Last updated on October 22nd, 2025 at 12:08 pm
“Zabby, is this gown not too short?”
“But we found it in your wardrobe.” She shrugs, then adjusts my hair. We’ve gone for a sleek low-bun which looks really good, though it isn’t the best option for hair as thick as mine when pressed for time. After using a lot of gel, hair spray, and tying a scarf—almost cutting off blood flow to my brain, for more than thirty minutes—we were able to tame it. I put on my hoop earrings.
Sometime early this year, I saw this off-white gown on my way home, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. After a whole week, I had to go back to the store. I hoped that it would have been sold out, though it wasn’t showcased, as it was the first time I saw it but there it was sitting pretty in the store. I tried it on that day and the sales assistant couldn’t stop gushing. It looked good, but it felt like something that some women wear, other women—those confident ones, not me. I ended up buying it and stuffing it at the back of my wardrobe. I forgot about it until Zabby dug it out now.
“On a scale of 1 to 5, how’re you feeling?” Zabby asks, steadying me. I let out a rough sigh.
“I’m okay.”
“Hey, just breathe and have fun. You’re thinking too much about the future, enjoy the now.” Zabby pulls me into a hug.
—
I’m at the restaurant and one of the workers has just told me that Joe is waiting for me in the private booth. I walk towards where he supposedly is, making sure that my strides are confident. My heart is beating wildly. I’m excited to see Joe but I keep remembering how close we were to being in a relationship back in school. What if we had dated? It’s too good to be true that we get an opportunity again. What if we’re bad for each other and I’m in for another trouble?
I’m still thinking when I spot Joe, who sees me at the same time and breaks into a grin. The spot he’s chosen is dimly lit, and the ambience is calm and luxurious; it’s one of those high-end restaurants that I’ve never dared to go to, until now. Joe stands and mon dieu! I clear my throat and start laughing. This makes Joe’s smile wider.
“Angela,” He whispers, closing the space between us.
“Joe. It’s real.” We hug each other and I’m engulfed in his smell, his world. He leads me to the sofa, still holding me.
“It’s real, baby.” He answers. Not letting go. I step into his embrace again and this time, we just stay, swaying gently. He can probably feel my rapid heartbeat just as I can feel his.
We’re sitting beside each other now and not opposite as we should.
“You’re so beautiful, Angie.”
“Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself.” Joe looks even better than when I saw him during the training last year. He’s holding me and stroking my palm, both of us content to be in silence for now.
“Angie, did you see me at that photography event?” The question is so unexpected that I ask him to repeat himself. He does. I smile and shake my head. Joe is up to something here.
“Umm, Joe.”
“Baby, that’s not an answer.” He tugs at my hand.
“Seems like you know the answer already.”
“I don’t. I didn’t see you, but I saw the pictures. You were there. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“Okay okay, I saw you.” I want to say more, but I keep quiet, waiting to see his plan. He contemplates my answer, stroking my hand and his beard with his other hand. It’s cute to see his mannerisms as a man compared to when he was younger; it’s more refined. I wonder how mine has evolved, too.
“Thanks for telling the truth. Do you want to order something?” He perks up and finally lets go of my hand, giving me a smile in return. I was convinced that he wanted to hinge on my seeing him at that event; now, I can’t tell what’s on his mind. He’s toying with me.
“Umm, maybe a bottle of water for now.”
“Same here, I can’t stomach any food right now. It’s insane to have you with me in flesh and blood.”
“So, seeing me as sated your hunger?” I ask, trying to make the atmosphere a bit playful, considering how charged it is, but as soon as the words leave my mouth, I know that I’ve only intensified it. This earns me a look from Joe.
“Angie.” He whispers.
