SWEET DATE

I LICK MY lower lip. It felt for a moment on my side before I opened my lips.

“Uhm, I just want to apologize for what I did last night. I haven’t been able to say goodbye to you

properly,” I started.

But he did not answer; only a heavy sigh was released.

I looked up at him, and those dark and piercing eyes looked down on me.

“You’re not here just to say sorry for what happened last night, are you?” he said in a baritone voice.

My former courage to stare at him is gradually dissolving. I lowered my head down ashamedly. My

heart, which had been beating so hard before, seemed to speed up even more because of what he

said.

“I saw you with Lawrence last night. You also came together today.”

I swallowed hard. I closed my eyes to stop the tears from falling in my eyes. I also bite down my lip

hard and clasp my hand tightly.

“Don’t worry about me. I understand. I always will, Margaux,” he said in a low tone.

My tears kept falling. I felt guilty. He will surely not forgive me for hurting him. I only used him for the

sake of my self-interest. I didn’t even think about how he would feel just in case. I used him for my own

sake of happiness and did not think about how he felt.

“I’m sorry . . .” I finally say.

Instead of speaking, he chose to sit next to me. His hand slowly reached up and wiped my tears gently.

“Shh. You don’t have to say sorry for everything that you’ve had done. I want to accompany you and

take care of you during those times. It’s my choice not to leave you behind. Because that is what you

deserve for the very first place,” he said in a hushed voice.

My heart ached even more at the words he uttered. I felt really guilty for all the shit that I’ve done to

hurt him. The word forgiveness is not enough to alleviate the pain I gave him.

I didn’t even think about it. I crossed the gap between us to hug him tightly. I heard his soft laughs and

his tight hug in between my burst of emotion. As usual, it was still nice to be locked in his arms. His

sweet smell and the strong heartbeat that sounded like music to my ears were still delicious.

I will definitely miss him so much. I will surely miss everything about him. His sweetness. His loving

touch and his warm and soothing hug. I will definitely miss all of that.

***

MY EMOTIONS ARE mixed down on the phone. I received a call from Lawrence. He invited me on a

date tonight.

I’m kinda excited. I feel like I am moving faster and have the strength to finish work early.

“Hmm, are you blooming again, Madame?” Karen smiled; her eyes shined with amusement.

I smiled back. I got up, packed my things, and prepared myself to go home.

“See you tomorrow, Karen!” I said. I just left her with a sweet smile before I left my office. Material © of .

I even heard her temptation of me that I just ignored. I got straight to my car and quickly drove home.

When I got home, I immediately kissed Clarence. “How’s your day, my little handsome?” I ask.

Even though I knew it would not answer, I still enjoyed talking about it. How can he just smile and

giggle as I bite?

“Ah, Doris, you take care of Clarence first. I’m just going to have a meeting so I can stay up late.”

“Yes, my sister will take care of Clarence,” she said sweetly.

***

I LEFT HER with a stern smile before climbing the stairs. I quickly took a shower and got dressed. I

wore a beige-fuchsia pink dress made of a soft fabric. My hair cascaded down at the back of my

shoulder and let the wind swept through my chocolate hair. I lightly applied lipstick and light blush on.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, wearing the sweetest smile that I wore the whole day. It hasn’t

gone away since Lawrence, and I probably had dinner later.

I heard a few knocks from the door and followed by Doris’s lively voice from outside.

“Lawrence is here!”

My heart was pounding fast as I quickly grabbed my sling bag and walked through the door.

I quickly stepped down the stairs like a teenager eager to see her crush. My heart was thumping so

hard against my ribcage as I notice his familiar features. He was seated at the couch like a Greek God.

He hugged the child on his lap as it played softly.

A soft smile formed on my lips as I watched how close he was to his child. It was as if I did not want to

step my feet closer because I was content to watch them from here.

Until Lawrence lifted his gaze and darted on me, the familiar flicker and constriction of my heart

immediately restored my vices.

“Hi!” I greeted.

He stood up and stepped closer to me, looking very serious and intimidating. His natural dark eyes,

reddening lips, prominent jaw, and killer dimple on both cheeks give me even more excitement.

“You look gorgeous, Mommy!” he said, waving at me using Clarence’s tiny fingers.

“Tell your Daddy bolero that his style is worn out!” I stared at him then raised an eyebrow.

“Your Mommy’s naughty. Maybe she has a period today?” Those pearly teeth appeared while he was

grinning.

“Hey! Be careful on what you’re saying to the kid!” My eyes widened and threw him a deviltry-look.

“Your Mommy’s a really naughty child. Do you want me to kiss her, so she doesn’t get angry?” he said

and looked at me with imploring eyes.

My tender smile hung on my rosy lips. I thought it was just a joke, but his seriousness was on his face.

I lick my lower lip and turned my gaze to Clarence. I could feel the reddening of my two cheeks in the

attacking shame for myself.

“It would be better . . . let’s go!” I stammered and stomped my feet towards the door.

I heard his soft grinned under his breath. But I just ignored that and stepped out of the mansion.

While riding in his car, I could not help but be nervous. The pressure and the flow of excitement

overwhelmed me.

The natural smell that is already familiar to me adds to the tightness of my breathing. His scent was

addictive. It was teasing my nostrils that made me high and shudder.

It was as if I suddenly wanted to lean on his shoulders and lock myself in his big arms. My face was

reddening at my own thoughts. I lick my lower lip and try my best to stay calm and steadying my

breath.

I just looked back when his cellphone rang on the dashboard. He slowly picked up the device and read

the received text.

He let out a heavy sigh before returning it to the dashboard.

I can’t help but glance at him. His jaw twitched at the same time as his dark gaze on the road. His

brows creased, and his face tensed. I do not understand what is bothering him now.