Hello and welcome to the Rolling Heart Stones live show. First up is a song by Michael Jackson, now in its top five. The DJ played the song, ‘You are Not Alone.
“Oh, I love this song!” Jane exclaimed. She sat dreamily while concentrating on the lyrics of the song. It was almost three in the afternoon, and I suddenly felt nostalgic sitting on this familiar bench under the tree. A lot of things had happened here.
I wasn’t listening to the song. I was busy reading the newspaper the other student left on the table. It was more interesting than listening to Michael Jackson. I would have flipped out if the DJ played ‘Love Me for A Reason’. Even at my age, I was still crazy over that song.
Also, I knew what would happen next. I was sitting opposite her. She excitedly waved to Ed and Albert. Her eyes sparkling and smiling. Ed insisted on treating us as his way of apologizing for what happened in the class a while ago.
Afraid that I might change their future, I agreed to come. I wanted to think this is just another nightmare that I always had every single night. However, if I really traveled back in time, then I must be careful of the possible effect of the grandfather paradox. I really don’t believe in it but the little things I did earlier today have already caused some inconsistencies in our past. I promised to change my future, but I don’t want other people to be miserable because of me.
“Did you wait long?” Ed asked, his eyes were focused on Jane as she shook her head to answer. I couldn’t help sneering as she was all smiling at him. Why didn’t I notice this before? He took the hot mocha coffee and gave it to me. The three of them had Frappuccino. I did not have to look at what they bought. I did not need to turn my head to see who sat beside me. From my peripheral view, Albert sat beside me quietly.
Albert, always a chatter, couldn’t even begin a conversation with me. I knew he was just staring at me.
“Selene, hot coffee? Really?” Jane couldn’t believe me. I sighed as this was one of the little inconsistencies I made. There were supposed to be four Frap, not three.
I understand her reaction. She knew I never drink coffee, but I wish I could tell her that over the years I learned to drink three to four cups of coffee to stay awake.
“Are you not sleeping tonight?” She asked as she sipped her cold coffee.
I just nodded, still looking at the newspaper. The news was getting my interest than Albert.
“What’s interesting about that?” Jane asked me again when she caught me smiling.
I closed the newspaper, folded it neatly, and placed it back to where I found it.
“Nothing,” I wish to answer I smiled because of the news that older cassette tapes’ sales were declining because customers are now buying CD players and Discman. In my future, I will use Spotify to listen to music.
I took a sip of my coffee and moaned with delight. Amused with me, Albert pushed the extra sugar and cream.
“I like it black.” I sneered.
He just nodded and took back the packets. I turned to him and gasped in surprise when he was about to throw it in the trash can.
“Hey!” I said, then snatched the packets from him.
Startled by what I did, he eyed at me curiously. “You said you didn’t want it.”
“I said I like my coffee black not that I didn’t want these. Didn’t you know how much these cost the company?”
“Ah...”
I didn’t let him talk. “For sure you even asked for an extra sugar and cream.” I shook my head. I didn’t mean the 55-year-old me to scold the 18-year-old Albert.
“How did you know?” It was Ed who reacted. He looked at his friend whose face was now red, undecided whether he was angry or he was trying to suppress laughter.
I raised my eyebrows. I pushed the packets to him. “You have two extra sugar and cream. They only give one.” I took a sip of my coffee as Ed laughed at me.
“Why worry? Albert owns the coffee shop, Selene.”
I guess the small amount of liquid I sipped went through the wrong pipe. I choked and I had to cough. I covered my mouth and turned my back to everyone.
Both Jane and Ed laughed outrageously, while Albert couldn’t help himself. He awkwardly pats my back, then massages it. His touch sent tingling sensation to my body, and I hate to admit, it felt good. For a short moment, I longed for him and his kisses, then snapped out of it. My body stiffened.
“I’m okay,” I told him as I raised my right hand to show him to stop because he didn’t seem want to stop touching me. I glared at him when he didn’t. It was his turn to raise both hands. I gave him a sullen glance before I stood up.
“I’m going home, Jane. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I was not sure which version of us I want to see. There’s a part of me that wants to see the younger version of me.
Albert was fast. As I was about to leave he grabbed my hand. I looked at him sternly, making him feel like his hand will burn, so he released me right away.
“What?” I said angrily. I knew I went overboard with my reaction. My heart was telling me he did nothing wrong. Yet.
He put his ‘almost burned’ hand at the back of his neck and showed an apologetic smile. “I don’t know. It’s just I feel like I should take you home.” He said.
I sighed in surrender. This was annoying, but I couldn’t have another inconsistency in time to happen today. I never wanted him again in my life, but that doesn’t mean, I want him to die or get hurt. On that day or should I say later, if he didn’t take me home, he would have been involved in a big accident with Ed. If they didn’t meet us that day, they were hoping to go clubbing.
“Fine! Let’s go.” I said. Just for today.
