A novel by sebastian

CHAPTER I: The Brewery

            Should I go with the iconic sexy but elegant red little dress or the laid-back denim shorts with a black tank top that gives off the vibe “I can be casual and hot at the same time”? Choosing what to wear has always been the greatest battle between myself and I. Olivia invited us to this new place in BGC called The Brewery and exaggeratingly described it as elegant and sultry. She loves finding out about the new things and recommending them to us. So far, we haven’t had any troubles because, though it seems exaggerated, Olivia knows what’s up. And so, all four of us willingly obliged to go. 

            “Honk, Honk!” shouted the car horn as the car approached my apartment. I looked out the window only to see a very impatient man in the driver’s seat of a stunning black Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2016 model parked in front of my apartment. 

            “Raf!” I screamed at the driver and waved my hand to what looked like a man all red and flushed with smokes coming out of his ears, eyebrows furrowed and his eyes shooting sharp stares at me. “10 minutes.” I added as I gestured the number with my hands. 

            In any other day I would very much choose the little red dress however, for some reason, I felt like laid-back fits the mood for tonight. I put on my matching laced black under garments, layered it with a classy black tank top together with my light blue denim shorts then paired it with my suede black Christian Louboutin ankle boots. Grabbed two gold necklaces, a few rings, and my watch to complete the whole look. 

            “Rose, Hurry up! We are 30 minutes late!” shouted Raf, which startled me. I could hear his voice getting angrier and louder so I quickly snatched my makeup pouch and decided to do my makeup inside the car. Took one last look in the mirror and hurriedly ran outside of my apartment and into Raf’s car.

            “Okay I know we’re late but at least we’re on the way.” I said as I bat my eyelashes and smile at him. Rafael replied with the most annoyed eye roll in the history of eye rolls. Ever since when we were younger, Rafael always liked to arrive on time at any event, whether it is a formal or a casual one. Which is why this is the number one topic in almost all of our fights. But as we all know, being related doesn’t always mean being alike. Rafael stepped on the gas pedal and made it possible to squeezed his way out of the traffic which is, by the way, very impressive considering that it is 7:00 PM and I live in Makati. Exactly 45 minutes and 36 seconds after, we arrived at the parking lot of Primero Room 526. Looking at the place, I can somehow assume that not many people know this place given the fact that it’s kind of hidden however; it being hidden may be its charm. 

            “Seb, we’re here. Where are you people?” my brother said to the phone while closing the car doors. We already went out of the car and were currently walking towards the front door of the club when—

            “Ow!” I involuntarily uttered when someone bumped into my left shoulder. 

            “I’m sorry, Miss..?” he said with an apologetic tone. 

            “It’s okay. Just watch where you’re going next time, please.” I blurted out while I was fixing my hair, which he somehow ruined when he bumped in me. But accidents are accidents, no one’s at fault. After fixing myself up, I scanned the place and saw few people lining up in the waiting queue just outside the front door. Lucky for us Olivia made reservations for tonight, which is why we easily got inside the lounge and to my surprise, the ambience is indeed elegant.  I can now tell why Olivia described it exaggeratingly. The marble tiles look glossy and clean paired with a dirty white concrete-textured walls with large paintings hung up on them. The lounge chairs looked classy and inviting, which matched the color scheme of the place. A grand black piano sits on the middle of the lounge, which gave the place a soothing feeling for me. Looking up, spotlight-grabbing crystal chandeliers can be seen. We looked through the place and searched for our friends. 

            “They are right there. Come on!” I told Rafael and pointed my index finger to their direction. We strutted our way to their table while a few of the customers in this lounge looked at my brother. I mean I get it; it’s not that surprising since Rafael Santiago is the youngest CEO of Santiago Furniture Corporation. So, undoubtedly, a bunch of people knows who he is. Santiago Furniture Corporation has been booming since the time of our late great-grandfather, Roberto Santiago. My father just passed down the CEO seat to my brother two years after he graduated. Doubts were not present after all Rafael’s performance is top-notch both academically and practically. 

            As we head to our table, we greeted our friends with smiles and waves. 

            “Sooo? What do you guys think?” said Olivia, suddenly interviewing us right after we saw each other. Typical Oli. 

