Carlie’s first crush was a chubby boy with blue eyes. She met him during kindergarten and was classmates with him until 1st grade. The chubby boy left the country to live in the US for good. Carlie was sad, though, her loneliness didn’t linger because she found a new love a day after her first crush left. It was a fair-skinned boy with glasses who always gave Carlie his sandwich every recess time.
After that, Carlie had her fair share of crushes that made her life more colorful. From movie actors, idols, boys from her class, boys from other schools, and boys she met online. It was safe to say that Carlie was a girl who would easily fall in love with any guy who caught her interest.
Carlie was a girl who could be described as cute and bubbly. She had many friends and she also possessed a positive outlook in life. Although, Carlie had had many crushes, she had never been in a relationship with any of them. Because her feelings for them were just short-lived. All of them were just fleeting fancy. The longest time Carlie got a crush on someone was a month or two. She could forget them easily whenever someone new comes her way.
Though, all those things came to an abrupt end when Carlie met Fran two years ago. Carlie had fallen in love with her new neighbor the very first time she saw him. Fran had this pretty face and aura of elegance she didn’t see in all of the boys she was crushing on before. The moment she laid eyes on Fran, Carlie knew he was the one. So, she made sure to catch his attention every time she had the chance.
It had been two years now. Carlie had her 16th birthday last month. And she was still in love with Fran. Carlie knew what she was feeling for Fran was not just a simple crush. He wanted Fran to be her husband. She wanted to be married to him. She was so obsessed with Fran and she knew her feelings for him would last a lifetime.
But there was a problem—a major one. Carlie could feel Fran’s indifference towards her. Yeah, he was treating her like a gentleman should and he was somewhat friendly. However, Carlie knew Fran was just being nice because it was the right thing to do, not because he wanted to. It seemed like Fran didn’t hate her, but, he didn’t like her either. She was just like an NPC in Fran’s life—it didn’t matter whether she was there or not. Fran’s life would continue on with or without her.
However, Carlie was one tough girl. She wouldn’t let life bitch her out of her feelings for Fran. Carlie deeply believed that someday, Fran would see her true worth. That she was deserving of his love and all of the fairy tale she dreamed of. So, she decided to strive more and pursue Fran unceasingly.
“Where are you going, young lady?“ A voice interrupted Carlie’s thoughts and her mind went back to the present. She saw her mother on the staircase landing—with a raised eyebrow and hands on her hips.
“I’m going to buy things for school, mom.” Carlie replied. She was going to be a 10th grader come September.
Her mom looked at her suspiciously. “I thought you already bought everything you need for school. What did you forget to buy?“
Carlie scratched her head. “Just some things.” She walked down the stairs and hugged her mother. “Please, mom, just let me go. Please!“
“You’re going out with whom, Carlie?“
She gave her mother a very pleasant smile. “With Fran!“
Her mother’s expression eased up when she heard her answer. Carlie’s mom knew about her feelings for Fran. Her mom supported her since day one. “So, that’s the reason why you look extra pretty today.”
Carlie was wearing a newly-bought outfit. She also applied a light make up on her face and sprayed an expensive perfume on her body.
“Mom, please, let me go with Fran!“
Carlie’s mom shook her head and smiled. She trusted Fran. “Your dad’s coming home early. Just make sure you will come back before 6 PM.”
The current time was 1:30 PM. She got four and a half hours to spare. Hmm, not bad. “Yes, mom. Thanks.”
Carlie stormed out of the house and went to the house next door. Before she pushed the doorbell, she looked at herself through a compact mirror and made sure she looked perfect.
As expected, it was Fran’s mom who opened the door for her. Carlie gave the missus her loveliest smile.
“Good afternoon, Auntie!” Carlie was very friendly with Fran’s mom. As a matter of fact, they’ve been exchanging private messages thru the messenger app daily.
“Oh, Carlie, you look amazing!“ Fran’s mom looked at Carlie with admiration in her eyes. That gave Carlie a boost of confidence. “Come in.”
“Thank you, Auntie.” She said. She looked around the house. “Hmm, where’s Fran?“
“In his room. Reading books.” Fran’s mom replied.
Carlie knew about Fran’s obsession with books. Actually, she couldn’t tell anymore how many books she had given to Fran. Every time she gifted him books, Carlie would receive a simple thank you and a smile from her prince charming.
Before Carlie could muster up enough courage to ask Fran’s mom to let her go upstairs in Fran’s room, the missus spoke first.
“Do you need anything from Fran?“
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When Carlie told her mother that she would be with Fran—it was only half-true. Carlie didn’t ask Fran’s permission per se, she just decided things that way because she knew Fran’s mom would help her (unknowingly).
Carlie didn’t wait long. After ten minutes or so, she saw Fran going down the stairs. He was wearing a plain white shirt and gray faded jeans.
“Ah, let’s go?“ Fran asked her nonchalantly.