“Hey!” Ed reacted. He looked at Albert, who was smiling like he won the lottery. I wanted to smack him in the face.
I growled at Ed. “Take Jane home. This man is coming with me.” I sounded like a mother scolding my children. “And no clubbing today!” I reminded them.
“Whoa! Are you some kind of fortune-teller?” Ed burst out laughing.
I shook my head as I waved goodbye to Jane, and started to walk into the parking lot. I was almost near his car when he Albert rushed to my side. He was playing with the car keys in his hand.
“Wow! How did you know where I parked my car?” He asked in surprise as he opened the door for me.
“Your friend just said it, I’m a fortune teller,” I said as I climbed into his Honda Civic car. I inhaled the familiar scent of his car. He always maintained it clean. The only time it got really messy was when we went on a road trip, got lost somewhere rural where nothing but corn field. With no GPS nor cellphone yet, we decided stay for a while. At first, we were just enjoying the view and the sky lit by gazillion stars. Intoxicated by the wine he brought and the romantic mood of the place, it just happened. The passionate kissing led from one thing to another.
I blushed with that memory. Ashamed of my thoughts, I covered my face with my palms.
“Is everything alright?” He asked as he turned on the radio.
Can we go back to the days our love was strong?... Can you tell me how a perfect love goes wrong?... Can somebody tell me how to get things back... The way they use to be?
Is Boyz II Men teasing me? I made a face. I was just glad my palms still cover my face. A gasp escaped my lips when Albert bended over to me. My heart surely skipped a beat. My body stiffened and my eyes widened.
“Seatbelt.” Just one-word explanation, then he pulled the seatbelt across my body, and when it was secured he made an awkward look. “You can relax now, Selene. I’m not doing anything that you won’t like.” He chuckled as he started the car.
It was only a thirty-minute drive from the university to my place, and yet it was like eternity. The only time he talked was when asked where I live, and that’s when I answered.
He stopped the car in front of the address I gave him.
My face lifts with joy as I saw the people that I missed the most.
“Mom? Dad?” I whispered.
They were in our small garden. My dad was harvesting potatoes, while my mom, as beautiful as ever, was chatting with him as she looked excitedly to dad. I could smell mashed potatoes and chicken for dinner.
I immediately took off the seatbelt. As soon as I got out of the car, I run to my parents, forgetting Albert was with me.
“Mom! Dad!” I called.
My father stood as soon as he heard my voice. I couldn’t help hugging them tightly. It has been thirty years since I last saw them.
“Hey!” My mom was laughing as she hugged me back. After a while, she looked at me and wiped my tears. “What happened to you? Are you alright?”
I nodded, still in tears. “I just missed you so much.”
My father burst out laughing. “Right away? You were just gone for a whole day, sweetheart.”
I sniffed. “It felt like an eternity, dad,” I said and hugged him again.
If I was asleep, please don’t wake me up. I was having the most beautiful dream ever.
“Mashed potato and chicken?” I asked in between tears.
My father grinned. “You can even invite your friend to dinner.” He said as he pointed to Albert, who was watching me in my little drama.
He didn’t need any invitation. He came to us and introduced himself.
“Hi, sir.” He extended his hands for a handshake but my father showed his dirty hands. He just nodded in recognition.
As my mother shook his hand, she narrowed her eyes trying to recognize Albert. “You look familiar. Are you a celebrity?”
“Mom,” I frowned at her.
She chuckled, but I knew she won’t just let it go.
“Stay for dinner.” It was my dad. Surely, he will talk non-stop about his potatoes. I used to hate that topic, but now I was excited to hear it one more time.
Albert looked at me, perhaps asking my consent if he could stay over dinner.
I nodded. I had no choice but to held him hostage for a while.
