night_10

Something about him

The sun streamed in through the large windows or our school's cafeteria, making the florescent lights that lit the place unnecessary to use. Yeah, it was lunch time. And just like every other school day, the whole school had gathered to restore their energy with some of the nutritious food the school offered. I preferred to bring mine. Turkey slice croissant sandwich. My favourite.

Unlike most of the students who loved hanging out in groups, Me and Dani sat alone. Uh, in different tables I mean. His table was across mine. It wasn't because we didn't have friends, it was just because I loved sitting alone to observe people. In Daniel's case, I don't really know. He was one of my favourite specimen of mankind I loved to observe during my days here in highschool.

We've never really knew each other, even though we went together to the same school back in middle school. We've never shared classes, I guess that's why we've never talked even though I always wanted to. But it didn't matter. I felt like I knew him very well. Maybe it's because of my endless gaze at him.

I've studied him for a long time. I even knew which hour, minute and second I would see him across the hallway after each class was over. He'd open his locker to get his books for his next class, plus he would take a bite on his chocolate and caramel cadbury bar. I've even started buying those chocolate bars to understand why Dani loves them. As a matter of fact, they really taste good.

There was simply something about him that made me so obsessed with him. I think it's because of the way his hair shimmered when the sunlight struck it. That soft brown hair of his that made me desperate to just touch it. And I won't lie, I've seriously made many attemps to touch it, except that I always failed to 'coz he'd always turn his head around and stare at me like as if he knew I was about to touch his hair. I'd just flinch away my hand and run away. It was...quite embarassing after all.

As I sat on my usual table in the cafeteria, I couldn't help but admire the way he concentrated on his homeworks instead of eating his lunch. He placed his pen on his lips and stared out of the window whenever he was thinking of the answer. I loved the way his eyes sparkled in the sun, changing his eye color from brown to a mix of light brown and green if I'm not mistaken.

He always did his homeworks at school like as if he didn't have time to do them at home. Oh right, I remember. I always see him pass our house carrying a football after school. He always practised on the sandlot at the end of our neighbourhood. He is, after all, one the best defenders in our school's football team.

He suddenly got tired of thinking of the answer. He dropped his head on the table and closed his eyes, probably dreaming of a day he'd never have to write homeworks again.

A bunch of girls passed his table, waking him up with their laughter. Their heads turned when their eyes caught Dani resting his head on the table.

"Hi Dani." They said unision, waving at him flirtatiously.

Dani just opened his eyes and smiled at them, which looked more like a smirk to me. They giggled and continued their way to the taco bar. I stared at them blankly, and wondered why I couldn't do that. Say 'hi' to him, I mean. Why was it hard for me to do that?

My heart would just skip a beat whenever I'm near him. What would happen if I ever talked to him? I'd probably end up at the ICU.

He raised his head and rubbed his face with the palm of his hand to not feel sleepy again. He rested his head on his hand and looked around the cafeteria until his eyes finally caught me staring at him.

I could've sworn I've heard my heartbeat through my ears. He was still staring at me, his eyes were half open with a bored expression on his face.

I couldn't take it anymore. I glanced down at my half bitten sandwich and silently prayed he'd take his eyes off me. But as I looked up again to see whether he was still staring at me, I saw him walk towards my table carrying his books in his hands.

"Stop staring at me, Maya." Dani said icily.

Wait a minute. Did he just mention my name? He knows my name!!! HE KNOWS MY NAME!!!

But how?

"You know my name?" I asked confused.

He nodded as his lips slowly curled into a smile, something I truly adored about him. "I heard your friend call out your name the other day in the hallway when she tried to catch up with you."

"Oh...really?" I asked as I tucked a strand of brown hair behind my ear.

Dani nodded, his lips still smiling. "So, do you mind if I sit next to you?"

"No, not at all." I grinned.

We talked and talked like as if we knew each since for so long. I never imagined this day would come, me sitting next to my longtime crush. There was something about him I really liked or maybe it's just that I like everything about him.

night_10

Chapter 19
Last Chapter

I was looking for my diary that I had left in my suitcase when Phil wasn't around last night. I was thinking about the times I've spent with Kaka seven years ago back in St.James and I remembered that I wrote in the last page of my diary-which I kept when I was studying in St.James-what Kaka had told me when I found out Dani cheated on me.

He told me that he loved me and I just didn't understand why I didn't feel the same way about him despite him always being there for me when I needed Dani the most. I regret everything I had done in the past, but I don't regret Dani.

I tugged my coat tighter as I walked down lark lane to the cafe where I was supposed to meet Kaka and Fernando. And just like most of the days here, it was gloomy today. I couldn't stop thinking about him. Kaka, I mean. I didn't know how to face him, what to tell him and what not to. It's like whenever I think about Kaka, I feel this little hatred against Dani crawling into my heart. But no matter what, that hatred seemed to just fade away whenever I see him. Dani, I mean.

I stopped infront of the cafe, took a deep breath, then pushed the door and walked in. My heart started hammering when I scanned the place in search of him. And it didn't took me that long to find him. He was sitting on the table that was next to the window. His hands were held together and curled into ball and was held close to his lips. He looked like he was pondering.

He was still the same. Nothing changed in him. He still had a fringe and he still wore black, his favourite colour.

Somehow, the nervousness I felt in me seemed to just disappear when I saw him. My lips curled into a smile as I began walking towards him.

"Hi." I managed to say as I stood infront of him.

Kaka glanced up and smiled when he saw me. He then got up and embraced me. "I'm so glad to see you again, Layla."

"Me too." I murmured, my heart beat drumming.

He pulled back slightly and whispered, "I missed you."

I loosened my arms around his neck and pulled back as I stared at his black blazer. I didn't know why it was hard for me to tell him that I missed him too. I guess I just didn't. I remember I made a promise to myself when I left England seven years ago that I will not miss any of my friends from St. James 'coz I know it would just bring me sad memories.

Kaka's smile turned into a frown. He probably thought I didn't miss him so I forced myself to say, "I missed you too."

His frown softened to a smile again. He then turned around and pulled the chair for me to sit down. I sat down and placed my purse on the table as I watched him walk over to his seat.

"So where's Fernando?" I asked.

Kaka chuckled. "Um...I actually asked him not to come."

I blinked at him. "Why not?"

"I just wanted to have a conversation with you. Only us."

"Oh." I responded.

"I never knew I'd see you again." Kaka said. "I mean, seven years is too much. You didn't even write to me that often."

"I don't know," I said as I scratched the back of my neck. "I guess I was way caught up with life. You know."

"Life?"

I shrugged. I wasn't, actually. I mean, I wasn't even dating anyone until I came here. I just didn't have an excuse.

"So are you single?" Kaka asked.

"Yes..I mean, No. No I'm not single." Gosh, I couldn't believe I actually forgot about Phil for a second.

Kaka looked down. "Dani?" He asked, his voice lowered.

"No." I replied. "It's Philipp degen. And what makes you think I'm dating Dani?"

"Nando told me about everything," Kaka murmured. "How you ended up working for Daniel and all."

"I guess Nando forgot to mention that Dani already has a girlfriend," I said, a note of anger entered my voice. "and I don't work for him anymore. I don't want to see that bastard's face ever again."

Kaka laughed. He must be enjoying it, how I'm cursing Daniel. They never got along even though they were one of the popular people back in St.James. And I never understood why. Maybe it's because each one of them thinks he's better than the other.

"Layla?"

"Yeah?"

"I was just wondering," Kaka cleared his throat. "If you could go back seven years, would we ever be together?"

I remained silent. That was a hard one. I actually never thought about that. If I could go back, would I be with him?

Beep, beep.

I picked up my cellphone that was lying on the table and looked at the screen. It was a message from Dani. I clicked 'read'.

-I broke up with Sofie, Layla. n I did dat 4 u...plz call me so we can talk. 

What the? Just then, I heard someone sob from across the cafe. I looked at the direction where the sobbing was coming from and found Sofie crying with her hands covering her face and Olalla sitting next to her trying to comfort her.

I couldn't stop myself from smiling. Not for watching Sofie cry her heart out, but for Dani who finally didn't make me believe another lie. I guess he was serious when he said that he really cared about me. Maybe what I told him the other day made him change. And I'm so glad he did.

I turned my head to look back at Kaka. "No. I'm sorry. I guess you'll still be one of my best friends and I'll still be with Daniel."

Kaka looked at me confused. He was probably wondering what suddenly change my mind about Daniel. I don't blame him. It was a sudden change. Something I never thought I'd do. But I did. And I don't think I'd ever regret this.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go now." I said as I stood up and grabbed my purse. "I have something important to do. Stick around, we might see each other again." I winked at him before exiting the place.

As I pushed the door of the cafe, cold wind blasted in my face. But it didn't matter. All what mattered to me was to find Dani as soon as possible and tell him that I forgive him for all that he has done.

But before that, I need to do something. I pulled out my cellphone from the pocket of my pocket as I walked down the lane and dialled Phil's number.

The answering machine answered. I guess he's not at home. Well, atleast that makes it easier for me. "Please leave a message after the beep..*beep*...Hey Philipp, It's me Layla. Please take a deep breath before you hear this. It's over. What's between us is totally over. I'm sorry, but I just can't force myself to love you, and you can't either. And if you're planning on showing the pictures to Sofie, then go ahead. They already broke up. Ha!"

I couldn't stop myself from laughing as I ended the call. I've never felt so happy this way before, I mean for a long time. This was just the best day of my life. I need not worry anymore. I could finally get up in the morning and know everything's going to be okay.

"Yes!" I shouted as I threw my fist in the air. Just then, I saw a familiar looking guy walking opposite towards me at a distance. His hair, pale complexion, and height. Why, how can I not know him? It was him...

It was Dani.

My smile turned into a grin as he came closer. He grinned too.

"Layla," He began, "I'm sorry for the way I've been before and I don't want to loose you again-"

"Sshh." I interupted him as I raised my finger to his lips. "You don't need to say anything. I already forgave you.."

"Really?" Dani asked. "So If I asked you out, would you say yes?"

Here we go again.

night_10

Chapter 18

I cried during the whole bus ride on my way home. I'm sure it was about an hour or so..but who cares. Everybody around me in the bus kept staring at me. Maybe I sobbed loud enough to make their heads turn. Why couldn't they just mind their own business? Miserable people...they only stare at you when you're blue, or else they won't even look at you when you're happy..

I took deep breaths and wiped my tears off my cheeks before entering Phil's house so that he wouldn't notice I was crying. But I was just too miserbale. My tears kept running down like waterfalls and I couldn't stopped them. I never knew anyone would make me cry forever, but I know..it's Dani we're talking about here, whom I claimed to be my first and last love...

I turned the knob and walked in and found Phil comfortably sitting on the couch watching some football game. He glanced at me, his lips curled into a smile.

"There's my baby girl." Phil smiled as he gestured for me to come closer to him.

Maybe he can make me feel okay, I thought to myself. I trudged towards him and sat on his laps. He wrapped his arms around me as I rested my head against his chest. "Why the sad face, Layla?"

"It's nothing." I mumbled.

"Had a bad day at school?"

"Mmhmm." I lied. What was I supposed to say? That I just found out that Dani never loved me? I wish I could talk to someone about it, someone who'd listen to me and comfort me. I'm sure Phil would listen, but I wasn't sure if this was something he wanted to hear. Maybe Molly..maybe Bambino..

****

Coffee bean express was packed with people that evening, as usual. Thank God Me, Bambino and Molly found some seats. I really wanted to have a conversation in this place, I didn't know where else to.
 
"I don't know how kept lying to myself all this time," I said as I stirred my hot chocolate with the small silver spoon. "I can't believe I'm so naive."

"We all make mistakes." Giuseppe said, who was sitting next to me, before sipping his coffee.

"Daniel keeps making mistakes, every single dang second." I complained.

"I meant you, Layla." Giuseppe said.

I rolled my eyes. "You're not doing any help, bambino."

Giuseppe just shrugged and returned his cup on the table. I looked at Molly, who was sitting infront of me, and waited for a comment from her but she just kept staring at her cup. I've never seen Molly this quiet before, maybe something was bothering her and I just didn't know why I didn't bother to ask.

"Molly, did you listen to what I just said?"

Silence.

"Molly!" I whined.

"Layla!" Molly yelled. "I got many things to be worry about than your stupid complaints!!"

I looked alarmed at her, and I bet bambino did too. She never yelled at me before, I think she was really mad...really really mad. "Is there...something wrong, Molly?"

Molly began sobbing as she covered her face with her hands. "He dumped me...Martin dumped me."

