Chapter 7

I will be right here, waiting 

*KRYSTAL

Tiffani's forehead creased as soon as I excuse myself from tonight's tutoring with her and Kirk.

"Well if you say so." she shrugged, "But why did you asked him in the first place?"

I myself have been asking the same question. Avoiding Tiffani's confused look as I eye myself around looking for an answer, more like an excuse. She waved her hands right in front of my eyes, and that woke me up from my reveries.

"HEY! Krystal, is there something wrong?" she yelled slowly as if everything's set on slow motion.

"Quit it!" putting her hands down, "Here's the truth," I can't believe I'm about to burst out a lie. A lie that's extremely believable in my state, not that if you're gullible. I let out a sigh before continuing my deceit, "It's just that I've been thinking about Jared all the time that I... I... thought that that was Jarred so I agreed instantly." I said exaggeratedly and defensively at the same time. It took a few seconds for me to realize that Tiffani didn't respond to me. She's looking behind me for the second time. I looked behind and saw...

Jarred.

He walked near us and formed a smirk on his face, "Oh! So you're thinking about me all the time?" There's an awe plastered on his face. A teasing smug followed. I felt my sweat dripped down my face. I sweat a lot when I'm lying, so it's quite predictable if I'm giving someone my unnoticeable deceits.

"You're sweating. Here." he handed me his scarf. But I didn't take it. So instead, he swept the sweat off my face himself. After that, his eyes were fixed on mine. Softly, he rubbed his hands to my cheeks and opened his mout as if he's about to blurt out a romantic line. But I was surprised as he teased, "Your whiteheads must really love you, huh? They tend to stay in your face." then he bursted out of laughter where Tiffani joined in. I crossed my arms and glared at them. Tiffani already stopped laughing, while it took a couple of more seconds for Jarred to calm down.

"Ok, I'll stop." he said, wiping his tears he got from laughing. How could he laugh like that, I mean it's not even funny.

"Wait?! Why are you even here? You're supposed to be in your Algebra class." I scolded him.

"Woah, Krys. You memorized his class schedule? Well what can I say, it's hard to track boyfriends without knowing their class schedule." Tiffani teased and smirked at Jarred which then threw a high-five at her.

I rolled my eyes at them. "Just answer the question Mister!"

He turned to look at me. Leaning closer his face towards mine. "Wow, Krys. Every day you're becoming more like," he paused. His hands on my left cheek, and his eyes wandering my face and stopped at my lips. His innocent smile turned into a devil smirk and mouthed, "My mother!" so he and Tiffani burst into laughter again. So much for assuming, Ms. Jones.

Instead of losing my patience, I turned around and was about to do my dramatic walk-out when Jarred grabbed my hand. "Hey, where are you going?"

"Who cares?!" I exclaimed coldly.

"I'm just messing with you Krys. The truth is I was sent out of the class."

I let out a chuckle, which obviously relieved me from coldness. He glared at me childishly. "What?" I asked defensively.

"Why are you laughing? I was the one who received a permission to go out of the class. Not that I wanted to, but I have to." he said with a childish tone, crossing his arms.

"You were sent out! Awesome." I joked.

"That'll be awesome, I guess." he said with a satisfaction on his face. I was completely puzzled on how could he receive my jokes and at the same time can leave a room out of embarrassment in less than a jiffy.

"Sent me out of every class," he continued, "I would be happy to go. But there's one place I can never leave," I can see sincerity of his face, this time. Don't fall for it Krystal, it would be another joke again. And then he continued, "And that would be your side."

I felt my face blush as I scream in my mind. Jarred winked just before I could response to that. I was kind of going for a sarcastic one as a reply, but I couldn't talk and that he escaped already.

The rest of the day was awfully funny and annoying, that is. Tiffani kept on nagging me about things. Pretty much about me and Jarred, which I had nothing to say except that we're just close friends, *cough* best friends. I hate this day, this day that I realized that Tiffani is such a nagger and can be annoying. And of course that was just a reverse psychology that I argued with my mind. But despite her being those things, I love her as my best friend. And now I'm looking forward in thanking my dream again for a second time around, or in about a minute or two.

The clouds went dark as soon as I reached home. I parked my bike and climb upstairs into my room. I tossed my bag into my couch and jumped into my bed. I was about to take a nap when my phone vibrated from my pocket. I shoved it out and I received a text message from mom.

From: Mom;

"Krys, we won't be home until tomorrow, or so. We'll be at some school for Tracy's ballet competition and checking in a hotel to pass the night. Just grab a take-out meal on your way home. Take care!"

I closed my eyes for a second and then decided to reply because I could pass out.

To: Mom;

"I'm already home. Besides I'm going out with Jarred tonight. Take care, as well. Wish Tracy a bad luck, and you know I'm kidding."

I got myself dressed for dinner with Jarred, or at least I think. Time check; six-thirty pm. I decided not to go early, I'm very impatient when waiting specially when I'm alone and I'm waiting for a guy. I mean, come on, why would guys be late? They don't wear make-ups and obviously don't mind a fashion crisis. I ran downstairs and watch some TV.

*KIRK

Basketball practice were over. I went to the shower room and got myself freshened up for our study-date with Krystal. Oh! I forgot that Tiffani's with us. But it'll be fun.

Jarred finished his shower and hung his arm at my shoulder, "Wow man, you're all groomed. What's up?"

I removed his arm around me. I didn't answer, I wouldn't want to let him know. I cleared my things up, patted Jarred's back and left. "Later dude!"

As I open the door of my car, I saw a familiar face looking kind of worried there across the lot. I linked my eyebrows together to get a better sight. "Tiffani!" I shouted, gesturing my arms, inviting her to come over me.