“Selene has a boyfriend! Selene has a boyfriend.” Billy kept on chanting it over dinner. I scowled at him, but I did not say anything. I wish I could smack him in the head, but I just looked at him lovingly. My cute three-year-old brother, already independent at his age, ate his dinner on his own.My mom came with a big bowl in her hand. Before my dad could stand up, Albert went and got the bowl from her and placed it on the center of the table.“Thank you,” she said sweetly, then winked at my father.My dad cleared his throat. Oh no! I always hated it when he did that. It usually meant the beginning of an interrogation.“So, are you really my daughter’s boyfriend?” He started.“Dad,” I grumbled as I eyed him scornfully, but I knew he won’t let go of this topic.“Not yet, sir.” He answered politely. “Hopefully soon.”My parents made an exchange look, a
The dark sky was covered by glittering stars, and the full moon proudly shone in the night. We didn’t need the lamp post light to guide us on our way to the park. The moon has done its part. Suddenly, I regret walking in the park with Albert. He looked like a Greek god wearing a white polo shirt and white pants. I was so busy hating him that I almost forgot how regal he was when he moved and walked. He was also taller than me. That’s why I had to look up just to glance at his beautiful face. He was perfect in many ways.He stopped walking and looked at me. “Enjoying the view?” He grinned.I panicked and turned my gaze somewhere else. “Yeah. The sky’s beautiful.” I was thankful it was night, he didn’t see my cheeks flushed like a red apple. For a long time, I loathed him, but now, I’m hating myself more.I led him to the picnic table, and we sat across from each other. As much as my heart was aching to l
Still half asleep, I rolled to my bed, stretched my arms, and searched for my cellphone. I usually place it on the side table, but my hand couldn’t find it. My arms reached out to the floor, feeling the cold wooden floor. Maybe it fell, and went under my bed again. Did I forget to turn on the alarm? What happened last night? I groaned. Instead of recalling my past evening, I made a quick recollection of what I should do today. I have to go to the agency to submit another application. In the afternoon, I had to go to Mrs. Fritz’s house to tutor her two children, then head to Jane’s to babysit her three children while she attends an important dinner event. With my eyes still closed, I sighed heavily. This will be another busy day for me. To be honest, everything was exhausting already, but I badly needed the money to pay the bills.I moaned when someone opened the curtain. The sunlight kissed my face and I murmured a complaint as I continued to search fo
My mind was wandering along the green field outside the large window of the classroom. Our professor has not arrived yet, which gave me time to process what just happened this morning.We arrived thirty minutes earlier, thanks to how maniac Albert was in driving his car this morning. I gave him a fair warning by trying to remove my seatbelt.“Hey!” He shouted when he saw me from the rearview mirror, then slowed down the speed of his driving.I care less about him being a drag racer, but we will not die today just because he wanted to prove something. I gave him a sullen look, then gazed outside the car.“Did you fight or something?” Ed chuckled as he glanced at me. “I thought you’re friends already,” He said grinning at Jane. They were suspicious of our silence about what happened last night.“She was very clear last night. She doesn’t want me to be her friend,” His voice was serious.
It was dusk when I went out of the building of the library. I walked in silence and focused my eyes on the uneven pavement until I reached the bus stop. I slumped on the seat but did not bother whether I was on the right stop or not.I observed the busy street. The sounds soothed my ears, though there were jumble of noises from traffic and human sounds. In the future this city would soon hum of cars honking, traffic, construction, and people’s noises. Good thing, music apps were created to help you escape that world until you reached the comfort of your home... if you have a home.I could not brush off everything that had happened today. The red mark on my arm has completely disappeared there, but I still tremble in fear whenever I remember the depth of anger in Albert’s eyes. I kept on pushing myself for little luck of changing my future, but the inconsistencies I made has brought events and people I have not met nor seen before. However, I was not thrille
The wide-open window invited both the chilly wind and the warmth of sunlight into my room. As I became aware of my surroundings, I realized two things at once. I was still in my 18-year-old body, and that intimate moment with Albert last night wasn't a dream. The cold gold pendant touching my skin was proof. I giggled and covered my face with my lumpy pillow as I remember his touch and kisses. But as I think back, it gave me a chill when I recall the serious tone in his voice as he put the necklace on me. He talked metaphorically like something would happen, which I would not like. If I wasn't wearing the necklace on the day we met again, would that mean he still has it with him today? Until when will I stay here this year? Did I die somewhere in the construction area? I brushed off all the questions. I may have the spirit of my 55-year-old body, but since I was in my 18-year-old body, I have duties and obligations to fulfill. I got up and checked today's sch
I put on my hoodie as I walked to the classroom. Jane waved at me as soon as she recognized me. I focused my eyes on the floor until I reached her, although there were few people inside. "Have you heard?" She asked in a hushed tone. "And what's with the eyeglasses? I thought you'll be using your contacts," I opened my book. "I was in a hurry," I answered pretending to read. She nodded. "I had to call Ed early this morning to confirm the news, and -" She was interrupted when Ed came in. He gave us a sweet smile, then walked towards us. He sat in the vacant chair and turned to Jane. "So, this is the feeling of being the third wheel," he grunted. She rolled her eyes and glanced at the doorway as the 'most iconic couple' all over the news this morning went in. Diana's arms were in his arms. She was all smiling today like she just won the lottery. Her face was as bright as the color of her dress today, a yellow plaid dress. I slumped to my
"Hi, wife!" The handsome barista, grinned as he greeted me. My eyes focused on his dimples.I narrowed my eyes thinking where I could have seen him. He looked familiar to me. His doe-eyes were attractive and expressive, the prominent structure of his nose made him look more charming, and his lips and dimples were sexier when he smiles.When his name tag became visible, I almost burst out laughing as I recall who he was.A younger version of my ex-husband was right before my eyes. I could not believe to see Edwin. I never thought I would be meeting him here and this year because I was in my early thirties when we first met.I covered my mouth with my hand. He was telling me the truth that he was truly charming in his younger days. He must be in his early twenties.He was quite a big man when I met him. Cute and plump. He won me over with his delicious dishes and sense of humor. I met him when I joined his cooking class, and a