His Punishment Page 8

  “Okay Ma’am,” the friendly receptionist replied.

  The two girls are both excited. Tara’s helper is trailing behind them bringing their gowns and her driver is carrying her make up kits. They are both used to putting on make-up and fixing their hair. They love getting fixed up. They even enrolled in some basic courses for personal make up application.

  They are in their room and her helper and driver left the two already. They are so excited to shower and get dressed for the ball that’s happening in five hours.

  ***

  Tara and Lyn entered the ballroom at seven pm after they registered.

  Both of them are wearing black evening gowns. Lyn’s gown is a simple Grecian style long evening gown. Tara was complaining that her dress is too simple for the occasion but she resisted in wearing something fancier than she is wearing. She explains that it is not actually her graduation ball and she doesn’t want to overpower the other kids.

  Tara on the other hand is wearing a classy black tube dress. The top of which is black printed lace on champagne inner lining and the bottom is plain black silk that hugs her slim waist and curvy hips. She opted to match her dress with subtle black smoky eyes like Kim Kardashian’s and very red lipstick like Anne Curtis’. Her hair is up but some soft curls dangling on her face and shoulders.

  They noticed a couple guys stare at them as they entered the ballroom looking so elegant and sexy.

  “Hi,” one guy from the soccer team approached them quickly.

  “Hi.” Tara said before she eyed Christian looking possessively over Lyn. She can sense that he is not happy at the way the soccer player is eyeing his girl friend.

  Tara smiled at him and waved for him to come near. It’s safe to say that they are friends since they are classmates and they talked a couple times at class already. It would just look like she’s introducing her best friend to him for the first time.

  When he came near the girls, Tara interrupted the soccer player who she can see is desperately trying to flirt with her best friend.

  “Christian, this is Lyn, my best friend. Lyn, this is Christian.”

  “Hi.” Christian shook hands with Lyn and smiled. Immediately, the varsity left and felt ashamed as they did not introduce themselves to him when he approached them.

  Tara looked over the place where Christian left and skimmed through the guys there.

  “Looking for someone?” he teased her when he noticed that her neck started stretching out like a giraffe’s.

  “Not really. Just checking who’s here.” She shrugged not wanting to admit that she was looking for James.

  They all started walking towards the other basketball superstars, all Christian’s friends. She didn’t see any sign of James. They were all towering above her and Lyn though they were wearing three inch stilettos. So it’s quite impossible that James goes unnoticeable. He is simply not here.

  “You look beautiful babe.” Tara heard him whisper to Lyn.

  “Shhhhh . . .” half turning back at them, “save those cheesy words for later when you’re alone!”

  “Dude! You’re late!” she heard Paco, their friend say.

  Who’s late? Tara glanced back and instantly saw a giant smiling at his friends then looked down on her and his smile faded.

  She felt the sudden rush on every vein in her body. She can feel her cheeks are becoming hotter because the way James is staring at her makes it difficult for her to breathe. She swallowed the lump that started forming in her throat.

  His jaw is tensed and is squarely framing his face. His glowing hungry eyes are keenly eyeing every inch of her.

  She feels like she’s shining like a diamond from the way he’s staring at her, especially now when she’s seeing him looking down her dress. She knows her dress is a bit sexy as it is hugging her figure and exposing a little of her white breast.

  James is wearing a tux like Chace Crawford’s. Black suit, black tie and gray long-sleeved polo with white collar. He looked so ruggedly handsome with those delicious kissable lips. Tara shivered at her thoughts. It dawned on her a couple days after she arrived from Boracay how she missed James’ lips on hers. Though it was the roughest kiss she has encountered she wanted him to kiss her again badly. But hoping the next would be passionate.

  “I will just get some drinks for us.” Christian interrupted their staring contest.

  James looked at Christian and saw him with Tara’s best friend, he extended his hand.

  “James.” he said introducing himself.

  “Lyn.” she offered her hand back.

  “You want some drinks?” James looked back at Tara and asked.

  She looked around James for the first time checking if he came alone.

  “I don’t have a date,” he said as if sensing what she’s looking around for. “You don’t have one either, I suppose?”

  “Yes. I mean none.” Tara said.

  “Let me escort you for the night then.” He said and took Tara’s hand and guided her to the cocktail tables before she could even refuse.

  Chapter 6

  The graduation ball is in full swing. Tara is having a good time. James has asked her to dance two times already, and he was beside her all the time. They were talking and chatting like they were in Samal.

  She feels their tension is gone for now. He did not mention anything that happened in the parking lot. And she is not thinking about it this time. They were just having a good time as this would be one of the last parties they would be attending as students.

  Christian and Lyn are having a good time as well. James is having a hint that Christian likes Lyn, but he still doesn’t know that it has been going on for a while. Tara was looking at James while he’s looking at their best friends.

  He seems happy looking at them, but there is something in his eyes that speaks of envy. Tara felt sad for him. He probably misses Rhea.

  And speaking of the slutty bitch, she was nowhere to be seen in the graduation ball. It is because of the fact that she isn’t graduating with them this term. But still, Tara thought she’d be here. It was impossible that no shallow graduating guy asked her to become his date. She was expecting that she would be here with James though. She didn’t think that their break up was permanent. But having James go here solo meant otherwise. The slut is definitely out of his life for good.

