His Punishment by Pia Marie

his best friend’s
side.
    “But it’s not my fault he had a
slut of a girl friend!” Tara said exasperatedly. She had been trying to say
that over and over the whole day.
    “Yeah, I know. But you know James.
He never listened to any of us about Rhea. We have been telling him that we
sense something about her, but he won’t budge. He feels he is deeply fallen for
her. But in reality, I think it’s just the amazing sex. That girl is a pro!”
Christian admits.
    “Babe!” Lyn said covering her
mouth.
    “Sorry babe, but that’s just how I
see it.” He apologized to her and kissed her on the lips.
    “Urgh!” Tara exclaimed. “Quit
kissing while I’m here. Pleeeease!!!”
    “Sorry hon.” Lyn blushed.
    “Now tell me, after Friday . . .
what happened? How did all this start?” Tara asked changing the topic.
    “Well, after he told me you’re
going to Samal, I asked for his number so I would get some news about you and
James. I gave him my number too.” Lyn shyly said.
    “I texted him that same night
asking but he said he didn’t know anything yet as James didn’t message him. And
then we just talked and then we enjoyed our conversation, then before we hang
up he asked me out.” Lyn explains.
    “Then?” Tara asked urging Lyn to go
on.
    “We went out the following day.”
Lyn ended her story.
    “So you guys are dating now?” Tara
was amazed.
    “If that’s okay, actually I had
this feeling you might not want to share your ‘honey’ with me,” Christian eyes
her like a child asking for candy.
    She laughed a little. “I’m a
jealous person actually. I’m not sure about the sharing thing,” Tara said
jokingly.
    Lyn sensed Tara is now lightening
up. She didn’t see the pain in her eyes anymore and she feels that she is happy
for her and Christian.
    Christian laughed at Tara. “You
know I really think you’re a cool person Tara. You seem quite like Lyn’s
identical twin. I don’t understand why James can’t see that in you.”
    Tara remembered James and she had
to ask, “James knows about the two of you already?”
    “NO!” they both said in unison.
They both sounded so startled at the question.
    “Please don’t tell him.” Lyn said.
    “Why don’t you want him to know?”
she asked puzzled.
    “Just don’t tell him hon.”
    “Well, as if, I can. He’s mad at me
again!” Tara said.
    “Yes please, don’t tell him.”
Christian pleaded.
    “I said I don’t have access to say,”
Tara said irritated. “He stopped talking to me civilly.”
    She suddenly remembered what
happened this afternoon at the parking lot and felt sad again. She touched her
lips then she felt the pain in her heart.
    “Tara?” Lyn asked holding her hand.
She looked worried.
    “I’m okay Lyn.” She shrugged. It’s
not the right moment to tell. It’s a good night for my best friend.
    “Anyway, I won’t go to school
tomorrow that’s why I came here,” she continued.
    “Why?” Lyn asked.
    “Uhm, I need to do some stuff for
Boracay.” She lied to her again.
    “Can you do me a favor and drop our
project in Mr. Torres’ pigeon hole tomorrow morning?” Tara continued handing
the envelope to her. “The deadline is three pm tomorrow, please make sure the
report is there before that time.”
    “Sure, no problem,” she answered.
    “Now, I’ll head out.” She told the
love birds.
    “Thanks Tara.” Christian said
extending his hand for Tara to shake.
    “Just take care of her. She’s my
best girl. Don’t be like James.” Tara warned him.
    “I promise.” Christian said hugging
Lyn.
    Tara saw her best friend happy with
a guy for the first time and she can’t help but be happy too. Everybody
deserves love and happiness.
    “Bye!” she kissed her in the cheek
then looked at Christian. “Hey, don’t get jealous, it’s just a friendly kiss.”
She turned after patting his shoulder.
    ***
    James keeps glancing over at Tara’s
seat. It has been since Thursday noon since he last saw her. He