while he nodded.
"And now, may I have your attention please! May I request all the ladies to please come up on stage? We will be having a dating auction. All the money collected from this activity will go to charity. So, any lady who has a big heart can volunteer to join," the host announced.
Male students cheered.
The auction was a huge success. We were able to produce more than what was expected. So, we celebrated! Food and drinks overflowed. Towers of cocktails were at the center of every table.
"Alright, guys. The dance floor is now open," the host said.
I never left the bar as my eyes searched for someone. Not for long, I saw two familiar people. Amanda, who was clinging on Peter's arms, looked so elegant in her red ball gown. Jealousy stung my heart. Seeing them slowly dancing was utterly tormenting. I had a couple of shots when Alicia approached me again.
"Don't waste your handsomeness darling! Let's dance," Alicia said as she pulled me to the dance floor. She threw her arms around my neck pulling me close to her. My brain wasn't working so well and my heart was numb so I just went with the flow.
We bumped into Amanda and Peter.
"Oops! Sorry," I said.
"No worries! Anyway, who's this pretty woman you're with?" Peter asked gesturing at Alicia.
"Peter, it's me!" Alicia said smiling at them.
"Alicia?" Peter said looking at me in disbelief. "How? When? Anyway, are you together?"
My head was dead and my heart was numb, so I just ignored the questions Peter asked.
"Well... after two years of separation, I think we finally realized that we wanna give our relationship a second chance," Alicia answered. From my peripheral view, I saw Amanda gasped. I've had enough. The last thing I wanted to do is to hurt her feelings.
"Please, stop spreading lies, Alicia," I warned keeping my voice low but firm.
"For once Brad, will you listen to me?" she yelled catching the attention of the students on the dance floor.
"Look... I know that I've made a terrible mistake before. But, I did that because I was damn terrified that you might leave me. I loved you--- and I still love you!" she said in tears.
The room went silent. No one dared to speak.
"Please, enough of your games, Alicia. I will never fell for your words again," I said with composure. She removed her mask and kissed me as I stood there petrified.
I remember seeing Amanda running away in tears. Peter followed. She ignored me since.