THE GOOD THINGS LIKE ALE
My best friend Kayla has a crush on the boy who lives in the room across from mine.
Ale, his name was, like the spicy ginger drink everybody is so fond of. Ale and his red-streaked hair, his vintage band tees, his worn-out Converses. We lived in the college dorm, yes, but that didn’t mean I knew him from class or clubs or what.
Ale was supposed to be unpopular – an invisible boy, if you must – because he had a quirky taste of music; because he didn’t go to parties or did things boys normally do. He was a lone wolf.
But everybody loved Ale.
Everybody knew what it was like to be in his arms – how soft his lips felt; how bright his eyes were; or, how smooth he talked. He was a player, I’m sure, he had his own charisma and his own charm that attracted both boys and girls. And, every time he had someone over, as long as you knocked on his front door.
Oh, everyone knew he was bad news, but that did not stop anyone.
The downside was: Ale didn’t do relationships. Never the same person every time. People send handwritten love notes, expensive gifts, and flowers all the time – I should know, they always get sent to my doorstep by mistake. However, not one of these gifts were accepted by him – either he’d send back each one, or he’d throw them away.
Why did people still come? I did not understand – maybe I was about to find out.
”Come on! Just live up a little, would you?”
Kayla shouts over the loud music blaring from the speakers. Every inch of this room is reeked of sweat and alcohol. People press against one another, dancing and pretending that this party isn’t horrible at all. At least – it is to me.
Kayla shoves a plastic cup into my hand, which I instantly shove back, after getting a good whiff of what was inside. Vodka, I’m sure. She laughs, then downs it in one go.
Something is shouted from her mouth again but I don’t hear it – before she pushes me abruptly into the middle of the room; the middle of the crowd.
Ew. Ewewewewew. EW. I feel someone’s elbow in the small of my back, and someone’s knee on my thigh. I was now in the sweaty crowd. I prayed for an access out.
So, with as much effort as I could muster, I elbowed myself out of the sea of partygoers and drunk students alike. Almost there, I tell myself. I get myself closer to the edge – I can finally see empty space! – that’s when someone really drunk knocks me down.
I fall and fall and fall.
And someone with strong arms and quick reflexes catches me. I look up to find the brightest thing in the dimly lit room – a pair of green, green eyes, staring back at me.
Ale. I almost fall again by how startled I am. The infamous heartbreaker Ale was holding me! As he steadies me back at my feet, I immediately look around, trying to search for my best friend – but she is nowhere to be found.
My knees grow wobbly as I turn back to look at Ale. He has a charming smile – a lot of white teeth, and his eyes curve into crescents – and those very green eyes I just mentioned. Even the red streaks of his air look somewhat good in the party lights.
“Hey,” he said, almost as quiet as a whisper. I have to admit – that he was the best-looking boy I’ve ever seen up close. The moment I realize that he had his arms around my waist, was when he finally let go, leaving a trail of jittery feeling of scorched skin. “You are−“
I cut his sentence. “Kayla’s friend. Yes.” Why did that sound awkward? Surely he remember Kayla – a girl equally as popular and attractive as he was – she had spent several nights at his place, though all with long intervals in between.
But he gives me a funny look and a lopsided grin. “I was going to say that you live across from my place.” Something hot creeps up my cheeks – my own body teasing me! I hope that in the dark room, he does not see the blush.
Ale suddenly quirks his head to the side, looking somewhere faraway and beyond the living room of that frat party. I want to turn at the direction but he speaks up. “Hey, I can see that you aren’t enjoying the party,” I don’t want to admit that I am a loner or what, but I give him the most honest answer and nod. He smiles. ”Me neither.” The strong feeling crawls into my stomach again – like a thousand blooming flowers threatening to burst out of my body.
He takes a step closer and grins. Extending his arm, he offers me to take it. “Come on, let’s go home.”
I stare at his hand in horror, hesitant to take it.
My inner conscious scolds me. You found Ale – you should tell Kayla, not run off with him! He’s thinking funny things, I tell you, and you are going to regret it! Go on, call your best friend, her number is only a speed dial away.
I bite my lower lip.
And, what if I didn’t want to?
It felt stupid, selfish and oh-so-wrong. But I took it. Ale’s grin grew and his green eyes shone even brighter in the dim room. Then, he starts walking, zipping in and out through crowds and towards the front door, pulling me along.
Once we got outside into the fresh midnight air, I can help but gasp for air.
Ale doesn’t chuckle at my reaction but starts tugging me towards a direction where does not lead towards our college dorm. My hand jerks back in panic. “Where’re we going?’
And he just shrugs and tells me to trust him.
Funnily, I do, despite his reputation and how little I actually know about him.
We head across crisp, mowed yards and under the yellow hue of street lights, towards a direction further and further away from wherever our dorm is supposed to be. The stone path leads us nearer to a short bridge that lets students cross over the small stream beneath. From this bridge on, I know that Ale is bringing me closer to the University Central – a large patch of grass, where a lot of large trees and vendors park themselves – it is a popular place for students to be at any time of the day.
Ale and I move to cross the bridge but he stops at the middle of it. I open my mouth to ask him what are we doing standing on a bridge, when he suddenly jerks his heads towards the rushing water below, motioning me to look down with him. I do.
