Chapter 20 Distracted

'Don't kid around. This is very uncomfortable.", Dina answered as she feels shy of how Carlos had been staring at her. "You look different, best. Your feminine side… you are indeed beautiful, best.", Carlos said obviously intensely admiring Dina. He couldn't take away his eyes from Dina even for just a moment. Dina then went on to Carlos and gave him weak but consecutive little punches. Carlos only laughed out loud as he felt he was being tickled by Dina. "You are still Dina! Hahaha! Hey, stop it! This is forbidden! Don't forget your feminine side… hey!", Carlos laughed but Dina was not stopping as she also laughed with him. "Feminine side? Haha, I don't have that!", Dina laughed when Carlos suddenly caught her hands to stop her. Dina stop and looked at Carlos. Carlos was also stunned when their eyes met. Dina felt uncomfortable and she immediately avoided his eyes and moved her hands away from Carlos. They went silent. "Uhm... ah, are you hungry?", Carlos asked to break the silence and his smile was somewhat awkward. Dina just nodded but still unable to look at him directly. "I know an eat-all-you-can restaurant here, best. Because I know you only know how to devour foods in massive quantities.", Carlos laughed. Dina laughed with him and the awkward situation earlier had been forgotten in one snap of a finger. "It's good that you know!", Dina laughed. "Come on!", Carlos gladly said as he went first. Dina ran after him and she was able to catch on and went over him first. 'Let's go quickly! You are too slow!", Dina teased while walking backward while facing Carlos. "and these… high heels…", Dina said intending it to be left hanging as she removes her shoes one by one. Carlos was just laughing as he looked at Dina. '… doesn't look good on me! It makes my feet very sore!", Dina complain while still walking backward. Carlos was still smiling as he walks after Dina who is now walking on her feet inside the mall. "Best, careful!", Carlos tried to warn Dina but it's too late. "It's more comfortable---", Dina as she crashed onto someone. "Ouch!", it was a woman, Dina bumped into her and she hurriedly went on to face the woman to apologize. Dina saw that the woman is holding was all spilled on her clothes. "I'm sorry miss.", Dina humbly said as she was worried she had ruined the woman's clothes. "No, it's ok. Are you alright?", the woman who Dina bumped into answered in a gentle manner. Dina looked at the woman's face only to realized that the owner of the gentle voice is no other than Rico's first love, Alice. "A-Alice?", Dina stuttered, she was surprised to see Alice coincidentally and in this way. Alice stared at Dina as she thought this woman who bumped into her had recognized her and that they might know each other. "Dina?", Alice said in surprise when she finally recognized Dina. "Are you ok, Alice?", it was Rico who hurriedly ran towards them. Alice immediately held Rico's arms as if showing her possessiveness again over Rico. "I.. I'm okay...", Alice answered hesitantly as she looked at her dirty clothes. "Miss, you should have been more careful when walking. You must look---', Rico said loudly as he frowned but was stunned when he suddenly recognized Dina. Rico was surprised to see Dina. 'I'm sorry, Rico. Bumping onto your girlfriend wasn't really intentional.", Dina explained but Rico still fell silent. He wanted to revert his actions earlier, if he had just known it was Dina, he wouldn't have talked loudly or frowned upon her. He stared at Dina intently and he was aware he is really mesmerized by Dina's beauty for him to unable to remove his eyes on her. "Best, are you okay?", Carlos asked Dina and he looked worried. "I'm okay, Best but Alice---" "I'm okay. Don't worry.", Alice answered abruptly in a soft tone. Rico is still staring at Dina. "Oh, it's Dina's husband and his girlfriend. What a coincidence. What's their name again?", Carlos said sarcastically as if his smiles were teasing the immoral couple in front of them. Carlos's annoying sarcasm caught Rico's attention, forcing him to face and look at Carlos instead. Rico really dislikes Carlos right from the start. "Oh... it's Rico, and Alice.", Dina replied as she looked at the 'real couple". "Ah nice meeting both of you again.", Carlos flatly said, obviously uninterested, and immediately turned to Dina. "Are you sure you're okay, best? It's because you're a girl today.", Carlos teased. Dina laughed heartily… which made both Alice and Rico uncomfortable. But Rico looked at Dina's happy smiles, he couldn't believe that this woman is his wife… Dina hadn't dolled herself up for him, even during their wedding. For some unexplainable reasons, Rico was envious. He wants to be the one who makes Dina smile like that… he wanted to be with Dina. "Well, it seems that everyone is okay. I guess, we must head off first as we also don't want to disturb you both as well.", Carlos said to Rico and Alice while winking at them, emphasizing the last part of his words. Rico hated it, he also doesn't like how it just seems natural for Carlos to be that cool. "We-WAIT!", Rico shouted to prevent Dina and Carlos from leaving. Rico immediately looked at Dina. "Dina, have you eaten already?", Rico asked Dina. Dina was surprised, even Alice and Carlos too. 