  Yahhhhoooooo!!!! Tara rejoices deep within and smiled to herself.

  “What you smiling at bitch?” James teased her.

  She did not notice that James’ eyes left their best friends and is now beaming at her.

  “Nothing. I just remembered something funny,” she smiled sweetly.

  “Your dress looks perfect on you,” he complimented.

  “It would look perfect on anybody James. It’s Patty Cabral’s!” she said bragging about the famous fashion designer who created the dress for her.

  “Take them off then. . . ” his voice trailed and touched the curls dangling in her face.

  “What?” Tara blinked then asked him surprised after gulping.

  “I mean,” James stood straight, “Let’s see if it would look as perfectly on Christian as it is on you.”

  They both laughed.

  “What? You said it would look perfect on anybody!” he asked grinning.

  “You know as much as I do, that the dress you’re wearing is so for you. Just you.” he continued.

  She smiled again trying to act calm though her heart is trying to get out of her chest.

  After they ate and had a few dances, Paco asked the guys to go to the bar downstairs in the lobby of the hotel to get a couple more drinks. They all agreed. Lyn and Tara were invited by their dates to come as well and they said yes.

  Tara cannot believe that for the first time in her life, James and I are together in a date. Well, not actually. He didn’t ask me. It just happened were both solo. She reminded herself as if hoping this is going deeper soon.

  “You love wandering off Tara.” James looked at her.

 
Tara saw James staring at her.

  “Where does your imagination take you?” he went near her and got her hand. He was guiding her outside the ballroom.

  Their friends are all getting out of the ballroom and heading towards the lobby to get a table at the bar and continue their celebration.

  Tara looked at Christian and Lyn who are whispering to each other. Funny how they looked. Christian is a bit smaller than James and Lyn is a bit taller than her. They look perfect together. Their kids if ever, would look like models. They are both tall and gorgeous. She wondered back to James.

  She looked up at him who is still holding her hand. He’s smiling. She feels ecstatic. The man she dreamt of is holding her hand and smiling like he is happy in love.

  “Table for how many sir?” the bar’s receptionist asked Paco.

  “For eight, pretty one.” he replied flirting at the girl who seemed to be delighted with his reply.

  “This way sir,” the girl guided them to the vacant table.

  Tara saw Paco move back a bit and followed the girl. He’s checking her ass. She concluded when she saw the sheepish smile that he beamed at James and Tara when he turned around motioning his hands as if cupping them.

  James just nudged Paco’s head playfully.

  Good thing my James is not as playful as this one. Hold it, hold it! MY James? And when did he become mine?

  “Am I part of those daydreams?”James asked her as he guides her to one of the seats.

  “Once was. . . ” she lied, though she was just daydreaming about him again just a few seconds ago.

  “Not anymore?” he asked surprised facing her directly in the two-seater couch they are sitting at.

  “Told you I’m no longer interested.” Tara said trying to convince James as she threw him the look of indifference that she is trying to project.

  “Really?” he asked again looking beyond her expressions.

  “Yes.” She said resigned.

  “Though I don’t have a girl friend anymore?” he asked wickedly, he was still trying to read her emotions.

  “The feeling’s graduating as soon as I am from school,” she smiled mischievously.

  “But you’re not a graduate yet, so. . .” he was trying to imply that she still feels something for him.

  “I’m almost a graduate.” She defended.

  “I don’t believe any of that crap,” he teased and went near her neck and whispered something in her ears. She can feel his warm breath and it sent shivers to Tara’s spine. “You’re lying Tara.” And then he moved away after he felt Tara shivered.

  Tara smelled the alcohol in his breath. He had a few shots at the ball but not that much to get him drunk. She is the one who drank more than she usually does.

  “So, who’s here?” Tara looked up at the girl that spoke. Rhea.

  “What are you doing here?!” James asked angrily.

  “What! You mean I can’t go to the bar with my new boy friend?” the slut asked him.

  Rhea pulled his “boyfriend” towards the table where they are sitting. She introduced Howard, Matt, Paco and Christian to her boy friend. Of course she doesn’t know Lyn and Matt’s date so it would be impossible she would introduce them. Then she turned to James and Tara.

  “And that is James, my EX boyfriend.” she placed a lot of emphasis on the EX word.

  Tara felt James twitch in anger.

  “And that one. . .” she pointed at Tara, “Is my EX’s stalker . . .”

  Christian stood up and tried to stop Rhea.

  “. . . and probably his new girlfriend as he doesn’t have a choice now that I dumped him, he must take someone to this ball you know.”

  Christian stood up. “Enough Rhea, you’ve done enough damage already.” he tried to shoo her away.

  “Why Christian isn’t it true?” she looked at him.

  “Just go, please.” He told Rhea’s new boy friend.

  They both left but Rhea was still glaring at James and Tara with her round dark eyes.

  “He’s just with you for sex. He lost one hell of a wildcat because of you!” they still heard her speaking to the two as she walks away.