The unraveling scene before me leaves me breathless – in the dark water of the stream below, I can see clearly of little guppies and of larger, elegant fishes – because the creature underwater glow. They emit vibrant lights of ruby and purple; of the brightest blue I have ever seen; of emerald and lavender.
I have never seen anything so stunning in my life.
After a while, once I realize I have been gawking downwards too long, my head lifts at Ale’s direction – and he is already looking at me with a soft smile – I look back at the lighted fishes again, glad that the darkness of the night can hide the growing blush on my face.
What is wrong with me?
Eventually, we leave the colorful lights of the underwater creatures – how do they shine such light still remains a mystery to me.
The both of us follow the curves of where the stone path leads. The faint sound of music grows stronger, so does the waft of aromatic foods and drinks. We were getting closer to the University Central. Oh, what does Ale have in mind? I ponder of his intentions.
He is a good guy, I believe, because he is not a bad person, but only a player. I am sure he does not wish to break my heart – even so, I do not wish to give him the chance of breaking my heart. What is between him and I are purely platonic.
The bop of music finally gets loudest and I see long wires of fairy lights strung to every pole or sign or tree branch. The sound of students interacting buzzes. Though, it is close to midnight already – the moon has already risen long, and stars fill the velvety black night sky – so most of the Central is not crowded. Vendors and hawkers have closed for the day; only a few friends here and there laying on the grass, or sitting on benches.
It is now, when Ale finally lets go of my hand, which his palm’s absence makes something in me yearn. He walks towards a bush and gets out what seems to be a rolled-up blanket. When he walks back to me, he has got this mischievous grin hung on, and he lays the blanket on an empty spot of grass. With a flourish, he presents the checkered blanket, which is large enough for two to lie on.
The silly smile he has on makes me laugh.
Ale extends his hand to me again, which I take without any hesitance from before. We walk over and sit down. “Come on, lie down.” he says as he finds himself a comfortable lying position on the blanket. I scrunch my face purposely, which makes him laugh and leaves him no choice but to pull me down. My head falls into the crook between his chin and neck.
Another blush appears fiercely.
Ale alters his position again, so I could lie comfortably, and so that his bicep would act as a makeshift pillow for me. I don’t know why but the hum of the Central fades – I can only hear the swish of the branches’ leaves above, the soft chirp of the crickets – I dare not speak aloud.
My question comes out as a whisper. “What are we doing here?”
His bright green eyes glimmer in the darkness, as the edges of his lips quirk upwards. The look in his eyes is always so soft as he speaks. “A forecast told me that tonight would be a night of a meteor shower.”
“Really?” A hint of doubt and surprise tints my question.
Ale’s attention is forced upwards when something bright crosses our vision. I look up to – and there it is. A meteor shower right before my eyes. Constant bursts of lights zooming in and out of my sight.
The colors of the fishes before were magical – but this show of shooting stars were mystical. A natural occurrence of science that took my breath away.
All around us, I hear gasps and oohs and ahs . I gaze sideways at Ale – he has his mouth open in a wow and his eyes reflect the beauty of the stars above – even he is at wonder by the sight before.
He turns and smiles at me suddenly. “Make a wish!” he says before closing his eyes and whispering something to the meteor shower above. I do the same – closing my eyes, cupping my hands together and whisper a wish.
I wish for peace and true love.
The shower had lasted for a while, but to me, it felt like only seconds. By the time it was over, most of everyone had groaned and left, but not disappointed.
Beside me, Ale moans in pain, which makes me sit straight up and start fretting over him. Panicking, I ask, “Why? What’s wrong?” He winces, placing a brave grin – before quickly rubbing the bicep of his that I have laid my head on.
Understanding rushes to my head and I blush, mortified. His arm has gone numb. Ale looks at me again, this time realizing that I’ve turned very red, he laughs and assures me that it’s nothing.
“Your head is very light, I swear, my arm has just gotten weak.”
Nevertheless, I still blush, feeling very embarrassed.
Ale helps me up from the ground, taking my hand in his and pulling me up. He rolls the checkered fabric again, then returns it to its original spot. He smiles at me, the green in his eyes twinkling again. I interlock my fingers with the fingers of his hand that he has offered once again.
Midnight has long strike, leaving the once bustling Central a silent place. We walk along the stone path, through and past the benches, street lights and closed stalls.
We stop at the other entrance of the Central – our exit – as I look up at Ale with raise eyebrows. He grins again, mischievously. “One last stop of the night, I promise.” he says.
Once again we continue our midnight adventure. Though, this time as we walk, I have an urge to speak up; to know him. But I have nothing to say. That is true, despite him acting comfortable, it is undeniable that there is an awkward silence between us – so much that I could reach out and cut myself on it.
I turn towards him – only to see his already looking back.
Little pink spots color his cheeks and he grins. His fingers squeeze mine, I pick up the courage to squeeze it back. And it makes me smile. Like a fool, yes. But a smile, nonetheless.
“I am told,” Testing, I say with a hitch in my voice. “That you are not a boy to mess with.”
He raises an eyebrow, still smiling. “Is that true?” Throwing back his head, he barks with laughter, loud and irritatingly handsome. “Why, I think that may be untrue – I like to be messed with! That’s just rubbish.”