            “Wow, Oli. Can you let us sit first?” I exclaimed jokingly. “Well, right now it has been a clear and big bubble going straight to the skies. I just hate to see it pop.” I added, metaphorically speaking. Who doesn’t love metaphors? This place’s interior has been great so far but I won’t stop criticizing at that. The food, drinks and service have to be involved in the criteria for judging. 

            “So, did you guys order already?” I asked excitedly.

            “Yes, I actually ordered for all of you but you guys are always free to order more if you found something you like.” Olivia said, answering my question. I scanned the pages of their menu until I came across something that I like. I raised my hand as I call for a waiter to show up at our table.

            “Good evening, what would you like to order?”

            “Can I please have one roast salmon, apple juice, and a bottle of Jose Cuervo in gold?” I responded as I flip through the pages one by one. The waiter looked at me as if waiting for me to add something else. I simple smiled and said, “That would be all.” 

            “So, update me with your life. How’s work?” Stella asked while munching on two deliciously looking French fries.

            “That looks really yummy. Let me have some.” I took several fries on my plate without waiting for her answer. “Work has been going amazingly well. Clients are occurring one after the other. I actually have an ongoing project with a big client at the moment. He wanted me to come up with a design inspired from the renaissance era.” I added to answer her question.

            “Well that’s going to be as easy as reciting the alphabet. We all know that you deeply love the renaissance period.” Olivia exclaimed smiling in amazement. It is true. I passionately love the renaissance period. When I was studying interior design, that’s the topic that I’m most interested about. It’s just amazing to look at. Some of the traditional and antique pieces brings out a certain vibe and aura in them. Also, it can often be paired with modern pieces nowadays. With that said, it is both remarkably beautiful and flexible. 

            “That is true, Oli. Which is why this project will be the most fun one in a while. What about you, Seb? How’s your family’s company so far?” I asked Sebastian. He is the closest friend of my brother, Rafael. Just like my brother, Sebastian also inherited their family company. Zobel Enterprises is all about fabrics for clothes, bag, furnitures, etc. Their fabrics are local and international so I tend to go to them whenever I have inquiries about fabrics.

            Two guys suddenly entered the lounge and one caught my eye. He looked like a statuesque; tall, beautiful and a little bit bad which is exactly my type. After entering, they both went straight to the bar and ordered drinks. He ordered a glass of golden liquor and ice, which can only be scotch on the rocks. This guy looked stressed from the way his face looked tireless, his long sleeves folded on his arms and his drink, which is popular among business and stressed-because-of-work men. However, this guy looked so mesmerizing. His dark black hair lies playfully on top of his head. Looking at him, I realized that he’s the kind of guy that will surely break my fragile heart. But that my brain telling me that one night spent with him shrugged off thought won’t hurt me.

            “I’m going to head to the bar.” I said before walking up to the bar ordering shots. “Just keep it coming.” I added to the female barista. He seemed to have noticed me since I can feel his eyes following where I go. 

            “What’s your name?” said the person getting the drinks.

            “Rose Santiago”

            “Elizabeth de Carlo, we’ve been classmates for two years now. Thank you. You can return this after all of these are over.” The bar extended their stay. She really thought that page was stolen in an ancient book from before.  If that’s the case, finding it is our top priority.

            I turned my back on them and got ready to waltz out of that place when someone tapped me on the shoulder. 

            “Isn’t there something that I should be doing? Perhaps partying or typing my best friend’s book?” I uttered while listening to their daytime songs and it’s decent but it could be better. I turned around to see the gorgeous man that I have been eyeing all night.

            “Can I help you?” I uttered with a confused look. What does he want now?

            “I have been noticing you since the night started and I’d hate to miss my chance so.. can I have your number?” He looked cute asking me my number however, even if he’s stunning, I still can’t change the fact that he’s a stranger. And my parents taught me not to talk to strangers. Or give your number to them.

            “Hahaha. That is cute. I’m sorry though but I don’t really give my number to strangers. I mean don’t get me wrong but you can totally be a serial killer even if you’re that stunning.” That last line shouldn’t have come out of my mouth. 