'If not… then why don't we eat together instead?", Rico tried to explain to justify his actions when he and everyone noticed his unusual question towards Dina. It's because he couldn't explain too why he also did that. But on his mind… he just really doesn't want to see Dina going away from him. Dina fell silent. She doesn't know what to answer Rico. "Don't you think that would be too awkward?", Carlos answered Rico's question in Dina's stead. "Why would that be?", Rico was controlling his feeling of irritation against Carlos… he's such a 'joiner". "You're with Alice, your girlfriend... but you're Dina's husband. That's very unusual, the wife with her husband and his girl in one table. Another thing, I am Dina's date today… and I want her all by myself.", Carlos simply said in a cool tone. Rico wanted to punch Carlos due to his boldness… but he's got a point. What Carlos was saying is true, but still… he couldn't accept that this crude-mouthed man is Dina's 'date". Rico still wanted to hinder them, no matter what. "Date?", Rico repeated but was interrupted by Carlos again. "Yes, DATE. Why? Are you the only one who has the right to date? Of course, Dina also----', Carlos was interrupted to what he was about to say. 'Date?! What date?! You want to get hurt?!", Dina Cut Carlos's words as she went over him and started giving him soft and consecutive little punches on his arm. Carlos just laughed it off and seemingly avoiding Dina's punches but in reality, he allows her to hit him. Rico felt envious seeing what Dina and Carlos are doing. He wanted to ruin their happy scene and he was about to… but was interrupted when Alice tightly held on to his arm. Alice! I have almost forgotten… I am with Alice!, Rico realized but he continued to look at how lovely Dina is and he couldn't take his eyes off her. 'So, Rico, Alice... we head off first. Carlos is saying nonsense already. And Alice, I'm sorry again. I didn't mean to spill your drink, especially on your clothes. It's just that, I'm not used to wearing high heels. Carlos made me wear those and it hurts my feet so much.", Dina explained to Alice and Rico. Alice just nodded and gave Dina a dainty smile. "You're kidding! The truth is, you just want to eat!", Carlos teased Dina. Dina elbowed Carlos on his side as a response. "Ouch! Hey! That hurts!", Carlos complained in pain but was still laughing. "Let's go!", Dina laughed as she pushed Carlos to lead their way. Carlos puts his arm across Dina's shoulder in response. Rico was clenching his fist. He hates what he is seeing. It feels like his heart was being crushed to see Dina happy being with Carlos. He couldn't explain why he was feeling that way. Even though Dina and Carlos is now far away from them already, his eyes are still locked on Dina's happy face. It's like he was nailed on his position. Alice looked at Rico and she wanted to get jealous but she is holding onto Rico's promise to make up with her. What Rico knows is he loves Alice but… when he saw Dina being happy in the arms of another man, his heart felt really heavy. Rico had just arrived and I just met him today… I don't trust that man. But if Dina happens to really like that guy and if that man is ready to take Dina as his responsibility despite Dina being married to me… I don't know if I could let Dina go. I hate to admit this I'm so worried, Dina., Rico sadly thought. He composed himself, he doesn't know why he was thinking that way. Rico, whar are you thinking! You shouldn't put any malice… you are just concerned! Dina has been depending on you, it is just natural to be worried for her. It's just right to not give her to just any man! She is like… my sister… right?, Rico tried to jusify his thoughts on his mind even though he is hesistant with the last idea about his treatment towards Dina. Even though he has been saying that Dina is like a sister… but deep within him, he is aware it's not true. Rico and Alice were both silent their whole date even when Rico had already drove her home. 'Thank you, Rico.", Alice broke the silence. "No problem.", Rico said and gave her a slight smile. Alice suddenly hugged Rico. Alice's aggressive actions shocked Rico and wanted to avoid her. "I love you, Rico.", Alice said but became disappointed when Rico wasn't able to reply with her words of love. Rico was too surprised to answer or even to react immediately. He decided to just hug Alice but even before doing so, Alice moved away from him. Rico doesn't know how to handle Alice's aggressiveness. She wasn't like this, three years ago. Aside from Alice's obvious changes, Rico also felt that he, too had changed. He felt awkward and uncomfortable to do the things he does to Alice before… it's like there is a thick wall between them. "Goodnight.", Alice smiled at Rico. "Goodnight.",Rico said and he also responded with an awkward smile. Then Alice suddenly kissed him on his cheek… which startles him once again. Alice hurriedly got off Rico's car after stealing Rico a kiss on his cheek. 