Chapter 7 - Andie and Mitch

“Bye Andie, see you tomorrow,” said the guy who just waved at Andie.

Josh saw the whole thing while he was standing outside his truck. Andie just acts simply as she crossed the street to meet Josh. Even if she’s sure that Josh has no intentions of taking the pair-up thing seriously, she’s still thinking about what Joy reported to her.

“Hi, Josh,” Andie greeted him enthusiastically giving Josh a serious look on his face.

“Hi Andie, what’s up?” he asked. “Did you miss me?” he added.

She just smiled and told him that she’s already hungry so they went to the cafeteria and checked the cooked food.

“How’s your trip, how’re your friends?” she asked sincerely.

“The trip is fine and my friends are all fine,” he continued. “I wanted to go home by myself already just to see you but I couldn’t leave them there,” he said while starting to laugh.

“I bet you don’t, and I think you were having fun there, and you forgot to go home already,” she added.

“Don’t be so ridiculous, you know it’s not true,” he said while arranging their seats.

He pulled the other seat near him so they could sit close to each other.

“I really miss this and I really missed you!” he couldn’t help but tell her.

Andie agreed that even if he won’t say it, it reflects more on his gesture how much he misses her.

They were talking about what Paul told her and what he commented after he talked to Andie. She felt worthy after hearing his good comments from him. Suddenly, Andie’s phone rang.

“Hello, yes, I’m coming with you, tomorrow it is!” At three?” All right then, ha ha, no, you’re bad. Don’t be like that to her! Only the two of us? I thought Trish is coming with us?”

Andie continued talking while Josh just stares at her blankly when he overhears the conversation Andie has on the phone. He extended his right arm behind her back and rested it on her chair while he lists back on his chair to eavesdrop on their conversation. Josh is in advantage of leaning her body on him while his arm is now on her shoulder.

“Okay, Carlo, let’s talk about this after class, see you also, bye bye!” then they hung up the phone.

Andie is shocked when she sees herself leaning on his chest and his other arm around her shoulder.

“Who’s Carlo?” he asked with a serious look on his face.

“Uhmm he’s in my review class,” she simply said.

“Then why did he call you?” he is furious.

“We’re going to have a group review tomorrow afternoon so you don’t have to come here to pick me up.

“What? No! We already have our schedule set, so there’s no changing it,” he firmly said.

“And who said I can’t change it?” she said in a rather furious tone.

“Are you the one who’s reviewing here?” she asked.

When he saw Andie is going to erupt into complete anger, he then wrapped his arm completely around her and cupped her chin to face him.

“Shhhhh, okay, if that’s what you want, no more argument, I won’t come tomorrow,” he said calmly. “But I don’t want you to go with that Carlo alone, understood?”

Andie softened immediately so she leaned herself fully on his outstretched arm while facing him. They continued eating.

“Don’t you have special class anymore?” he asked while they’re already in the truck.

“Yep, starting tomorrow, no more special class, so we conducted a group study,” she told him.

“So that means after that you’re free already?” he added.

“Sort of,” said she.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up after that then, or you want me to join your group study instead?” he asked seriously.

“What? Of course not!” she exclaimed. “There you go again, Josh,” she said.

“Okay, okay, I got you,” he said.

“Uhmm, my friends want to meet you, I’m asking if you could come with me?” he asked hesitantly.

“I’m not sure Josh, you know my schedule and you know what’s my best priority right now, right?” she clarified.

He just nods, he looked outside then he started the engine.

The following afternoon, Andie asked Josh to drive her on the other restaurant so they could eat lunch there. She said she’ll treat him after giving her all the stuff he bought from Baguio. Josh is excited that Andie asked to drive her for the first time. They then dined into that restaurant. Josh is surprised to see that Carlo is coming. Andie waved at Carlo when she sees him.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said.

She then introduced each other and they shook hands. Josh inspected Carlo well and he could agree that Carlo is a good-looking guy. He has a nice built and a nice stand plus he speaks well. Josh thinks that he has hots for Andie.

“Where’s Trish?” she asked.

