I was wondering who sent the message. I took my contact records and checked if I missed saving someone's number, but nothing matched.
"I'm sorry, who's this?"
Just as I finished sending the text, Casper announced that the ride is here. We all collected our things and went out of the campus to where the white SUV was waiting. Kataniya and I opened the back seat and slipped in the car.
And just as you imagined, the moment we got into the car, we're already trying to destroy the car speakers. Casper, being a Lamb, went on and played his favorite Mariah Carey songs. Within seconds the car is booming with I Stay in Love featuring our almost impossible to understand screaming. Dear, sometimes Mariah needs to chill on some of her songs! Good thing, this is nothing new to Jose, Casper's family driver. He has seen us scream, cry, and even collected us drunk on some nights.
After a few minutes of the ride, we went straight to Casper's room on the second floor of the house. I rummaged on Casper's closet because I have some of my things here. I also know I left one pair of swimwear last time.
Casper, now being the DJ, was busy preparing the songs on the playlist. We placed the speakers near the pool so we can start the party. Kataniya, on the other hand, went straight to the water. She's impatient when there's water involved. If you are asking where I am, then I'm behind the grill, cooking the barbecue! That has always been me. I like cooking, and despite Casper having helpers in the house, I still cook for ourselves.
We are now enjoying the food and some strawberry margarita that was prepared by Casper's cook.
"You should join some school clubs. It'll help you with boredom." I opened the conversation. We're almost in our final year, and these two haven't even experienced what college life is. It's because it's either Casper will be traveling with his aunts, or Kataniya will be on her computer playing games.
"I mean, I could let you in our organization. Promise you'll enjoy more." I added.
They just both looked at each other and laughed. Well, I take that as a pass then.
They continued talking about another topic when my phone on the table next to the poolside bed that we are on rang. I stood up to take and found that the unknown number earlier is calling.
I was hesitant to answer the call, but maybe it's something important. I pressed the answer button and answered it.
"Hi, this is Nic. Sorry, I'm using my other phone." Nic? Dominic? Why is he calling? And is he smiling? Laughing?
"Uh, sorry I was not able to answer right away. What's up? You called?"
"I thought we were going together to buy the materials, so I texted earlier."
"Oh, sorry. Raven volunteered, and I had a class, so I wasn't able to go."
"It's fine, it's not the reason why I'm calling right now."
There was a brief silence from the other end of the line. It's as if Nic was trying to breathe to condition himself before saying the next words.
"Are you busy right now?"
"Uh, not really. I'm at my friend's house right now. Why?"
"Oh, nothing. I just want to check. Anyway, I have to go."
Weird. Are we on a calling basis now? And why do I feel like he was kind of disappointed?
I went back to lay down on the poolside bed while Casper and Kataniya continued talking. They might have noticed that I was out of it and asked me.
"Who called, girl? And why do you look so bothered."
"It was someone from the event we organized," I answered so that they will dismiss the topic. I just feel bothered. You know that feeling when you feel like you missed something important. That moment where you have something important, but you forgot what it was. That's what I'm feeling right now.
"Dominic Bayron. A second-year on the engineering department and the manager of the volleyball club." I look straight at Kataniya. How'd she known that?
"Girl, you should have a good phone lock combination." Casper was laughing now because they opened my phone.
"Hey, it's his birthday today."
Shoot! I forgot! Is that why he called? I took my phone to double-check the date, and it's indeed the 18th. Was he hoping I would greet him? But we're not that close.
Should call and apologize, then greet him?
"You forgot?" Casper, now drinking some of the margaritas, asked.
"You should call. I mean, I don't know what's your relationship with this guy yet, but the look at it, you kinda need to at least let him know you remembered." Kataniya, before dipping in the water again.
I bit my lip. I'm nervous. Should I call?
I grabbed the towel and wrapped myself on it. I took the phone and walked a few steps away from my friends. I don't want them teasing me while I'm making a call.
I took a deep breath and tried to practice some lines.
"Hi, uh, I forgot it was your birthday today. Sorry. Happy birthday, Nic.
No! That was weird as fuck. It should be a little casual like nothing happened. Like nothing happened? Nothing really happened, right?
"Hi Nic, you there? Sorry, I forgot about your birthday. "
Shit No!
I messed my hair a little. Why am I even fretting over a small thing? I shook my hands to get rid of the nerves. Why am I even worried when I'm just calling. Nothing special!
I stared at his number on my phone. Should I call now?
Dominic
I gathered all the courage I have and dialed his number. After two rings, he answered right away.
"He-Hello?" Man! This is embarrassing. ANDREA IMOGEN! CALM DOWN!
"Oh, Andi, you called? Anything wrong?" Is he chewing something?
"Are you eating? Oh no, sorry for disturbing your meal."
"No. No. It's fine. I was just tasting mom's cooking. You called?" I could hear him swallowing whatever he was chewing. I heard him excuse himself from someone. It's probably his mom.
"Uh, nothing. It's about earlier. Hehe. Sorry. I forgot it's the 18th today, and I know it's a little late. Happy Birthday." I was cold earlier, but I could feel the heat rushing through my body. This is so embarrassing!
It took him a few seconds before answering. It made me more nervous. Did I say anything? I should not have called him!
I was surprised when I heard him burst into laughter.
"I thought you would completely forget about it. I would be disappointed if that happened." Did he just sit down on a sofa? Wait, why can I hear all that he's doing? Am I imagining things?
"I'm sorry I was just busy earlier. I just noticed the date, now that I was doing nothing." It's a good thing that my heart calmed down already. I went back to the poolside bed because Casper and Kataniya are already in the pool playing. I stared at the sky as I lay down. It was full of stars, and they all looked like fireflies.
"It's fine. I was hoping we can go out and eat. I mean, it's almost your birthday too. Might as well treat you." He remembered.
I smiled at the thought. He is not obligated to take me out or treat me, but the thought warmed my heart.
"No need. I supposed your mom is cooking for you tonight. I hope you will enjoy it." pointing out the time when I could hear him chewing.
"Thank you, Andi. And yeah, see you this Saturday."
I smiled again. Right. We would be seeing each other this Saturday for the event.
"Yeah, see you this Saturday, Nic."
"Can't wait to see you again."
I was supposed to turn off the phone when I heard him say it. Or was I just imagining things? I shrugged my shoulder and went to join Casper and Kataniya for a swim.