Chapter 6 A Small World

"It is a small world after all." Cloyd said as we were together in the living room of the house they were renting. "Of course. Thank you so much for saving us from disaster." Jazzy said as we got up. "I am feeling, we are destined for each other, Zaf." Cloyd kiddingly said. "Stop kidding me, Cloyd. My head still hurts." I joke with him too. I know he is just kidding. Cloyd is the witness to how much I like Apollo. I always ask him for help so that I can reach out to his friend. Maybe, he also wants me for Apollo so he always gives in to my requests. "Just come with us. You are safe with us, for sure. I will take care of you, Jazzy." MJ said who obviously like my friend Jazzy. "Just do not make us drunk." Jazzy smiled who seems to like MJ too. "Women like you, shouldn't just hang out with men especially when you do not know them." Apollo said seriously. I just keep quiet. I'm really ashamed of him. Until now I still wonder if I really kissed him. "Yes, Sir! It was a lesson learned." Khaye even saluted Apollo like a soldier. "And most of all, whatever food or drink the stranger gives, never ever take it." Pot-pot added. He did not get my attention. I was stunned in a different direction and deeply remembered what happened last night. "Zaf, are you listening to Sir's lecture?" Cloyd asked. "Zaphie?" Jazzy calls me too. "Zaphia." At the same time Apollo held my hand resting on the table. Only then did I wake up because some kind of voltage of electricity flowed through my body. "Huh? Wa- why?" I stuttered more questions and shifted my gaze to all of them. I finally focused my eyes on Apollo who was staring at me. "Do you have a problem? You miss that Athan? You wish to see him again?" Where did Apollo's questions come from? "Of course not! I am just thinking of something. I do not want to see that man again." I was finally back to reality. "Really? It is like you enjoyed his hug with you last night." Apollo was still staring at me. What is his problem? This is the very first time he has stared at me for so long. Why? Because I don't have make-up? Am I ugly? Suddenly I got up and ran to the bedroom to reflect. I do not really understand what they were talking about. Why is that? I am going crazy? "I look good! Even without make-up. I am still beautiful." I simultaneously smile to myself in front of the mirror. "Zaphi, are you okay? Apollo looks jealous of Athan." Khaye followed me. "Jealous? He was angry! But not because of jealousy. He scolded the three of us because we were hard-headed." I straightened my hair and tied a pony tail. "You are really not with us. What's wrong with you? He said you seemed very happy with Athan's gestures last night. Which means, he is disgusted. "Khaye grabbed my shoulder from behind. "Did he say that?" I put my hand in my mouth. He cares for me ??? I am thrilled! The six of us decided to just get together on our walks while we were here in Boracay. Why did we meet here? Destiny! That is what you call it! Apollo's mom happened to have three tickets for Boracay. They had another thing to do so she gave it to Apollo. They are blessing in disguise. They saved us from mishap. It's great !!! Just in time. Perfect !!! They went out in the afternoon. I watch five of them (Apollo, Cloyd, MJ, Khaye and Jazzy) as they play volleyball. I was sitting on the sand near a tree. Jazzy and Khaye and I wore swimsuits but we wore shorts for protection. The boys reminded us to be more careful now. Also, we learned from what happened last night. It's much better !!! EventuallyJazzy and Khaye ran up to me. "You do not want to join? You're kinda weird." Khaye sighed. "Yeah! It was weird. I am thinking if I had my first kiss or not." I confess to them. "What? Who? Athan?" Jazzy's mouth opened like the letter 'o'. "Last night, when I was drunk, I went at the rest room and then I saw Apollo. I confessed that I love him. Then kissed his lips. "I turned my gaze to Apollo who was still playing volleyball. "What? So are you together already?" Khaye was shocked and even pushed a little on my shoulder. "It's not a big deal with Apollo. So I feel like it was just my imagination that I kissed him. I was out of my mind that time. If it happened, he would have reacted. But he said nothing about that. "I literally touched my lip. That wass not just a kiss. It iss my first kiss! But is it real or not? Why do I feel the softness of Apollo's lips? I can still recall how his breath smells like! So balmy! Suddenly I stood up when I saw two women approaching Apollo. Then they shook hands and seemed to intend to feel close. I quickly approached where they were standing. I was followed by Jazzy and Khaye. "Excuse me, we are with them." I said to the two women in a steady manner. "Really? We're just gonna play." One says with a smile. "We are going to swim. We're done playing." I still smiled. I know that they are about to flirt with the boys. Then I pulled Apollo's hand closer to the sea. We were already in the water but I wasn t looking at him. My ears are hot from the annoyance of those two women. I was looking in the far direction. "You're weird! But that's how I felt last night when Athan and I were watching you. I am snuffy. You're letting him touch you. "When Apollo spoke I looked at him. Annoying! He was the one who wasn't looking at me. "Are you jealous? Because every time someone approaches you, I'm very jealous." I could never stop myself from telling him how I really felt. "Jealousy? Of course not! How many times did I tell you that I don't like you as a woman. You are a friend and please do not be too clingy espcially to men. Be sensitive! Take care of yourself. "He said without hesitation. Genuine! He is too honest! Can't he tell me in a slow way that I won't get hurt? "I know that is what you'l are going to say. I am just kidding! If you like a woman again, I will still help you woo her. "I tapped his shoulder and then pretended to be happy at sea. I swam. I swam back and forth to get tired. I said no matter what he said I would not give up. But the moment he said he didn't like me, made me feel really sick. And when he said, I am just his 'friend' I felt like my heart was pierced. Ravage !!! But I had to show him that I was okay. And I accept how useless I am in his life. I have been enduring that we are just friends for a long time, haven't I? So I should stop thinking about that first kiss! It is not real.