I called my parents as soon as I touched down. I found out that the engagement dinner went smoothly. Myco even stayed overnight at Minnie’s place.
Since I arrived at nine in the evening, I decided to go home first. I’ll go to the studio tomorrow and since it’s Saturday, I’m sure the band will have a practice.
I was planning to surprise them, but the surprise plan backfired on me the next day. “Drew!” Homme exclaimed, rushing to hug me.
“I didn’t know I’ll miss you, dude!” Kevz stated as he give me a high five.
“When did you arrive?” Kip asked.
“Last night. I wanted to text you guys but it was already late.”
“Wait, I forgot I’m calling for food delivery,” Roj then excused himself to make a call.
“Don’t we have a practice?” I asked, looking at them one by one.
“We don’t have a schedule today, man. Partner just arrived too,” Kevz replied to which my forehead creased.
“Yeah, Lemon just got back from France. She took Kale and Kellen there and she fetched Zone,” Kip explained.
‘Si Zone? Her ex?’ “Bakit?” I blurted out.
“Kale and Kellen will be studying there. Meanwhile, Zone will be enrolling at SMU,” Kevz replied.
‘Does that mean they’re back together? I remember when Leslie said that if she said yes to him, Zone will move here to study so that they’re together. Am I already late?’
My thinking was interrupted when I heard Roj. “They’re here!” he announced and when he got in, Leslie and Zone were right behind him.
I was mesmerized the moment I laid eyes on her. She became more beautiful, even more than I could remember.
Her hair is cut to shoulder length with waves at the end. She’s now tanned with a natural blush. And her curves become more prominent.
“Hi, Drew! How are you? When did you arrive?” she asked when she saw me. I was a bit surprised at her reaction as I was expecting she was mad for leaving without saying anything to her.
“I came last night,” I replied, smiling awkwardly at her.
“You know him right? Zone? You’ve met before,” I nodded as I shake the guy’s hand. I shake his hand properly even though I already want to twist his arm. She then turned to Roj, placing an arm over his shoulders. “What time is our gig later?” she asked.
“We canceled! Don’t you wanna rest first?”
“What a waste! Don’t cancel it!” she told him before calling out Homme, “Ask your brother if our slot’s still available, let’s take it!”
Homme nodded before taking out his phone and making a call, “Can you do it at eight tonight?” he asked.
“Can you, Drew?” Leslie asked me. My heart thumped for an unknown reason and although I’m not sure if I can perform tonight, I nodded in agreement.
Homme took that as a signal and told his brother we were ok with the eight o’clock slot. I glanced at the clock, it was only past eleven in the morning. We still got time to rest.
Not long after, our food arrived and Lyra started setting up the table. Zone and Leslie are busy chitchatting with each other, while I sit quietly on the other end of the couch.
Kevz tapped my knee before gesturing up and heading for the stairs. I quickly followed him to the terrace, pushing myself up to sit on the railings.
“What’s new with you?” he asked.
“Nothing new except that I was able to escape my death sentence,” I chuckled. “What about Leslie? Did she finally give Zone a chance?”
Kevz shrugged before leaning on the railings. “I don’t know but maybe she did. Remember what she said back then?”
I forced myself to nod at him even if it feels like someone was squeezing my heart. ‘I guess I’m late indeed!’
♫ Kevz ♫
We were surprised to see Drew at the studio. I personally didn’t expect that he’s already back. Well, he didn’t tell me that he was leaving too back then anyway.
Yes, I may be acting like a mad girlfriend but you can’t really blame me. He didn’t tell anyone that he was leaving except Kip. To add to that, he made Lemon cry for months!
When Zone and Lemon arrived, he was just quiet and he remained quiet afterward so I invited him up here. And as expected, he asked about her.
But of course, since I’m mad at him, I won’t tell the truth. Let him die of jealousy!
Lemon’s misery due to his departure is still fresh in my mind. I can still recall how her eyes are almost ready to pop out of their sockets from crying nonstop because of this asshole.
There was a time when Lemon cried for almost one whole day because she found out that her father will be attending Drew’s engagement dinner. He was invited by Drew’s father.
Of course, she was affected, she loves this jerk. But Drew showed up here as if nothing happened. Like no one was affected by anything.
I’m feeling rebellious, to be honest. I love Lemon! She’s like a sister to me. She's always there for me. Even during the times when I was just feeling bored, she never fails to accompany me.
I love Drew too. Of course, he’s my childhood friend and my best friend for life. But in a situation like this, my ballot is for Lemon.
A text won’t hurt. He could’ve sent one before leaving. Even an email won’t take him a minute when he’s already spending months in California. But there’s neither. Not even a wrong sent message.
“Let’s go, I think lunch is ready,” I quickly turned my back on him since he was just quiet, looking into space. He deserves it though!
“Partner, you can use the dining table with Zone, we’ll eat in the living room,” I suggested as soon as I came down and I’m pretty sure Drew heard that.
“It’s alright Partner, let’s all eat there,” she replied. But of course, I have to make sure that she’s sitting next to Zone.
Lemon can easily reach the bowl of rice but I beat her to it and passed it to Zone so he could pass it to her. I know it’s childish, but it also affects Drew.
See, he’s frowning right now!
I keep stealing glances at my friend while eating, especially when Zone is being extra caring towards Lemon. I’m really having the time of my life whenever I see him roll his eyes or smirk.
As I’m still not contented at how irritated he is, I decided to make Zone the topic of discussion. “Where is Zone staying, Partner?” I asked in a really loud voice.
“He’ll be staying with me in the meantime while he’s still looking for a place to stay. Costas is full so we have to look somewhere else.”
“Ah, really?” Homme butted in. “I’ll try asking my Auntie if there’s a vacant unit in her condo building. It’s on the next street.”
When I glanced at Drew, I saw how red his ears are. That only means he’s infuriated. A sign that he's about to lose his patience.
“Since Zone will be staying here to study, why don’t we make him our vocalist?” I suggested and when I looked at Drew, I was stabbed by his eyes.
“That’s possible,” Kip responded in agreement before turning to the guy. “Are you interested Zone?”
“Sure! Would be great if I can sing alongside Lemon,” he even leaned closer to her when he said that.
I felt a bit irritated for Drew, I think I’m starting to become a flip. Then again, I guess it was effective as he suddenly stood up with his plate.
“Are you done?” Homme asked but he didn’t respond. He just went straight to the kitchen and after a while, we heard something break.