"Oh." was the only thing I could say. I mean, sure I knew they wouldn't stay with each other that long. But it has been only a week or so. I guess she rushed things up, should've warned her. But I know, I was too selfish that I only cared about my own feelings. Guess I'm not the only one miserable now...

"I thought he loved me." Molly said in between sobs as she took a handkerchief and dabbed it under her eye.

I frowned at her. "Molly, I'm sure there are alot of guys out there wishing to be your man."

"No there isn't!" She yelled again before sliding out from behind the table and storming out of the cafe.

I looked at bambino, smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Now's your time to tell her how you feel about her."

Giuseppe blushed a little as he nodded. He slid out from behind the table and walked exited the place. I couldn't wipe my smile off. I felt happy after such a long time. How much I missed this feeling.

"Layla?"

I glanced up and found Fernando standing next to me holding a plastic cup of coffee in his hand. Apparently, he was to head out but stopped when he saw me sitting here.

"Oh hey." I smiled.

Fernando took a seat infront of me and set his cup on the table. "Finally I found you. I wanted to ask you for your number when we were at Dani's party but you left and I didn't know how to contact you. I was afraid to ask Dani. You know. He'll start asking me why and what do I want from you and ofcourse I can't tell him about Kaka."

"Oh right!" I slapped my forehead. "How can I forget? Anyway, you have his number now?"

"It would be useless if you want to call him. He barely answers his calls. Busy guy, you know. Anyway, I sent him an e-mail a few days ago and he replied by saying that he'd be coming tomorrow. So are you free? We can't meet at four here."

"Ya sure, I'll be there." I smiled. My heart was beating fast. I couldn't believe I was going to see him again after all these years.
 

night_10

I do..but I don't

I couldn't stop gazing at the steam rising above my big cup of hot chocolate, or maybe I should say I couldn't stop mulling over why Sofie packed her bags today morning while I was in deep sleep and left, leaving a note saying: "It's over!"

I mean, I couldn't remember doing something wrong behind her back or cheating on her. So why she left me clueless will always be a mystery to me...

I tried reaching her on her phone but it was no use. She keeps rejecting my calls. So I guess there's no one to fill me in...

I turned my head to look outside the window and watched people rushing by carrying lots of shopping bags, probably doing their last minute christmas shopping. Just watching their smiling faces made me feel even miserable than I actually was. No christmas with Sofie...

I turned my head to take another sip on my chocolate to be surprised by a hand curled into a fist infront of my face. It opened and dropped a few tiny pieces of marshmallows on my cup. I glanced up to find my favourite teammate standing infront of me draping an arm around a brown paper bag.

It was none other than Fernando Torres, Liverpool's no. 9. He smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back. He had the smile that made you smile instantly even when you're not in the mood to.

He slipped into the seat infront of me and placed his paper bag on the ground. "Marshmallows taste good with hot chocolate."

I chukcled. "I know. How did you know I was here?"

"I saw you through the window as I passed by, so I thought maybe we could have a little talk before I head back home since you're sitting alone in this cafe." Fernando said.

"Okay then, what do you wan't to talk about?"

Fernando stared at me blankly for a while, probably trying to figure out what's wrong with me. It was hard for me to pretend like I'm fine especially around Nando. I glanced at my cup when I began to feel butterflies in my tummy.

Shit. The feeling's back.

The feeling that I forced myself not to feel whatsoever keeps coming whenever he looks at me in the eyes. I didn't know he had this spell that makes everyone fall for him, including guys.

It began ever since he moved to liverpool, when we had the first training session together. We never actually talked, 'coz I don't really get along with newbies. But there was something about him that drew me closer to him.

I remember when he scored during training I was the first one to run over to him to congragulate him. As I came closer, I reached up to give him a high five, but then he wrapped his arms around my neck and hugged me tight. I couldn't help but hug back since he smelled so good.

"O-kay, you guys can let go now." I remember Stevie G say. We quickly let go and Nando blushed a little as he stared at the ground then walked away which I thought was kinda cute, but then I was like, "Dang, what am I thinking?"

And there was that time when Nando invited me to come over to his house to watch some movie with the lads. So I couldn't turn him down, even though i was supposed to take Sofie out for dinner.. Maybe this was when Sofie thought that I was cheating on her and I actually wasn't.

If only Fernando was a girl... I would've dated him. Man, this sounds so gay. ..

I guess this was when I realised that I had feelings for him, which is wrong... totally wrong.

It's been a year now and I tried hard to shake it off, but it still lingers on me. There were times when I tried staying as far as possible from him, but everywhere I go I always find him there, like a ghost haunting me..it's like he knows where I go, e.g NOW...

Maybe he's stalking me..

"Are you stalking me, Nando?" I asked, finally snapping out of my thoughts.

He blinked innocently at me. "What does stalking mean?"

I stared at him blankly then shook my head. "Forget it." I doubt that he doesn't know the meaning of the word 'stalk'. He's been living in England for a year now and obviously he might have come across this word every once in a while.

But it doesn't matter, he doesn't need to admit it. I know he is. Stalking me, I mean.

I picked up a stainless steel spoon and started stirring my hot chocolate with the marshmallows floating on top of it. I picked up one of them and ate it.

"Taste good, no?" Nando asked, smiling.

I nodded while staring at the floating marshmallows. "Yeah."

"What's wrong with you?"

I glanced at up at him. His brown eyes looked concerned at me. He then bent and picked up a candy cane from the paper bag and handed it to me. "Maybe this will make you happy? Don't worry, I have many in the bag."

I laughed and took the candy cane from his hand. "Thanks." Why is Nando like that? He always wants to see me smile. Is it because he feels the same way too?

"Now tell me what's on your mind." Fernando coaxed.

I sighed. "It's Sofie..."

Fernando looked down. "Your girlfriend, no?"

I nodded slightly. "Yeah. She left me...I don't know why."

"Um, Dani? There's something I need to tell you, but please don't be angry, okay?"

"What is it?"

"I...I'm the reason, actually. I kept sending letters to your girlfriend whenever you're not around pretending like it was from a girl. In those letters I told her that it's no use to stay with you when you're having an affair with someone else. I really didn't want to do this, but I can't stand seeing you with her anymore..."

I was shocked by the things he said. He finally admitted that he likes me too, after all this time. He even ruined my relaltionship with Sofie. Surprisingly, I laughed and shook my head in disbelief. "Nando, I don't know what to say.."

"You don't need to say anything, I know you feel the same way I do." Nando smiled.

Poor him. If only he knew what I was about to say to him, that I didn't 'want' to feel the same way he did to me, his heart will break into pieces.

"Listen Nando," I said, collecting all the courage I had in me. "I like you and all, but I just don't...I...don't want to...love you."

Nando stared at me, tears slowly filled his eyes. It must've hurt him so bad, but I had to tell him the truth...I didn't know if it was right or wrong..

His nose turned red as he took a deep shuddering breath. I couldn't stand looking at his sad face. So I stood up and turned around to walk away. But it would just kill me to leave my friend crying his heart out.

I turned around to face him, only to find him staring at his intertwined fringers with tears trickling down his cheeks. I walked over to and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Merry Christmas, Nando."

He nodded slightly as I turned around to leave the place, leaving him all alone on a Christmas eve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming clean  *Sequel to 'I do..but I don't '


It's snowing outside.

I've been watching the light, crystalline flakes drift gently down outside my bedroom window for a while now. It's the first snowy day here in liverpool and just watching it fall made me happy for no reason.

I woke up earlier than I should today, unlike my usual days. I'm sure Benitez would be calling me...uh, 'us' in any minute now. We're already late for training session but I didn't give a shit about it. Staying in bed in this snowy day is just something I'd like to do today.

I wanted to take a closer look at the snow, but maybe I shouldn't. I didn't want to wake this person lying comfortably next to me.

**Flashback**

"Please leave a message after the beep....*beep*....Pick up the dang phone already! I know you're at home! Your car's parked outside. You think you can hide from me but you just CAN'T!"

I waited impatiently for him to pick the phone. But I know him. Stupid stubborn Fernando won't pick up the phone until I apologize. But I am trying to, I just want to tell him right in his face so that he'll know I mean it. I knocked at his door yesterday but he just wouldn't open it.

It's been a week now since christmas and I know I shouldn't have broken Nando's heart a day before it. This is my 25th message for him and I'm already getting tired of it. I've been sitting in my car for hours now, and it's been raining heavily as well. I tried to look out of the window at Fernando's bedroom window, but everything was so blury. I'm sure Nando's looking down at me, waiting till I go away. But I won't go, not until he picks up the phone.

"Nando," I breathed. "please answer me..."

Just when I thought it was useless, he picked up the phone and said, "Go away."

"Nando wait! I'm-" but before I could continue Nando hung up on me. I sighed and rested my head against the steering wheel. I don't blame him for being mad at me. It was a rude thing to say to someone who tried to show some feelings of affection towards you. I just wasn't sure about it...

No one's heard from Nando after Christmas, not even his best friend, Reina. And during these holidays, I couldn't get some sleep...not even for a second. People thought I'm suffering from insomnia, but it wasn't like that. Nando kept haunting in my dreams and I didn't want to shut my eyes in fear of seeing him again.

Now I'm desperate to see him. I just didin't understand why. I've been missing him alot than I ever used to. If Nando doesn't want to see me then that's okay. I'll see him tomorrow at training...

~The next day..~

The whole team was in the dressing room. I couldn't take my eyes off Nando who happened to be standing across the room as I placed my boots in my locker. Nando was quiet during the training. He didn't have long chats with Xabi and Stevie G like how he usually did.

Come on Dani, I said to myself. Now's your chance to apologize for what you've done. It's just a few words then everything will be okay. Okay. Deep breath. Move.

As I walked slowly towards him, the whole world seemed to just disappear. It was like as if he was the only one standing. He was busy stuffing his stuffs in his training bag that he didn't notcie me stand next to him. My heart beat faster by the minute as I drew closer to him.

"Hi." I said with all the courage I had in me.

Fernando heard, I'm sure. I mean I was loud enough for him to hear. But he didn't reply.

"Look, I know what I did was mean," I said. "and...I'm sorry."

Fernando ignored me once again and stuffed his bag angrily this time. I looked around to check whether anyone was close enough to hear us before whispering, "Nando...I really missed you."

His lips slowly curled into a smile as he lifted his head and looked at me in the eyes. "Really?"

I swallowed hard. His smile made me even more nervous than I actually was. I quickly looked down to avoid his hypnotzing eyes. "Yeah." I muffled.

"I missed you too." Nando grinned as he wrapped his arms around my neck. His hugo boss scent filled my nostrils, soothing enough to make me hug him back. I didn't want to let go, but Robbie, who happened to be standing behind Nando, kept staring at us in a weird way with his beady eyes.

I felt quite embarassed for a while, but not as embarassed when Nando pulled back slightly and his hands were still around my neck. He kept staring at my lips and I could've sworn I felt a drop of sweat trickle down my face.

If he ever wanted to get a taste of my lips here, then it's such a bad idea. Really really bad, especially when everyone's already staring at us. But he didn't give a damn about them. He pressed his pink lips against mine causing my whole body to tremble. And I'm not going to lie, I actually longed to kiss him.

I heard someone gasp the longest gasp I've ever heard. Not sure who it was, though. But I didn't care. WE didn't care. We just kept on kissing, letting the whole team know we're in love..

**End of flashback**

Atleast Coach Rafael didn't know about it. I mean, just imagine the expression on his face once he finds out. We didn't intend to let him know about it either, neither was the whole team. They never talked about it actually. 

Fernando's voice muffled in a yawn. "What time is it?"

"Quarter past nine." I replied turning my eyes away from the window to look at him. His was laying on his belly, his hands were under his pillow.

Fernando groaned. "We're late."

"I know." I smiled at him.

Nando smiled back, his fringe almost covering his brown sleepy eyes. "Dani?"

"Yeah." I whispered.

"I love you."

night_10

Chapter 17

12 missed calls.

Thank God I left my cellphone on silent mode. Phil would've killed Dani if he ever found out.

I placed my cellphone back on the bed side table. What does Dani want? Oh right, I 'don't' care, I told myself sternly. Phil's arms were still wrapped around me. I'm afraid if I tried to slip out from between his arms I might wake him up. I mean, he was peacefully lying next to me and I didn't intend to wake him up from his peaceful dreams.

But it was already 8.00 am. I think I should wake him up so that he can be ready for training and I for school.

"Philipp," I whispered. "wake up. It's eight."

