As I get ready to go to the beach, I grin. Shall I ask Ciarra to come along? She mentioned that she has recently moved here so she doesn't know many people. And this will help Panda to get used to women so he can overcome his phobia.
It's only been a day since we met but Ciarra doesn't seem like someone who would lie. She wants to be friends doesn't she? This is a great opportunity for me to get myself another friend.
I frown. How should I explain my male persona to her?
Texting her, she immediately replies to tell me she is free.
Panda will refuse if I ask him directly. We will just meet up at the beach.
"Are you ready?" He asks as he picks up a backpack.
"Yes, let's go." I smile happily.
"You seem excited." Pan says, watching me.
"I'm not." I say nonchalantly.
***
"Are you sure you don't want the others to come with us? It will be boring with just us." I say before we drive away. It would be more fun with Liana too.
He shakes his head from the back seat. "No."
"Is something bothering you?" I ask carefully. Panda isn't one to open up easily to others but I can tell that he has had mood swings more often lately.
"No. Watch the road." He says coldly.
I chuckle to myself. What did I expect him to say anyway? One moment he is warm and kind and the next moment, he becomes cold and harsh. Will I ever be able to understand him?
We journey in silence. It's two hours to the nearest beach. I wonder if Ciarra has set off yet. Maybe she can befriend Pan too.
"We're here." I say, parking up in the parking lot.
I step out and open the back passenger door for Pan. He stares at me before walking ahead.
"Hey, wait for me!" I call as I run to keep up. His long legs walk briskly, not waiting for me at all.
Once we get onto the beach, I glance around. Fortunately, I'm wearing the white shirt from Pan. I grin. It's good that he stopped me from choosing the black one or else I would be dying from a heat stroke right now.
The beach isn't very busy. Pan sits down on the sand and I follow suit, sitting next to him. He pulls his fedora hat over his face as he lies on his back.
"You really came here to sunbathe?" I ask in surprise. Does he not want to play in the water?
"Would it kill you to stay silent?" He mumbles from under his hat.
I really can't stand him!
"Tina!"
My eyes widen when I hear my name. I forgot to tell her to call me Tin. Hurriedly, I stand up and head towards Ciarra. She is wearing a floral summer dress and sandals.
"Ciarra." I smile, "Did you just arrive?"
"Yes. The traffic was horrendous but my driver dropped me off safely."
"That's good. We just got here too."
"You said you came with your boss?" She asks curiously, glancing around.
I nod and gesture to where Pan is. "Over there. He's not very social. Oh and could you do me a favour please Ciarra?"
She nods, "Sure, what is it?"
"Could you call me Tin from now on? There's a reason but I can't really tell you much right now." I say.
Her bambi eyes watch me closely, "Sure. I won't pry don't worry. I'm just happy you invited me today. I almost couldn't recognise you though."
I rub my neck in awkwardness, "I usually dress like this. The other day, my mum forced me to attend an event so I had to wear a dress."
"You look amazing either way." She smiles and weaves her arm through mine as we walk. "Let's go and play in the water."
"Of course." I grin and we run together towards the sea. I quickly glance at Pan but he is still lying down. It should be fine as long as I keep him in my line of vision.
Ciarra is actually an enjoyable friend. She's fun to be around and we have a great time splashing each other with water.
"Your boss seems like a hard person." She says.
I laugh, "You don't know how much he makes me suffer."
"Maybe he just needs to find someone to soften him up." She grins.
I roll my eyes, "Sure, sure."
"You sound as if you don't like the idea." She asks curiously.
"Huh? No, I love the idea." I say quickly.
"Why don't you matchmake him? He'll become nicer."
What is she suggesting? Who on earth am I going to pair him up with when he has a phobia. Maybe a man? But from what I know, he has never shown an interest in a man either.
My eyes stare at Ciarra. She is the epitome of beauty. Big Bambi brown eyes, long wavy black hair and a feminine figure.