evedreams

[evedreams]

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[evedreams]

Done with posting all the old ones!

Will now focus on writing more :)

[evedreams]

The Eyes Never Lie

Entry Number: 37 Dream: Calvin Oftana (21) Summary: Let Calvin show Eve how it works. Rating: G

Eve watched as Calvin trained. She, along with a few other wives and partners, was observing the SMB team’s practice. Eve, being one of the youngest among the partners, felt both welcomed and a bit out of place. The other women were sophisticated and well-made-up, making Eve feel like the average girl in comparison.

“Sienna, you’re right,” Eve said with a smile, trying to blend in. “Calvin’s the latest addition to this great team. And he’s a really good player. I’m just… you guys are all so cool! I feel plain and boring compared to you.”

Sienna grinned. “Oh, Eve, it’s all about confidence. You’re great just the way you are.”

Mosh added, “It’s all about confidence. And besides, Calvin seems to think you’re pretty special.”

Eve smiled, appreciating the support and feeling more at ease with the group.

As the practice ended and everyone left, Calvin stayed behind to shoot some more hoops. Eve decided to stay and watch, scrolling through her phone while he practiced. She came across an article featuring Calvin as the latest Beerman. It had been a few weeks since the trade, and every news about him felt new and exciting.

“Hey, my penguin,” Calvin called out, noticing her. He looked up with a smile. “You okay?”

“All good!” Eve called back. She watched him move, distracted by the way his arms looked. “Fuck…” she murmured to herself, lost in thought.

Calvin had his earbuds in, focusing on his practice. Eve couldn’t help but think about how much she loved the way he held her during intimate moments, the way he wrapped his arms around her, and how he had to bend down to kiss the top of her head. She sighed, daydreaming about him.

“Eve?” Calvin’s voice broke her out of her reverie. He crouched down to look at her directly. “Are you okay? You seemed a bit spaced out. Anything on your mind?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head and blushing. “I was just thinking about us…” She looked away, feeling embarrassed. “Are you done?”

“Yeah,” Calvin replied. “I’m just going to hit the showers. Want to wait for me out here?”

“I actually want to shower with you,” Eve muttered.

Calvin raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “What was that? What did you say?”

“Nothing,” she said quickly. “I’ll wait for you outside. I might grab us a smoothie.”

He nodded. “Okay. But you can shower with me later.”

Eve blushed, playfully pushing him away. “Go already.”

Later, while watching highlights of Calvin’s games, Eve noticed something about Kelly Williams’ focus during the play. “Calvin!” she called out as he emerged from the locker room in a sleeveless shirt and shorts.

“Yeah?” Calvin asked, approaching her.

Eve’s eyes wandered to his chest and arms. “I always thought you guys focused on the hands and ball movement. But Kelly seems to be focused on the face.”

Calvin smiled and sat beside her. “It’s not just about the face. Yes, we watch hands and ball movement, but focusing on their eyes helps us read what they’re thinking and planning. It’s not always reliable, but it can work.”

“Got it,” Eve said.

“Want me to teach you how?” Calvin asked with a grin.

“What do you mean?” Eve inquired.

Calvin leaned in closer, looking directly into her eyes. “Don’t look away.”

Eve felt a strong urge to look away, but she tried to maintain eye contact. Calvin’s smile widened as he leaned closer, trapping her in his arms.

“You’ve been thinking naughty things about me, haven’t you?” he teased.

“I have not,” Eve said, her eyes searching for another focus.

“I told you not to look away,” Calvin said, holding her chin gently to make her face him. “Be a good girl and follow instructions.”

Eve gulped. “This isn’t fair.”

“Why not?” Calvin asked, leaning in even more. “Tell me.”

“You know how I feel about eye contact,” Eve said, blushing.

Calvin chuckled softly. “I do. And you’re using it against me, aren’t you?”

“Maybe,” Eve admitted.

Calvin leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers. “I have more skills than you can imagine.”

“Really? Any new ones?” Eve challenged.

“Perhaps,” Calvin replied, shrugging. “I’ve been doing my research.”

Eve looked directly into his eyes. “Maybe you can use your skills on me.”

“With so much pleasure,” Calvin said with a smile.

[evedreams]

Rain Check

Entry Number: 36 Dream: Calvin Oftana (20) Summary: Rain check? Really, Eve? Rating: G

Calvin Oftana was one of the Chasers on the Quidditch team. He had been a part of the group since his second year at Hogwarts.

He and Eve Aparri had entered in the same year and were both sorted into Gryffindor. He was a Pure-Blood while she was Muggle-born. Ever since she laid eyes on him when he was sitting on a chair on their first night, she admired him and wished that one day they would interact.

Luckily, the school, like any other, had group work and projects. And, once again, she was grouped with him from time to time. And, once more, they had become good friends.

It was only Bea, Sage, and Kathleen—Eve’s best friends—who knew about her attraction to the athlete. Everyone was attracted to Oftana; Eve did not want to be one of them, even though she knew she already was.