  “I need to go to the washroom.” Tara stood up looking at James who didn’t even bother to offer to accompany her. His aura was suddenly dark and his jaw was clenched as well as his fists.

  “I just hope you get satisfied with that frigid woman!” that was the last thing they heard and Rhea was gone.

  “I’ll come with you hon.” Lyn offered.

  “No, you stay and have fun. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked again.

  “Yes.” Tara answered glancing back at James.

  He was not moving at all obviously now in a foul mood. He didn’t even look at her when she stood up. He just took another shot of the alcohol served at their table and signaled the bartender for another round.

  Tara walked away and didn’t look back once.

  ***

  RHEA’S Point of View

  I saw his eyes gleaming at Tara while he whispered something in her ears seductively.

  I hate that James is throwing this girl a chance at him. Yes I am fed up of fucking just him. They have called me a slut and they are all right. It was only with James that I behaved. During those three years we were together I never slept with another guy. I loved him.

  And then I hated him for the way he stared at Tara when she sang at Samal. I can feel he is feeling something. I feel the tensions they are having but I also feel something else. I got scared. I cannot get hurt because of that bitch. This love bug of mine is fucked up. I remembered telling myself when I got back to our honeymoon suite at the Island.

  I knew I had to hurt him first. I slept with one of the guys from the group at the bar. They were a group of friends from our rival school and they knew James well. James was a popular basketball superstar in our school and I sure bet they knew him because of that.

  Yes I know I hurt him, but I am hurt more to see that Tara and him are doing good and happy now. I can’t let them be happy so I had to tell them my point. I don’t want him back. I just don’t want them happy together.

  Seeing the pain in her eyes and the anger in his made me happy. I am Rhea. I don’t lose.

  TARA’s Point of View

  I didn’t go to the washroom as I told Lyn. I decided to go up the suite after I left the group downstairs. It was good enough for me that James and I are in good terms today. Knowing James, his mood goes in extremes like a pendulum.

  I hate Rhea. From head to toe and since then til now, most especially this very instant. Urgh! I really hate that slut!

  I kicked my stilettos once I entered the carpeted floors of our suite and didn’t bother where it fell. I started to go to the mini bar of the room. I got one of the light beers in the fridge and sat at the couch that adjoins both rooms of the suite. I took the beer like I was drinking water.

  Of all the times we would see her why now? Why not tomorrow? Or next week? Next month? Or never perhaps? Why does she have to destroy the mood that James and I have built up earlier this evening!

  I am feeling uneasy with this freaking gown! I changed into one of the hotel robes and drank another bottle before I take a bath. This will help me sleep. I never got drunk before.

  I went back to the couch and didn’t take a shower yet. I want more alcohol.

  I am sooooo mad. I hate her. And him! I want to drown my rage in these beers.

  He didn’t even say a word when Rhea pointed out that I am like a “last-minute-no-choice” date! How dare them!

  I want to cry my anger out but I just can’t. The tears just won’t come out!

  I finished another bottle of beer in less than two minutes and I find myself getting one again. Good thing I’m sleeping here tonight. I wouldn’t have to bother thinking how to drive home.

  I went to my bedroom where my clothes are. I will prepare my stuff before I take a warm shower.

  JAMES’ Point of View
>
  My mood is ruined. My emotions are sooo fucked up. I see Rhea with another guy and she reminded me of how Tara was. I hate them both. But I don’t know. I know there’s something I’m feeling for Tara. But she just told me she doesn’t want me anymore.

  And I hate how Rhea pointed out that she is my rebound. Though she might really be. Hell! I don’t know!

  “Dude, one more shot?” Howard asked me.

  I just took it. I know I’ve had more than ten shots already here in the bar in less than an hour we’re here. I don’t know how many I drank back at the ball. But it’s still manageable.

  I wonder where Tara went. I am mad at her because I remember it was her fault that my girlfriend left me. But I don’t know, I know she’s a bit tipsy already and she’s off wandering around the hotel alone.

  But who cares! She doesn’t care about me anymore so why would I care?

  I have to go. I’m in no mood to celebrate.

  “James!” Christian called to me as I stood up. I looked down at him.

  “Where you going?” he sounded concerned.

  “Home. I’m not in the mood to celebrate now.” I told him coldly.

  “But you’re still drunk.” Worry was now washing over him.

  “I’m okay. I can still drive.” I reassured him.

  “No. Here. Go to the room and freshen up first.” he handed the key card to me and I left for the room.

  LYN’s Point of View

  “Why did you give it to him?” I whispered to Christian.

  “Oh Shit! Text Tara,” he told me.

  I knew better so I stood up and excused myself from the group and called my best friend.

  “Hon? Are you at the room?” I asked immediately when she answered.

  “No, I’m walking around the sunset bar near the bay walk.” I heard Tara.

  “You need me?” I asked her.

  “No, Im fine. I just need some fresh air. I’ll be with you in a bit.”

  “Okay, I’ll wait for you here.” I said my nerves now calming.

  I was so relieved she isn’t in the suite. James is on the way and I don’t want them to see each other while they are both pissed. I went back to the table where our group is happily drinking. I gave a thumbs up sign to Christian secretly.