Chapter 1
From where Anabel was, she could see Johnny Agbayani busy talking to a customer in his small parlor. Johnny Agbayani owns the parlor, it was built about five months ago. The front wall of the parlor was a glass so he could clearly see what was going on inside, there were a few customers but his attention was on the two present in the counter. The female costumer smiled sweetly at Johnny and a teasing hit on the man's arm.
What the! That I mine!.. Anabel's face tense. She tightened her grip on the flower she was going to give to the man.
Her mood grew even more tense when she saw that the man was also smiling at whatever the woman was saying. She could no longer bear what she was seeing and took big steps towards the door of Johnny's parlor.
When she was at the door she calmed herself down, holding back the jealousy that broke out when she saw that the two were still in the talking session. Johnny didn't even notice her.
She went straight to where they were. Johnny looked at her without a smile, but when she learned that he notice her already, a wide smile automatically appeared on her lips, instantly disappearing the jealousy she felt earlier.
She handed a stem of red rose to Johnny, she didn't care if he was talking to someone else.
"For you.." Anabel give the flower modesty. She went even further and put some loose hair behind her ear, acting cute. Her tied hair was up, but because she hurriedly tied it into a ponytail, some hair escaped.
He sighed and seemed forced to accept the flower. He placed it in a small vase on the table. He looked at her.
"Anabel, you don't need to bring flowers every day.." He said seriously.
She clasped her hands together and smiled. "You know my answer... I'll give you flowers every day as a sign that I really like you."
The woman he was talking to earlier cleared her throat. Anabelle immediately focused her gaze on the stranger, raising her eyebrow like a queen. And there she did not see the slight rise of the corner of Johnny's lips, a sign of a smile.
"I'm leaving Johnny, I'm happy to see you again. I really didn't think this parlor was yours " The woman said, she smiled at Anabel before continuing..
"You fulfilled your only dream before.."
"Yes. By the mercy of god.."-Johnny.
The woman smiled and turned to her. "Hi Anabel long time no see, I see you're still courting Jana" she giggled after mentioning Jana. Jana is Johnny's feminine name. Johnny's friends in high school call her Jana, but Anabel was sure that the girl is only using Jana to convey that she known Johnny, but the truth is that she is just a nobody and she is not Johnny's friend. She knew all of Johnny's friends before, and she didn't know this one nor recognize her as Johnny's friend.
Anabel frowned wondering why this woman acting like a friend to Johnny and like she have known her before.
"Excuse me.. Do I know you?.." she asked but the woman only answered with a smile. She glanced at Johnny who was looking at her but his answer was just a shrug.
"Alright bye.." The woman said and left..
"Who is that?" She asked Johnny again.
"That's Abigail. "Johnny
She nodded. Wondering why the woman knew him, she didn't ask anymore. Instead changed the subject.
"Can I invite you to dinner tonight?"
"I had to do something-"
"I told Mama, she must be getting ready for dinner." She interrupted his refusal. Although it was only around one in the afternoon, Anabel said that her mother was preparing something to eat.
"I can't come later. Next time." Johnny rejected again. His voice was a little shrill, a sign that he was annoyed with her.
"What are you doing.. You should agree, I won't buy your next time, it might be next year.. " she insisted.
"No, I thought you were asking me, you were forcing me." The man's voice was really shrill at that time. One hand fanned his face while grimacing.
"Mama is expecting you, do you want her to be disappointed? I already said you were going" Trying make him felt guilty.
It took a while for Johnny to answer, "Okay, as long as this is the last time, understand?" Said giving up."Oh, if it wasn't because of your mom, I will never come.."
He waved his hand like he was chasing away a chicken. "Go home now, Anabel.."
"Wait a minute we should have a good bye kiss, first.." Anabel didn't wait for him to answer. She just enter the counter and reached for Johnny's neck before a light kiss on his lips.
When she let go she saw his eyes wide open. Shocked by what she did.
"Why did you do that!?" Maybe he didn't expect she could do such a daring act.
Anabel's mood was secretly celebrating because the reaction she expected to be did not happen. He wasn't angry at all! , Johnny is just surprised!.
The result of what she did is good, her courting career has really leveled up.. she hopes Johnny to be a boyfriend soon.
She brought her mouth close to his ear and whispered
"You expect that's not the only kiss you'll get from me from now on honey, expect more kisses more intimate and sweet.." She deliberately touched her lips to his ear before walking away.
Johnny's eyes are still wide.. Hmm so much surprise.. said a small voice in her mind.
She turned back. Then walked out while waving to the crew and customers like a champion on a Miss Universe pageant , When she got out, Anabel suddenly turned back, peering through the door.
"And Johnny honey don't forget to attend our dinner.. And lastly your lips feel good hovering mine .." She gave him a flying kiss before finally leaving.
She rode a tricycle. The trip takes about 30 minutes to reach their home.
While on the trip, her smile was so wide, she's so that she felt she was flying.
She felt her lips that kiss the lips of the man she love.
"My gosh!! I didn't expect this good, if I knew that he Will not get mad!... This is what it feels like to kiss a Johnny Agbayani..hahaha" She squealed in a controlled manner. He couldn't wait to get to their house to roll around in her bed. Her heart are in full speed because she finally kissed the only man she liked from then until now.
The driver interrupted. She was the only passenger. "Is that Johnny the owner of that parlor?" The driver asked in confusion.
"Yes, he is."
"Isn't that he's gay? "
"Yes, he is a gay Mr. Driver, but even so, I love him. I believe we are destined" She answered dreamily.
Johnny is really gay but Anabel loves him very much, above all she will marry him as soon as Johnny accept her. She could feel from the bottom of her heart that he was about to give the sweet 'Yes' she was longing for.
In truth to be told Anabel was delightful that she was the one making moves because didn't expect Johnny to make the moves first since Anabel didn't want him to flirt. Because when he flirt it is certain that Johnny will not court women and especially not her, but she is very well sure that men will be his target.
When she first gave him flowers, Johnny was very angry. They were still in high school then. Johnny hated her ever since. Even so, she continued to scratch and give a rose stem every day. Because she believes Johnny will find her in his heart one day. And that one day is soon will happen.
After a while he got used to her annoying face. He will only glare but will also take flower. He must have realized that no matter how much repelling he does, she will not be moved.
She took a deep breath remembering that.
Hey Johnny, you're about to be mine. Just a little push. Her mind said with satisfaction.
At home she found Sally, her mother, cleaning the kitchen. It looks like she's in a good mood. From time to time her mother will hummed. This is exactly how it is when there is an expected guest, the kitchen is cleaned first before preparing food.
Sally notice her presence and took a side glance at her. "Oh my beautiful daughter. You're here, take a beauty rest in your room, I'll take care of the cooking." Then continue what she is doing.
"Father?"
"Oh, I'm sure he'll come tonight. You know he's busy in the flower farm again." She answered without looking at her.
They have a flower farm. That's where the flowers she used to give to Johnny were taken, but now they don't, since she and her father planted in the backyard a flower. His father was the one who founded it and because it must be his line of business, it also grew. As well as it's name, From flower garden to flower farm.
Anabel just shook her head and went to her room. Perhaps she needs the beauty rest.
She took a shower before lying down on her small comfy bed. She remembers that when she was a child, the bed seemed to be wide, but now it fits perfectly, not too small and not too big.
She closed her eyes just to opened it and stare at the ceiling. She was so happy to fall asleep immediately. She couldn't help but look back at the past.