Philipp groaned and nuzzled his face against the back of my neck causing me to jerk away from him and giggle.

"Stop it Phil! It tickles!"

Phil chuckled and whispered in my ear, "Morning sweetheart."

I managed to force a smile when I turned to face him. "Morning."

Phil sat up, still smiling at me. "I'll go wash my face."

I nodded as I watched him swing his legs over the side of the bed and walk towards the bathroom. I looked back at the clock on the bedside table, 8.10.

Dang. Gonna be late for school if I didn't dress up now. I rolled out of bed and walked to the other side of the bed where Phil had left my suitcase. I unzipped it and pulled out a black long-sleeved v-neck t-shirt and a pair of denim jeans.

I quickly got dressed and grabbed my shoulder bag on the edge of the bed. I start rummaging through the back to check whether I had everything before I leave. Books, check. Purse, check. Pen, check. Mobile...right, I left it on the bedside table.

I stood up and walked back towards the bedside table only to find my mobile flash 'Dani' on the screen. I grabbed my cellphone and clicked 'answer'. "What?"

"Layla?" Dani said. "Thank God! Why didn't answer the phone last night?"

"'Coz I was sleeping." I said, sounding exasperated. "What do you want from me, Dani?"

"I was worried about you," Daniel said. "I came over to your place but no one opened the door last night."

"You don't have to worry about me anymore," I snarled. "I'm with Philipp now."

"So you're at Philipp's?"

"Yes." I said, ruefully. Just when I heard the bathroom door open, I quickly hung up on Dani and dropped my mobile in my bag.

"Going somewhere?" Phil asked as he wiped his face with the white towel he was holding.

I spun around to face him. "Yeah, yeah. Um..I'm going to the university."

"Why don't you wait for me to dress up then drop you there?" Phil suggested as he sat on the edge of his bed.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, you'll be late for training. I'll catch a bus, don't worry. I always do that. Maybe next time?"

"As you wish." Phil smiled.

I smiled back at him. Atleast Phil's letting me do whatever I want as long as I'm happy. Maybe he's not that bad after all. I'm sure Phil has a sweet side. I can already see it.

"So I'll see ya later." I said as I passed him. But before I could walk out of the room, Phil stopped me by holding on to my wrist, causing me to turn around and wonder.

He stood up and placed a small kiss on my forehead before murmuring, "Take care, okay?"

I nodded slightly as I tucked a strand behind my ear. "Okay."

****
The weather was fair today. The sun's rays shining through the clouds was enough to keep my body warm. I took a deep breath and enjoyed the smell of fresh lilies as I passed the front lawn of some house.

The pathwalk to the nearest bus stop was quite empty. I liked it that way. Quiet and peaceful.

Suddenly, I felt someone grab my arm from behind and before I could even make an attemp to scream for help, that person covered my nose with a damp towel and it's smell made me lose conciousness.

****
I woke up on a bed so familiar to me. It's scent, it's bedsheet....

Shit. It's Dani's bed!

But what am I doing here? And how did I get here? Wasn't I on my to-...oh right, I was kidnapped. And apparently, the kidnapper happens to be Daniel. Just wait till I get my hands on him, I muttered angrily. Seems like he doesn't care about the fact that I'm Phil's girlfriend now.

I sat up and scratched my head before looking down at my wrist watch. Dang. It's already 12.30. I was supposed to give my project to Mr. Hamilton today. Boy, I'm sure he'll be mad. He's always mad.

The house appeared to be quiet. Seemed liked nobody was home. I sunk my legs on the carpet and padded outside the room.

"Dani?" I called out as I walked downstairs.

Silence.

He wasn't home, neither was Sofie. Well ofcourse, it's Friday. She's probably in Denmark now. Since nobody's at home, then maybe I should leave. I walked towards the front door and turned the knob. It was locked.

I walked towards the windows and tried to open them as well, but all of them appeared to be locked. What the?, I wondered. Everything's locked? What in the world is Daniel trying to do.

I ran upstairs back to his bedroom and grabbed my shoulder bad that was lying on the bed. I quickly rummaged through it in search of my cellphone and dialled his number.

As I waited for him to answer, I heard a cellphone ring behind me. I spun around only to find a smiling Dani walk into the room dressed in his liverpool training suit, dropping his training bag on the ground. "Hello."

I glared at him. "What am I doing here?"

"I got you some chocolates." Dani said as he pulled out two cadbury bars from the pocket of his pants.

"I said what am I doing here?" I demanded.

He shrugged. "Coz I wanted to see you."

"Dani!" I whined. "How could you kidnap me just to see me?"

"I figured I won't be able to see you again now that you're Phil's girlfriend."

"And I don't want to see you ever again." I bellowed as I stormed out of his room.

"Layla wait." Dani called out before I walked downstairs.

"What do you want now?" I snarled as I turned around to face him.

"Why are you angry?"

I felt my eyes water when I remembered what Philipp had told me last night. "Dani, did you ever love me?"

"What?"

"If you really care about me, then why are you still with Sofie?"

"I..I.." Daniel sighed. "I do."

"No you're not!" I cried. "You're just pretending to...."

"But-"

"I don't want to hear anymore lies from you." I interrupted him as I reached up and wiped my tear with the back of my wrist. "Goodbye, Dani." and with that I turned around and continued walking downstairs, leaving Daniel standing alone infront of his bedroom.

night_10

Chapter 13

I couldn't stop staring at the ceiling and mulling over the events of yesterday. How can he kiss me in a public place? And the worst part is that the paparazzi caught us! Well that's what I thought. I couldn't catch a glimpse of the person hiding behind the bushes, but I reckon it's a paparazzi.

Now I'll just have to wait till the photos are published and I'm doomed for the rest of my life...or maybe for a couple of days. But still, Sophie will hate me for being the 'boyfriend stealer' plus she'll find out about our past...and then the drama begins...
 
I haven't talked to him since yesterday. Daniel, I mean. Even though he dropped me to my university, I didn't talk to him when we were in his car or even at work 'coz I felt a bit awkward after that incident. I even tried to stay away from him as far as possible. But he just kept hovering around me.... 

Such an indecent act to kiss some other girl when you already have a girlfriend. I mean, what is he trying to do? Ruin his relationship with Sofie in an indirect way? What if he's trying to get me back? Will I approve?

I don't know...I really don't. I don't know why I keep hesitating to keep the fact that I still like him. Maybe it's because I don't want him to break my heart again...and I don't intend on going back to him. I just don't trust him anymore...

I looked down at the ice cream container I was holding in my hand and noticed that it had melted. I guess I spent too much time thinking. The ice cream didn't look appealing anymore, so I decided to return it back to the fridge. As I stood up, I realised how quiet the place was without Molly. She left a few hours ago to Martin's and said that she'll be back before dinner, she better be 'coz I don't know how to cook and I don't want to die starving. An order from any fast food restaurant wasn't a good option for me, I was getting sick of them.

Just as I was about to enter the kitchen, I heard a knock on the door. I wondered who it could be. I mean it can't be Giuseppe, it's still seven pm and his work finishes at ten and it can't be Molly, if she had the chance she'd probably stay at Martin's for another night...yuck.

I hoped it wouldn't be Daniel as I unlocked the lock. I had enough of his surprises. I swallowed hard as I opened the door, but I was about to have a heart attack when I saw Philipp standing infront of my appartment with a smirk on his face.

"W-What do you want?" I stammered. I felt my heart beat faster and faster with every breath I took. It was like in any second I'd probably pass out. He was the last person I expected to show up infront my appartment. The worst part is that nobody was home except for me and that meant no protection. Absolutely 'no' protection.

The only choice I had was to slam the door on his face and lock it as fast as possible. But this guy had good reflex. He pushed the door slightly before I could even close it and said, "Don't you think it's impolite to slam the door on a guest like this?"

"You're not a guest!" I yelled. "You're shit!"

Philipp laughed. "You're so sweet, sugar."

I rolled my eyes. "Listen, I don't have time for you ok? So just go away and leave me in peace."

"Oh trust me, You won't live in peace if I showed you what's in this." Philipp smirked as he waved an A4 size brown envelope infront of my face.

"What's this?" I asked.

"See for yourself." Philipp said as he handed me the envelope and walked in. For the first time, I did as he said. I didn't know why but I felt like I needed to see what was in it. Something told me this was going to be really bad.

I pulled out the papers that were inside and saw A4 size pictures of me and Daniel, pictures of what we did yesterday...when we kissed! so it wasn't a paparazzi, it was him all along. Boy he's far much worse than a paparazzi. But what is he going to do with these pictures?

"You don't want these pictures to slip to the media, don't you?" Philipp said as he grabbed the papers from me. I stood silently as I thought about it. It won't mean a thing if he showed these pictures to the media, but on the second thought, it would. I don't want Sofie to see this. Even though I don't know her much, it would surely hurt her feelings and then will she think of me? That I'm such a whore making her boyfriend cheat on her behind her back?

I don't want to be that kind of girl. Despite having these unwanted feelings that I desperately wanted him back, I still don't want to hurt Sofie's feelings.

"I guess not." I murmured as I stared at the ground.

"Good." Philipp smirked as he walked behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders and slowly massaging it. He began to whisper in my ears, "Here's the deal, Layla. You be mine, and the pictures will be safe with me. If not, then I'm sorry...I'll ruin your life for as long as you live."

I couldn't say no. There wasn't any option but to accept his deal. From now on, I'll be welcoming misery into my life for God knows how long. But no, I won't be sitting like this doing nothing, I'll find a way out...one way or another...sooner or later.

"Fine then," I said, ruefully. "I'll be yours."

-------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 14

I leaned against the wall as I crossed my arms and stared at the empty tables..well not all of them but some of them. It was a bit quiet today here at 'Que pasa' that I yawned about almost ten times!  Not to mention the boring lectures I had at the university before coming here...    

I wasn't in a mood to come and work today, especially after what happened between me and Daniel. Speaking about Daniel, I haven't seen him around the restaurant yet. I guess he's busy with the training session, they must be preparing for a big game or something.

Philipp's voice flashed through my mind all of a sudden. I remembered that he asked me to go out with him for dinner tonight at 7 and that means I have to ask Daniel for permission since my working hours won't finish untill 10 pm. I looked down at my wrist watch, it's only 5.30 and I don't know why I'm expecting lots of customers to come. It's obvious that this place is only packed with people during lunch and dinner hours. I guess I totally forgot about that

"Layla." Someone called out from behind.

I spun around to see who it was and found Daniel walking towards the stairs to his office. How did he enter the restaurant and I didn't even hear the door open? Guess I was caught up in my own thoughts...

"Office, now." Daniel said before climbing the stairs. All my colleagues stared at me with the oh-no! look on their faces. I mean, come on, just because your boss wants to see you in his office doesn't mean you're in big trouble. Well in my case it sounds normal, I guess. They have no idea I'm his girlfriend and I'd like to keep it that way, atleast for now.

I passed Gemma(another waitress) who happened to stand beside the stairs, fixed her eyes on me as I followed Daniel upstairs. As soon as I reached upstairs, I found Daniel standing by the door of his office holding it open for me.I stared at him as I slowly walked inside. By the look on his face, I could tell he wanted to talk to me about something serious.

He closed the door behind me as soon as I walked in and locked it, which made me think of many reasons why he did that. Maybe he was about to tell me something that he didn't want anyone to interupt our converstion. But why lock the door?

"You wanted to talk to me about something?" I asked as I walked towards his desk and sat on it.

"Um..yeah," Daniel said as he turned around and walked towards me. "I was just wondering if you were bothered by the kiss I gave you the other day."

"No! No!" I said hastily, trying hard to shrug it off. I can't believe he brought that topic up. I mean, I was trying to forget about it since it was really awkward. Kissing your ex-girlfriend in public? What was he thinking?! "Why would you think that?"

"I don't know," Daniel said as he scratched the back of his neck. "You didn't talk to me for a while so I figured you were mad at me."

"No...it's just that...well..just forget about it." I murmured as I stared at my intertwined fingers.

"So you're not mad at me, right?" Daniel said as he pressed his hands on the desk with my thighs in between them. His face was very close to mine, that I tried not to raise my head to look in his eyes.

"N-No." I stammered, my heart beating fast this time. I felt his warm breath on my neck as his lips hovered around it, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. He then slowly kissed my neck and all the way up to my cheek.

Now I know why he locked the door.

When he kissed the corner of my lips, I knew he wanted another kiss. Deep inside the corner of my mind, there was little temptation to kiss him and I couldn't keep that thought away. Forgive me Sofie for doing this....