I blush deeply red.
Then Ale looks at me – this time so straight at me, that I feel my breath stolen – his green eyes shines in the dark. Under the musty yellow street lights, they seem to glow even brighter. No boy has ever looked at me, much less Ale, the resident heartthrob.
“I am told the same things about you, you know.”
“What?’ Out loud, I blurt. Midway I stop, just to stare at him with wide, shocked eyes. “That is the biggest piece of shit anyone can tell you, Ale.”
So cheekily, his grins is. He winks and acts nonchalant.
“My dear, we learn new things every day – and forgive me if I do not believe that a face like yours would not break hearts.”
I think my heart is going to break out of its ribcage.
Ale complimented me! I mean, technically, he did. Boys never call me pretty because I am always outshined by the way Kayla is – how she acts, smiles and talks, will always be better than me. And, here is a living male species who has complimented me.
It is unbelievable.
Almost too abruptly, Ale announces that we’ve arrived at our destination. I look ahead to see the lift of our apartment. I’ve been so distracted by my thoughts, that I didn’t even realize we’ve reached our dorm. We head inside the lift, but as I reach to press for our floor, he stops me by putting his hand on mine. Electricity jolts through my body, tingling every hair into a stand.
When I look up at him once again, he has got that wonderful; mischievous grin. I retract my hand and he presses for the top floor. What is he planning? The moment the lift reaches the floor, he reaches at the very same time to take my hand in his.
As we pass by the long corridor, several heads poke out of their doors, and girls coo their hellos at Ale. But he brushes the greetings off with small, halfhearted smiles – something I’ve never seen tonight until just now. The girls don’t seem to notice me beside him, which is fine by me, but a strange bitter feeling coils around my heart. I surprise myself by pulling him closer to me, which surprises him too, but he pulls even closer until he has an arm around myself.
Finally, at the end of the corridor, we stop at another door, which has the bold red roof painted on it sloppily. He opens the door and lets me go first. Silly me, but I curtsy, which makes his grin grow wide.
The end of the flight of stairs.
Atop the roof is a worn out couch and a breathtaking view of the university and beyond.
“Marvelous, isn’t it?” Suddenly Ale is beside me and he is smiling up at the night sky with happy sighs and hopeful green eyes. He walks closer to the edge, where a rusting railing is, and leans on it. I stare at the back of his head and wonder if I am dreaming.
Maybe the red hair, the suave, the beautiful smiles – maybe they’re all fake. Just a bare mirage to fool me.
Then he turns around and smiles at me and beckons me to join him. I do, walking over to the railing and looking down. Below is the entire campus. Every crook and cranny lit up by street lights. Every room in the tall buildings emitting light of students burning the midnight oil.
I see the bridge that crosses over magical fish. I see the stretch of green grass where we lay, praying at shooting stars. I see tonight.
I hear Ale say, “Lonely nights.” Following the sound, I turn my head at him, finding him very close to him – do close that I can count his long eyelashes; that I can see the golden speckles in his green eyes; that one wrong move and I could press my lips to his…
I see him.
We lock our gazes and he repeats, “Lonely nights can lead to good things, you know?”
My eyes dare not leave his. “Yeah?” I try asking.
“Yeah.” He smiles.
Then he does it – his eyes leave mine and they trail to my lips. Suddenly they’re chapped, dry and wanting Ale’s kiss. One wrong move and you could taste them, my inner self taunts.
Who says it has to be wrong?
If you were to ask me who made the first move and leaned in, I would tell you that I honestly didn’t know. It felt like everything all at once, like gravity lost touch. Too quickly, Ale has his hands cupping my face, and his mouth on mine.
And I don’t think I will ever kiss another boy like Ale.
His hands – soft and caroused, at the same time – holds me like I’m fragile. They go in my hair, tanging and untangling themselves without any difficulty. Soft lips that tastes like honey press against mine – I don’t know what a good kiss feels like but this one takes my breath away.
I don’t know where to put my hands but it doesn’t seem that Ale mind – he just goes on and on. And he does things to me unimaginable. Strong arms lift me from under, and effortlessly, he picks me over to the couch. I am surprised by the gentleness he has as he lays me down.
Under the midnight sky, and under Ale – it felt like a drug-made dream.
Ale’s green eyes sparkle once more before he says, “I think I want you.”
Panting from the breaths he stole, I answer. “Then take.” Those stunning green eyes darkens a shade, like the infamous German Black Forest. Nightly and dangerous.
Then he does.
My best friend comes into my room without even knocking, gushing and swooning over the same heartthrob. “Oi, did you see him? Did you?” For a millisecond, I panicked and I almost dropped the mug in my hand.
Kayla takes it as a sign for surprise, and not even bothering waiting for an answer, she squeals, skipping over to me with the most excited expression.
She envelopes me in a big bear hug. “Oh, he auditioned for the talent showcase! We have to go buy tickets and see him. We have to!” I don’t know what to say but nod. She has a big grin plastered on her face. “I even heard that he’s interested in someone – I bet it’s me! I swear he smiled at me just now.”
My hand suddenly finds the cold surface of the marble counter, grips onto it and holds on to it for my dear life. My legs suddenly loses its stability and can’t support my weight. The thing in my chest pounds against its ribcage, going thump, thump, thump.
