Orange

DAY 4 of 10

It was a sweltering day. I sluggishly rose from my seat and pointed the stand fan in my direction. Why did I volunteer for today’s manning of the store? If I were at home, I’d be in Mother’s air-conditioned room. But here I was, dying in the heat. I slumped on my chair and fanned myself with a cardboard.

Although I dressed lightly, my tank top and short shorts did little to ease my discomfort. I frowned, tied my hair in a ponytail, and tried to resume my book.

My mind soon wandered to yesterday’s events. Cris stood me up. I waited all afternoon, but he never came around. I had everything set: A beach outing, a walk around town, a visit to the view deck to watch the sunset. It wasn’t anything romantic; it was a calculated plan. That boy needed a lesson. I was going to give it to him.

Nonetheless, he intrigued me. His occasionally blunt yet funny remarks, the way he spoke, the way he smiled… My god, Cris was very attractive. What I’d give to be with him… and how far was I willing to go? I’d certainly have some fun with him. I was sure he’d enjoy me, too…

Then again, he stood me up. No one ever stood me up.

He’d definitely pay for that.

I was about to return to my novel when the door chimes sounded.

And speaking of the devil—Cris. I put down my book and glared at him.

He had a rueful smile on his face. “Hey…”

Although I was mad, I couldn’t help noticing what he was wearing. He had a pair of sunglasses on top of his head and wore a white tank top with long armholes extending to his waist. The words ‘Boracay—Nice it up. Live it up!‘ were spelled out in front with playful lettering. Denim shorts and sandals completed his attire.

I took another look at his tank top’s armholes. His lower torso was smooth and trim. I discerned the contours of abdominal muscles from the edges of the fabric. I scrutinized him further and began imagining what he’d look like without his shirt…

Suddenly, I realized I was staring too much! I immediately looked away, desperately hoping he didn’t notice me staring!

“Anna, about yesterday…”

When he spoke, however, all my fantasies vanished. I closed my eyes and summed up my frustrations from the previous day. I opened my eyes and looked daggers at him.

“Where were you?” I said.

“I’m sorry, but…”

“You’re sorry?”

He avoided my eyes. “Yes.”

“And?”

Silence.

“What’s your stupid excuse, Cris?”

“I just… I had a few problems at home.”

“Like what?”

“Well, it’s kind of personal…”

“Is it.” I left the counter and went straight to him. “Do you know how much trouble I personally went through yesterday? I made reservations at Saud Beach!” That was a lie. I made no such reservations. “I even bought food from the market to cook for us!” Another lie.

“I’m sorry, Anna.”

“What games are you trying to play here?”

“I’m not playing any games.”

No games, was it? Now, it was time to play mine.

I faked a sigh and lowered my tone. “What happened to you?”

“I just… It was a rough night. When I got home, I…”

“Forget it. Just don’t ever do that to me again.”

He looked at me. “That’s it? Apology accepted?”

I paused. Did I forgive him too soon? “Cris, I don’t want to hear your excuses.”

He nodded, thankful. “Okay.”

I looked out the door of my shop. “Who else are you with?”

“No one, just me.”

“Good.”

“Good? Why?”

Careless words, Anna. This had to be played real smooth. “Good, because we can still head out and spend some time together.”

His face lit up. “Great!”

“But I need to run some errands before that.”

“That’s fine. You need any help?”

“I have to get my fruits order in another town. But I also have to work on some numbers here.” I looked at him. “Do you know why I have to do these things?”

He said nothing.

“Because someone threw me off my schedule yesterday!” I knitted my brows and paused for effect. “So, I don’t know what to do, Cris.”

“Then I’ll get your stuff.”

It was exactly what I wanted to hear. “Cris… no. That’s my responsibility, not yours. I won’t let… “

“Anna, I want to make up for yesterday.”

“But it’s a far drive. You’ll have to go there, come back, and then…”

“Look—” he cut me off with a frown. “I said, I’ll do it, okay?”

Stupid boy. Throwing me a frown? I’ll give you something to really frown about!

“Fine,” I said. “The town’s called Pasuquin, and it’s an hour’s drive from here. Head south along MacArthur and you’ll reach the town center and marketplace. Look for Aida’s Store, and tell her I sent you. She’ll give you five sets of bananas, three watermelons, and twelve ripe mangoes.”

I jotted everything down and handed him the paper.

He skimmed the instructions. “I won’t get lost, right?”

He most certainly would. As if Aida’s Store even existed. “No, you won’t. Just stick to the main highway.” If he veered off-course, crashed into a tree, or got abducted by insurgents, it’d be perfectly fine with me. “You can’t miss it.” I smiled.

“Got it. Meet you here when I’m done.”

“You do that.”

Five minutes after he left, I started fixing up the shop. I then stepped out of Easy Purchase, padlocked the door, and closed the store for the rest of the afternoon.

As I walked home, I smiled in contentment.

Enjoy your bananas, Cris.