She walked across the parking lot. The way she walk was naturally impressive. Her sweet golden blond hair flew after her as the wind blows. She stopped for a second and shove her hair, tying it to a pony-tail. Then she continued to walk as I stared at her.

I let out a chuckle after she dropped her book. My eyes widened in tension as I saw a car approaching Tiffani's way. I ran fast towards her. As I reached her position, I hugged her tight and jumped the other way ending up lying down the ground.

My face was so close to Tiffani's. She shot me a sincere yet uncomfortable look, until I realized I landed on top of her. I immediately stood up. "I'm sorry tiff, I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," she cut me off, "In fact, I should be thanking you." she lift her face, letting me see her weak, shy grin. It took me long enough to response. I was dumbfounded.

"So." I started awkwardly. "What are you doing there? Is there something wrong?" I asked with my most concerned tone.

"Nothing much. It's just my engine won't start." she said the first sentence with a hint of sarcasm which I laughed in return, and the rest was barely a mumble.

I grabbed her things, which she gave in reluctantly. And offered her a drive home.

"Wait, aren't we going to tutor you in Algebra?" she reminded me.

"Oh, right! So where are we going to study?"

"I don't know. Anywhere with you would be fine." she said softly as she blushed, which I found it cute.

My phone vibrated and I received a text from Krystal saying she can't tutor me because she already made plans with my best friend, as well as hers. I replied that it was fine and that I have Tiffani as my mate for tonight. I slid back my phone into my pocket and turned to Tiff.

"Hey Tiff," she looked me in the eyes, shyly. "How about we do it like a date?" her face was shocked. "I mean, like a study date, nothing more." I said quickly before she could reply.

"I'd love to." she said followed by her perfect but crooked, shy smile.

"Let's head to my place, near the park"

*JARED

My heart skipped a bit when I heard a loud Thunder twice in a row. I'm not worried about the weather. Come to think of it, maybe I am. I wouldn't want to spoil this night because of the stupid weather. I'm confessing my never-ending romantic feelings for my best friend. Oh, great! I'm being so dramatic now. Just great!

I reached the park ten minutes before seven. I got out of my car and headed to a flower store. I bought a bouquet of flowers for Krys. I thanked the lady who arranged the flowers beautifully for me, since flower arranging was never my thing, never for the most of the guys.

I sat at the bench under a huge tree with little night lights hanging on it's leaves, sparkling like little stars. People are leaving the park as lightning strikes continuously. I didn't leave, instead, the weather just made me looked down at my watch. It's already past eight and Krystal isn't here yet. I better stay. I checked my phone looking for any messages from her, there's none. I tried to call her but as soon as I pressed the speed dial, my battery went off. I refused to be pessimistic about this so I thought maybe she's just fashionably late, then I smirked at my own words. Way to go, Jarred.

*KRYSTAL

I guess I slept. The heavy rain woke me up. I haven't eaten any thing, and to my surprise I'm not even starving. I looked out the window to see what's in store for me if I went outside. Trees were bending from strong winds, the water from canals were overflowing. The scenery outside backed me down from going to the park. I picked up my phone and the dialed Jarred's number.

He's not answering it. I should sent him a message instead.

To: Bestfriend Jarred <3

"Sorry I can't go. I slept without even knowing I did. I bet you're already at home. So let's just hang out next time."

I waited for several minutes for Jarred's reply, but I received none. I'm starting to get worried. I made myself a hot chocolate and went back upstairs. I changed into my PJ's and cuddled with my pillow. I can't sleep. There's something wrong that I couldn't quite understand. A feeling that I can't translate into words. I jumped into my couch and turned on my TV, looking for a good channel.

My phone beeped and I worriedly jumped to answer it.

"Hello, Jarred?" I asked quickly because I didn't bother looking at the caller's ID in the first place. Plus, I knew it was him. It must be him!

"I'm not Jarred." It was a female's voice. I could feel the heat coming out of me. Am I jealous? Is Jarred with some other girl all this time that he didn't bother to text me or answer my phone calls?

"Then who are you?" I said in a coldest voice I could conjure.

"Tiffani! Who else?" There was a pause. I didn't answer because I was busy mentally laughing at myself.

"Oh! Why did you call? How's the study date with Kirk?" I chuckled, teasing her.

"Everything went fine. But it's not the right time to joke around." I could sense seriousness in her voice.

"Why? What is it?" I asked as I stood up from the couch and started to pace.

"It's Jarred," My knees weakened as I heard his name. "He's still in the park when we pass by. I think he's serious about not leaving until you meet him there, Krys."

I couldn't speak. Things can't sink into my mind except everything about Jarred. How was he? He's nuts! I hung up the phone, realizing that I can't utter even a single word. It's storming out there. How could he do such a naive thing?!

*JARED

Did she ditch me? My face fell as I heard my heart shatter into pieces. I have to let my feelings out even though she's not here.

"Krystal!" I yelled confidently since no one's around except me and the heavy rain. "Why aren't you here? Did you ditch me for more important thing? I've been waiting years for this moment. Can't you just spare me a second of your hours? Why of all time did you did me tonight, when I felt this sudden urge to confess my feelings for you?! My feelings for you are growing each and everyday I just thought letting you know of this would make things easier for me. Believe me or not, either way it shows at least I tried. Maybe right now, you're probably doing much more important things, because I know I'm just your best friend, and I'm guessing that I'm at the bottom of your priorities. That is just some of the disadvantages for me being just your best friend. But honestly, I've been dying to change that since the beginning. Is it me or you're just dumb enough to realize that. Forgive me. But still, I will be right here in case you change your mind."

I sat down at the wet ground hoping the rain would stop. Tears fell down from my face along with the rainwater. I finally laid down the muddy grass, I closed my eyes as I murmured to myself,

"I love you, and I will be right here, waiting."