Carlie felt thirsty. Fran looked so beautiful and divine. “O-okay…”
Fran put his favorite sneakers on. Carlie followed him into the garage. When the car was ready, she sat on the passenger seat. Carlie savor the moment. It was her first time to be alone with Fran inside his car.
Carlie noticed that before starting the car’s engine, Fran texted someone. Who could it be?
“So, where are we going, Carlie?“
She told him their destination. Fran started the engine and turned on the radio. Carlie had lost the opportunity to talk to Fran all throughout their journey. Because when Fran turned the radio on, it seemed like he didn’t want to talk to her.
Carlie didn’t feel any disappointment. The fact that Fran was with her was enough to appease her heart.
When they reached their destination, Fran texted someone again before getting off the car. Carlie felt her curiosity heightened, though, she remained silent.
Carlie was accompanied by Fran inside the shop. She pretended to look for the things she needed to buy, even though, she didn’t need any. While doing so, she noticed again how Fran was glued to his phone texting someone. He didn’t even bother to look at her. His eyes were fixed on his phone.
Carlie couldn’t help but ask. “Who are you texting, Fran?”
Fran answered without even looking away from his phone. “A friend.”
“What is the name of your friend?“
Fran’s eyes left his phone for a moment and stared at her. “Are you done shopping, Carlie?“
Carlie looked at the things she was holding. A pair of scissors and a rim of bond paper. “Y-yes?“
Fran nodded. “Okay.”
Carlie bit her lip. She could have said that she was not yet done. Pathetic. Though, she still had Plan B.
“Fran, there’s a newly opened restaurant across this shop. Let’s have something to eat there before we go home. Please.”
Fran’s eyes were glued on his phone again. “Sure.”
After Carlie paid for her things, she and Fran went to the restaurant she mentioned. Fran was still texting someone on his phone. Carlie sighed. Was Fran texting his girlfriend? No way!
Carlie didn’t back down easily. “What do you like to eat, Fran?“
At last, Fran put down his phone and looked at the menu. “Sandwich and soda.”
Carlie ordered something for herself, too. While they were waiting for their orders, Carlie asked Fran about random topics that came to her mind. Fran would answer her timidly while checking his phone.
Although, it seemed frustrating on Carlie’s part, she didn’t want to waste a rare opportunity like this being with Fran. She was just sixteen; she was too young to discern a situation that would potentially lead her to heartbreak. So, Carlie kept on talking to Fran. She kept on talking…and talking…and talking…
Until she noticed Fran’s expression became stiff. Carlie’s heart froze in grief. Did she annoy Fran with her constant blabbering? Was she too pushy with Fran? Maybe it was time to back down a little bit?
However, she observed that Fran was not looking at her directly. His line of sight was slightly off from her. Carlie followed Fran’s line of sight. Her gaze fell on a group of three people who just arrived and was making an order. Carlie could see that those three men were all good looking especially the tallest out of the three.
Carlie returned her gaze to Fran. “Do you know them?“
Fran seemed like he was woken up from a dream. He looked at her and firmly said, “No.”
Carlie was about to ask more questions but was interrupted when their food arrived.
Carlie felt that something was off with Fran’s expression, but, she was too scared to ask.
So, the two ate their food in silence. For the first time, Carlie could feel she was fighting a losing battle…
*****
Fran did not expect anything when he agreed to accompany Carlie to shop. As a matter of fact, he only agreed because his mother insisted. Carlie was a harmless girl, so, Fran eventually said okay.
After shopping for some school supplies, Fran was invited by Carlie to eat in a newly opened restaurant just across the shop. Even though he was not hungry, Fran did not see anything wrong with Carlie’s invitation, so, the two of them headed to the place in no time.
Who would have thought that while they were waiting for their food to arrive, Fran would have a chance encounter with someone he did not expect to see at that time and at that place.
It was Noah. He was with two other guys who looked like his friends. The three sat two tables away from where Fran and Carlie were seated.
Fran’s body stiffened upon seeing Noah. They were just texting each other a while ago. Well, they’ve been ‘text friends’ for three days now. Fran would wake up with a morning text from Noah. They would exchange messages about random things like how they had spend their day, what did they have for lunch, about their favorite music or movie, anything under the sun! Even today, before Fran accepted Carlie’s invitation to go out—he was texting Noah about a book he wanted to read but couldn’t find in bookstores; Fran even informed Noah that he would go out to accompany his neighbor. Well, Noah also informed Fran that he would go out with his friends, too. It was just a coincidence that Fran and Noah were on the same place at that moment.
“What’s wrong, Fran?“ Carlie’s voice snapped Fran out of his trance-like state.
He looked at the girl sitting in front of him. “Nothing.” Fran answered.
Carrie was about to ask something again when their food arrived. Fran lost his appetite. He couldn’t help but to return his gaze on Noah.