'Take care!", Alice smiled as she waved him goodbye before going inside her house. Rico stopped for a moment. He tried to compose himself before turning on his car's engine. ###Chapter 21 Up For A Challenge Rico's thoughts are messed up. He is thinking about Carlos… about Alice… about Dina… his situation with Alice… Dina's problem… too many. That's why he decided before going home, he wanted to clear up his mind at the park near their home. He parked his car nearby and decided to take a walk. While walking, he was totally surprised to see Dina and Carlos at the basketball court near him. He can't hear what Dina and Carlos were talking about but he could clearly see their ear-to-ear smile for each other. Rico seemed to be nailed on his position, he kept on looking at the two but his eyes stayed on Dina. He couldn't believe that woman he is looking at is Dina. She looks like a fragile woman, totally different from the first time he saw her that he even thought she was a teenage boy. The thought of their first encounter made Rico smile and it was undeniable that he really admired how beautiful Dina is today. Although he is aware that Dina is indeed beautiful but he just couldn't understand why Dina is stunningly lovely these past few days especially today… but all he could do now is just stare at her beauty because she is still with Carlos. When Carlos came across Rico's thoughts, he felt a sharp pain in his heart. 'So, you have graduated already too. Too bad, I wasn't there to see it.", Carlos said in a sad tone. 'Yeah, I never thought I would make it.", Dina laughed. "Why don't you find a job? I know you easily bore yourself when you're alone. You always stay home and never do anything to make yourself busy anyway.", Carlos suggested. 'Meh, I tried but Rico doesn't want.", Dina answered. "Huh? Why?", Carlos asked further. "He was thinking that I would leave. That's what I told him at first.", Dina explained. 'Oh, is that so?", Carlos commented. Dina just nodded. 'Hey! You know what? Wisdom University is nearby, right? I know they have a school branch near here." "Yes, it's just one bus away from here. Why did you ask?" "I saw their fatebook ad that they are currently hiring teachers. Why don't you apply as PE teacher and since you're a varsity player at college, you could coach their basketball club there too. I'm pretty sure you're definitely qualified there.", Carlos sounded very excited. "Really?! Is that true?! Wow! But the thing is… I think I should seek Rico's permission first---" 'No, you don't have to, Best! Just surprise him. And it's just near here, so you don't have to move out or look for another place to stay. Then they will allow you too. You'll bore yourself if you keep on staying home doing nothing.", Carlos is trying to convince Dina. Dina thought for a moment. "Okay! I'll do it! Thanks, Carlos. The truth is, I really want to find a job too because I don't want to become too dependent on Rico and his parents. I'm afraid I might get accustomed to it…and it will be hard for me to leave them… which I need to do because Alice is here already. She's back.", Dina said sadly when she mentioned Alice. Carlos tapped her back. "Before going home, let's play first… just one round.", Carlos smiled at Dina to make her smile too. Then Carlos opened his bag. A ball popped out from it and on the ball are signatures of various well-known NBA players. "This is my souvenir… for you.". Carlos smiled. Dina's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, Carlos! Best! Is this really for me?! These signatures… ARE FROM MY IDOLS!", Dina smiled so happily and she even jumped with enthusiasm. Dina couldn't believe what she is seeing while looking at the signatures on the ball. She raised the ball triumphantly as if it was her trophy. "Why? You don't want it?", Carlos teased her. "YOU'RE CRAZY! Who wouldn't want this?! Of course, I want this! Wow! Thank you so much!", Dina answered happily as she rotated the ball on her thumb. "Are you really happy?", Carlos asked, still teasing her. "Are you serious?! Of course---', Dina was interrupted to what she was about to say when Carlos stole the ball from her hand and went in the middle of the basketball court. "Oh really? Then try to get this ball from my hand.", Carlos challenged Dina as he dribbled the ball in between his legs. Dina was horrified to see what Carlos is doing to the ball. "Hey, hey, hey careful! That's a GOLD!", Dina complained. "I used a permanent pen on this. No worries it won't smudge even just a bit. So, are you up for the challenge?", Carlos said while continuously dribbling the ball. 'Are you kidding?! I'm wearing a dress!", Dina tried to complain. 'Ah I see… so, you don't want this…", Carlos teased Dina again. Dina laughed. 