            “I’m the head architect in my own firm, I like pancakes for breakfast every Sunday morning, I am such a big star wars fan it’s insane. And I like you. You knowing things about me makes me something more than a stranger, am I right?” This guy knows how cute he is. That is so annoying but he’s really cute and also, I’m not breaking any rules here since, technically, he’s not a stranger anymore.

            “Oh you think you’re cute. Fine, I’ll give you my number then. I’m Rose by the way.”

            “I know. I’m Tobias. Nice to meet you”

            “Okay I gotta run. Bye.” 

            I was ready to waltz my way out of this place when someone grabbed me and took me in what looked like a corner. Leaned me against a glass wall and whispered in my ear.

            “I am serious about you. I like you and so, please like me back.” He said. I felt like I almost got kidnapped but why did it feel so natural? As if I should’ve fallen in his arms long time ago. He turned me around and I gasped to my surprise. The one who confessed to me is one of my best friends, Sebastian Zobel.

CHAPTER II: Rosabella

            Last night was kind of a blast. I can’t stop thinking about him and what he did. I know the answer to that question. It felt natural because he may have been doing that gesture a lot to other women. And since my game has been the very best in this town, I will get him back for that. Rose knows how to play.

            I got up and went to the bathroom to pee. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. After that, I went to my kitchen to cook breakfast.

            “The entrée for this morning is soft scrambled egg and crispy bacons.” I said out loud in my best British accent.

            “Knock-Knock! Hey Rose, it’s Seb.” I walked towards the door and opened it only to see Sebastian in his usual blue distressed jeans and grey shirt that makes his chest pop. 

            “What now?” I uttered annoyingly. I know Sebastian. He likes the play, he likes tricks, which is why I find it hard to believe that he likes me.

            “I came here to be clear about what I said last night.” The sincere look in his eyes captured me for some reason. Maybe he is really serious about liking me? “I’m sorry because I dragged and pinned you against a wall. But the truth is, I really do like you. And if you like me back, I would really like to date you.” He’s really serious about this. Didn’t think he would notice me and see me as a woman but here we are receiving confession from the guy that I secretly liked since our college days. 

            “I don’t know what to say.”

            “You don’t have to say anything at the moment. All I want you to know is that I like you Rose.” Took one last look at me then left my apartment.

            As I sip my deliciously brewed Moroccan morning coffee, I sit in wonder and actually dazed about the current events that are happening in my life. Is his confession truthful? Or am I suddenly living inside my dream. I have liked Sebastian for so long I’m actually surprised that I didn’t explode out of happiness when he was confessing. It just seems unreal and dangerous. He has been the most notorious bachelor known for two things: making panties fall and making hearts fall with it. Agreeing to date someone like Sebastian can universally be classified as suicide. But who knows, maybe he’s finally turning into a new leaf. As soon as I finished my breakfast, I got ready to go to work. My firm is not that far from Makati, which is the best thing since we all know how incredibly fast it is to be stuck in traffic. 

            I went down from my apartment and got into my White Audi R8 Coupe 2018 Model with V10 plus. This ride is my baby. I custom-designed its engine since I race every now and then. I arrived at my firm RS Designs. I got into interior designing when I went to this mall and saw a bunch of furniture stores. I love designing and making everything aesthetically pleasing. Mixing and matching pieces has been my favorite part of my work. My phone is ringing and Sebastian’s calling.

            “Hello?” I answered.

            “Do you wanna eat something for lunch?” Sebastian asked.

            “I have just eaten breakfast and we just saw each other.”

            “I know but I want to eat with you and I want to see you.” This is why I fall in love so easily and get hurt so easily. It’s because of this phrase. This phrase broke me several times already.

            “Well, we don’t always get what we want.” Then I hung up. Well that was quite a bit of distraction. Now, let’s get back to business. 

            Exactly at 11:37 AM, my stomach rumbled begging me to eat something so I postponed the works that I’m finishing and got my keys and wallet and went straight to the ground floor lobby of my firm. Walking towards the door, I saw someone familiar wearing his signature blue distressed denim jeans and a grey shirt leaning beside his black Ferrari 458 Italia GT2. 

            “Stunning.” I made a remark.

            “Thank you, I try hard to be casual.”