I raised my head and cupped his face with my hands as I pressed my lips hard against his. I bet he already knows that I still want him that's why he was making those moves. And I couldn't believe I gave up so easily like that. Where was the promise I kept for myself?

He was my addiction and there was no cure for it. Little kisses grew to passionate ones as we continued kissing. He then slipped his tongue into my mouth and began playing with my tongue. I've never kissed him passionately before and I never imgained myself doing so especially now that he's with Sofie. But it seems like he cares less about her feelings and I feel sorry for her.

As I pulled back slightly to catch my breath, I looked behind him at the clock that was pinned to the wall above the door and saw it was 6 pm. I better be going now. Philipp said he'll pick me from my place at 7.30 and there's no time to waste.

"I gotta go Dani.." I muttered as I got off his desk and walked towards the door.

"Where you going?"

"I don't feel so good," I lied. "I'm going home."

I turned the door knob, opened the door and walked oustide, closing the door behind me. I ran downstairs so that Daniel won't follow me, but slowed down as soon as I reached the restaurant. I didn't want the other waitresses to think that something was going on between us back there. I tried to look as calm as possible as I walked towards the exit, but thankfully they were busy taking orders from customers now that the restaurant was packed with customers.

As I pushed the door open, cold wind blasted me in the face making me slightly shiver. I remembered I forgot my sweatshirt in the restaurant, but I didn't bother to go back there and get it. All I could think of was grab a taxi and reach home as soon as possible.

~~An hour later...~~

I stood outside my building with my arms crossed waiting for Philipp to pick me up. Luckily, I was able to find a taxi and I arrived here earlier than I expected. I quickly changed my clothes and didn't apply much make-up since I didn't want to make an effort to look good for Philipp.

While I was waiting, I heard a twig snap under the pressure of someone's feet. I spun around and found Daniel walking towards me holding my sweatshirt in his hand. "You forgot this."

"I know," I said as I took the sweatshirt from him. "thanks."

Daniel looked at me up and down as he tucked his hands in the pocket of his jeans. "You're all dressed up. Going somewhere?"

"Y-Yeah..um.." I stammered. Dang! Now what am I going to tell him?? "I'm going to the movies with my friends."

"Friends?"

"Yeah...college friends." I lied.

"And you told me you weren't feeling good just because you wanted to hangout with your friends?"

I laughed nervously, "Well, I figured if I told you that you wouldn't let me go, so I lied...I'm sorry."

Daniel stared at me for a while then smiled. "It's okay. I forgive you."

"Thanks Dani!" I grinned as I hugged him.

"Unless," Daniel continued. "You ley me hangout with you and your friends."

"What?! No! No!"

"Why not?" Daniel wanted to know.

Just then, I heard a car's engine coming closer down the road behind me. I looked over my shoulders only to find Philipp park his car infront of the building. I felt like biting my nails as hopped out of his car and walk towards us. After the fight between them I didn't want them anywhere around each other. Let alone the training sessions. Plus, I didn't want Philipp to see me with Dani. Then he'll think I care less about the threat he gave me.

Philipp glared at Dani as he drew closer to us. I swallowed hard.

"What are you doing here, Daniel?" Philipp asked as he stood beside me.

"What are YOU doing here?" Daniel asked.

"He came over to give me my sweatshirt." I butted in.

"And what is your sweatshirt doing with him?" Philipp asked, turning his eyes towards me.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15

"I-I-" I stammered.

"She works for me." Daniel interrupted, his voice a bit furious. "And so what if I gave her back her sweatshirt? It's not like you own her or something."

"She's my girlfriend." Philipp smiled cheekily as he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled closer to him.

Dani couldn't stop staring at him. It's either because he didn't get what he just said or he was shocked to hear that. I felt so bad myself. I should've told him that earlier instead of playing around and making him cheat on his girlfriend. Well, I didn't ask for that in the first place. I guess I'm the one to blame.

After a few minutes of intense staring, Dani nodded and walked away without even looking at me. I desperately wanted to grab his hand and tell him I'm sorry, but that would be just stupid especially after what he had just learned. I watched him walked down the sidewalk until I couldn't see him anymore. Philipp then grabbed me by the arm and looked at me furiously. "You think you're so smart, huh? And why didn't you tell me you work for him?"

"I-I...well, you didn't ask." I said with all the courage I had left in me.

"You mean you didn't want me to know so you could play around without me knowing, yes?" Philipp bellowed.

"No! No!" I said hastily, shaking me head.

"Stop lying, Layla!" He yelled as he gripped my arm tighter. "Now tell me, what is between you and Daniel?"

"I was his girlfriend." I confessed. "We broke up seven years ago."

"Then what's between you and him is history now," Philipp said. "Listen to me carefully. From tomorrow onwards, you're going to live in my house so I can keep an eye on you. And as for your job, tell Daniel that you won't be able to work for him anymore, got it?"

I nodded slightly as I stared at the ground. I didn't want to move in with him but I guess it's a better choice. Atleast it'll make me stay away from Dani. And it's good for both of us. Me and Dani, I mean. He won't have to cheat on his girlfriend anymore and I won't cheat on mine(like as if I wanted to be his girl in the first place).

"Good," Philipp got quiet now. "start packing your bags. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning." and with that, he turned around and hopped into his car and drove away, leaving me to stand alone.

The good part is that apparently, we're not going on a date tonight. And the worst part is, I'm moving in with him.

I turned around and headed back into the building. As I got to my appartment, I unlocked the door,opened it then closed it. I hung my coat on one of the hooks behind the door and looked around. The place was quiet and empty. Molly slept at Skrtel's house last night, again. Even though she can be annoying at times, I still miss her being around the house. She was the only one who knew how to cook and when she was gone, all I ate was instant noodles since it was the only thing I could cook.

Suddenly, I heard the door open. I turned around and found Molly entering the appartment and taking off her coat. I smiled at her and she smiled back.

"So what's for dinner?" I asked as I turned around to sit on the couch.

"Ah, The same question every single day." Molly rolled her eyes as she hung her coat. When she turned around, she looked at the dress I was wearing. "You went for a date or something?"

"No, it was cancelled." I said as I twirled a strand of hair around my finger. "I didn't want to go actually."

"With who?" Molly wanted to know as she walked towards me and sat on the coffee table infront of me. "Dani?"

"Y'crazy?"

"Then with who?" Molly pondered.

I sighed and averted my eyes. "Philipp....Philipp Degen."

"What?!"

"Now please don't ask me anymore questions," I said as I stood up and headed to my bedroom. "I'm going to take a nap. Call me when dinner's ready."

"You're a WAG!!" I heard Molly shout. I just closed the door behind me and collapsed on my bed. That's all she cared about? Being Waggy and all? I sighed...wonder what Dani thought about this. I bet he's confused, his head is probably hurting now with all that thinking. Should I call him and explain everything? No, I told myself sternly. What if Philipp finds? Gosh! now I'm scared of him.

I turned so that I'm lying on my belly and closed my eyes. Maybe a little sleep would make me forget about the world for a while...a good..sleep...

Beep, Beep, Bepp...

What the hell? Only when I'm about to have some rest my cellphone rings. I grabbed it from my bedside table and clicked 'answer', "Hello?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 16

I acutally sat up upon hearing his voice. It was Daniel's voice. I didn't want to answer him..I just didn't know what to say. I didn't want Daniel to find out about me and Philipp the way he did, but it's too late now. Phil already told him.

"Layla...I thought.." Daniel sighed. "I'm confused..."

"I'm sorry Dani," I murmured. "I just didn't know how to tell you."

"So how long...how long have you been together?"

"Just recently." I said. "Listen Dani, I don't want to talk about this.."

"Do you love him?" Seems like Dani is insisting on knowing every single detail about my relationship with Philipp. I don't blame him. He's confused. I mean, I just kissed him earlier today and now he finds out I'm dating his teammate. What would I expect him to say?

I didn't want to tell him that I don't, 'coz I know he'll keep asking even more questions and I bet this night will never end. "I'm tired Dani. I just don't feel like talking now. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I quit, Dani. I won't work for you anymore." I clicked the 'end call' button and quickly switched my phone off so he won't able to call back and set my cellphone on the bedside table. I felt bad for not waiting for Dani to say 'goodbye' but I just wanted to end the conversation.

I sunk deeper under the covers and pulled it over my head to try to catch some sleep. But the conversation I just had with Dani kept keeping me awake. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight...

~~The next day...~~

I watched Phil put my suitcases in the trunk of his car from my bedroom window. Today is going to be the first day of me moving in to Phil's house...or maybe I should call it prison. I had already told Molly about it at breakfast and instead of being sad and all because she'll be staying home alone, she was more than happy. She said that I don't need to worry about her because she'll ask Martin if she could stay at his house and she was like, "And I'm sure he'll agree."

I turned away from the window and walked out of my bedroom to head out of the house, only to be met by Molly who came rushing towards to me from the living room.

"Come on! Phil is waiting for you!" Molly exclaimed as she grabbed my wrist and dragged me towards the door. As I stepped out of our appartment, I turned around and said, "Well, I guess we won't be able to see each other that much but that doesn't mean we're not going to visit each other and I'll sure miss your pasta."

Molly laughed and gave me a hug. "I'll miss you, Layla. And don't worry, I'll keep calling you."

"Me too." I said as we pulled away from each other. I then gave her a short wave before turning around and walking downstairs.

When I walked outside the building, I found Philipp leaning against his black audi(SUV), staring at the ground. As I walked closer to him, he looked up and smiled at me as he pulled the door open for me. I faked a smile as I hopped in and closed the door. He trot to the driver's side and as soon as he got in, he started the engine and we drove away from the building.

The silence was almost thick as we drove by. I wasn't in a mood of talking, especially when I was forced to move in to his house. He tried to open up a subject, but I just kept giving him short answers to end it.

We finally reached his house which I've realised was not that far from Dani's house. Hey, maybe I could like sneak out of Phil's house when he's not around and go to Dani's house. Hmm...on the second thought, I don't think it would be such a good idea. He could have surveillance cameras everywhere...stupid Phil.

Phil parked his car in the garage and we both stepped out of the car. He went towards the trunk to get my suitcases while I entered the house. When I entered the house, I noticed that everything was beige. The wall, sofas and carpet, everything except for the furniture set that were solid pine. I climbed the stairs insearch of a bedroom because I suddenly felt very sleepy and I was desperate to find a bed I could rest my head on. I found a door to one of the rooms as I reached upstairs and opened it. It was dim since the lights weren't turned on but I didn't bother to turn them on since the moonlight that filtered the room from the window was enough for me to spot a bed.

It looked so inviting that I quickly walked towards it and threw myself on it. I turned to my side as I pulled one of the pillows under my head and held it close to me as I didn't know how to sleep without holding my giant teddybear. But obviously I couldn't bring it with as it be considered embarassing for a girl of 23.

I heard the wheels of my suitcase roll in the room as Phil dragged it. I didn't bother to wake-up and unpack my stuffs, I'd rather sleep with my outfit. Wait a minute..is this Phil's room?

I opened my eyes in fear as I felt him crawl on the bed and sleep next to me. I thought it would be awkward if I jerked away from him, so I closed my eyes and pretended I was asleep, silently praying he wouldn't take my clothes off.

I then felt his arm wrap around my tummy as he held me closer to him. "I know you're still awake. But I just want you to know one thing before you sleep." He murmured. "I love you more than Dani and that's a fact. If Dani really loves you, then why is he still with Sofie? He obviously loves Sofie more than you. I only love you, Layla." and with that, he pressed his lips softly on my head.

I felt my eyes water. What Philipp just said kept repeating in my mind that I couldn't shake it off. Maybe he's right....maybe Daniel doesn't love me...  

night_10

Chapter 12

Bang! Bang! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!!!

The loud knocks on the appartment's door awoke me. I tried to get some sleep again by pulling up the covers over my head, but the knocks kept getting louder. I had no other choice but to see who it was, even though my feet were still aching me from the long walk back home last night.

I rolled out of my bed and noticed that I was still in my dress and my heels were lying on the floor next to my bed. But that didn't matter, I just focused on how to walk out of the room without making my feet and legs ache me.

As soon as I opened the door, I saw Giuseppe with a worried look on his face.

"Giuseppe?" I said as I rubbed my eye. "What are you doing here at this time of the day?"

"Thank God you're okay!" Giuseppe said as he rushed in and hugged me. "I was worried about both of you. I tried calling y'all on your cellphones last night but both of your cellphones were switched off. So I decided to go to Dani's place and wait till the party's over and when I went there, everybody had already left."

