His Punishment Page 10

  At first, he was so annoyed at Tara. Even after the alcohol wore off his system, he was still left confused. He is still angry that she had to drop so low just to get what she wanted. He felt wonderful knowing he was her first and he so wanted to be her second and third and fourth, until he gets his craving of her satisfied.

  Yes, he craved her now. He wanted more of her. More of her lips, her breasts, her touch, her breath, her hips and most especially that precious moist and tight hole he invaded between those long silky legs. He was so hesitant to ask Christian if he had anything to do with Tara offering herself to him. He was afraid to hear the answers.

  “Simone Tara Salvador” he heard the loud speakers interrupt his thoughts and she looked at the woman slowly coming up the stage.

  She looked graceful. Her eyes are blank and expressionless. For the first time, it was so hard to read. Even her movements do not show how she feels. She just walked leisurely to the dean and the professors and shook their hands as all of them did. Then she went to the center of the stage and bowed elegantly just fixing her eyes on the empty seat she was seated at. She then moved to go down the stairs and went back to her chair without glancing around.

  James just stared at her then felt Christian nudged his elbow.

  “Bedazzled?” it was Christian.

  “Huh?” James asked his best friend.

  “I don’t get you Aguilar! She’s a good person.”

  “What?” James asked again.

  “Don’t play dumb.” Christian pushed his head.

  “What are you talking about man?” he asked pretending not to have a clue.

  “You are stupid. You finally got some hot and decent chick, and you keep pushing her away!”

  “Decent huh!” he wasn’t able to hold back his pretentions. “You don’t have a clue of what you’re saying!” James recalled Tara’s look at the suite. He has already sewn his own conclusion without asking. He thought Christian doesn’t know any of it. He thinks it was Lyn who gave her the keys.

  “Of course I do. Tara never had flings or boyfriends since she started university. “Christian defends her.

  “How do you know?” James looked at him frowning. It could be possible she isn’t showy and possible that she didn’t give herself to her boyfriends, but it was questionable she never got intimate with them. He suddenly felt angry at the thought of another guy touching and kissing Tara.

  “I just know.” Christian said not telling him that the info about Tara came from Lyn. He was not ready to tell James about them yet. I will tell him after graduation.

  James kept silent pretending to watch the people coming up and down the stage.

  “You’re hopeless!” Christian sighed loudly.

  Am I?

  “I don’t know dude!” James finally answered.

  “What’s your problem?” Christian looked at him after seeing the confusion in his best friend’s eyes when he glanced over at Tara once again.

  “Let’s talk later. Let’s ditch the gang. I’m not comfortable to talk to them yet.”

  “Wow! This is serious.” Christian smiled from ear to ear. Maybe he’s feeling something for her. He was really flirting and acting sweet to her at the ball.

  “Fuck off!” James irritatingly exclaims.

  “Want to eat lamb chops at The Beach?” Christian asked calmly.

  The lamb chops are served at the new restaurant at the parking lot called The Beach. It is just two blocks away from the sports complex and they haven’t tried it yet.

  “Yeah, I’d like that!”

  ***

  Tara went down straight to the parking lot after the graduation practice. She just sent a text message to Lyn who was still in her classes that the practice is over and she is heading home.

  When she reached the parking lot, she lit a cigarette. A bad habit she learned to do after what happened at the hotel with James. She psychologically feels relaxed after she smokes.

  She didn’t want to park here but she had no choice. This is the farthest parking from school and the best area to hide away from him.

  The parking is not cemented and it was just covered with sand and gravel that’s why it was called The Beach. She didn’t want to get scratches on her mag wheels so she opted to park very near the entrance. She had bribed the parking attendant to reserve her that space since she started parking there.

  She leaned on her car and puffed. She was still thinking about James. The school is about to end in a week and she will be in Boracay the following day. Good bye James forever. She felt sad. She exhaled deeply. She is back to wondering in her long list of “what ifs”.

  “What the hell?” James said as he and Christian entered The Beach.

  “I didn’t know she smoked.” Christian said as he saw why James is frowning.

  They are both health conscious as they are basketball players whose vices are only drinking and womanizing “a little”.

  James walked straight to Tara without thinking. She saw him leaving Christian behind to approach her. She threw her half way done cigarette hastily and pressed her car alarm to open.

  Just as she was opening the driver’s side door, James caught her arm.

  “What are you doing?” he asked still frowning and now clutching on to her elbow.

  Tara did not respond and went inside her car. James pulled her door to keep it open while Tara is pulling it to close.

  “James!” she called to him as if saying to let her go.

  “No!” he demanded.

  Tara didn’t reply and pulled the door handle harder to close and she succeeded. James, not knowing what to do, opened the back seat’s door behind the driver’s side and slid inside the vehicle.

  “What are you doing?” she turned her head back to fumingly look at James.

  “When did you start smoking?!” he yelled at her acting like a domineering boyfriend.

  “What do you care?!” she yelled back.

  “You don’t smoke,” he said knowingly.

  “Since when did you become my baby sitter?” she glared.

  They were interrupted when they heard knocks on the window. It was Christian. Tara lowered her window and looked at him.

