PATRICK

What have I done?

I shouldn’t have done that.

I shouldn’t have said that.

I shouldn’t have confessed that way.

I should have waited for the right moment.

I should have waited for the right time.

I should have…

But what to do?

I already did it.

It’s over.

She found out.

My feelings,

My longing,

My pining,

For her,

For Elisa Ortegas,

For El.

But did my confession reach her? I hope it did.  Even though it was a rush and sudden confession.  It was totally not according to plan.

“What do you think, Lucy?  Do you think I have a chance?”

“Meooww…”

Every time I went home and to work.  I’ve always stumbled upon this cute stray black cat in the alleyway near the park.  Her fur is as dark as my raven hair.  I’m taking my sweet time to process what happened last night and this morning.  Also, I know that when I enter our house,  I can already see Penelope sitting on the couch with crossed legs, and she’s patiently waiting for me to tell her what happened.  As if there’s any patience left in her; my big sister isn’t a patient person to begin with.

“Wish me luck, Lucy! And pray that my sis won’t- Nevermind…” I sighed deeply.  I’m so doomed.

“Meow!”

I opened another can of sardines and cat food for Lucy.  Now, let’s go home.  Big sister is waiting.

***

“You’re late.”

My sister’s icy cold voice sent shivers down my spine.  Oh no… she’s mad.  Just like how I imagined, she’s sitting on the couch with crossed legs, and her hands are on her lap.  Her piercing stare froze me on the spot.  I guess sneakily entering the house without Penelope noticing is impossible.

“Hi, sis.  How was your day?  Did you take care of your work last night or-”

“Enough small talk.  Now, get to the point, Patrick Alvarez.”

Yikes…  She’s livid.  How should I even explain the whole thing to her?  That I had a one night stand with the love of my life who’s actually her best friend?

Please no…

Penelope would have flipped!

“Why are both of you not saying anything? Even El was speechless earlier this morning.  She was so drunk last night that she didn’t know you took her home.  I knew I shouldn’t have let her gulped down my drink even if she was enjoying herself.”

…What?

“Penny.”

“What’s with the serious tone? What’s wrong?”

No…

This can’t be…

“Repeat what you said, sis.”

And I hope that I just misheard her.

“I said a lot of things, so which part should I repeat?”

“The last part.”

“The part where El drank my martini instead?”

Oh no…

Penelope touched my cheeks.  Her face was filled with worry.

“Ricky? What’s wrong? Tell me.  Hm?”

Something is wrong.

Definitely wrong

But I need to make sure first.

I held her hands, slowly moving it away from my cheeks.  I must reassure her that everything is okay.

“I took Elisa home like you told me to.  Yeah, El was very drunk so don’t worry.  Nothing’s wrong.”

I forced out a smile, hoping she wouldn’t notice that something’s amiss.

This is bad…

I need to get to the bottom of this.  No one messes with the only two most important people in my life.

Not my sister, Penelope.

Not my love, Elisa.