It was only the second time he met him in person, but, Fran already memorized Noah’s handsome face. Fran saw him laughing with his friends—a warm feeling clenched his heart. Fran couldn’t take his eyes off Noah. He heaved a deep sigh.
Carrie kept on talking to Fran, however, he was not listening at all. Fran did his best to avoid looking at Noah’s direction repeatedly, though, he failed big time. He kept on finding himself looking at Noah again and again…
As if sensing that someone was looking at him intensely, Noah’s gaze wandered around the restaurant—until it found its target.
Fran panicked when he met Noah’s gaze. Then, he forgot how to breathe when he saw Noah’s lips formed a lovely smile just for him. A spark of recognition flashed in his eyes. Noah remembered him. An intense feeling wrapped Fran’s whole body. It was like he was electrocuted.
Noah didn’t know that Fran was his text friend. Only Fran knew the truth. Maybe that was one of the reasons why he was acting that way.
“Fran, why is your face red? Are you feeling sick?” asked Carlie.
He looked down and said, “Let’s go home, Carlie.”
“But, we are not yet done eating…”
“I’ll treat you next time. Let’s just go home for now.”
Carlie’s excitement was evident on her voice when she said, “Okay. Though, I need to go to the toilet first.”
“Then, I’ll wait for you in the car.”
Carlie left in a hurry. Fran was about to call the attention of the waiter to settle their bill when he saw someone approaching him. It was Noah! Fran wanted to run away, though, he knew it was impossible at that point. He clicked his tongue. He had to act normal in front of Noah.
“Hi!“ Noah sat at Carlie’s seat. “So, we meet again.”
Fran tried his best to act normal in front of this handsome devil. “Who are you?“ What a liar!
Noah laughed. “You don’t remember me, but, you kept on staring at me earlier? You’re the most beautiful liar that I’ve met.”
Fran coughed. He could feel the warmth of shame enveloping his face. “W-what do you want?“
Noah didn’t say anything. He just stared at him.
“W-why are you just staring at me?“ He said.
Noah kept on staring at him without saying anything at him.
Although, he didn’t feel uncomfortable under Noah’s gaze, Fran’s heart was beating like a goddamn marathon and it felt like it would burst out any moment. Fran was about to say something when he heard Noah’s voice saying…
“My name is Noah. How about you? I’ve wanted to know your name since the first time we met, though, our first meeting was kind of awkward.” A gentle laugh escaped Noah’s lips.
Fran was caught off guard. He didn’t know what to say. Fortunately, it was time for Carlie to return. Fran felt a slight tap on his shoulder. The surreal moment between him and Noah ended abruptly.
“Who are you?“ asked Carlie. “Are you a celebrity? You’re very handsome!“
Fran felt secondhand embarrassment for Carlie. He stood up and held Carlie’s hand. “He’s someone unimportant. Let’s go home, Carlie.” Fran walked hurriedly, Carlie in tow, away from Noah.
“Oh, so, you have a girlfriend…”
Fran stopped when he heard what Noah said. He wanted to clear things to him, but, if he did he had to keep on talking to him—which he didn’t have the energy to do.
So, Fran continued his steps, paid the bill, and walked out of the restaurant without looking back. His heart was continuously raising. He was about to choke by his own feelings.
Fran expected that he would calm down when he got home. He also turned off his phone to avoid texting Noah for a while. Upon reaching home, Fran occupied himself by reading books just to forget his encounter with Noah. He did manage to forget…for a while.
However, when night fell and Fran was about to sleep, everything happened inside the restaurant came flashing like a river into his mind. There was once scene that kept on playing on his mind over and over again…
“Oh, so, you have a girlfriend…”
“Oh, so, you have a girlfriend…”
“Oh, so, you have a girlfriend…”
“Oh, so, you have a girlfriend…”
“Oh, so, you have a girlfriend…”
Fran couldn’t take it anymore. He wanted to shout out of frustration. So, he got his phone, switched it on, and opened his inbox. He ignored the text messages and immediately composed a new message.
He typed “I DON’T HAVE A GIRLFRIEND!!!“ and sent it to Noah.
After sending the message, Fran switched off his phone again and forced himself to sleep.
Damn!! So goooooood!! Thanks for the chapter ☺️☺️
awww baby Fran! you just exposed yourself but that’s ok Noah will love you even more.
thanks for the chapter <3
Mannn!! I thought I was gonna die of frustration when Fran didn’t clear up that misunderstanding…!!…I really thought he wasn’t going to send that text .. I’m so happy !now Noah knows that Fran was his text buddyyyy.!!
Thanks for the beautiful chapter^^
I love it 🥰🥰
Is*
Did he just expose himself? Lol
Thank you for the chapter <3
Omg ! So cute
It’s cute that Carlie was feeling the excitement of being in a car with Fran the first time, I’m always nervous being alone with someone in a car because I don’t know whether to talk or not 🤦. I love Fran and Noah just staring at each other though.