  “Can you two get out of the car? You talk at the restaurant!” he sounds irate.

  “I’m going home.” Tara said to end the conversation.

  “No, we need to talk!” James said. He didn’t know if he was ready to talk to her yet, but judging from the way she has changed, he knew they had to talk.

  “Not now.” Tara authoritatively answered.

  “Then when?” James asked with very little patience.

  “Hey, it’s either you two get out of the car, or I’ll drag you both down! You’re acting like kids!” Christian exaggerates.

  James looked at his best friend and an idea formed in his head. He was now desperate to talk to her and he will definitely do something about it.

  “Okay, if you’re not ready, can we talk on Saturday? Christian is throwing a graduation party at his house. Will you come? You can bring Lyn if you want.” James said trying to sound composed.

  Tara thought for a moment and looked at Christian who is now shocked. Lyn and Christian. Okay. She remembered they can’t stay away from each other and knowing Lyn, she would definitely urge her to accompany her if ever Christian invites her to it.

  “Okay. I will come.” she said quietly. She knows well that most part of her agreement to come was for her best friend.

  “Really?” James sounded appeased.

  “Yes. I’ll take Lyn,” she smiled at Christian who still looks dumbfounded.

  “Great! I’ll see you!” James sounded happy then back to being calm. “We will talk by then.”

  “Can I go now?” she asked as if signaling him to get out of the car.

  “Drive safe.” He said before getting off.

  She didn’t answer and just left the two guys standing there looking at her car until its nowhere in sight.

  “I’m havi
ng a party?” Christian asked.

  “Please dude. Just invite the team and their girlfriends!” James pleaded.

  “Does this have something to do with what you wanted to talk to me about?” Christian asks suspiciously.

  “I’ll bring the beers!” James offered.

  “Spill it out!” Christian nudged James’ head. He sensed there’s something this guy isn’t telling him and he’s determined to squeeze him until he squeals every juice of his secret.

  They entered the restaurant and found it half filled. Most of the people there are not graduating with them. They found a vacant table near the window and started to walk to it.

  “Will you start talking or I strangle you first?” Christian asked James when they sat.

  “I don’t know how to start dude.” James said rubbing his chin.

  “Then just start talking!” Christian can’t wait.

  “Remember my vacation at Samal Beach?” James asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “The night Tara and I went to do our project, we had a talk. We were okay, she promised not to stalk me and I promised friendship . . .

  . . . then the following night, I caught Rhea. She told me it was all Tara’s fault that she went to have sex with that guy. I became so angry at Tara.” He paused for a moment and saw his best bud frowning at him before speaking.

  “But, dude, it’s not her fault.” Christian defended her.

  “I know that now. But when I went back to school after my solo vacation, I found her. I know she’s afraid of me when she saw me mad at her. Then I blamed her and all. Her fear of me turned me on.” He started admitting his feelings.

  “Whoa whoa!! You’re telling me you have sexual desires with Tara?” Christian interrupts.

  “Do you want me to go on?” James frowned and Christian covered his mouth.

  “I saw her at the parking lot, her car sandwiched in between mine and Matt’s. I am still mad at her then I thought she followed me again. I torridly kissed and touched her to hurt her and make her stay away.” He continued.

  “That’s why she looked so upset that night.” Christian wondered when he remembered the night she found her at Lyn’s house.

  “You saw her? How did you know?” it was his turn to ask.

  “Did she kiss you back?” Christian changed the topic.

  “NO! Hey stop cutting me!” James pushed him.

  “OK! OK! Chill!” Christian raised two hands up as sign of surrender. Relieved he didn’t ask him to elaborate if he saw her.

  “I didn’t want to stop, I wanted to fuck her right there and then, she felt so wonderful in my arms. And kissing her awoke something in me. Something hard to explain and something I never experienced with anyone, even with Rhea . . .” his sentence trailed as he recollects his feelings that day.

  Christian was intently staring and listening to him as if the plot to the hottest movie scene is unfolding.

  “But I felt her crying and I stopped. I was so confused at how I felt. I moved the car, and then she left. I wanted to apologize. I wanted to talk to her but she’s gone so quickly.” James sighed.

  “What? You’re not going to say anything?” He asked Christian.

  “Are you done?” Christian asked back and James shook his head.

  “No. Remember the ball?” James asked.

  “Yeah, the one where you were flirting with her.”

  James did not react. Was I that obvious?

  “James, you were gleaming with the girl. Your gestures were flirty. I knew you’re interested in her then. You don’t just go bed a girl. You’re not that type. So what’s your problem?” an obviously confused Christian asked.

  “Well, she looked hot that night. Yes I flirted with her. I was very attracted to her. She is a cool person, funny and cheerful. And she was so devastatingly sexy it hurts my groins.”

  “So you became a sex maniac now?”

  “I don’t know what she’s done to me. I was trying to seduce her to get to bed with me . . . I had sleepless nights reminiscing our kiss at the parking, her lips was so soft and she is so tender.” He then frowns. “We were in high spirits talking and joking until Rhea came.”

  “Yeah, I saw that. You had a very awful taste when you chose that woman to be your girl!”