How am I going to tell her the truth?
Closer I move myself into the pair of warm arms, wrapping my own legs around his, and loving his hot breath against my skin. I place my ear against his chest his heart beats a steady rhythm, which might be the prettiest string of sounds I have ever heard of in my life.
Ale slides his fingers into my hair, softly caressing my scalp with long fingers. I move my head to stare up at his green, green eyes. He smiles back – which is reason enough to smile back. I can’t help but think that Ale is the best-looking boy I’ve ever seen in my life.
How could an angel like him love you? My mind taunts me.
Maybe he can sense people’s emotions, maybe he’s amazing like that – he presses a kiss to my forehead and asks, “What’s wrong, my love?’
I can’t help but frown.
“You auditioned for the showcase,” I say, finally. “Right after I told you that you should.”
He gives me his signature lopsided grin. “Why, yes. Wise words from you, actually, because the panel of judges loved my song.” My heart tingles at the rumble of his voice.
Emotion wells up in me, making me pounce suddenly forward to wrap my arms around his neck. My legs straddle him, and I find my lips attached to his. He returns the kiss with an equal passion, like fire and electricity going through our veins.
My body and his – we’re like perfect jigsaw pieces; maybe he and I, we were meant to be. His ivory skin is cool against my bareness, and I feel an immense amount of affection for him and for his affection towards me.
Halfway, I pull away. My mind taunts me further, but this time in Kayla’s voice. It says things about Ale that I rather not hear; things that stirs bitter jealously in me. “Are you okay?’ he asks, looking a little scared.
I try pushing away the thoughts before I ruin the moment. But you can’t, it says again.
I look into his green eyes and blurt at the rush of sincere concern he shows through his gaze. “Why do we hide, Ale? Why are we together but we are not?”
Ale’s face falls. He wraps his arms around me, and rests my head on the blade of his shoulders. His voice is soft, tender. “You have to tell her, you know – she’s your best friend.”
Instantly, I pull away once again, feeling defensive. “And you need to tell every person that winks at you when you pass by!”
His mouth opens and closes again. I suddenly feel very tired and insecure. Getting up from his bed, I grab my clothes strewn on the floor, get dress quickly and head out. Ale catches onto me at the very last second, circling his fingers around my wrist.
“Don’t go.” He pleads, something hurt crosses his green eyes.
I shake my head and without any effort, I pull my hand back and head back across the corridor. What is the point of the love we make, if we can’t show it?
The hall is already crowded, even though there is still a while until curtain call. Before Kayla came to my place, so that we could go to the talent showcase together, I had pecked on Ale’s cheek and wished him luck. He smiled. He had also refused to tell me what song he was playing.
‘It’s a surprise,’ he said. “Just know I’ll be thinking about you when I’m onstage.”
It made me skip a heartbeat.
After walking down the narrow walk between rows and rows of seat, we find two seats in the middle of the hall. We sit, and the hall dims – the talent showcase begins.
There were a variety of performances, ranging from dance to plate throwing. Kayla had yawned through most of them, while I grew restless – I wanted to see my lover in action!
Finally, for the finishing act, Ale walks onto stage with a simple chair and his trusty guitar. Nothing fancy. The crowd erupts into applause and wolf whistles. After taking a bow, his bright green eyes search the crowd before stopping on me. Without breaking the gaze, he smiles and sits on the chair.
When Ale expertly starts strumming, music fills my heart and he sings.
“I would tell the world of your beauty – but why would I, when I could keep you all to myself? There will always by doubts and secrets but baby, please know there’ll never be someone else.” My Ale – my angel, my love; he is so beautiful.
Kayla squeezes my hand and I squeeze back.
At the last strum of music, everybody in the hall claps and gives a standing ovation. Ale chuckles, bows again and picks up the microphone.
Green eyes meets mine – he smiles.
“Good evening, everyone. The song I sang just now was inspired by someone I care about very, very much. She encouraged me in ways I never thought possible and she makes me break my own rules. I want her to know that I love her.
“I want you all to know I love her.”
What is he doing? Ale jumps down the stage swiftly, and he climbs over the seats, putting each foot atop one armrest after another. He is getting closer and closer. The squeeze Kayla has on my arm numbs me, but I can still feel my heart beat as hard as it can.
Ale finally steps over the seat in front of me, then stops. He grins foolishly charming at me. The green in his eyes sparkle. I stand abruptly, flushed from head to toe in pink. He picks up the microphone to his lips and he asks.
“Will you be my girlfriend?”
I gape at him, my mouth hanging open. Ale waits expectantly for an answer, so does everybody else in the hall. Panicking, I glance over at my best friend, expecting her to be in tears or in fury. But all she has on her face is calmness and a big smile. She shrugs, putting up her thumb to encourage me.
This beautiful boy – this wonderful person I am so fond of – wants me to be his girlfriend?
I never thought dreams could come true – but after meeting Ale; after making a wish upon that star – I suddenly knew he wasn’t just any reality. He was my most magical wish come true. And now the world knows that I, an average no one, conquered the heart of the infamous heartbreaker.
Ale was now mine.
Lost for words, I nodded. The entire hall erupts into cheers and happy hoots. Ale grins even wider, pulls me into a hug and kisses right there and then in front of everyone.