“I told you she’s not coming, so I think it’s just the two of us,” he said. “I parked the car that side,” he added.

Josh was choked when he heard what he said.

“You wanna eat?” she offered. “No, no, I’m done,” he said. “I’ll just go outside to call Trish, okay?” he said.

“What?” she asked while she sees his face frowned.

“Are you going with him alone?” he asked straight. “Why not?” she said.

He just shook his head in dismay. “Who’s Trish, by the way, is she his girlfriend?” he continued.

“Ah no, they’re both my friends and they don’t have any relationship,” she said.

“Then why are you coming with him, it means he wants to be with you alone!” he exclaimed.

“Why are you thinking like that?” she asked. “And why are you acting so strange? What are we then? I don’t even know what we have right now,” she continued.

Josh just shut his mouth afraid that he might utter what he really feels for her, as he knows it’s not the right time yet.

“Okay, I’ll let you ride with Carlo so no more argument, but let me know if you get there safe alright?” he told her in concern.

“What do you mean safe? Carlo is not a dangerous guy for your information and who said I’m riding with him?” she added.

“What?” “You mean….you’re not going to ride on his……I really can’t read you sometimes!” he just smiled in wonder.

“Okay now, then finish your food, I don’t want you get hungry later. We’ll buy some foods so you can bring it to your review okay?” he said.

Andie just squeezed Josh’s hand.

“I thought you don’t like me to come with you that’s why I overreacted.”

She just nods. “I’m telling you now, you’ll just drop me at my classmate’s place okay, no more hanging out?”

Josh nods in agreement. “Can I pick you up later?” he asked. “No, just go home straight, I can manage to go home by myself,” she said. “But let me know if you want me to pick you up okay?” he added.

Carlo then returned and said that their other classmates have arrived in the parking lot so they’re ready to go. It seems like Carlo already knew that Josh is dropping Andie to the place.

“You can follow us, Josh,” Carlo said. He just nods.

They arrived at the place. Josh is talking to her like he’s instructing her not to go near with any of the guys, especially Carlo.

She’s confused why he’s so strict on her about her guy friends. During their group discussion, Andie received a text from Joy asking her if she’s coming on Friday with them as they’ll be having a night out with the same set of people. Joy insisted Andie to come because the lady who’s flirting with Josh is coming over too. She told Andie that she should not let Josh get away with it. Andie just said that she’ll think about it first as she’s so busy.

“Girl, by the time you will realize that, your boyfriend is already busy with another girl,” Joy told her.

She felt so troubled about the fact and it’s not impossible to happen.

“Okay, let me arrange my schedule Joy, I’ll see if I can go, okay?” she told her.

Andie suddenly felt that she should call Josh to pick her up so he won’t be able to think of going out with the lady that Joy is talking about.

“Uhmm hello Josh, where are you?” she said in a sweet tone. “Hi, Andie, put down the phone let me call you,” he said.

“No, no it won’t be long,” she said.

“Uhmm aren’t you busy?” she asked.

Josh starts to giggle when he hears her, he thinks she is asking him out.

“Oh no, not at all, why?” he asked.

“Uhmm, can you pick me up here, if it’s okay with you and you’re not busy, but if you’re busy it’s fine with me, you don’t have to say anything?” she said quickly while covering her face, ashamed that he might turn her request down. “Hey, hey, you still there?” Yes, I suppose you’re busy, I should not ask,” she added.

“Hello, hello, what did you say again?” Josh asked. “I didn’t hear you, I was checking the tires so I can pick you up now,” he said. “Oh nothing, I said I’ll be waiting for you, thanks Josh!” she said.

Then she felt relieved. She’s really sure that he can always be available for her.

“Andie, are you sure you don’t want to ride with me?” Carlo asked.

“It’s okay Carlo, Josh said he’ll pick me up, I’ll just wait for him, you can go now,” she said.

“No, I’ll wait with you till Josh arrives,” he said.

They were talking long and laughing when Josh arrived.

“Sorry, I’m late,” he said while brushing his fingers on his hair.