            “The car. I meant the car is stunning.”

            “Okay, Rosabella. Let’s grab something to eat. I’m starving.” My name isn’t actually Rosabella. He just calls me that whenever he wants to irritate the life out of me. We drove around my firm’s area to look for something to eat but almost all of the places are full and booked.

            “Why don’t we just go to my place? I’ll cook something for us. We’re going to waste a lot of time looking and waiting in this place.”

            “Sure but only to eat. No other activities. Just eating.” What a very common trick but guess what? That won’t work on me.

            “I didn’t say anything about that. Damn, Rosabella… why are you thinking about doing naughty things with me?” I blushed. Blushed like a freaking tomato. 

            “Focus on the road please. Why is it so hot in here?” I removed the blazer that I was wearing and was left wearing a white silk long sleeve with a ribbon just below the neckline. 

            “Can you do something about that?” confused about his question, I looked around inside and outside the car. 

            “About what?”

            “Your breasts are sticking out and I’m hearing my name.”

            “Can you do something about that?” I asked and he smirked and began thinking about indecent things.

            “About what?”

            “Your attitude.” Burn sister. He rolled his eyes and pouted like a baby. Aw how cute.

            5 minutes later, we arrived at his loft. I quickly went inside the kitchen to look for the available ingredients in his refrigerator.

            “I’ve got chicken in there as well as potatoes and asparagus.” Sebastian pointed out.

            “Okay let’s cook those.” I agreed and got the ingredients out of the refrigerator and prepared the vegetables.

            “Can you kindly deal with the chicken?”

            “Sure, Rosabella.”

            “We are both aware of my actual name which is Rose so why are you calling me Rosabella?”

            “Because belle means beautiful. And you are beautiful.”

            “Well, thank you, at least you’re honest. That’s one positive compared to your many negatives.” 

            Fast forward to the finished product, us cooking together gave birth to a very delicious roast chicken with mashed potatoes and salted asparagus. Since my break is not yet finished, I decided to stay and sit on his couch to watch something. He washed the dishes and joined me on the couch after. I was scrolling through the movie choices when I felt him scoot his way over to me. 

            “I told you. No other activities are allowed.”

            “I know. Take a chill pill.” If you only know how untruthful that is. Even if you say you know, you don’t really know which is the most annoying trait that you have other than, of course, the other really annoying ones. But since he said that he knows, I’ll continue scrolling here. 

            “Do you… feel like I’m tripping?”

            “Yes.” I said bluntly because it’s the truth. I really do think that he’s just kidding.

            “Well, I’m not. I really am serious about you. I hope that you’ll see it and realize that it is the truth.”

            “Yes but words are so easy to say. Try matching your words with actions then maybe I’ll start believing.”

            “Okay. Do you want some ice cream?”

            “Depends. What flavors are you offering me?”

            “I’ve only got one flavor and its you favorite.”

            “Really?” I squeaked like a baby. “Get me my mocha ice cream. Stat, please.” I said with a wide smile and squinted eyes. 

            Moments have passed and now I’m back at my office finishing some deadlines and designs. I can’t help but wonder if Seb is really serious about this. In the end, only time can tell.

CHAPTER III: Confession

            Today, I quickly did my usual morning routine then changed into my gym clothes. I have a local gym that I attend to near my apartment. I got on my car and drove to that place. I checked in with the lady at the front desk when you enter the place. Logged in my information as well as what I intend to do at this gym. After logging in, I quickly did some stretching and hopped on to the treadmill. To my surprise, I saw Sebastian entering the gym. I was about to say hi when I saw that he’s with a girl. She’s two inches shorter than me, a shade lighter than my skin tone, short black hair, beautiful face, and a slightly crooked smile. They were laughing when they entered the room. Slight flirt can be detected but maybe that’s just my imagination until the two pushed their lips together. His hands are on her waist and hers caressing his neck. This is a sight to witness. They were basically eating each other’s faces. I didn’t really expect for him to be serious. But I sure as well didn’t expect this today at my local gym. Now I have to switch gyms. I actually like this one. That’s such a bummer. It stings a little. The guy I secretly like is eating someone else’s face. I’m just gonna leave. And, great they’re blocking the way. What a really nice day I’m having. I have no choice but to excuse myself while they’re doing indecent things. 