"Well, thanks for letting me walk home." I said sarcastically as I pulled back.

Giuseppe frowned. "It's not my fault. I had tons of work last night. People kept ordering pizza like crazy."

"Just forget about it, Bambino." I said, patting his shoulders just to show that I sympathize him. To be honest, I was still mad at him for letting me walk alone last night. I mean, it was dark and scary and I kept praying to reach home safe and thank God I did.

"So is Molly still asleep?" Giuseppe asked.

"What?" Oh shit. After she screamed "Martin Skrtel!" I haven't seen her ever since! I had no idea if she arrived home at dawn or maybe she spent the night at Dani's because she was too drunk that Dani decided to leave her sleep on the couch..or floor..or whatever.

I quickly ran towards her room to check if she was asleep or atleast in her room but as soon as I opened the door, I found her bed sheet untouched since yesterday...and the worst part is...

She was no where.

And yes. I checked the bathroom and the kitchen...she was no where in sight. That's when I realised I had done something really wrong...I should've never left her at the party without informing her that I'd be walking home alone.

"Where is she?" Giueseppe asked, looking panicked.

"I-I don't know.." I stammered.

"What do you mean you don't know?!?!" Giuseppe practically yelled as he shook me.

"I don't know!!!" I yelled as I pushed away his hands.

"Good morning everyone!" a voice came...a voice so familiar that it happened to be..

"Molly!" Giuseppe hugged her tight. "I was worried about you! where have you been?!"

"Calm down hazel eyed boy." Molly said as she pushed him away slightly and walked towards me with a big grin on her face. "Last night was the best Layla! And guess what? I'm officially a WAG!!"

"Say what?" I raised an eyebrow. She's probably dreaming. How can she become a WAG in just one night? Wait a minute...who's WAG?! "Who are you talking about?"

"Martin Skrtel ofcourse!" Molly exclaimed. "You guys were like busy partying and totally had no idea that me and Martin sneaked out of the party. We went to his house and had so much fun!"

I looked at her then at Giuseppe who kept staring at the ground. I felt sorry for him. He liked her so much and now she's taken by someone else, someone who God knows if he truly loves her or just taken her for granted.

"I need to take a shower...a cold one! Hahaha!" Molly laughed as she walked towards the bathroom.

I looked at Bambino with a frown. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He muffled before slowly walking out of the appartment and closed the door behind him. Great. I let a friend down...he was counting on me and I didn't make much effort to stop her from being a..WAG...

I let out a big sigh then looked up at the clock hanging on the wall. Oh shit! only fifteen minutes left before the lectures start! I quickly rushed towards my room and dressed in my sweatshirt and jeans, grabbed my shoulder bag and headed out of the appartment.

I ran downstairs and outside the building, only to be met by Daniel who just got off his car that was parked infront of the building. He walked towards the building as he dropped his car keys in the pocket of his black leather jacket and smiled when he saw me.

I managed to force a smile, but I didn't want to actually. The fight last night was really stupid and they should've compromised without making a scene Daniel 'had' to start a fight.

"Hey," Daniel smiled. "Going somewhere?"

"School." I said as I walked past him.

"Want me to drop you there?"

I stopped. Why not?, I thought to myself. It's better than spending twenty pounds for a bus ride. Plus I'd be late for lectures and that means double lectures from the professor.

I slowly turned around to face him. "I guess. But I'm still upset about what you did last night."

"I did that because I wanted you to know that I still care about you."

"Or maybe you just wanted to show-off your muscles." I said, crossing my arms.

Daniel chuckled and drew closer to me. "I really do care about you.." He murmured as he raised my chin to make me look at him. He then closed his eyes and pressed his lips against mine sending shock waves across my body. I quickly pushed him away when I heard the bushes that lined the front lawn rustle.

Great! Papparazi caught us kissing!!

night_10

Chapter 11-part one

"I still can't believe we're invited to a party of hotties!" Molly exclaimed.

I looked at her reflection in the chavel mirror infront of me as I wore my black diamond earing that matched with my black dress. She was sitting cross legged on my bed behind me.

Molly was pretty pumped about the party. She just couldn't stop talking about it, how she dreams of getting hooked up with one of them. The liverpool players, I mean. Well, that excludes Daniel. She knows very well that Dani is off limits, not because he belongs to Sofie, but because he was once mine. And being a good friend, she decided to fix her eyes on..uh..what was his name again? oh ya, Martin skrtel.

"You better believe it Molly," I said. "as long as you're a friend of Daniel's ex-girlfriend then you should believe everything."

"And it's so good!!"

I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror. Make-up, check. Hair, check. I didn't know why I was making an effort to look good like as if I got a date or something.

Molly, on the other hand, had a reason to look good. She desperately wanted to become a WAG  or whatever she calls it. She told me that once she becomes a WAG she doesn't need to worry about getting a new job or pay for the rent. I kept reminding her that money isn't everything but she kept scoffing me by saying, "That's just an old phrase."

We heard Giuseppe's car horning outside and Molly hurriedly grabbed her purse and walked as quickly as she could with her six inch heels, swaying her red satin knee length dress as she walked.  

By the time I got downstairs, I saw Molly sitting on the passenger's seat talking to Giuseppe, probably telling how excited she was.

"Hey bambino." I said as I got in the car.

"Hey." Giuseppe smiled.

Molly kept staring at her reflection in her compact mirror during the whole ride. I've never seen her act this way before. I mean, she never used to care about how she looks. Maybe this whole WAG wannabe thing is turning her into something I've never expected from her. And I was beginning to worry about her...

We finally reached Daniel's house and Molly quickly got off the car and ran towards the iron gates like as if the house would fly away if she wouldn't reach on time. "Come on Layla!!! You're such a slowpoke!!" I heard Molly yell.

Slowpoke? I barely even got my foot off the car!! I looked at her and shook my head in disbelief. "Thanks for the ride Bambino. We'll call you before midnight." I said before stepping off the car. But before I could leave, He grabbed my by the arm, kinda startling me.

"Um, Layla?" Giuseppe said, looking a bit worried. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Well, it's like this. I kinda have this thing for Molly and I..well...don't want her to hook up with anyone."

I felt a smile slowly spread across my face. Giuseppe had feelings for Molly all this time and I didn't even notice that? Wow, he sure knows how to hide his feelings infront of his crush. Maybe that's the reason why he's been acting weird lately.

"COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Molly yelled even louder.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" I yelled back then looking back at Giuseppe, I placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Don't worry." and smiled. He smiled back and drove off after I got off the car. I wasn't sure I could do this. I mean, it will be really hard especially when Molly's so obsessed with footballers.

I walked lazily to Molly who waited impatiently infront of the front door of Dani's house, just to annoy her. Her eyes narrowed at me and I began to laugh. "The party has just started."

"Whatever." She muttered as she opened the door and walked in. The house was packed with people scattered from the staircase to the hallway. It was really hard to find Daniel in such a crowded place. So we made our way to the guest room where the music was coming from.

As we entered, Molly clutched my arm hard possibly because she saw some hot guy passing by. But it wasn't becuse of that. My eyes caught Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso walking towards us, holding champagne glasses in their hands.

"Oh. My. God." Molly whispered as they came nearer.

"Layla!" They said in unision. Wow, they remember me. Well ofcourse they do. I mean, I barely changed a thing in me. Same old Layla.

Fernando looked a bit different, maybe becouse of the blonde hair. Seven years ago, he had a faded blonde to light brown hair colour. But I sure love the fringe he has now. As for Xabi, he stool looks the same, but a little bit older.

"Hey!" I smiled and gave them a short wave before Nando came over and kissed me on both my cheeks. Xabi did too.
-------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 11-part two

"So how have you been?" Fernando asked. "We haven't heard from you for such a long time. It's weird though, Daniel hadn't mentioned anything about you ever since you left St. James boarding school or let's just say ever since you left England."

"Really?" I said, feeling a bit sad. How can he not talk about me? I mean haven't I ever crossed his mind? Maybe he just doesn't want to remember me...like how I didn't want to remember him...

"But he's been talking alot about you lately." Fernando smiled. "He mentioned something about you working for him."

"Yeah, conincidentally." I said with a chuckle. "Oh by the way, this is my friend, Molly. She's such a big fan of y'all."

They both looked at her and smiled. I could tell by the look on her face that she was feeling very nervous, especially when Fernando's right infront of her. She called him 'the darling of liverpool', I don't know why. Maybe if I got to know him better before, I'd realize he such a darling. We never actually got to know each other back in St. James. I mean, he had his friends and I had mine. I only knew him as a friend of Kaka, my ex-crush.

"Hi Molly," Fernando said as he held out his hand for a shake, giving one of his sweetest smiles. 

"Hi." She squeaked, shaking his hand.

"So Layla," Xabi said. "Let me introduce you to the other guys."

"No, it's okay. I'm just looking for Daniel."

"Okay then, we'll see you around." Fernando winked at us before leaving us standing alone in the middle of the guest room.

"Oh my gahhh!!!!!" Molly squealed. "This party's just getting better!!"

"I guess." I shrugged a little.

"Oh my gosh!! That's Martin Skrtel!!" Molly exclaimed before pushing me aside so hard that I accidently fell on a lap of some guy sitting on the couch beside us. She disappeared between the crowd in a blink of an eye.

"Whoa! did you come from above?" He laughed.

"Oh I'm sorry," I said as I was about to get up. I felt him pulling me back down and closer to him.

"No No, sit here as long as you want," He whispered in my ear in his Frenchy Englishy accent. Suddenly, I felt his finger tips slowly sliding above my left tigh underneath my skirt. It was like as if he was ready to rape me infront of everyone.

"Get your filthy hands off me!" I snarled, slapping his hand away.

"Why are you in such a bad mood?" He smirked. I couldn't get away from him. His muscular arm was held so tight around my waist that a struggle to escape was just a waste of time. My face was so close to his that I could smell his beery breath.

I started to panic. I couldn't find anyone I knew in the guest room to come and save me from this disgusting specimen of mankind. Suddenly, I felt someone clutch my arm so hard from behind and pulled me to stand up. I looked up and found Daniel.

"Stay away from her, Philipp." Daniel snarled, looking at him disgustedly then dragging me as far as possible from this Philipp guy.

"What's your problem man?" I heard him call out. Daniel just shook his head and cursed under his breath. Apparently, they don't have a good relationship. I could tell by the way he looked at him, or was it because of the way he was touching me?

"Layla!" Sofie exclaimed as she walked towards me and gave me a hug. The brunette who stood next to her flashed me a smile and I smiled back.

"Stay with Sofie, it's much safer." Daniel said before leaving to a group of guys standing in the corner of the room. Why the hell is he treating me like that like as if I'm a five year old kid or something? But who cares anyway, staying with Sofie is much better than being around that..rapist.

"I want you to meet Olalla, Fernando's girlfriend." Sofie said. "Olalla, this is Layla, Daniel's best friend back in high school."

There's that word again. BEST FRIEND. We were never friends!!! But I think it's best if she stuck to that fact. I mean think about it. If she ever found out that I was Dani's ex-girlfriend, I don't think we'd be good friends. First of all, she'll start wondering why me and Dani never told her that. And sceondly, she'll keep an eye on me 24/7 just in case I ever thought of having him back.

"Hi, nice to meet you." I smiled and shook hands with Olalla. She looked like a pretty casual girl, except for the designer black baby doll dress she was wearing. She didn't put a lot of make-up and for a face like hers, she didn't need to.

They both started talking about things I didn't know and none of them made  sense to me and I started to feel bored. I scanned the place for Fernando because all of a sudden, I remembered I needed to ask him about Kaka because I lost contact with him recently.

I found Fernando standing by the bar, getting another glass of champagne. I walked over to him and apparently Sofie and Olalla didn't notice me walking away from them. They were too busy talking about..well whatever it was they were talking about.

"Hi again," I smiled at Nando and sat on the stool beside him.

Fernando smiled back and sipped on his champagne. "Want a champagne?"

"No, thanks. I don't drink." I shook my head slightly. "So, Fernando. I was just wondering if you still talk to Kaka."

"Kaka? Sure. I just spoke to him a week ago. Seems like he's way too busy with studies."

Hmm...that explains why he hasn't been sending me e-mails. Ever since I left England, we kept in touch through e-mails. But a few months ago, he stopped sending me e-mails.

"Do you have his number?" Fernando asked.

"No, actually."

Fernando dug his hand in the pocket of his jeans and took out a piece of paper. "Do you have a pen?"

"No." I replied.

