Found Again

The party has already started but Noah and Ava are still on the road. My forehead creased. It’s been an hour since Noah texted me that they are already on the way here. They are supposed to be here by now because my apartment is just 30 minutes away from Ava’s house.

I excuse myself from my friends to call Noah.

“Where are you? You guys are supposed to be here by now!” I said as soon as Noah answered his phone.

I heard him sigh. “We are already outside your apartment.”

My eyes widen. “What?! Then why are you not coming inside?” I asked.

“Ava is hesitant to come in,” Noah explained.

“What?! Wait I’ll go outside to fetch you.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I went outside as soon as I end the call and I saw Noah and Ava inside the car in front of my apartment. This is so weird. Attending a house party is not something new to Ava. We used to attend parties like these. Ava even hosted her own house party.

I walk to Noah’s car and knock on his car window. He pulled down his car window.

“What are you guys waiting here?! Let’s go inside!”

Noah look at me and pointed at Ava. He mouthed “you talk to her.”

“Ava?” I called her.

I turned to her. Ava looks shy and nervous. “What’s wrong Ava?”

“Are you sure it’s okay for us to join your party?” She asked quietly.

“Of course! They also want to meet you guys because they know that you two are my closest friends here.” I said to assure her.

Ava sighed aloud. “Fine. Let’s go.”

I smiled at her when I saw her removing her seatbelt. I cling to both of them as we went inside the apartment.

The boys are already enjoying their conversation while Iya is with Vince looking so in love. Iya and Vince are so obvious and I can’t believe that Andrew is still clueless about these two.

“Everyone! My guests are finally here!” I announced.

Their attention went to us. I introduce Noah and Ava to them and as expected, they welcome my two friends with open arms.

Andre, Noah, and I are so nervous as Lieo went to Ava.

“Hey, Ava. It’s nice to finally meet you. I told you last time that I will be flying here right?” Lieo said in a gentlemanly manner.

My heart flutters as I look at them. In all fairness, they look so good together. I hope that I succeed in pairing them.

“Nice to meet you too,” Ava said shortly.

I wanted to laugh hard but I know that will only make Ava more uncomfortable. This is the first time I saw her getting shy at someone. I find her so cute today.

After the introduction, the boys are now enjoying each other’s company while Iya, Ava, and I went to the garden at the back of my apartment.

“Are you sure Andrew doesn’t have any ideas about you and Vince?” I was not able to stop myself from asking what was bugging me.

“I’m sure he doesn’t have any idea about my relationship with Vince. You know how protective Andrew is.” Iya answered with full conviction.

I nodded at her. “I just find it hard to believe that he doesn’t have any idea at all. I mean, you guys are so obvious. But you are right, knowing how protective your cousin is to you, he will definitely confront you and Vince if he is sensing something.”

“Or maybe he doesn’t put malice on the two of them because as you told me before, they are friends since they were in grade school or high school.” Ava shared her opinion.

My eyes widen. “I think that’s the perfect explanation. Thanks, Ava, as expected from you, my smart friend.”

She just smiles and looks in Lieo’s direction. I giggle.

“What can you say about Lieo now that you met him in person?” I asked.

Ava’s face reddened by my sudden question. “He looks more handsome in person. I can’t believe he didn’t pursue modeling or the entertainment industry. And he seems like a gentleman.”

“He is.” Iya and I both said.

We all laughed while watching the boys.

“How’s your schedule this week?” I asked.

Ava’s forehead creased. “I’m don’t have shoots or runway this week. I have been busy for the past weeks and I wanted to take a short break that’s why I ask my manager to free my schedule this week.”

I look at Iya. We were both grinning.

“Then you can come with us tomorrow?” Iya asked excitedly.

“Where are you guys planning to go?” Ava asks.

“You know that Andrew and I were supposed to be on a private island by now and enjoying our vacation, right?”

Ava nodded. Ava and Noah were the only ones who knew about our vacation.

“But unfortunately, we need to cut our vacation to go back here because of my friends’ sudden visit. Since their alibi is done, we decided to tag them along. We are leaving tomorrow. Do you want to come with us? I’m sure you will love the place!” I said to convince her.

I really wanted her to come with us because I want Lieo to know more about her. I really want to play cupids with them.

“It’s fine with me. But what about your friends?” Ava said.

“Of course, it’s fine with us. We love to have you with us.” Iya answered her.

“Then I have no choice but to accept your invitation.” She said wearing her sweetest smile.

We are finally back on the island. I miss this place. I think I can live here forever.

Since we are with friends, the boys will occupy the two rooms while Iya, Ava and, I will share in one room.

“Are you sad because you will not share the same room with Andrew?” Ava started to tease me.

“Of course not! Though I will miss our cuddling at night still I’m fine with it.” I said while touching my face because I can feel the heat on my face from her sudden question.

“Are you sure it was only the cuddling that you miss?” Ava teased me more.

“Of course! We are not doing that yet okay? Andrew and I both agreed that we will only do that after our wedding.” I said in defense.

“That’s no fun!” Ava said.

Well, I can’t blame her. She grows up here in the States. Losing your virginity with someone you are not married to is not a big deal. Unlike in the Philippines, virginity is a big deal. We believe that the best gift that you can give to your husband is your virginity.

We are currently enjoying the activities on the island and I can see that Lieo and Ava are getting along very well.

I always make sure that they will have their moments together.

“Just let them fall naturally,” Andrew said as I was watching Ava and Lieo talking alone together.

I leaned on Andrew’s chest and look at him. He was hugging me while we were sharing in one of the beach lounge chairs.

“I know. But I can’t help myself. I really want them to be together. Look at them, they look so expensive together. I love it!” I told him while giggling.

Andrew chuckled while caressing my waist. “Indeed. But it will be best if you will not be involved with them. Lieo might not like that.”

I sighed. “You think so?”

Andrew nodded then he kissed my lips.

Night came and I saw Lieo alone sitting on the beach sand. I went with him.

“Why are you alone?” I asked while sitting beside him.

“Nothing. I just want my alone time.” He answered.

“So you want me to leave you alone?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No, it’s okay. You know that I always want your company.”

I smiled at him. I am a bit uncomfortable with what he just said because I am already aware of his feelings for me.

“I’m fluttered. But what can you say about Ava? She’s nice right?” I asked instead.

Lieo sighed and look at me intently. “I know what you are doing,”

I swallowed hard. I felt nervous from his stare. “What do you mean?”

“You are pairing me with Ava.” He said in a cold voice.

I averted from his gaze and lower my head feeling guilty.

“I know that your intention is good. But I don’t like what you are doing right now. Every time you try to pair me with someone, you are hurting me more.”