And anyway, he had a girlfriend already—Ena from Ravenclaw, who was a year younger. They seemed really serious. Although she had heard rumors that Ena was a lesbian, and as much as she tried not to, she could not help but feel hopeful that maybe she would actually have a chance.

“I’m not like the other girls who fawn over him,” she said once, sighing. She and Kathleen were the only ones in their room, and she was able to confide in her. “Even if she is gay, Oftana would never look my way.”

“You guys are friends; I’m sure he’s looked your way.”

“Not as much as he looks at Ena.”

Kathleen pursed her lips. “Don’t worry about it. There are plenty of other guys who look at you.”

“But they’re not Oftana!”

That made Kathleen laugh. “It’s only our sixth year; we still have the end of the next school year to get him to look at you.”

Eve laughed. “Didn’t expect that from you.”

“It’s what you wanted to hear, right?”

Eve snorted. “Yeah…but whatever happens, I’ll be happy for the two of them.”

The “whatever happens” turned out to be them breaking up due to Ena finally admitting her orientation. Eve could see how Calvin was devastated by the news, but she also saw how he tried to be strong and not let things bother him. He would talk about it from time to time if people asked, but he never said anything outright.

One day, Eve was walking along the corridor after dining in the Great Hall. Kathleen had been resting in their room, tired from the day’s schoolwork, and wanted some food. As she walked, she passed a sullen-looking Calvin Oftana.

She thought about whether to say hi or not, but he was looking down at the ground. She figured she could say hi, and if he did not reply, then no harm done. But just as she opened her mouth, she closed it and continued walking.

Days later, there was a group project, and Eve and Kathleen were assigned with Calvin, Sage, Bea, and Isaac. Sage and Isaac worked together on one part while the remaining four did another. Kathleen and Bea, however, volunteered to do a part by themselves. Eve knew it was just a ruse to get her and Calvin together.

They began to work together, and there was an awkward silence that Eve could tell was lingering around them. For their first three sessions together, it was all professional, not a single friendly tone.

Then, on the fourth, while in the middle of an important finding, he put down the pen and sighed. “Why are you avoiding me?”

Eve’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Why are you avoiding me?” he repeated.

“I’m not avoiding you,” she answered.

“You passed by me once. You were coming from the Great Hall. I saw you first. I was going to say hi, but I noticed you opened your mouth. Then closed it and walked away.”

“You…saw that.” She blushed.

“And then you avoided me since then.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” She turned away. “Sorry.”

“Also,” he cleared his throat, “I heard that you like me.”

She could feel her face heating. “Where’d you hear that?” She bit her bottom lip. ‘No use denying it now.’

“The walls talk. Well, the paintings.”

“Right,” she murmured. She took a deep breath, then faced him. “Yes, I do like you.”

Calvin nodded. “You’re a great person, Eve. Really. But…I’m still kinda hung up on Ena.”

She smiled. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect anything from you. Just being your friend is good enough for me.”

He smiled back. “Thank you for understanding.”

She nodded, then said, “Shall we go back to the project?”

That night, Eve cried as quietly as she could, unaware that her friends could hear her.

The group passed with flying colors, and Eve and Calvin went back to their normal, friendly relationship. However, she did notice that they had been spending more and more time together, which she waved off but definitely did not mind.

She was in the Great Hall, having lunch with Bea, Kathleen, and Sage when Calvin appeared and sat beside her. She was surprised but relaxed when he spoke to her friends about a paper they had to write.

Eve gave some of her insights, and Calvin took note of the understanding of the four. Before he left, he looked at Eve. “Are you watching the game later?”

“Of course,” she replied. “Can’t not cheer for my favorite Chaser.”

He chuckled. “Make sure that’s me.”

“Always.” Eve nodded.

He placed a hand on Eve’s shoulder and brushed away some of her hair. This made her question her hairstyle.

“I’ll see you later then,” he said as he stood up. “All four of you.”

They watched him leave before Eve asked, “Is my hair not okay?”

“What?” Kathleen raised her eyebrows.

“You guys pretty much flirted with each other, and then he brushes your hair, and you’re wondering if there’s something wrong with your hair?” Sage rolled her eyes.

“Well…yes,” Eve said with a shrug. “So I can change it before watching the game. I can’t go out cheering for someone who doesn’t like my hair.”

Bea stifled a giggle. “It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Later, before the game started, Eve, Bea, Sage, and Kathleen tried to find good seats. The bleachers were packed, but they were finally able to secure seats. It was a Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw game, and everyone loved the new Seeker of Ravenclaw.

Before the game started, the players flew around the arena before huddling on their side. Eve tried her best to look for Calvin; she finally found him when they flew by their side of the bleachers.

She clapped and cheered, “Go, Calvin!”

As soft as her voice was, he must have heard her because he looked to their side and grinned when he saw her. He waved before giving her a thumbs up. She gave him two thumbs up, then he nodded before flying off.