'Well, you're really challenging me, huh? I just let you off earlier because I pitied you but now…get ready because you'll pay for this!", Dina said smugly as she removed her high heel shoes and went over to Carlos. She wasted no time and immediately attempted to steal the ball, Carlos kept on avoiding her advances. Rico clearly saw how happy Dina is to what she was doing. Dina… are really hapy playing that sports because it's your passion? Or were you able to smile like that because… you're with Carlos?, Rico thought while witnessing the two seemed-to-be-happy couple in his front. Rico never saw Dina playing basketball that is why it was kind of amusing for him to see her playing that sports for the first time… while wearing a dress. She is wearing a very girlish wardrobe but her actions are like of the boys while she is trying to steal the ball… Dina looks like she is really enjoying what she is doing. While Carlos was avoiding Dina, he stumbled upon one of Dina's high heeled shoes. For this reason, he loses his balance and fell… on top of Dina. Rico was shocked to see Carlos on top of Dina! Dina and Carlos was staring at each other. Dina was surprised to see Carlos slowly closing his eyes… the gradually closing the gap between them too. Carlos' face was so near her but Dina's eyes opened so wide with shock. She doesn't know what to do and she wanted to avoid Carlos but she couldn't move. She was nervous and tensed as she doesn't want what will happen next. Carlos' lips is getting near her lips and Dina knew that if she won't do anything, Carlos will be able to kiss her soon. At that moment, she immediately thought of Rico and in panic, she hurriedly tightly shut her mouth and eyes while her mind keeps on shouting Rico's name. Rico!!!, Dina shouted on her thoughts, she doesn't want Carlos to kiss her. Rico was fuming mad without knowing why when he was witnessing Carlos making a move on Dina… he is going to kiss his wife! He won't allow this impudent man to be successful on his advances to his wife. He wanted to punch Carlos and he will really do it now. He hurriedly went over Carlos and Dina but… Rico saw Dina closing her eyes as if she was really expecting and waiting for that insolent man to kiss her. Rico was nailed on his position, he loses all his strength when he saw it… but even though he was feeling weak, he still doesn't want the kiss to happen! 'EHEM!!!", Rico coughed loudly which startles both Carlos and Dina. Carlos and Dina both opened their eyes and Dina found new strength to push Carlos away and hurriedly stood up. Upon standing up, Dina immediately shook of the dust on her dress so she could distract herself away from Carlos. While Carlos, on the other hand looked at Dina with regret for the missed opportunity to kiss her. Unwillingly, Carlos threw a threatening glare to the impolite man who had disturbed his kiss for Dina… but he was extremely surprised when he found out who it was. 'Oh… you're both here? Sorry, did I disturb you?", Rico asked in a sarcastic tone. Dina was surprised when she heard Rico's voice, she looked at him automatically, she couldn't believe Rico is here… he was just thinking and shouting his name on her thoughts a moment ago, and now… he is here. "R-Rico?",Dina stuttered in surprise. Carlos smiled bitterly as he stood up to face Dina's rude husband. "We're surprised to see you too.",Carlos replied to Rico's question in a sarcastic tone too. "Oh, well.. I'm sorry. It seems that both of you were busy… playing basketball?",Rico puts emphasis on his last words sarcastically. "Oh, you noticed?",Carlos answered mockingly. Dina felt the growing tension between the two guys, both were smiling but it's like they are both implying subtle meanings to their words, intending to push one another's button. "Mind if I join the fun?",Rico asked annoyingly. "I doubt. With your looks, it looks like who even hadn't held a ball yet.",Carlos laughed. "Does it matter?",Rico replied smugly. 'It seems that my wife is really enjoying this sports… I want to know the things that makes my wife happy.",Rico was talking to Carlos but his eyes were directly staring at Dina. Dina was unable to react, Rico's aura is unusual… it's like he is not like the usual Rico she knew especially hearing him say and pertains to her as his wife. "So, is that a challenge?",Carlos wanted to confirm. Rico picked up the ball to affirm. "Hmn... maybe?",Rico answered as he still looks at the ball. "Well then I accept.",Carlos answered seriously. "But Rico! You don't know how to play basketball! Carlos is an expert---", Dina tried to mediate. 'Is that why you enjoy being with hime instead of me because he is an expert?! Was he really that good? What other things is he good at that makes you smile like that when you're with him?!",Rico angrily said to Dina. Rico don't know why he is so angry. Dina wasn't able to say anything and Rico uses this chance to face Carlos who already went in the middle of the court. Rico followed him there. But Rico… this is not what you are thinking!, Dina thought, annoyed. She is annoyed because Rico is being malicious between her and Carlos. "First to score five wins.",Carlos initiated. "Fine---",Rico agreed but he was not yet finished with his words when Carlos threw his first shot. It went in. "One point for me.",Carlos smiled self-approvingly. Rico was so annoyed and he became more annoyed when he couldn't steal the ball from Carlos and especially Carlos had been shooting points successively without a sweat. "That's the fifth. Five for me, zero for you.",Carlos gave Rico a proud smile. Rico lost and was humiliated, this made him grit in anger.