It was true, you know: lonely nights do lead to good things.
Ale, his name was, like the spicy ginger drink everybody is so fond of. Ale and his red-streaked hair, his vintage band tees, his worn-out Converses. We lived in the college dorm, yes, but that didn’t mean I knew him from class or clubs or what.
Ale was supposed to be unpopular – an invisible boy, if you must – because he had a quirky taste of music; because he didn’t go to parties or did things boys normally do. He was a lone wolf.
But everybody loved Ale.
Everybody knew what it was like to be in his arms – how soft his lips felt; how bright his eyes were; or, how smooth he talked. He was a player, I’m sure, he had his own charisma and his own charm that attracted both boys and girls. And, every time he had someone over, as long as you knocked on his front door.
Oh, everyone knew he was bad news, but that did not stop anyone.
The downside was: Ale didn’t do relationships. Never the same person every time. People send handwritten love notes, expensive gifts, and flowers all the time – I should know, they always get sent to my doorstep by mistake. However, not one of these gifts were accepted by him – either he’d send back each one, or he’d throw them away.
Why did people still come? I did not understand – maybe I was about to find out.
”Come on! Just live up a little, would you?”
Kayla shouts over the loud music blaring from the speakers. Every inch of this room is reeked of sweat and alcohol. People press against one another, dancing and pretending that this party isn’t horrible at all. At least – it is to me.
Kayla shoves a plastic cup into my hand, which I instantly shove back, after getting a good whiff of what was inside. Vodka, I’m sure. She laughs, then downs it in one go.
Something is shouted from her mouth again but I don’t hear it – before she pushes me abruptly into the middle of the room; the middle of the crowd.
Ew. Ewewewewew. EW. I feel someone’s elbow in the small of my back, and someone’s knee on my thigh. I was now in the sweaty crowd. I prayed for an access out.
So, with as much effort as I could muster, I elbowed myself out of the sea of partygoers and drunk students alike. Almost there, I tell myself. I get myself closer to the edge – I can finally see empty space! – that’s when someone really drunk knocks me down.
I fall and fall and fall.
And someone with strong arms and quick reflexes catches me. I look up to find the brightest thing in the dimly lit room – a pair of green, green eyes, staring back at me.
Ale. I almost fall again by how startled I am. The infamous heartbreaker Ale was holding me! As he steadies me back at my feet, I immediately look around, trying to search for my best friend – but she is nowhere to be found.
My knees grow wobbly as I turn back to look at Ale. He has a charming smile – a lot of white teeth, and his eyes curve into crescents – and those very green eyes I just mentioned. Even the red streaks of his air look somewhat good in the party lights.
“Hey,” he said, almost as quiet as a whisper. I have to admit – that he was the best-looking boy I’ve ever seen up close. The moment I realize that he had his arms around my waist, was when he finally let go, leaving a trail of jittery feeling of scorched skin. “You are−“
I cut his sentence. “Kayla’s friend. Yes.” Why did that sound awkward? Surely he remember Kayla – a girl equally as popular and attractive as he was – she had spent several nights at his place, though all with long intervals in between.
But he gives me a funny look and a lopsided grin. “I was going to say that you live across from my place.” Something hot creeps up my cheeks – my own body teasing me! I hope that in the dark room, he does not see the blush.
Ale suddenly quirks his head to the side, looking somewhere faraway and beyond the living room of that frat party. I want to turn at the direction but he speaks up. “Hey, I can see that you aren’t enjoying the party,” I don’t want to admit that I am a loner or what, but I give him the most honest answer and nod. He smiles. ”Me neither.” The strong feeling crawls into my stomach again – like a thousand blooming flowers threatening to burst out of my body.
He takes a step closer and grins. Extending his arm, he offers me to take it. “Come on, let’s go home.”
I stare at his hand in horror, hesitant to take it.
My inner conscious scolds me. You found Ale – you should tell Kayla, not run off with him! He’s thinking funny things, I tell you, and you are going to regret it! Go on, call your best friend, her number is only a speed dial away.
I bite my lower lip.
And, what if I didn’t want to?
It felt stupid, selfish and oh-so-wrong. But I took it. Ale’s grin grew and his green eyes shone even brighter in the dim room. Then, he starts walking, zipping in and out through crowds and towards the front door, pulling me along.
Once we got outside into the fresh midnight air, I can help but gasp for air.
Ale doesn’t chuckle at my reaction but starts tugging me towards a direction where does not lead towards our college dorm. My hand jerks back in panic. “Where’re we going?’
And he just shrugs and tells me to trust him.
Funnily, I do, despite his reputation and how little I actually know about him.
We head across crisp, mowed yards and under the yellow hue of street lights, towards a direction further and further away from wherever our dorm is supposed to be. The stone path leads us nearer to a short bridge that lets students cross over the small stream beneath. From this bridge on, I know that Ale is bringing me closer to the University Central – a large patch of grass, where a lot of large trees and vendors park themselves – it is a popular place for students to be at any time of the day.
Ale and I move to cross the bridge but he stops at the middle of it. I open my mouth to ask him what are we doing standing on a bridge, when he suddenly jerks his heads towards the rushing water below, motioning me to look down with him. I do.
