10/12/2024
Of DECEPTION AND FATE
CHAPTER 2: SPARK
George and Oliver sat a few feet from the bar, casually blending into the crowd while their attention remained locked on Belle. Their table was near the exit—a strategic spot chosen in case Belle needed backup. When a visibly drunk man started pestering her, Oliver half-rose from his chair, his fists tightening instinctively.
“Wait, hon,” George said, touching his arm. Her voice was calm, though her eyes remained sharp. “Let’s not make a scene. Belle’s got this.”
Oliver sat down reluctantly, watching Belle exchange clipped responses to the man’s increasingly unwelcome advances. Then, with perfect timing, a tall, attractive stranger swooped in. He greeted Belle with a kiss on the cheek, radiating confidence. Sensing he was outmatched, the drunk man slunk away, leaving Belle and her unexpected hero in animated conversation.
“Who’s that?” Oliver asked, tilting his head toward the pair.
“No idea,” George replied, narrowing her eyes. She couldn’t help noticing the shift in Belle’s demeanor. She watched her friend, typically reserved, laughing freely, flipping her hair, and subtly leaning toward the man. She had never seen her so animated, so full of life.
“It’s like they’ve known each other forever,” she muttered, a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism tugging at her. “Who would have thought? She’s good at this.”
When Belle and the stranger stood to leave, George and Oliver played their cards cool. Pretending to take a selfie, George subtly angled her phone to capture the man’s face. For safety, of course. But even as she snapped the photo, she couldn’t shake the feeling brewing in her chest. It’s just for tonight, she thought.
“I guess my friend finally found the one she wanted,” she whispered to Oliver. He nodded in agreement.
Belle and Anthony strolled along the lively paths of Station 2, their conversation flowing like an effortless melody. The festive hum of Boracay nightlife surrounded them, but Belle was focused solely on her companion.
“Is this your first time on the island?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“Second, actually,” Anthony replied, hands tucked casually in his pockets. “The first time was a quick one. I barely scratched the surface. I only got to enjoy the nightlife, no water activities.”
“Tragic,” Belle teased, shaking her head. “How could you miss the best parts?”
“Guess I was waiting for the right tour guide,” Anthony retorted with a wink.
Belle laughed, the sound light and unguarded. “Well, you’re in luck. I know this place like the back of my hand.”
“Do you always come here alone?”
“Yes, I’m a regular here,” Belle said, her gaze drifting to the familiar turquoise waves gently rolling onto the white sand. “But I’m not really into the nightlife. It’s more about the serenity for me. Somehow, walking on the sand here barefoot recharges me.”
“I understand the feeling. I like doing the same. It has a calming effect on me.”
“Exactly!” Belle was ecstatic that she found someone who shared that special feeling with her.
“So, since you’re the island expert, why don’t you choose our activities for tonight.”
“Sure! Have you tried anything authentic yet?”
“Well, if fish and chips count…” Anthony trailed off, grinning.
“Very exotic,” Belle deadpanned. “Let’s fix that.”
Belle led him to a small hole-in-the-wall eatery tucked away from the tourist traps. The scent of garlic and spices greeted them, and Anthony looked around with interest as Belle confidently ordered for them both. The conversation grew even more animated as they dug into plates of steaming rice, savory adobo, sizzling sisig, and freshly grilled seafood. The flavors seemed to fuel their energy, each bite accompanied by laughter and lively banter.
“So, is this your usual gig? Teaching clueless foreigners what to eat?” Anthony asked, gesturing to the spread.
“Only the handsome ones,” Belle replied smoothly, taking a bite of her food.
“Well, I’m flattered. Though I must warn you—I might expect a full island itinerary after this.”
Belle leaned back in her chair, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Alright. Dinner, dessert, then maybe some basketball.”
“Basketball?” Anthony raised an eyebrow. “Do you play?”
“Only when I feel like winning,” was her impish reply.
They followed this with the island’s famous citrus muffin and ended their gastronomic tour with gelato. As they walked through D Mall, a commercial area in Station 2, Belle spotted the basketball half-court where people paid to take shots. She turned to Anthony and asked if he’d like to try it. He agreed, eager to show his skills.
Belle didn’t know what came over her inviting Anthony to play ball. It had been a while since she played with her cousins. But touching the ball reminded her of how happy she was when playing.
Anthony gave it his best shot—literally—but his performance was middling at best. Belle, however, stepped up with the grace of someone who belonged on the court.
Her first few shots sailed effortlessly through the hoop, and a small crowd began to gather. By the time she’d nearly beaten the high score, cheers erupted from the spectators. Anthony clapped loudly, looking every bit like a proud boyfriend.
“You’re amazing,” he said as she returned, beaming.
“Sorry, I kicked your ass.”
“Are you?”
“Not really,” she grinned like a Cheshire cat.
“I thought so,” he returned her playful look. “Did you play competitive basketball?” Anthony asked.
“Only in high school.”
“Why did you not continue in college?”
“It’s complicated. I had to choose between an academic scholarship and an athletic one. Then, some things happened. Also, there’s no professional basketball league in the Philippines for women, so I chose the nerdy route,” Belle said thoughtfully.
“It makes sense. I would have done the same.”
“Oooh, really now?” she said teasingly.
“Hey. I may look athletic, but I’m quite the nerd. Wait, are you judging me?” Anthony laughingly answered.
“Not really. The verdict is still out,” she said, attempting her most playful expression.
“By the way, which school did you attend, if I may ask?”
At this point, Belle realized she was already giving more information about herself.
“Here’s the deal. Feel free to ask about what I like, such as how I like my coffee or anything else that’s not too personal. You can have any personal information tomorrow. Let’s see what happens later first, would that be okay with you?”
Normally, women would be eager to learn more about Anthony, particularly those not from London. Belle was different, so he didn’t make a big deal about it. He was increasingly intrigued by her.
“Not a problem. Let’s make the most of tonight and just enjoy ourselves. Anything in mind aside from eating and shooting hoops?”
“I need to buy a fresh change of clothes first. I’m a neat freak. I can’t handle it when I’m sweaty like this, especially around people.”
Anthony nodded, sensing this wasn’t just a casual quirk. “Does that make playing basketball tough?”
“Oddly, no,” Belle said. “It’s like my brain shuts it out when I’m on the court. You won’t see me hugging anybody after a game, though. The best I did was a high-five. Not even my family hugged me.”
“How about your boyfriend?”
“Are you fishing?”
“Yup.”
“Haha. First, I played basketball in high school, so no boyfriends were allowed. But also, I never really had one.”
“Really?” Anthony asked, surprised. “A girl like you—smart, beautiful, hilarious?”
“That’s okay. Somehow, I got the feeling in college that boys avoided me like the plague. I didn’t mind it that much, though, I was too busy and had issues. That made it hard for me to be in a relationship.”
“Well,” Anthony said, his tone softening. “For what it’s worth, I think it’s their loss.”
Belle looked up at him, caught off guard by the earnestness in his voice. “Thank you. I appreciate it. Now, let’s go and find me some clothes. We can have the nightcap in your hotel room if you’d like. Shall we?”
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