            “Please excuse me.” I said with conviction and a little louder tone.

            “Oh, sorry we didn-“ Sebastian said as he looked at me with a shocked expression. Why is he shocked though? I wasn’t shocked that he’s making out with some girl when he just assured me yesterday that he is serious about liking me and wanting to date me. So, I don’t get it. Why is he more shocked than I am supposed to be?

            “Go on.” I said as I passed by them.

            “Rose, wait.” Sebastian pleaded but in these times, I don’t think I have the appetite to talk to him after witnessing a very traumatic and nauseating scene 5 minutes ago.

            “I’m in a hurry. Go continue what you were doing with that girl.” I replied as I shot him a cold and murderous look.

            “No, wait, Rose, I can explain.” 

            “Explain? No need to explain as I had observed how you two made out in detail.” Sometimes I really hate my talent of noticing every little thing. 

            “Rose, just let me explain. I am serious about you.”

            “Sorry but after you failed to match your actions to your words, I stopped listening to what you were saying.” I got in my car and drove back home. I can’t believe what just happened. What did I do wrong? Was he turned off that I was being so hard-to-get? What made him kiss another girl when he just confessed his feelings for me? Boys can really tell you the sweetest things and still hurt you. I just don’t know why. Why would he bother confessing if he himself will ruin his own chance? I rang one of my best friends to get this out of my chest.

            “Hello, Stella?” I uttered as my voice starts to shake and my tears fall one by one.

            “Hello, Rose? Are you crying? What happened?” Stella replied with a concerned tone.

            “Something happened. Can you come to my place?”

            “Sure. I’ll be there in 20.” Then I hung up. I’m thankful for great friends who’ll be there in rough times and Stella is one of those. As I wait for Stella to arrive, I changed into my pajamas to be comfortable then grabbed my favorite Mocha ice cream in the refrigerator and played season 9 of How I Met Your Mother. Why do I look so sad and alone right now? We didn’t even date. I just secretly liked him since our college days and he just confessed his feelings for me yesterday then he went ahead and made out with someone in my local gym along my area. Not only am I sad, but I also have to find another gym. Well okay this is getting too sad.

            “Ding dong! Ding dong!” the doorbell of my apartment rang. That must be Stella, finally. I opened the door and to my surprise, Olivia went in and hugged me.

            “I heard the news from Stella. I came straight in here and got you your favorite mocha ice cream and a cinnamon toast from pancake house. Stella’s on her way here, she just sent me because she got stuck in traffic.” Olivia blabbed and I just hugged her immediately. I can’t believe how great my friends are. They got me my favorite comfort food too, free of charge. My soul is deeply touched.

            “Thank you so much, Olivia. You both are the greatest.” I thanked her as I munched my cinnamon toast. Its taste is still a delight inside my mouth.

            “So, what happened?” Olivia asked me and I started tearing up again. I calmed and collected myself as I go into every detail of the story to Olivia.

            “Love, we both know that you deserve so much more. You are beautiful in so many ways, intelligent, talented, and just adorable. I can’t understand how people miss these characteristics of yours. When I, for one, adore it wholeheartedly…” Is this just an advice or is this going somewhere else? Is she going to? “I know it isn’t the right timing for this but I just want to get it out of my chest already. I’m a lesbian, Rose. I like girls, specifically you.” I don’t know what to say. I just stood there like a tree. I really can’t move my mouth and come up with words. A lot happened today and this is not what I was expecting. What is she doing? Why is she getting closer to me? Is she going to kiss me?

            “Wha-“ then she kissed me. Olivia kissed my lips. I pushed her back, looked to my left, I saw Stella with a shocked look on her face and her right eye getting watery. What have I done? Stella who trusted me enough with her secret, Stella who confessed to me that she secretly loves Olivia, that Stella is now running away from my doorstep. Running with teary eyes. What have I done? What have I done to my best friend?

            “Why did you kiss me?” I angrily lashed out at Olivia who is clueless about Stella liking her. 

            “I-I’m sorry.. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

            “Get out. Get out of my house.”

            “But, Rose..”

            “Get out!!”