"Well then I'll go get one from Dani's room. I won't take long." Fernando said before exiting the guest room. I rested my head on my fist and waited. Wait a minute. Where's Molly? I haven't seen her around after the hard push she gave me.

I looked around in search of her, only to find that 'rapist' staring at me and smirking. God! This party can't get any worse with this guy around. I felt my heart beat faster the minute he got up from the couch. He made his way towards me and I quickly spun my head pretended to look somewhere else.

"What's your name?" He asked, with a smirk on his face. Gosh! Wish I could just wipe off that smirk by smacking him on the face!

"None of your business." I snapped.

"Wow, nice name." He laughed.

"Look, why don't you just leave me alone and hit on some other chick?"

"Coz I want you to be mine."

"Pfft!! Dream on!" Ew! Just the thought of being his girl made me feel sick. I got up from the stool I was sitting on only to be startled by his vice grip on my wrist. I struggled to pull away my hand, but he just kept gripping me harder.

"Let go of me!" I practically yelled at him.

"What's going on here?" Daniel asked as he walked towards us. He sounded furious.

"None of your concern, Daniel." Philipp said with a bored expression on his face.

"She is my concern." Daniel said. "Now leave her alone."

"Sorry, no can do."

I could tell by the look on Dani's face that Philipp was really getting on his nerves. Philipp finally let go of my hand and turned to face Daniel, crossing his arms.

Daniel took a deep breath, as if to calm himself and said, "Just stay away from her."

"N. O. No."

In a blink of an eye, Daniel quickly sucker punched him making him stumble backwards. Everybody grew silent as they turned to look at us. I silently begged them to not turn this into a fight, but it was too late. Philipp grabbed Dani by the colar and pushed him hard against the wall, knocking some people who were blocking their way. They exchanged fists as they rolled on the floor with people trying to move away from them. No one dared to stop them and that's when I realised that this was getting out of control.

I started to panic. I only thought of escaping from this place and that's exactly what I did. I squeezed my way through the people who stood to watch the fight and out of the house. I rummaged through my purse as I walked down the front steps in search of my cellphone to call Bambino. I quickly dialled his number and waited impatiently for him to pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Ya hey it's me, Layla," I said, a bit panicked. "Can you pick me up right now?"

"Now? I thought you said by midnight."

"Yeah, I kind of changed my mind..so can you?"

"No, I'm sorry. I got lots of work."

"Dammit," I muttered as I stomped my feet on the ground. "well, whatever..bye."

I looked at the time in my cellphone. Only an hour passed since I arrived and all of this happened? What a party...

There was no one to drop me back home and I desperately wanted to escape this place. I guess I have to walk alone...with heels...

night_10

My exams have finally come to an end and like I promised, here's an update :) hope u like it :D comments are appreciated!

Chapter 10
 
The sky was a bit gloomy today. I gazed at the red bricked buildings as we passed them. Giuseppe was quiet as we drove down the road on our way to my work, very unsual of him. He usually speaks about his day at work or anything that comes up in his mind. He never shuts up.

I turned my head to look at him. His hazel eyes kept staring ahead. I wondered what was going in his mind. Something seemed to bother him, and I didn't know why I dared to ask. I shrugged and looked back outside the window, waiting for him spill it out.

"So how was your first day at the uni?" He finally spoke.

"Hmm?"

"Your first day?" He repeated, as he turned his face to look at me.

"Oh, it was good." What I meant by good is that atleast I made new friends. I usually don't get along with people I haven't met. But I guess this year's different. Or maybe it's me. Maybe I changed the way I look at people.

I used to think that this world is full of bad people, people you can't trust, people pretend to be nice but in fact they're hypocrites. Maybe the reason I thought that way is because of Daniel, like after our break-up.

It's funny how one person can change you. Daniel made me stronger, and maybe that's the only thing I should thank him about.

"I didn't know your ex-boyfriend cared about you so much." Giuseppe said as he returned his eyes to the road.

I looked at him questionably. "What do you mean?"

He smirked as he pointed at the window next to me. I looked at the direction where he was pointing at, only to find Daniel standing infront of his restaurant with his arms crossed. He looked like he waited impatiently, God knows why.

The car pulled to a stop and I got off the car while I stared blankly at Dani.

"You're two minutes late." Dani said as he tapped his index finger on his wrist watch.

I laughed and shooked my head. "Okay then, I'll make sure I'll a bit earlier."

"I can't believe you'd come a bit late and it's your first day of work!" He snarled.

"Okay boss." I said, sounding exasperated. Gosh! How bossy can he get?

"C'mon, better get to work now!" He said as he placed a hand behind my back and pushed me slightly toward's the door. I didn't know why he was acting that way like as if the restaurant was packed with people and that the people working there weren't enough. But when we entered the restaurant, it wasn't very crowded.

"There's your first customer." Dani said as he pointed at a young lady sitting by her own. "Now go to her and take her order. And remember to always smile to customers. You should make them feel welcome-"

"Ok I get it." I interrupted. It's not that I already know the rules in this place or something, it's just that I hate it when somebody tells me what to do. I pulled out the small note pad from my the back pocket of my black pants that I wore for work(it's the dress code for people working at 'que pasa' along a black T-shirt with 'que pasa' written on the upper left of the T-shirt) and walked towards her table.

As I got closer to her, she looked up at me and smiled. I could've sworn I've seen her somewhere. Her brown curly hair and circle face looked so familiar to me, but I just couldn't remember where I've seen. Ah, who cares anyway. Like as if I remember things. I keep forgetting them, which is really upsetting...

"Hello Miss, welcome to que pasa. Can I have your order please?" I said with the best polite friendly smile I could show.

"Oh Hi Layla." She smiled at me.

Whoa, hold on a second. She know's my name?

"I'm sorry, miss. But um...have we met somewhere? 'Coz I don't really remember you."

"No we haven't met. But Dani told me about you."

"Really? What did he say?" I wanted to know.

"That you were his best friend and that you haven't seen each other for a long time until now."

BEST FRIEND?!?!?!?!! BEST FRIEND?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was his GIRLFRIEND!!!!!! I'm so going to show him!!! ARGH!!!!!!!

"Um..yeah...I was his best friend.." I said trying so hard not to show my anger. "so, you didn't tell me who you are."

"Oh right. I'm Sofie. Dani's girlfriend." She said as she held out a hand for a shake.

I couldn't stop staring at her. Sofie? Dani's girlfriend? She was the girl in the photo frame I saw back at Dani's bedroom. How could I not recognise her?

I was completely shocked that I even forgot to shake her hand. Sofie looked at her hand then back at me, probably silently saying "C'mon! shake the hand already!!"

I slowly held my hand and shook her hand. So this is where we met, the girlfriend and the ex-girlfriend. But I was starting to wonder, why did Dani tell her that I was his best friend? On the second thought, I think it's best he did. I don't think we'd ever get along if he told her that he hired his ex-girlfriend to work at his restaurant.

"Hey girls," Dani said as he stood beside me. "so did you get to know each other?"

Oh I get it. Dani sent me to her just to get to know each other. How smart. Not!

"Yeah," Sofie smiled at Dani. "So I guess I"ll be going now. Nice to meet you Layla."

I smiled at her as I watched her stand up and peck Dani on the lips before heading out of the restaurant. A tiny feeling of jealousy crept my heart. It kinda hurts to watch your ex-boyfriend kiss his girlfriend.

Dani then turned to face me. "So you like her?"

"Yeah, she seems sweet." I smiled.

Dani smiled back at me. "I'm sure you'll be great friends."

"Yeah."

"Hey, I'm throwing a party after tomorrow at my place and I was wondering if you could come over. You can bring anyone you want."

"A party? For what?"

"In our team, each player gets to throw a party at his house every month. This time it's my turn. I'm sure Molly would love to come. I heard she's a big fan liverpool."

"Oh trust me, she'll go crazy once she finds out she's invited."

night_10

Chapter 4

I stared at her with complete and utter astonishment. She knows my ex-boyfriend's full name, and she even claims he's a famous footballer! My head is spinning now and I'm so confused. How can he own a restaurant, and be a footballer at the same time?? What am I saying??!! Ofcourse he can! That's IF he has alot of money, and he DOES!

"So what is he doing here?" Molly asked curiously.

"He just came to give me this application form." I said, holding up the paper I was holding.

"Application form? Oh my gosh, don't tell me-"

"He's my boss." Man, I just hate that four letter word-'boss'.

"Oh my gosh!!!! You didn't tell me that!"

I rolled my eyes. "You never asked."

"So you're-"

"His ex-girlfriend." I said, uncomfortably.

Her eyes widened. "Okay, I think I'm gonna pass out in any second," Molly said. "I'm living with Daniel Agger's ex-girlfriend!!"

Ouch. Hearing the words 'Daniel's ex-girlfriend' hurts more when someone, other than me, says it. But I guess I have to get used to it. It's just that no one has ever mentioned it to me, never. I think it's because the only people who knew about me and Daniel are the students from St. James boarding school.

I mean, I haven't told anyone about him, not even my family nor friends. It's not like I wanted to keep it a secret, it's just that I don't want to talk about him anymore. And I thought I would never see him again when I left England. I never wanted to, actually.

But now, after seven years, I see him again. He's become a part of my life too..

"Does Daniel like coffee?" Molly asked, interrupting my thoughts.

I shrugged. "Why don't you go ask him?"

"Okay," Molly grinned. "Best coffee for the best footballer, comin right up!"

I watched Molly skip her way to the living room. I just shook my head and sat on my bed since I felt I could no longer stand. I can't believe believe this is actually happening to me...first, I meet Daniel and a few minutes ago, I just found out that he's a famous footballer!

I feel like I wasn't living in this world. How can he be famous when I haven't heard anything about him? Oh right, I don't watch football, never did. Not a fan of that sport actually. I thought it was stupid for 22 players to run  after a ball.

I felt someone standing infront of my room and staring at me. I glanced up to find Daniel smiling at me. I quickly looked away.

"You know, it's impolite to leave a guest sitting alone in the living room." Daniel said as he walked towards me and sat next to me on my bed.

"Sorry, I was just talking to my roommate." I said, staring at my knees.

"She must've told you."

"About?"

"Me being a footballer."

"Oh, yeah, she did."

"So?"

"So?"

"Aren't you proud of me?"

"Why should I?" I asked coldly.

Daniel blinked at me then lowered his head. "Never mind."

He then got up from the bed and started to look around my room. I noticed him walking towards the...BEDSIDE TABLE! Holy shit! I totally forgot about the photo of me and him!!! I just remembered I left it there! I quickly got up and pushed Daniel to the side and grabbed the photo and hid it behind my back so that he won't see it.

"What was that?" Daniel asked curiously.

"Nothing." I said, trying to sound normal.

"Here's your coffee, Daniel." Molly smiled as she entered the room.

Thank God she came. Atleast she could keep him busy while I sneak outside the room to hide this photo. I don't want him to see this or else he think I'll still like him. I slowly started creeping outside the room while Molly kept talking with Daniel. I hid the photo in the drawer of a small cupboard that was in the living room.

"Thanks for the coffee." Daniel said as he walked out of my room wth Molly walking behind him. "So I'll see you tomorrow?" Daniel asked as he looked at me.

"Yeah yeah tomorrow." I said, sounding exasperated.

"Bye." Daniel said, smiling at both of us before exiting the house.


Chapter 5

~~The next day~~

Molly kept begging me all day to give her the photo of me and Daniel so that she could post it in one of Daniel's fansite. It was my mistake to take it out of the drawer infront of her, I shouldn't have done that. I told her that I will give her the photo if she promises to fold it in half so that only Daniel can be seen in the photo.

She finally agreed, and so I gave it to her. But I kept watching her when she was scanning it, I just couldn't trust her. I felt that she wanted to let the world know that she's living with Daniel's ex-girlfriend. And I don't want the world to know.

After she finished scanning it, I went to my room and closed the door behind me so that she won't see me hiding it under the matress of my bed. Living with Daniel's fan is even harder than I thought. I mean, she couldn't stop asking me questions about Daniel!

But I guess the hardest question I couldn't answer was the reason behind our break-up. I just shrugged and said, "We just broke-up, Molly. Maybe we're not meant for each other.." and she was all like, "Just like that?" and I was like, "Yeah, just like that." and faked a smile. I swear, if I ever told her why we broke up, I'll start crying and never stop.

Stupid bastard, did he have to screw everything? If he didn't cheat on me, we would've been together till this very day. I just wished he wasn't my former boyfriend. It's just hard to see him everyday after all what he's done to me.