The unraveling scene before me leaves me breathless – in the dark water of the stream below, I can see clearly of little guppies and of larger, elegant fishes – because the creature underwater glow. They emit vibrant lights of ruby and purple; of the brightest blue I have ever seen; of emerald and lavender.
I have never seen anything so stunning in my life.
After a while, once I realize I have been gawking downwards too long, my head lifts at Ale’s direction – and he is already looking at me with a soft smile – I look back at the lighted fishes again, glad that the darkness of the night can hide the growing blush on my face.
What is wrong with me?
Eventually, we leave the colorful lights of the underwater creatures – how do they shine such light still remains a mystery to me.
The both of us follow the curves of where the stone path leads. The faint sound of music grows stronger, so does the waft of aromatic foods and drinks. We were getting closer to the University Central. Oh, what does Ale have in mind? I ponder of his intentions.
He is a good guy, I believe, because he is not a bad person, but only a player. I am sure he does not wish to break my heart – even so, I do not wish to give him the chance of breaking my heart. What is between him and I are purely platonic.
The bop of music finally gets loudest and I see long wires of fairy lights strung to every pole or sign or tree branch. The sound of students interacting buzzes. Though, it is close to midnight already – the moon has already risen long, and stars fill the velvety black night sky – so most of the Central is not crowded. Vendors and hawkers have closed for the day; only a few friends here and there laying on the grass, or sitting on benches.
It is now, when Ale finally lets go of my hand, which his palm’s absence makes something in me yearn. He walks towards a bush and gets out what seems to be a rolled-up blanket. When he walks back to me, he has got this mischievous grin hung on, and he lays the blanket on an empty spot of grass. With a flourish, he presents the checkered blanket, which is large enough for two to lie on.
The silly smile he has on makes me laugh.
Ale extends his hand to me again, which I take without any hesitance from before. We walk over and sit down. “Come on, lie down.” he says as he finds himself a comfortable lying position on the blanket. I scrunch my face purposely, which makes him laugh and leaves him no choice but to pull me down. My head falls into the crook between his chin and neck.
Another blush appears fiercely.
Ale alters his position again, so I could lie comfortably, and so that his bicep would act as a makeshift pillow for me. I don’t know why but the hum of the Central fades – I can only hear the swish of the branches’ leaves above, the soft chirp of the crickets – I dare not speak aloud.
My question comes out as a whisper. “What are we doing here?”
His bright green eyes glimmer in the darkness, as the edges of his lips quirk upwards. The look in his eyes is always so soft as he speaks. “A forecast told me that tonight would be a night of a meteor shower.”
“Really?” A hint of doubt and surprise tints my question.
Ale’s attention is forced upwards when something bright crosses our vision. I look up to – and there it is. A meteor shower right before my eyes. Constant bursts of lights zooming in and out of my sight.
The colors of the fishes before were magical – but this show of shooting stars were mystical. A natural occurrence of science that took my breath away.
All around us, I hear gasps and oohs and ahs . I gaze sideways at Ale – he has his mouth open in a wow and his eyes reflect the beauty of the stars above – even he is at wonder by the sight before.
He turns and smiles at me suddenly. “Make a wish!” he says before closing his eyes and whispering something to the meteor shower above. I do the same – closing my eyes, cupping my hands together and whisper a wish.
I wish for peace and true love.
The shower had lasted for a while, but to me, it felt like only seconds. By the time it was over, most of everyone had groaned and left, but not disappointed.
Beside me, Ale moans in pain, which makes me sit straight up and start fretting over him. Panicking, I ask, “Why? What’s wrong?” He winces, placing a brave grin – before quickly rubbing the bicep of his that I have laid my head on.
Understanding rushes to my head and I blush, mortified. His arm has gone numb. Ale looks at me again, this time realizing that I’ve turned very red, he laughs and assures me that it’s nothing.
“Your head is very light, I swear, my arm has just gotten weak.”
Nevertheless, I still blush, feeling very embarrassed.
Ale helps me up from the ground, taking my hand in his and pulling me up. He rolls the checkered fabric again, then returns it to its original spot. He smiles at me, the green in his eyes twinkling again. I interlock my fingers with the fingers of his hand that he has offered once again.
Midnight has long strike, leaving the once bustling Central a silent place. We walk along the stone path, through and past the benches, street lights and closed stalls.
We stop at the other entrance of the Central – our exit – as I look up at Ale with raise eyebrows. He grins again, mischievously. “One last stop of the night, I promise.” he says.
Once again we continue our midnight adventure. Though, this time as we walk, I have an urge to speak up; to know him. But I have nothing to say. That is true, despite him acting comfortable, it is undeniable that there is an awkward silence between us – so much that I could reach out and cut myself on it.
I turn towards him – only to see his already looking back.
Little pink spots color his cheeks and he grins. His fingers squeeze mine, I pick up the courage to squeeze it back. And it makes me smile. Like a fool, yes. But a smile, nonetheless.
“I am told,” Testing, I say with a hitch in my voice. “That you are not a boy to mess with.”
He raises an eyebrow, still smiling. “Is that true?” Throwing back his head, he barks with laughter, loud and irritatingly handsome. “Why, I think that may be untrue – I like to be messed with! That’s just rubbish.”
I blush deeply red.
