"Hey you." She managed to say.
"Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you. I mean, I only saw you on t.v."
"Take it slow, Andy."
"Yeah, sorry. I've really missed you, Mona."
"I've missed you too."
I bet more than you miss me; she thought.
He knew her well enough and took her as a sister but that didn't mean he wouldn't go on without her. He was able very social person. But she was too.
Yeah, right, she was.
"Can I get a hug?" Andrei asked with extended arms.
"Sure, stupid." She hugged him. Really tight.
Now, this is a good start; she smiled to herself.
"Sorry for keeping you out here, baby. Wanna come in?"
"If course darling."
Baby...
She missed him calling her name's. It was music to her ears. Why did she even shut herself away?
He took her in and quicky notified her.
"My mom's asleep."
"I knew she'll still be having her afternoon nappy time." She giggled and he chucked a little.
"So you still remember what she called it."
"Of course I still remember. How could I forget? When you're so important to me."
There was a little silence in the room. Simone thought about what she came for. She considered telling him. She was about to speak when he spoke up in a soft tone.
"Where were you, love? I was worried sick about you."
"I was too. But we had to move, you know. My parents are finally getting divorced."
"I'm sorry about that."
"It's not your fault."
"I saw you on t.v many times. You didn't look yourself."
"I wasn't myself. You know I don't like change and my sister was never here with us. You don't know her right?"
"No, I don't."
Simone could see a tear forming in his eyes
"Awww. Common Andy. You're such a softie." She said and gave him a hug. He too wrapped his hands around her.
She missed this. She missed him. She missed everything about him. His doe eyes and scent that drove her crazy. Now was the perfect moment.
"Andy, I need to tell you something."
"I miss you calling me that."
"Nice. I need to tell you something."
"I'm all ears"
"We'll, the thing is... right from when we were at high school-"
She looked up to see his expression. All she could see was care in his eyes.
"Go on, Mona. I'm listening."
"I really liked you. Like I had a huge crush on you. She looked up again. Expressionless.
Now was the time to put in her business skills and her soothing voice.
"I was just scared to tell you. So I dated other people to keep myself busy. I felt that keeping that feeling locked inside will only kill me slowly... So I came to tell you."
"This is a joke right?" He laughed histerically. "You're playing s trick on me right? You can bring the cameras out now."
"I'm serious Andy, I'm in love with you."
"Okay. Let me get this straight. You're in love with me?"
"Yes. What's your response?"
"I'm really sorry Simone, but I can't."
"Why, Andy?"
"It's just too late, Simone." She could feel his voice fading off.
She was getting angry but she controlled herself. Who was he to say no to her? Her leonine eyes shine brighter and her nails we're digging in her palms.
Calm down Simone, it's not his fault. You should have come earlier.. You're such a fool; she thought.
"That's okay, Andrei. I'll leave now."
"Won't you have a drink?"
"No. Won't you see me off?"
"I'm sorry. I'm too busy. Maybe some other time." He couldn't even look her in the eye. She remembered he had mood swings.
So yeah. She made the biggest mistake of her life. But it doesn't mean he has to act cold towards her. Simone wished she act normal or turn back the hands of time. She had a lot of things to fix. While she was heading outside, still looking at Andrei's face, she heard a little voice.
"Simone, won't you stay to have dinner?
Both Andrei and Simone looked upstairs where the voice was coming from. It was Mrs. Denise Fesser. Andrei's mom, looking down, watching them. Looking as beautiful as ever.
"I'm sorry ma'am, it's getting late." Simone answered.
Denise slowly descended the stairs and said.
"You don't usually call me ma'am, do you?"
"I'm sorry aunt." She smiled.
"You will stay. I insist."
"Okay aunt."
She called out to one of the maids and they were out with grilled chicken, tortilla and some drinks.
"Join us." Denise asked her, gesturing.
Simone glanced at Andrei for a second and proceeded to the dining table. Andrei joined them too.
They ate in silence. Simone and Andrei were both thinking the same thing
Did she hear what just happened?
"How's the office, Simone?" Mrs Fesser said.
"It's great ma'am."
The weather was slowly starting dark but the orange setting sun flooded the house with orange. Simone's phone started to ring. It was her mom
"Excuse me, aunt." She stood up and went to the living room.
"Hi Mom."
"Hey sweetie. Where are you?" Mrs. Daniels asked
"I'm at Andrei's house."
"You mean your tweenie?" She sounded surprised.
"Yes mom."
"Are things okay?"
"You don't have to be worried, mom. I'm fine."
"I just wanted to ask if you could spend the night at my house."
"I'll try, mom."
"Don't stay out late. Okay?"
"Talk to you later." She said and hung up.
She walked back to the dining table and told Denise.
"Aunt, I have to go now. It's getting late."
"Sure."
Simone was about to turn when Denise added.
"But Andrei would see you off."
"No, ma'am. I don't want to stress him."
"It's not stress. You're his friend after all."
She and Andrei ended up outside. She thought he'd stop at the door. But instead, he said,
"I'll see you off to your car."
"Nice." Simone said. But didn't really mean it. She didn't want to make it any harder for him.
They walked in extreme silence. She wanted to tell him that it was really a joke but kept silent instead. When they got to the car, he stopped.
"Goodbye."
"Yeah, goodnight." Simone didn't know what she was doing but sue ended up hugging him. He didnt hug her back though. But at least she could feel him. After a few seconds, he backed off.
"That's enough, miss."
She wanted to laugh hard and tell him thst he needed to see his face in the mirror. Now wasnt the time. He turned back. For the first time, no pecks in her cheeks or forehead or even air kisses.
Typical Andrei; she giggled and got into her car.
Finally!
Excitement was back into her life. She drove with speed and loud music.
All she needed was a drink to get her head in the sky for a while.