I looked at the clock on my bedside table. 3pm. Gi must be waiting for me outside. I grabbed my coat from the coat hanger and shoulder bag and walked out of the room.

Gi just gave me a missed call on my cellphone to let me know that he was waiting for me outside. Before I exited the house, Molly reminded me to say hi to Daniel for her. I just nodded and headed downstairs, even though I wasn't sure if I would ever have a conversation with him when I see him at work. I didn't want to, actually.

When I walked outside my building, I saw Gi talking to someone I couldn't recognise because his back was facing my direction. Just as I got closer to them, Gi glanced at me and the guy with him looked over his shoulders and smiled at me.

It was Daniel.

I froze on my tracks and looked startled. What the hell is he doing here? Isn't he supposed to be at his restaurant? I slowly walked towards them, not being able to take my eyes off Daniel. I must admit he looked cute with the black baseball cap he was wearing.

"Hey there." Daniel smirked.

"What are you doing here?" I wanted to know.

"Oh, I was just talking to your friend." Daniel said.

Gi looked at us confused. "You know each other?"

"Yeah, she's my ex." Daniel said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him. I pushed his arm away and stood next to Gi.

"Wow, I never knew that." Gi said, surprised.

"So I guess we'll be going now," Daniel told Gi. "nice talking to you."

"So you're going to drop her to work?" Gi asked.

"Yeah," Daniel said. "Do you mind?"

"No! not at all!"

"Good." Daniel smiled at him. "See you later."

"Yeah, me too."

Daniel then grabbed my hand and dragged me to his car. I struggled to pull my hand from him, but it was no use. I didn't want Daniel to take me to work, I didn't want to be stuck with him in his car! I don't feel comfortable around him anymore, not like how I used to.

When we reached his Porche cayenne, he opened the door for the passenger's seat for me to get in. I couldn't runaway. He gripped my hand tighter so that I wouldn't think of escaping. Well, I changed my mind when I watched Gi's car drive away.

I had no other choice but to enter his car. I sat on the passenger's seat and watched Daniel walk over to the driver's seat. This is unbelievable. Now we're going to be in his car, ALONE.

Daniel started the engine and drove off. We were silent during the ride. Well, Daniel was actually listening to some danish rockband, I think it's volbeat...yeah, I remember he once said that they were one of his favourites. God, their songs suck! Why can't he listen to good rockbands like Breaking benjamin or Linkin park?

Thirty minutes past and we still haven't reached his restaurant. Wait a minute, this is not the way to his restaurant. We just passed lark lane! Gosh! I can't believe I haven't noticed!

"Where are we going?" I demanded.

Daniel completely ignored me and kept singing along volbeat's 'the garden's tale'. He was really getting on my nerves this time. I knew he was the last person I could trust to drop me to work, I mean, he could've waited for me at work.

I leaned and lowered the volume and yelled, "I SAID, WHERE ARE WE GOING!!!!"


 

Chapter 6

Daniel placed his index finger over his lips, probably telling me to shut-up. I felt my blood boil. I just hate it when someone I'm yelling at seem to be so calm and not caring about my anger.

"Daniel," I said, trying not to yell. "if you're not going to tell me where we're heading, I'm going to jump off the car!"

"Go ahead." Daniel said. "kill yourself."

I glared at him. Dammit! He knew I would never do something that stupid. I exhaled and crossed my arms. I guess I can't do anything but wait. Daniel began to laugh.

"What's so funny?" I demanded.

"Seeing you so mad." 

I rolled my eyes. I didn't know Daniel can't be so irritating at times. Even though we haven't been together for long, he just seems to know how to annoy me.

I was getting bored of waiting, when will this ride ever end? I felt kinda sleepy. I should've not stayed up late last night. But what can I do? Molly kept begging me to watch 'The ring 2' with her. She watched that movie almost a million times!! To be honest, I hate staying up late. My attemps of sneaking out of the livingroom without Molly noticing failed. Even though she looked like she was focusing on the movie, she was still aware of what was happening around her.

I leaned my head against the window and drifted to sleep. A little nap would atleast make the time pass quickly.

~~A few minutes later~~

I felt someone shaking me. "Layla?"

"Huh...wha..what happened?" I said, half awake.

"We're here." Daniel said.

I wiped the sleep from my eyes and looked outside the window. A park? What in the world are we doing here?

"C'mon," Daniel said as he got off the car. "let's go."

I got off the car too. Daniel waited for me infront of his car. I walked over to him. He held out his hand, probably for me to hold it. I just looked at his hand, then raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh yeah," Daniel chuckled. "sorry..."

Doofus.

"So, we're here because?"

"Just for a walk," Daniel shrugged. "we got a lot of things to talk about."

A lot of things to talk about? I swallowed hard. This means that we're going to talk about our break-up, where did we go wrong and stuffs like that. And I, to be honest, don't want to talk about it. I just hoped he won't talk about  it, but what else would he want to talk to be about?

There was an awkward silence as we walked through the park. Well, I was actually praying he wouldn't bring it up. I waited and waited till he speaks up.  But he was mute for a while. I turned my face to look at him, he just kept staring at ground.

We finally stopped when we reached a bench. He sat on it and pulled my hand to sit next to him. I sat down, but not too close to him.

"So what do you want to talk about?" I asked, quietly.

"I'm sure you know." Daniel said.

Dang.

I remained silent and just stared at my knees. I didn't want to begin. I didn't know where to begin, actually. What was I supposed to say? Oh Daniel, thank you so much for cheating on me? or thanks for making me look like a fool? This is stupid.

I just sighed. Suddenly, I felt his fingers run through my hair. It made me feel better. He probably wanted to calm me, he knew I wasn't okay. "I don't want to talk about it."

"But I do." Daniel said. "Atleast listen to me?"

I didn't answer.

"I'll take that as a yes." Daniel began. "Look, I want to apologize for what I've done. I know I screwed everything, but we all make mistakes, don't we?"

I couldn't take it any more. I felt my eyes water. Discussing about our break-up was one of the many topics I don't like talking about. I didn't want to remember how bad it went. I took a deep breath so that I won't start crying and stood up. "I want to go home."

Daniel stared at me blankly. "But I'm not finished."

"I said I don't want to talk about it!" I yelled. "Now get up and send me home!"

Daniel smirked and crossed his arms. "Sorry, no can do."

Argh!!! This guy is really getting on my nerves!! I just narrowed my eyes at him and said, "Then I'll go by myself." and walked away.

"Be careful Layla," Daniel called out. "you might get lost."

"Do I look like a five year old to you?" I demanded as I turned around to face him.

"No." Daniel said. "but I'm just warning you."

I glared at him before turning around and continued to walk. I walked and walked till I reached the gates. I wanted to go by taxi, but when I dug my hands in the pocket of my coat, I couldn't find my purse or my cellphone. I must've left it in Daniel's car.

"Great." I murmured.

I heard someone laugh from behind me. "What now little girl?"

I turned around to face him with a bored expression. "I left my cellphone and my purse in your car."

Daniel tched.

I exhaled. "Drop me home, please."

Daniel smirked. "Sure."

I stared at him with disgust as he passed me. 'Friggin ex-boyfriend.' I thought to myself. I followed him to his car, which was parked in front of the park and hopped in.

Perfect. Another friggin ride with him. I warned him not to put volbeat's songs on our way back, and he agreed. Thank God! For a second I thought he wouldn't listen to me. So we had to listen to any song that came on the radio, and he sang along every song he knew. And I'm telling you, his voice sucks! I'd rather listen to volbeat's song. I'm very sure he did that on purpose. He was taunting me.

We finally reached my place. I gave him my application form before I could forget and got off the car without saying bye to him. As I walked towards my appartment building, I looked over my shoulders to check if he was gone. But he was still there watching me. He waved at me.

I turned my face and rolled my eyes. Even for one day he could be so annoying, what about the coming days?



Chapter 7

I entered my appartment and saw Molly grab her handbag from the dining table and walk towards the door. She was ready to go to work( she worked as a bank teller at Barclays). She froze when she saw me, probably wondering why I returned so soon from work. I just took my coat off and stared at her blankly.

"You finished work this fast?"

I shook my head. "I didn't go."

She blinked at me. "Why not?"

"Long story," I said as I walked pass her. "and please don't ask me about it."

"Okay," Molly said. "so what do you want for dinner? I have no idea what to cook tonight, so I thought we could order food from any restaurant."

"I'm in a mood for chicken biryani." I said as I entered my bedroom.

"Okay," Molly said. "so can you call bambino and tell him we're having indian food for dinner? 'Coz I don't think he had ever tried it."

"Sure." I called out.

"Okay then, see you later." Molly said before exiting the house.

I hung my coat on the coat hanger, then dug my hand in the pocket of my coat in search for my cellphone. I started texting Gi since I didn't feel like to talking to anyone. Texting my friends has become a habit for me.

Hey Gi, I'm ordering chicken biryani tonight..is it ok wid u?

Then I clicked send. My cell phone's battery was almost empty, so I switched it off and walked to my bedside table to connect the recharger to it.

I walked out of my room and into the livingroom. Silence hovered around the whole appartment. I was alone for the first time ever since I walked into this place. Me and Molly had work at the same time. Except that she comes back home before nine.

I sat on the couch and searched for the remote control under the sofa pillows. I heard the phone ring from the small table that was next to the couch I was sitting on, but I waited till the call got diverted to the answering machine since I was busy searching for the remote control.

"Please leave a message after the tone...*beep*...Hey Layla, it's me Dani,"

I glanced at the phone. How did he get my number? Oh yeah, how can I forget, I wrote it on the application form.

"um...I tried to reach you on your cellphone but it seems like it's switched off..anyway, I just wanted to ask you when are you coming tomorrow for work 'coz I won't be there till three, I've got a training session-"

I decided to pick up the phone before he ended his message to see what he wanted.

"Hey Daniel.."

"Layla?"

"Yeah," I said. "I'll be there by four, 'coz I'll be starting the first semester next week, and I'll be taking morning sessions."

"Great," Daniel said. "So I'll see you tomorrow."

"You wanted to tell me something?"

"Oh right," Daniel said. "I just wanted to explain how work is at my restaurant. You'll be working for four hours. Is that okay with you?"

Since when did Bosses ask that question? "Um, yeah.."

"Awesome," Daniel said. "I'll give more instructions tomorrow."

"Okay."

There was silence on the other end of Daniel's line for a moment, then he said, "Layla?"

"Yeah?"

"Is it okay if we become friends?"

I bit my lower lip. I wasn't ready for this question, I didn't know what to say. I guess there's no harm being friends with him, right? It doesn't mean that we're going back to each other. We're just going to be...friends, and nothing more than that. Besides, if we become friends, that would be good, 'coz afterall, he's my boss. I thought about it for a while then I said, "I guess we can be friends."

"Really?" Daniel said. "Wow, I'm glad we can be friends now. You don't know how happy I am. So I guess I'll see you tomo-oh shit! I gotta go! bye! bye! bye!"

Then I heard a click. He just hung up on me. What the hell was that? It was like as if he was in hurry or something. I shrugged and returned the phone to it's place.

I still wasn't able to find the remote control. How am I supposed to watch t.v now? God! did she have to loose it? I grabbed the phone again and dialled her number.

Molly: Hello?
Layla: Yeah, it's me Layla, where in the world did you put the remote? I'm trying to watch t.v and I've been searching for hours...well..not excatly, and I couldn't find it!
Molly: It must be in my room. I must've left it on my bedside table.
Layla: And what is the remote supposed to do there?
Molly: I don't know.
Layla: *sighs* whatever, bye.
Molly: Bye.

I hung up. I stood up and walked towards Molly's bedroom. I've never been in it, and I was curious to know how it looked liked. I opened the door and stepped in. A typical girly room. Walls painted in pink, Cosmogirl magazine lying on her bed, celeb boys posters above her bed, and wait...the lfc team poster? I took a closer look at it. I just wanted to know how Daniel looked with his liverpool jersey.

Yup. Cute as usual. Hold on....is that....

Oh. My. God.


Chapter 8

I had to sit down. This is so unbelievable. It IS him.

It is Fernando....Kaka's bestfriend. Well, that's all I know about him. We never actually talked, I've never even noticed he used to sit infront of me in history class, only during the last days of our academic year seven years ago, when I asked everyone to sign on my yearbook, except Daniel.

Oh yeah, how can I forget? he was also involved in the fight between Daniel and Kaka. It was stupid, really. I couldn't remember who started it...who cares anyway.

I couldn't stop staring at the poster that framed the wall over Molly's bed. There he was, on the upper right end, standing next to Daniel. Even though he looked a bit different with his blonde hair now, I don't know how the hell I recongnized him.