“I’m going now,” Carlo said. “Thanks for waiting with me,” Andie told him.

Andie displayed a big smile when she saw Josh then he held her hand and walked her toward the front seat.

“I knew I need to pick you up, it seems like I can feel it,” he said.

“Don’t overreact Mr. Singson,” she said while ginning.

“Uhmm one thing more, when’s your night out with your friends again?” she asked. “It’s on Friday night,” he said plainly. “Uhmm okay,” she replied. “How many of your friends are coming?” she added. “About the same set in Baguio,” he said with no clue on his voice. “Okay,” she just said.

“So, I’ll pick you up at 8 p.m. on Friday night?” he asked her straight. “Yes,” she plainly said. “Really! Yahoo!” Josh was so happy that she agrees to come and meet his friends.

**********

It’s already Friday night. Josh picked her up and went straight to some bar in Makati.

“Where’s Josh?” Mitch asked Paul. “He picks up his girlfriend,” Paul said. “Girlfriend?” Mitch exclaimed. “Yes, that’s what I’ve been telling you, Josh already has special someone so please behave yourself if you see him with his girlfriend okay?” Paul added.

Josh and Andie finally arrived Greenbelt where they were set to meet. They then looked for a fancy bar where they could spend the night.

“Andie, these are my friends,” as Josh introduced her to them.

Andie smiled at Joy and sat beside her the moment she saw her. They then started talking. Mitch came and Josh introduced Andie to her.

“Andie, this is Mitch. Mitch, this is Andie, my special friend,” he introduced.

“Mitch’s one brow raised after hearing what he said. She then ordered a couple glasses of Vodka for herself. Andie said that she doesn’t drink and Josh wouldn’t allow her to drink also.

Mitch could see the difference between his treatment to her and to Andie. She sees how sweet they are so it prompted her to drink some more Vodka. Paul then insisted to talk to Andie, as he’s fond of the conversation they had back then. He then started to ask questions to Andie, which made her enjoy the night with them. She then realized that they’re not as bad as she thinks at all. It seems like all the attention is turned to Andie that night and more likely the attention that she’s getting from Josh made Mitch so furious. Andie asked Joy if she could accompany her to the restroom, and she agreed. Josh is about to come with them when Andie said that they can manage.

Mitch then sat close to Josh and asked him if that’s the lady he chose over her.

“Mitch, I didn’t choose her over you, I’ve met her long before I met you,” he told her straight.

She then gave him a bad look on her face and after she’s settled, she went to the restroom without them noticing her. She went inside the restroom and saw Joy and Andie laughing. She honestly thought that they were laughing at her.

“What are you two laughing at?” she asked in a furious tone.

“Oh, hi Mitch,” Andie said in a calm voice while looking at her. She’s not talking. “Mitch, I heard so much about you, I heard them say you were nice and pretty, which I totally agree, but I didn’t realize that you get angry fast, that’s the opposite of what I’ve heard from them,” as she is reversing her mood.

“Really? Who told you that?” she asked. “All of them, even Joy told me so,” she said while elbowing Joy to back her up. “Yes, yes, I knew you were nice but we didn’t have much time to talk to each other in Baguio, but I really do think you’re fine,” she said.

“One thing I’m confused about, why do I feel like you’re mad at me?” Andie asked her.

“Uhmm I don’t know either, maybe it’s because of Josh,” she said.

“Josh, why?” Andie asked.

“Coz you know, I like him so much and I’m close to falling in love with him, but when I saw him calling someone on the phone, I knew there’s someone, I just knew it, more so when I kissed him on the lips,” she said while starting to cry.

“Kiss?!” they both exclaimed.

Andie then regained her composure and started asking her again.

“Do you think it’s me, and what about the kiss?” she asked.

“Yes I think you were the one he’s calling that night, I always see him look at his cellphone and call somebody and I think it’s a lady he’s calling.

About the kiss, it’s bad, he just shoved me away, he didn’t respond on my kiss and he turned to leave. After that incident he turned so cold on me, I knew it, I felt it and it hurt so bad.