Then Ale looks at me – this time so straight at me, that I feel my breath stolen – his green eyes shines in the dark. Under the musty yellow street lights, they seem to glow even brighter. No boy has ever looked at me, much less Ale, the resident heartthrob.
“I am told the same things about you, you know.”
“What?’ Out loud, I blurt. Midway I stop, just to stare at him with wide, shocked eyes. “That is the biggest piece of shit anyone can tell you, Ale.”
So cheekily, his grins is. He winks and acts nonchalant.
“My dear, we learn new things every day – and forgive me if I do not believe that a face like yours would not break hearts.”
I think my heart is going to break out of its ribcage.
Ale complimented me! I mean, technically, he did. Boys never call me pretty because I am always outshined by the way Kayla is – how she acts, smiles and talks, will always be better than me. And, here is a living male species who has complimented me.
It is unbelievable.
Almost too abruptly, Ale announces that we’ve arrived at our destination. I look ahead to see the lift of our apartment. I’ve been so distracted by my thoughts, that I didn’t even realize we’ve reached our dorm. We head inside the lift, but as I reach to press for our floor, he stops me by putting his hand on mine. Electricity jolts through my body, tingling every hair into a stand.
When I look up at him once again, he has got that wonderful; mischievous grin. I retract my hand and he presses for the top floor. What is he planning? The moment the lift reaches the floor, he reaches at the very same time to take my hand in his.
As we pass by the long corridor, several heads poke out of their doors, and girls coo their hellos at Ale. But he brushes the greetings off with small, halfhearted smiles – something I’ve never seen tonight until just now. The girls don’t seem to notice me beside him, which is fine by me, but a strange bitter feeling coils around my heart. I surprise myself by pulling him closer to me, which surprises him too, but he pulls even closer until he has an arm around myself.
Finally, at the end of the corridor, we stop at another door, which has the bold red roof painted on it sloppily. He opens the door and lets me go first. Silly me, but I curtsy, which makes his grin grow wide.
The end of the flight of stairs.
Atop the roof is a worn out couch and a breathtaking view of the university and beyond.
“Marvelous, isn’t it?” Suddenly Ale is beside me and he is smiling up at the night sky with happy sighs and hopeful green eyes. He walks closer to the edge, where a rusting railing is, and leans on it. I stare at the back of his head and wonder if I am dreaming.
Maybe the red hair, the suave, the beautiful smiles – maybe they’re all fake. Just a bare mirage to fool me.
Then he turns around and smiles at me and beckons me to join him. I do, walking over to the railing and looking down. Below is the entire campus. Every crook and cranny lit up by street lights. Every room in the tall buildings emitting light of students burning the midnight oil.
I see the bridge that crosses over magical fish. I see the stretch of green grass where we lay, praying at shooting stars. I see tonight.
I hear Ale say, “Lonely nights.” Following the sound, I turn my head at him, finding him very close to him – do close that I can count his long eyelashes; that I can see the golden speckles in his green eyes; that one wrong move and I could press my lips to his…
I see him.
We lock our gazes and he repeats, “Lonely nights can lead to good things, you know?”
My eyes dare not leave his. “Yeah?” I try asking.
“Yeah.” He smiles.
Then he does it – his eyes leave mine and they trail to my lips. Suddenly they’re chapped, dry and wanting Ale’s kiss. One wrong move and you could taste them, my inner self taunts.
Who says it has to be wrong?
If you were to ask me who made the first move and leaned in, I would tell you that I honestly didn’t know. It felt like everything all at once, like gravity lost touch. Too quickly, Ale has his hands cupping my face, and his mouth on mine.
And I don’t think I will ever kiss another boy like Ale.
His hands – soft and caroused, at the same time – holds me like I’m fragile. They go in my hair, tanging and untangling themselves without any difficulty. Soft lips that tastes like honey press against mine – I don’t know what a good kiss feels like but this one takes my breath away.
I don’t know where to put my hands but it doesn’t seem that Ale mind – he just goes on and on. And he does things to me unimaginable. Strong arms lift me from under, and effortlessly, he picks me over to the couch. I am surprised by the gentleness he has as he lays me down.
Under the midnight sky, and under Ale – it felt like a drug-made dream.
Ale’s green eyes sparkle once more before he says, “I think I want you.”
Panting from the breaths he stole, I answer. “Then take.” Those stunning green eyes darkens a shade, like the infamous German Black Forest. Nightly and dangerous.
Then he does.
My best friend comes into my room without even knocking, gushing and swooning over the same heartthrob. “Oi, did you see him? Did you?” For a millisecond, I panicked and I almost dropped the mug in my hand.
Kayla takes it as a sign for surprise, and not even bothering waiting for an answer, she squeals, skipping over to me with the most excited expression.
She envelopes me in a big bear hug. “Oh, he auditioned for the talent showcase! We have to go buy tickets and see him. We have to!” I don’t know what to say but nod. She has a big grin plastered on her face. “I even heard that he’s interested in someone – I bet it’s me! I swear he smiled at me just now.”
My hand suddenly finds the cold surface of the marble counter, grips onto it and holds on to it for my dear life. My legs suddenly loses its stability and can’t support my weight. The thing in my chest pounds against its ribcage, going thump, thump, thump.
How am I going to tell her the truth?
