When Nikka came through the door, she was beaming from ear to ear. Her heart just did a somersault because she didn't only had the most wonderful Valentine's Day, she will be looking forward to a much bigger event in her life, the prom.
She knew it was still two months away but her happiness was over the roof. She couldn't believe he will say yes to her.
She was doubting herself at first whether she will ask him or not. After meeting one of the "casual encounters" of Marcus at the building, she thought he will reject the idea.
But he didn't.
He might have been feeling a bit old for that at first, since he told her it's been awhile since he went to prom and it really got her nervous. She was glad that he still said yes at the end.
"Hey, princess! How was your date with Marcus?" her dad asked as soon as she came through the door. He was sitting on the white couch in the living room, watching Jeopardy on TV.
"Dad!" she exclaimed. "I told you it's not a date. It's just lunch and a movie."
"Sounds more like a date to me."
She rolled her eyes and his dad chuckled.
"So where did you go?"
"The Empire State Building."
"Wow! That's great. We have always thought of going. I'm glad Marcus brought you there. So did you get to kiss him?"
Her father's eyes teased her.
"Dad!" She felt embarassed as her cheeks flushed.
Her dad smiled.
"Very well then, I'll stop teasing you. Go change so we can all have dinner together. Your mom had prepared a very delicious chicken adobo. You're favorite."
Her stomach growled in agreement. She was surely getting hungry by the smell coming from the kitchen.
"Okay, dad. I'll just go to my room," and she gave him a peck on the cheek.
As soon as she came in her room, she giggled and plopped herself onto the bed. She took out her boots and threw them on the floor before taking out her phone from her pocket. She dialed Vera's phone number.
"Hey, girl! What's up?" Vera answered.
Nikka shrieked in happiness.
"What happened to you?"
Nikka took several breaths before she spoke.
"I had a date with Marcus," she blurted out.
"A DATE?! You're kidding!"
"No. Well, technically it's not a date. It's lunch and a movie. Also he gave me flowers and a balloon," and she watched the balloon float in her ceiling.
"Okay. So not a date but... lots of goodies? Girl, this guy is into you."
"You think?"
"Yes, definitely. He finally noticed. So did you kiss?"
"Vera! No! Like I said it's not like a date-date. It's like lunch-"
"And a movie. I know but still, it was amazing. I can't be more happy for you, Nikka."
"Thanks. Sorry if we didn't plan anything."
"Are you kidding? I'm glad we didn't 'cause this was way better."
Nikka giggled again.
"Also, I got another news," Another news? What is it?"
" I asked him to be my prom date and he said yes."
"Wow! That's great. I wish I got a Marcus, too in my life."
"You will."
"But, anyways, I'm just happy for you, girl. I'm gonna tell Dom about it and I'm sure he'll be thrilled."
"Okay."
"By the way, did you give the gift?"
"Yes."
"Did he like it?"
"He loved it! He was wearing it the whole time he was hugging me."
Vera screamed at the other line.
"He hugged you?"
"Yeah. He stood behind me and placed his head on my shoulder. Then he hugged me. I was blushing the whole time but I tried not to squeal. It was amazing!"
"Gosh girl!"
"I know. But there was this devil woman."
"Devil woman?"
"Yes. An encounter.. you know... big breasts, blue eyes, perfect model figure."
"So, who the hell is this devilish woman?"
"Her name is Cynthia."
"Did she say anything to you?"
"Well... she just... made me feel insecure."
"Insecure? Why? What did she say to you?"
"She said... some mean things to me.."
"Like what, Nikka? Tell me!"
She lowered her eyes and almost whispered.
"She told me that she was more mature and sophisticated... that Marcus was better off with her than with girls like me."
"Why that b-ch!"
"Vera!"
"Sorry. I forgot how you hated cursing. Anyway, did Marcus do anything?"
"Yes. He told her to leave us alone."
"Good."
"But gave a peck on his cheek as if to mock me."
"Girl! Forget her. At least you got your man Marcus, okay. That's important."
"Well... technically he is not my boyfriend yet."
"He will be soon."
Nikka smiled.
"Oh, Vera! You are truly my best friend. Always optimistic."
"Well, by the way things are going, sooner or later you and Marcus wil be a couple. I bet my sweet ass on that."
Nikka laughed and Vera did, too.
"Okay, girl, I gotta go. I'll talk to you soon," said Vera.
They said their goodbyes and hung up.
Nikka stood up from the bed and opened her closet. She touched the picture pinned on the door and smiled.
The photo that was posted was a shot of her and Marcus at the beach. She was wearing her red bathing suit and he was wearing nothing but a red and blue board shorts. It was taken last summer where their families went to the beach for the Fourth of July weekend.
She gave a kiss to Marcus on the picture.
"Goodnight, my love," she said as she smiled and took her pajamas out.
After she changed, her phone rang. She looked at it and squealed as she recognized Marcus' number.
She took a deep breath before answering.
"H-Hello," she answered.
"You okay?" Marcus asked. "You sound like you're running."
"Well, I... I am. Sorry. I have been hurrying to answer the phone. Just changing into my pajamas."
"Oh!" Marcus felt stupid as an image of her half naked came to his mind.
"Sht!" he cursed.
"What?"
"Ah... n-nothing. Sorry."
"Why did you call, Marcus?"
Marcus tried to come up with a better response but actually he just missed her already. It was weird since they just saw each other awhile ago.
He suddenly wanted to hear her voice more often especially when he had been gone for almost a month.
"What's for dinner?" he asked.
'Really, Marcus? Can't you think of a better line?' he kicked himself mentally as he closed his eyes.
"Chicken adobo. Mom's favorite recipe for me," and she smiled. "You want to come over and have some?"
"Well... it's tempting. But I got to do some work," he lied. "Just want to tell you that I'll be picking you up after school on Monday."
"Really?"
"Yeah. My out-of-town projects are done for now.. hopefully. So, I got time for you."
Nikka bit her lip as she blushed.
'Time for me. He sounded like a boyfriend already,' she thought and she bit her lip harder so she wouldn't squeal.
"Nikka? You still there?"
"Y-Yeah. Ummm... that would be great, Marcus. Will you be buying me my favorite mocha latte?"
"Of course. Anything for my beautiful girl."
She muted her phone and squealed. She took a deep breath before unmuting it.
"Uhh... listen, I gotta go. Just wanted to tell you that and thank you again for the gift," Marcus said.
"I'll see you, okay."
"O-Okay. Bye, Marcus,"Nikka said.
"Bye, Nikka," and they hung up.
Nikka stared at the ceiling dreamily as she clutched the phone on her chest, and wished the days would be faster si she could spend time again with her beloved Marcus.