My gaze shifted to Stevie G and Xabi Alonso, Daniel's friends this time. I wasn't so surprised...I didn't care much, actually. I always thought they were boring to talk to. I remember the time I was forced to sit next to Stevie in English class(because me and Dani had a fight) and we didn't talk much 'cuz we had nothing in common and all he did was sharpen his pencil during the whole class, which was totally weird!

But the weirdest thing is that all of them are footballers now. Football? Of all the things they could've been and they chose football? 

Who knew that someday, those people you used to study with at school, would become one of the rich and famous? Who knew that someday, I would meet my ex-boyfriend again even though I thought it was impossible?
 
I laid my back on Molly's bed and stared at the ceiling. I started to think about me and Daniel..as friends. I mean, I never considered him as a friend..never. When I first met him on my first day at St. James, I fell in love with him. He was my crush, then my boyfriend..and now my ex-boyfriend.

Wait a minute...what if he's playing the same game he played on me seven years ago? No...it can't be. He should have a girlfriend if he ever wanted to replay the whole drama....but what about Amy? What happened to her? Is she still with him? How come I come I never asked him?

Why am I so paranoid?....what the hell? Why am I asking myself all these questions?!

I sat up and lowered my feet on the carpet next to molly's bed. I was getting tired of all these thinking, I so need a cup of hot chocolate.

I padded to the kitchen and peered in the refrigerator. I grabbed the box of chocolate milk and poured it in my favourtie teddybear mug on the kitchen table. My eyes caught the tabloids that were lying on the table. I pick one of them and turned it to the last pages..sports section to be exact.

I felt a smile slowly spread across my face as soon as I saw him...Daniel. I don't why, but I feel like he's crawling back to my heart. Just a simple phonecall made me change my mind about him.

"AGGER READY TO FILL SKRTEL VOID"

'Agger was a first-team fixture by the end on the 2006-07 campaign, but a recurring metatarsal injury saw him spend the vast majority of the following season on the treatment table.'

Hmmm...so he didn't play much...poor him. Maybe I should give him a call and ask him about it. I stood up and walked out of the kitchen toward the livingroom. I flung myself back onto the sofa and just as I reached for the phone, it rang. I quickly grabbed it and said, "Hello?" hoping it was Daniel. I can't believe I'm desperate to hear his voice.

"Hey," A familiar deep charming masculine voice said. Definitely Dani.

"Hey," I said, smiling like an idiot. "I was about to call you but then you called." I was talking quite fast, like how I usually do when I get excited and all.

"Really?" Daniel asked, sounding suspicious.

"Honest!" I giggled. "I just saw you on the newspaper, so I thought of giving you a call...so why did you hung up on me a few minutes back?"

"Um..I-I," He stammered. "It's just nothing, I had to go somewhere."

"Oh, okay," I said. I had a feeling he was hiding something, but I didn't bother to ask. All I wanted to ask right now was about Amy, Daniel's ex-girlfriend and also who stole him back from me. "Um, Daniel?.....how's Amy?"

"Amy?" Daniel asked. "why do you ask?"

"I don't know, I was just wondering if she's..." I paused and took a deep breath. I didn't want to say it, it just hurts everytime I remember that he cheated on me all because of her. "still...uh, your girl?"

Daniel bursted laughing. "Crazy?! You think I'd survive?"

I forced a laugh. Phew! Now that was good to hear! "So you're single now?"

Silence.


Chapter 9-part one

There was silence on the other end of his line. What a stupid question to ask, I thought. Just as I was about to say something to break the silence, he said, "No."

"Oh," was my quick response. I believed him...after so long. But I was beggining to wonder why he was honest about it. Despite being friends now, I still don't trust him...not until now. "okay then, I have to go now.." I didn't know what else to say. I just wanted to shut the phone and keep thinking about what he had just said.

Does this mean I'm falling for him again?. I don't feel any feeling of jealousy creeping into my heart...or maybe a little. It's natural, I guess. I mean I loved him once....why not again?

But I'm determined to not let him know.

"Where?" Daniel wanted to know.

"Somewhere...I don't know...I just gotta go." I murmured.

He was silent again.

"Hello?" I said, just to make sure he was still there. "are you th-"

"Meet me outside your building at eleven." He interrupted.

I winced. "Say what?"

"Just be there," Daniel said. "Bye."

Then I heard a click. He just hung up on me.....again. I stared at the phone for while, then returned it to it's place. Why did he ask me to meet him late at night?

Weird.

As I stood up, I heard the door of our appartment open. It was Molly. Now it was my turn to look at her surprised.

"You just left like," I looked at my wrist watch. "two hours ago?"

Molly sighed. "Layla....I got fired."

I blinked at her. "Oh," I paused for a while. I didn't know what to say at times like this. I'm so bad at this. "well, that's okay....I guess."

"Okay?" Molly shook her head in disbelief. "who's going to pay for the appartment rent?"

Good point. Now what am I going to say? "I'll go get you a cup of coffee." was all I could come up with. I remembered that a hot cup of black coffee always made her feel ok whenever she felt worried.

I walked toward the kitchen and grabbed a cup from the cup holders on the kitchen counter and filled it from the electric coffee pot. Man! I hate the smell of coffee! Gives me headache....

Then I remembered my rendevous with Dani later tonight, should I tell Molly about it? On the second thought, I better don't. She'll start teasing me about it...she'll probably think I'm trying to get back to him, which I hadn't planned of. I should stick to being friends....and ONLY friends.

But I was beginning to wonder, what was it that Daniel wanted from me. I mean, it better be something important. I hate staying up late, it just gives me dark circles around my eyes.

I looked at my wrist watch. 7 pm. Just four hours away...just four hours away....

-------

I looked at my reflection in the mirror as I tied my hair in a ponytail. It's alomst eleven and I'm very thankful Molly went to sleep early, which she usually doesn't. The only light that filtered our appartment was from the lamp on my desk as I didn't want to wake Molly. I wasn't ready for an interrogation.

I grabbed my cellphone when I heard a beep. It was Daniel. He must be waiting for me outside the appartment building. I slowly crept outside my room, making sure I wouldn't hit anything as I made my towards the door. I didn't want to make to break anything, as the whole appartment was dim and it was hard for me to see.

I slowly turned the door knob and tip toed my way outside, closing the door carefully behind me. I sighed with relief.

Mission accomplished.

I quickly ran downstairs, my heart pounding with every step. I can't believe I'm being excited over this. Gosh, I hope this is isn't happening again...I can't be falling for him again.

As I pulled the glass door of our building, a blast of cold wind brushed my fringe backwards. The sweater I was wearing couldn't keep me warm...I should've worn my coat.

The whole street was dim, except the lights coming from Daniel's black Prosche. He glanced at my direction as I walked toward his car and smiled at me. I smiled back and gave him a short wave before hopping into his car.

"Man! it's much warmer here!" I said as I rubbed my palms.

Daniel chuckled. "Ready to go?"

"Where?" I wanted to know.

"My house."

I just nodded slightly as the car began to move. I didn't want to question him because I know he'll always give me short stupid answers. I looked out the window. My building was soon behind us as he drove quietly. I had no idea what was going on his mind, but I suddenly felt butterflies inside.

In a matter of few minutes we were infront of his house. I realized that he was only a few blocks away. He parked his car inside the garage and turned off the engine.

"Come on." Daniel said as he got off the car. I did the same as well.

We entered his house through the back door and into the kitchen. He opened the door of the fridge and peered inside. I moved towards the kitchen island behind him and hopped onto it.

It was dim and silent in the house except for the kitchen, which made me remember Daniel's girlfriend. "Hey Dani, does your girlfriend live with you?"

"Yeah." Daniel said as he placed a bag of chocolate chip cookies and two glasses next to me. He turned around to grab a carton of milk from the frige and closed the door.

"Oh," I said. "so where is she?"

"She's not here tonight," Daniel said as he filled both the glasses with milk then handing it to me. "I just dropped her at the airport before I came over to your place. She always travels to Denmark during the weekends. She can't stand living here, but she's doing it for me."

"Awww!" I pouted my lips as I took the glass from him. "So, um, your girlfriend..how does she look like?"

"Follow me." Daniel said as he placed the glass on the counter after taking a sip. I scooted off the kitchen island and followed him outside the kitchen. We climbed the stairs until we reached his bedroom. As we entered, he turned on the lights and walked towards the bedside table.

He picked up a frame and turned around to face me. "Here's my girlfriend Sofie."



Chapter 9 part two

I took the frame from him and sat on his bed. I gazed at the picture for a while, wondering if they're happy together. His arm was drapped around a brown curly haired girl, the same way he held me in our picture.

He sat next to me and took the frame from my hands and set it back to it's place. "I got something to show you." He smiled at me.

He then stood up and walked outside the room. It wasn't long till he came back with a photo in his hand. He walked over to me and handed the photo to me. "Remember this?"

I took the the photo and peered at it for a while. I felt a smile slowly spread across my face when I saw us in the photo. It's the same picture I have back at the appartment. How could I totally forget he had a copy of that photo?

I thought he had thrown it years ago...I thought he didn't care about us, especially when he cheated on me....

"You still have the photo right?" Daniel asked, interupting my thoughts.

"No," I lied, still gazing at the photo. I didn't want him to know that I still cared about him after our brake-up.

His lips tightened as he nodded slightly.

I then felt him wrap his arm around my shoulder and move his face closer to mine. And to my stupidity, I turned my head and felt his lips pressed against mine. We quickly pulled back and stared at each other blankly.

He began to laugh. "I swear I didn't mean to kiss you there."

"I know." I said, my face flushed with embarassment. I can't believe I just kissed my ex-boyfriend...accidentally.

We sat silently on his bed, and I started to feel awkward. I stared at my knees for a while, from the corner of my eye I could see him still staring at me. My heart pounded.

He leaned closer.

"How about staying here for tonight?" He whispered, his warm breath tickled my ear.

"Or maybe I should be going now." I suggested as I stood up.

I walked towards the door to stay as far as possible from him. I turned around to face him and found laying his back on his bed, sticking his tongue out at me. God! He can be so annoying sometimes.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Get up!"

He turned his head to not face me and pretended like he was asleep. I walked towards him, grabbed a pillow and threw it at his face. He laughed and reached out to quickly grab my hand like a snake about to eat it's prey but I pulled my hand backwards quickly. This guy is so dangerous.

"Damn!" He muttered.

I stuck my tongue out at him. "Never underestimate my reflex skills!"

Daniel giggled as he sat up. "So you're going to work on Monday, right?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "and university too."

He smiled and stood up. "Let's go."

~~The next day..~~

I sipped on my hot chocolate as I read the newspaper on the kitchen table. It was 10 a.m and the sun was already shining outside. It's barely sunny here in England.

I glanced up when Molly walked into the kitchen. I eyed her. She had black circles around her eyes, like as if she hasn't slept all night. Weird. I don't remember her being awake last night.

She scratched her head as she opened the door of the fridge and pulled out glass bottle of milk and set it on the table. I continued to look at her suspiciously as she filled her cup with milk.

"What?" She asked when she finally noticed me staring at her.

"Nothing," I shrugged. "I was just wondering why you have dark circles around your eyes."

"I saw you sneak outside last night to meet Daniel." Molly wiggled her eyebrows.

I froze. "What are you talking about?" Shit. I thought I was very careful when I closed the door quietly...or maybe she wasn't asleep after all. Stupid me...should've been more careful.

"Pretending like you don't know, huh?"

I tried to look as calm as possible as I took another sip on my hot choco. She kept staring at me, smiling cheekily. "Had fun?"

Great! Now she thinks we did it! "We didn't do anything."

Molly raised her eyebrows. "Oh really?"

She didn't sound convinced by what I had said.

"We just kissed and that's it."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, I mean I accidentally kissed him."

"You're so boring." Molly rolled her eyes.

"He already has a girlfriend." I pointed out.

Molly slapped her forehead. "Right! I totally forgot about her when I met you!"

I chuckled and shook my head slightly. "She looks sweet."

"You met her?" Molly's eyes widened.

"No, but I saw a photo of her."

"Oh," Molly said. "you know, maybe you should do something to have him back. Just imagine how will it feel to become a wag! You won't be living in this stupid appartment, you won't have to work-"

"I don't want to have him back." I interrupted. I can't believe Molly's tempting me to steal my ex-boyfriend from Sofie...I don't want to be called 'the boyfriend stealer' again. To be honest, I have this teeny weeny need to have him back....