Closer I move myself into the pair of warm arms, wrapping my own legs around his, and loving his hot breath against my skin. I place my ear against his chest his heart beats a steady rhythm, which might be the prettiest string of sounds I have ever heard of in my life.
Ale slides his fingers into my hair, softly caressing my scalp with long fingers. I move my head to stare up at his green, green eyes. He smiles back – which is reason enough to smile back. I can’t help but think that Ale is the best-looking boy I’ve ever seen in my life.
How could an angel like him love you? My mind taunts me.
Maybe he can sense people’s emotions, maybe he’s amazing like that – he presses a kiss to my forehead and asks, “What’s wrong, my love?’
I can’t help but frown.
“You auditioned for the showcase,” I say, finally. “Right after I told you that you should.”
He gives me his signature lopsided grin. “Why, yes. Wise words from you, actually, because the panel of judges loved my song.” My heart tingles at the rumble of his voice.
Emotion wells up in me, making me pounce suddenly forward to wrap my arms around his neck. My legs straddle him, and I find my lips attached to his. He returns the kiss with an equal passion, like fire and electricity going through our veins.
My body and his – we’re like perfect jigsaw pieces; maybe he and I, we were meant to be. His ivory skin is cool against my bareness, and I feel an immense amount of affection for him and for his affection towards me.
Halfway, I pull away. My mind taunts me further, but this time in Kayla’s voice. It says things about Ale that I rather not hear; things that stirs bitter jealously in me. “Are you okay?’ he asks, looking a little scared.
I try pushing away the thoughts before I ruin the moment. But you can’t, it says again.
I look into his green eyes and blurt at the rush of sincere concern he shows through his gaze. “Why do we hide, Ale? Why are we together but we are not?”
Ale’s face falls. He wraps his arms around me, and rests my head on the blade of his shoulders. His voice is soft, tender. “You have to tell her, you know – she’s your best friend.”
Instantly, I pull away once again, feeling defensive. “And you need to tell every person that winks at you when you pass by!”
His mouth opens and closes again. I suddenly feel very tired and insecure. Getting up from his bed, I grab my clothes strewn on the floor, get dress quickly and head out. Ale catches onto me at the very last second, circling his fingers around my wrist.
“Don’t go.” He pleads, something hurt crosses his green eyes.
I shake my head and without any effort, I pull my hand back and head back across the corridor. What is the point of the love we make, if we can’t show it?
The hall is already crowded, even though there is still a while until curtain call. Before Kayla came to my place, so that we could go to the talent showcase together, I had pecked on Ale’s cheek and wished him luck. He smiled. He had also refused to tell me what song he was playing.
‘It’s a surprise,’ he said. “Just know I’ll be thinking about you when I’m onstage.”
It made me skip a heartbeat.
After walking down the narrow walk between rows and rows of seat, we find two seats in the middle of the hall. We sit, and the hall dims – the talent showcase begins.
There were a variety of performances, ranging from dance to plate throwing. Kayla had yawned through most of them, while I grew restless – I wanted to see my lover in action!
Finally, for the finishing act, Ale walks onto stage with a simple chair and his trusty guitar. Nothing fancy. The crowd erupts into applause and wolf whistles. After taking a bow, his bright green eyes search the crowd before stopping on me. Without breaking the gaze, he smiles and sits on the chair.
When Ale expertly starts strumming, music fills my heart and he sings.
“I would tell the world of your beauty – but why would I, when I could keep you all to myself? There will always by doubts and secrets but baby, please know there’ll never be someone else.” My Ale – my angel, my love; he is so beautiful.
Kayla squeezes my hand and I squeeze back.
At the last strum of music, everybody in the hall claps and gives a standing ovation. Ale chuckles, bows again and picks up the microphone.
Green eyes meets mine – he smiles.
“Good evening, everyone. The song I sang just now was inspired by someone I care about very, very much. She encouraged me in ways I never thought possible and she makes me break my own rules. I want her to know that I love her.
“I want you all to know I love her.”
What is he doing? Ale jumps down the stage swiftly, and he climbs over the seats, putting each foot atop one armrest after another. He is getting closer and closer. The squeeze Kayla has on my arm numbs me, but I can still feel my heart beat as hard as it can.
Ale finally steps over the seat in front of me, then stops. He grins foolishly charming at me. The green in his eyes sparkle. I stand abruptly, flushed from head to toe in pink. He picks up the microphone to his lips and he asks.
“Will you be my girlfriend?”
I gape at him, my mouth hanging open. Ale waits expectantly for an answer, so does everybody else in the hall. Panicking, I glance over at my best friend, expecting her to be in tears or in fury. But all she has on her face is calmness and a big smile. She shrugs, putting up her thumb to encourage me.
This beautiful boy – this wonderful person I am so fond of – wants me to be his girlfriend?
I never thought dreams could come true – but after meeting Ale; after making a wish upon that star – I suddenly knew he wasn’t just any reality. He was my most magical wish come true. And now the world knows that I, an average no one, conquered the heart of the infamous heartbreaker.
Ale was now mine.
Lost for words, I nodded. The entire hall erupts into cheers and happy hoots. Ale grins even wider, pulls me into a hug and kisses right there and then in front of everyone.
It was true, you know: lonely nights do lead to good things.
14th APR 19