“Are you mad at me because of what happened?” Andie asked.

“Actually no, I’m just jealous of you. I can see that you’re not as pretty as I thought you to be but still he chose you over me and that makes me real furious,” she said.

Andie just smiled.

Josh is worried what’s taking the ladies so long. When he stood up, he didn’t see Mitch around also. He’s afraid that Mitch would hurt Andie and he could regret that time if it’ll happen. He called Paul and asked him if Mitch is capable of doing such things. Paul said that Mitch might be as aggressive as he thought her to be but she’s harmless. She doesn’t know how to fight especially with girls. He describes her as a dumb blonde.

“You know what, I didn’t think you’re as pretty as I thought you to be, but I was wrong, I think you’re too beautiful to be like a princess and princess should be treated well, not like this one. I also think that you have a good heart that’s why you don’t really fight, am I right?” she asked.

While Josh is getting too worried, he then followed them at the restroom. He’s thinking what might be happening. He knocks on the door but the ladies who came in and out gave him a bad look so he just left embarrassed.

“Just relax, man, they’re both civilized people, I think,” Paul said while Benj is also worried because her girlfriend is there also.

“So you’re not really mad at me? I think you deserve someone better, I know you can find one. You’re too good to be Prince William’s girlfriend you know that?” Andie teased.

Mitch then smiled and felt relieved after their conversation. “Friends?” “Friends.” They both said. Mitch then kissed Andie and Joy on the cheeks. Joy is amazed by how Andie is too clever to reverse damsel in distress’ attitude.

All the guys are looking at their direction with their slacked jaw as they saw the three laughing and teasing each other. They’re not sure exactly what happened but Josh couldn’t help but approach them and asked what made everything turned into a joke.

“Relax, man, Mitch told Josh while laughing. Andie just winked at him. He’s amazed how Andie handled the situation with her. The night ended so right to all of them. They all had fun. Josh then said that he’ll be sending Andie home already.

“How're you able to talk to Mitch like that?” Josh asked.

“Talk to Mitch like what?” she asked him.

“Like nothing happened,” he added.

“I don’t know, I just think she’s nice and all. Why don’t you like her anyway? She seems so fine and pretty and sexy, but I just don’t get it?” she wondered.

“Girls like her should need someone of her attitude, she’s too clingy,” he said.

“And?” she continued.

“And nothing more!” he said.

It seems like Josh understands that there’s more he should tell Andie about.

“Okay, okay, you got me there, I suppose Mitch told you about it,” he told her.

“Nah, what about it?” she asked. When it seems like there’s no backing out anymore, Josh already told her.

“About the kiss, I just…I didn’t…” he said hesitantly while scratching his head.

“You didn’t kiss her back?” she continued. He just nods. They just looked at each other and a few minutes of silence passed.

“Let’s have coffee first,” he told her while parking the truck on the Coffee Beans and Tea Leaf parking lot.

Some men waved at Josh at the parking lot and he waved at them back. It seems like everywhere they go, Josh knew a lot of people. It just amazed Andie. Josh went straight to the counter and Andie took their seats on the corner by the window. Josh bought a hot beverage for her.

“My schedule to visit Subic is in two weeks, would you like to come with me?” he asked her while he’s moving to sit beside her.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yes, but I’m going there alone so I’m asking you if you want to come, this time the place is all finished and I want you to judge if I made an excellent job to the house,” he told her.

“Sure, sure!” she said enthusiastically.

After a few minutes, Andie asked again, “Is it really just the two of us?” she asked while displaying a cautious look on her face.

“Yes, don’t you want to?” he asked.

“No, it’s just that…” she was cut.

“You’re afraid to be alone with me?” he asked in a rather calm tone but wants to laugh heavily.

“Not really, but….” She just said while she’s caught up.

“I told you, I’m a good boy now and a charming man, you just have to trust me,” he told her. Andie is relieved but still guarded at the same time. It suddenly excites her when she realized that she’s finally going to spend a vacation with him in her favorite place, Subic.