Chapter 7 Check on Me

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly rang out behind me. It had been ages since I last heard his voice. My heart trembled slightly as memories flooded back. That teenager, in a white shirt, drove me on his bicycle to school. That teenager patiently walked me through annoying math problems, draft paper in hand. That teenager cupped the frozen yogurt I craved until it warmed before giving it to me because I was on my period. When I was about to marry Reynaldo, he had asked me with red eyes, "Can you not marry him?" The bittersweet past gradually drifted away like wisps of smoke. I calmed down completely.

As I turned around, Winston came into view. I had to admit—the Humphrey family did have superb genes. Both Reynaldo and Winston were strikingly handsome. Reynaldo was the cold, aloof one, whereas Winston was the gentle, refined one. After three years, Winston seemed even more composed. His eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses were so gentle they could melt anyone’s heart.

"It’s been a while." He walked over, smiling at me.

I looked at him calmly and smiled, too. "It’s been a while." Back then, we had never run out of topics to chat about. Yet, now, as our eyes met, I was actually at a loss for words. The atmosphere between us grew awkward. I guessed it was true—some feelings could never be recovered. Once they were gone, they were gone. Neither he nor I could be as innocent and simple-minded as we used to be.

Lavonne’s gaze swept between us before she grinned at him meaningfully. "Ralda is single now. Grasp your chance. " Winston immediately looked at me, his eyes deep enough to make me flustered. Before he could say a word, I said hurriedly, "I've got something to do. I’m leaving."

"Ralda!" Winston grabbed my hand urgently. He looked at me sadly. "Do you hate… seeing me this much now?"

"It’s not like that," I said. I didn't know what to tell him. I was now Reynaldo’s lover; even if we were total strangers someday, nothing would ever happen between Winston and me. I admitted that in the past, I had harbored feelings for him, the kind teenage girls tended to have. But things had changed, including both my feelings and me.

Winston stared at me deeply. "About what happened to your family, I…"

"My family’s fine. Thanks for your concern. And don’t take Vonnie’s words seriously." He lowered his head as he noticed my detached tone. Then he smiled bitterly. "You two are divorced already, but I still don’t stand a chance. Right?"

I was about to nod when my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the caller ID, and I instinctively broke free from Winston’s grasp. It was Reynaldo! Was he calling me because he had come back and didn’t see me around? As his sullen face emerged in my mind, I actually couldn’t muster the courage to answer.

After my phone stopped ringing, I called Madisyn and asked her if Reynaldo had come back. She said no, and then I breathed a sigh of relief. Winston looked at me, his eyes filled with indescribable emotions. He smiled bitterly. "After divorcing Reynaldo, you still care about him this much?"

I pursed my lips. "Sorry, Winston. Maybe it’s the best if you forget about me." Then I excused myself to the restroom. Since I knew nothing would ever happen between Winston and me, I shouldn't let him hold onto false hope. It would be so unfair to him.

After entering the restroom, I quickly called Reynaldo back. I hadn’t answered his call earlier, and I wondered if he was upset. In the past, I had never had to be so cautious and timid around him. One's world could surely be different when they were down.

As soon as Reynaldo answered, he chuckled. It was quite terrifying. Uneasy, I said, "I’m sorry. I was asleep when you called, and you hung up right when I was about to answer."

"Oh?" He laughed. Then he said slowly, "What are you doing now?"

I was stunned before subconsciously replying, "Your call woke me up, and I’m in bed talking to you." Staring at my face in the mirror, I was quite impressed by myself—I had never known I was a natural liar. He laughed even louder, sending a chill down my spine. Sure enough, those who rarely laughed shouldn't laugh at all. It was so creepy.

"So, I take it I interrupted your sweet dreams?" he said. He didn't sound angry at all; his voice was gentle and flat, making it impossible for me to know what he was thinking.

I forced a smile. "Not at all. I was having a bad dream, which was so scary. I should thank you for waking me up." He grinned again. With his every grin, I couldn’t help but feel more nervous. It was so, so weird!

Suddenly, he stopped grinning and asked, "Where are you now?" My heart skipped a beat. How could I shake the feeling that he was watching me right now? I quickly walked to the restroom door and looked around. There was no one in sight. Maybe I was overthinking it because I felt guilty. Plus, chances were, he was enjoying romantic moments with his beloved. Why would he be here? What was more, he had never liked places like this.

After completely dismissing the possibility that he was here, I smiled, remaining calm. "I’m at home. Where else could I sleep?"

He grinned again. Again! If he grinned like this a couple more times, I might seriously lose it.

"Good." His unnaturally calm tone made my heart tighten. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off—and it kept getting worse. Utterly nervous, I asked tentatively, "Well… What are you doing? When are you coming back?"

"I’m out drinking." The word "drinking" echoed in my ears.

I asked in a daze, "Where?"

"At a pub. Wanna join me?" His voice was mellow and sexy. Pleasant as it sounded, I felt terrified. I quickly forced a smile and said, "Perhaps not. I’m… going back to sleep." Then I hung up hastily.

Indeed, one shouldn't lie; apart from feeling guilty, they had to keep making more lies to cover it up. When they realized they couldn’t cover it up, they had to face the unknown punishment and fear because of the lie. All I hoped was that Reynaldo was drinking in another bar, and his call had been nothing but a random thought to check on me. No matter what, I had to go back now.

I rushed out of the restroom hastily, wanting to leave as soon as I said goodbye to Winston and Lavonne. However, in the next second, someone pulled me with great force. I was pressed against the cold wall before I could react. Someone kissed my lips right after I exclaimed. Then I was enveloped by a familiar scent. Gawking at the handsome face right in front of me, I was dumbfounded. It was Reynaldo!