It Has Always Been You: Chapter 5- Suspicions

The four of them are already inside the restaurant. They are waiting for James and Yen.

Bret: Hey, where are they?

Ivan: Yeah, we’ve been waiting for almost 10 minutes!

Fretzie: I wonder what took them so long.

                Devon is worried too. “James is a good driver. He always ensures safety. But where are they now? Please be safe, James and Yen..”  Devon looked outside and saw a familiar car, it was James’. Behind it’s mirror, she saw James rubbing Yen’s back. She also saw the both of them laughing. She can’t tell why she felt sadness or disappointment or whatever, she can’t describe the feeling seeing James is with other girl. “But I shouldn’t feel this way. Yen is my friend, I know she doesn’t feel anything for James.”

Devon: They’re here.

Fretzie: Thank God, finally! I thought something went wrong.

                James and Yen joined them in the table, Yen paused for a while, the only vacant seat is beside Ivan and beside Bret. James hurriedly sat beside Bret, leaving Yen no choice but to sit beside Ivan. When Yen sat, James and Yen looked at each other and smiled sweetly. Devon saw their exchange of smiles and their suspicious look.

                Ivan, on the other hand, is wondering why Devon is silent. “I’m sure there is something bothering her. I just don’t know how to reach out to her. Everytime we’re together, it’s like she’s not happy at all.”  

Ivan: Hey babe, are you okay? What’s wrong? (rubbed Devon’s back)

Devon: I’m okay, don’t worry ‘bout me.. (smiled at him)

Fretzie: Are you sure? Kanina ka pa silent mode eh.

Devon: Yeah, maybe I’m just hungry. (laugh)

Bret: Yeah, that reminds me. Waiter!

                While waiting for their food,

Ivan: Yen, honestly, what took you so long? (stared at Yen)

Yen: Ahm.. James had to refill gas and..and.. (she don’t know what else to say)

James: And the gasoline station is crowded. That’s why. (salo ni James kay Yen)

Devon: Ahh..okay. (looking suspiciously at James)

Bret: We thought something went wrong.

James: No. we’re alright. (smiled at Yen & Yen did the same)

Fretzie: Hey, what’s behind those smiles? Uuyyy.. (laughs)

Bret: Could it be that you two are in good terms now?

Ivan: Hey, that’s good. (smiled)

Yen: No, please. It’s not what you think it is.

James: Yeah, it’s nothing. You know I like someone else. (looked at Bret, then to Devon)

Bret: Yeah, I know, I’m just fooling around. (chuckled)

Yen: Come on James, tell us who she is. (looked at James, smiled and looked at Devon)

Ivan: Yeah, tell us.

                And all the attention diverted upon him. Devon stared at him seriously.

James: This is not the right time yet. Don’t worry, someday you’ll know..

Devon: Why not now? (looked at James, frowning)

James: As I’ve said, not yet the right time. (smiled at Devon)

Fretzie: Then just give us a clue.

Yen: Yeah, do we know her? (looked at Devon) “Of course we know her. Andito nga siya sa harap namin eh..haha”

James: Yes, you all know her. “She’s in fact here with us.”

Ivan: Are we attending the same school?

James: Yep.

Devon: I think I know her.

                Devon feels a little sadness knowing James likes other girl. But still, she has the courage to ask him.

Devon: Is it Ann?

                Fretzie, Bret and Yen looked at Devon. “If you only knew Devon..”

James: No! Of course not. (frowning)

                The conversation was stopped because their orders came. After eating, they went home to take rest.

                It’s already 11pm but Devon is still awake. She can’t forget what James said earlier. “May iba siya’ng gusto.” Ivan texted her earlier that he will call, but she replied she will sleep early because she’s having a headache, but that was a lie. The truth is, James is bothering her. “Devon! Ano bah! Why are you even bothered? Be happy for him, just like him, being happy for you and Ivan. Gising pa kaya siya? Should I text him and ask him who is that girl he’s liking? Urgh! Never mind.” But instead, she reached her phone at her bedside table and sent a text message to James.

                James, on the other hand, is still awake because he can’t forget how Devon frownedwhen she saw him waving at Tricia and Ann. It makes him smile. Nagulat siya na’ng tumunog phone niya. “Who could it be texting this late?” He was surprised to see Devon’s name registered on the screen. He sat and read the message.

Devon: Hey James! Y  didn’t u told me dat u we’re liking sum1? Tell me hu is she.. y r u keeping secrets from me now? L

                “Kung alam mo lang.. It has always been you Devon.” He said to himself.

                Tumunog ang phone ni Devon and was happy to know that James replied.

TEXT CONVO

James: I said it’s not yet the right time.. 

Devon: y? wen do u think s d right tym?

James: wen she s free from her bf right now.. :(

Devon: Oh, I see, sory 2 hear dat. Now I know its not Ann.. :)

James: Of cors its not Ann, y did u think its her?..& wat’s with dat smiley?

Devon: I juz thot it was her bcoz u waved at her kanina, u know, I haven’t even seen u saying ‘hi’ to her. And I don’t lyk her for you.. :)

James: hahaha..y not? Well, hu do u want 4 me?

Devon: me, myself and i.. :)