  He agreed at his best friend’s comment before he spoke again.

  “I was really mad at Rhea for reminding me. I felt she was right, I lost a wildcat because of Tara. I was pissed again. I suddenly thought my confusion has something to do with my temporary celibacy. I decided to leave. Then you gave me the keys and she was there.”

  “But Lyn said she’s at Sunset Bar.” Christian frowned.

  “What? No. She was at the room.” he breathes deeply before continuing. “You see, she’s very manipulating. You didn’t know she asked Lyn for the keys?”

  “Actually dude, there’s something you should know.” Christian shook his head.

  James kept silent and wondered what he will say. He was eager to know if he is part of the plan. He was impatient to know the truth.

  “Tara was the one who booked the suite . . .” Christian’s voice was trailing.

  “You see!!! And you say she’s decent! She got it all planned!” James exclaims.

  “Shut up! You listen to me!” Christian interrupted him.

  “Lyn and I started dating since the day after you went to Samal.” He finally confessed.

  “What?!” James looked surprised.

  “Yeah. Tara knew it the night before she took a leave from her classes. I saw her the night you tortured her in the parking. Her eyes were puffy as if she cried a drum of tears,” he looked at James and saw him sigh. Christian saw how sad and guilty he felt.

  “We told her not to tell anyone yet. She was so happy and she was very supportive of me and Lyn that’s why she took her to the ball and reserved the suite for the three of us.” He was so proud and appreciative of what Tara has been doing for him and his girl.

  James can’t believe what he was hearing. He swallowed hard as he intently waited for the rest of Christian’s story.

  “She was playing cupid for me and Lyn after knowing we went steady weeks back and the relationship is still a secret.” He smiled.

  “You mean she didn’t lure you and Lyn for the keys?”

  “No. She had her own. She paid for it. It was a treat for me and Lyn.”

  “But, she was almost naked when I got there.” James frowned remembering the way Tara looked when he entered the suite.

  “What? Did something happen?” Christian was alarmed.

  James did not reply. He didn’t know how to tell his best friend. He felt ashamed now. It all became clear. Tara was innocent and he forced her.

  “What?!” Christian asked again.

  “Yes . . . I . . . think . . . I forced her.” James head was low and he was massaging his head. He’s definitely having a headache.

  “That’s what you meant when you told me, ‘thanks for the meat’ when you handed me the keys before you left? You’re an ass James!” Christian punched him in the shoulder.

  He did not answer. His heart was throbbing so loudly. He felt so shameful. He was so guilty. How could I do that to her? I feel like a beast! Shit! What should I do? I accused her of stuffs she didn’t do, and has . . . Oh God! What did I do?!

  “Do you know where she lives?” he asked Christian.

  “No man. Got no idea.” He shook his head. “You screwed big time!” he spoke again, still not believing this is all real.

  “Can you ask Lyn?”

  “What will I tell her?” Christian asked.

  “Do you think she knows?” James referring to what happened between him and Tara.

  “No. Or else she could have had you salvaged last week.” he shook his head at the thought of how protective his girlfriend is over her.

  Christian saw his best friend puzzled and worried.

  “Okay, I will ask her. You better fix this James!” he threatened him.

/>   “I’m in deep shit!” he kept hitting his forehead.

  “The hell you are jerk!”

  Chapter 8

  Tara’s Point of View

  HON I DECIDED 2 EAT LUNCH AT D MALL. THEN I’LL HAV COFFEE AFTER. WANT 2 JOIN ME LATER?

  I sent a text message to Lyn who I know will be out of class in an hour. I was hoping she’d join me if she didn’t have a date with Christian.

  SORRY HON. CHRISTIAN WANTED 2 TALK 2 ME ABT SOMETHING. BTW, HE’S ASKING YOUR HME ADD SO I TOLD HIM. MAYBE HE HAS A GRAD THANK U GIFT 4 U. :D

  OH, OK. THX N ADV. LOL.

  After an hour and a half, I finished shopping for my new Fitflops and shorts at Terranova. I decided to eat my late lunch. I went back at the food strip of the mall and walked to choose which restaurant is most appetizing. I settled for some ribs and decided to eat. I found a table at the smoking area and sat.

  I ordered the food as the waiter approached me and watched him get back inside. I felt lonely being alone now.

  I miss her. She used to be always available for me. But now she’s got Christian taking so much of her time. I wish I had someone to take my time too.

  I wondered back to James. I bet he wanted to talk seriously about what happened. Honestly, I don’t give much of a fuss about it anymore. It’s normal nowadays. I mean, losing yourself to someone you love. Hey wait! Did I say love? I just like him. I knew I’m so infatuated with him since I was freshman but I never thought I love him. Just now.

  The hell! Do I? I need a cigarette.

  No one knows I smoke. I’m sure Lyn would kill me if she finds out. It’s just temporary, I know I’ll quit once I’m calm and relaxed again. Perhaps after graduation.

  I opened my iPad while waiting for the food to arrive. I took a photo of the view where I am sitting. Palm trees swaying with the wind in the heat of the almost summer breeze. I miss the beach.