“I thought you two were just good friends,” Sage teased.

“Are we not?”

Bea and Kathleen rolled their eyes.

The game began, and non-Gryffindors cheered more for Ravenclaw. The Seeker was really good, Eve had to admit, but he was not as good as their own Seeker. Kenneth Tuffin, the Ravenclaw Seeker, was just really good-looking and athletically built. He was no match for Oftana though.

Eve cheered for the team as much as she could, mostly for Calvin, of course. Whenever he had the Quaffle, Eve would jump on her seat, screaming for him to shoot. Luckily, his game was on today, like most of the time. He only had problems after the break-up with Ena.

The game ended about two hours later. The Snitch was getting quicker with each level of the game. It was Game 2 of the Best-of-5 semi-finals. Ravenclaw won Game 1.

It was CJ Perez who caught the Snitch, and the Gryffindor team roared. There would definitely be a Game 4 now. The Gryffindor team rejoiced while the Ravenclaw team headed for the locker room. Eve could not wait to congratulate Calvin.

The four headed for the Great Hall to get snacks and refreshing drinks. Just as they were about to leave, some of the Gryffindor members of the team arrived. Eve did not see Calvin at a glance, so she and her three friends moved on. But she was stopped by a hand hooking around her arm and pulling her back, making her nearly drop her drink.

“Oh!”

She was standing face-to-face with Calvin. He looked down at her as he smiled. “Thank you for cheering for me,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“I didn’t realize you could hear me,” she said with a giggle.

“Well, not really,” he told her with a chuckle of his own. “But I knew you were cheering for me.”

“I was,” she admitted. “Kathleen, Bea, and Sage will attest to that.”

“I’ve got faith; I don’t need them to clear your name.”

She laughed.

“Did you enjoy the game?”

“I did! CJ is as good as always.”

“Well…what about me?”

“You are as great as always, no doubt about that.” She smiled. “You’re always great. One of your best actually.”

Just as Calvin was about to reply, Ena stopped by and congratulated him. He paused, and Eve could feel her heart drop.

“Thanks, Ena,” he finally replied. He turned back to Eve and said, “When we go to Hogsmeade, do you want to…maybe have a meal together? You can choose where, of course.”

Eve wanted to say yes; she was dying to say yes. But his reaction when Ena congratulated him was burning in her head.

“That’d be great, Calvin,” she replied and saw him beam. “But I already have plans with Bea, Sage, and Kathleen. I have to talk to them about…something.”

“Is it serious? You can talk to me about it. I just want to spend time with you.”

“Um…sorry, Calvin. It’s something I’m not comfortable talking to other people about. I’m sure you understand.”

“Oh um…yeah. Yeah. I get you. Rain check?”

“That’d be nice.” She looked back. “I have to go.”

“Right, right. Okay. I’ll see you.”

“Congratulations again,” she said with a smile before turning back.

Later that night, Eve was lying down on her bed, wondering if turning down Calvin was a good idea. All Bea, Sage, and Kathleen agreed that it was not, but what could they do now?

“It’s just… the way he looked at Ena, the way he froze when Ena congratulated him. It was just… such a turn-off. And then he had the guts to ask me out right after?” She scoffed. “Like what the heck.”

“Maybe he was just surprised. Was Ena with Jamila?” Kathleen asked.

“No, she wasn’t.”

“I haven’t heard any news about them breaking up. But I have heard that they’re stronger than ever.” Sage shrugged.

Bea asked, “Has he said that he talks to Ena?”

“Not that I can recall.”

“Maybe you can still un-rain check that rain check?” Kathleen suggested.

“You want a relationship with him, you have to make things right,” Sage said.

Eve sighed and sat up. “I guess. Alright, I’ll go to him tomorrow.”

“No, you go to him. Now,” Bea demanded.

Eve groaned but got up.

She walked out of their room and into the Common Room. She looked for him if he was in the area but did not find him. She did, however, find CJ. She had never spoken to him; he was a year above her. But here’s to trying.

“Hi, CJ,” she greeted, walking up to him.

“Oh, hey. Eve, right?”

She nodded. “I was wondering if you know where Calvin is. Oh, and congratulations, by the way.”

“Thanks,” he replied with a smile. “As for Calvin, I can check if he’s in his room.”

“I’d really appreciate that. Thank you,” she said with a grin.

CJ headed off, and Eve waited. When he arrived, he raised his hand and shook it. “Sorry, he’s not there. But you might find him in the field.”

“Thank you!” She rushed out of the Gryffindor room and headed straight for the Quidditch field. When she got there, she saw him flying around with the Quaffle in his hand. “Calvin!” she shouted.

He did not seem to hear her, so she ran to the bleachers’ entrance and took the stairs up as quickly as she could. When she finally reached the top, she saw Calvin flying towards her.

“Eve,” he called out. When he reached her, he asked what she was doing up there. “Is anything wrong?”

“Um…no. But,” she stopped and took a deep breath before exhaling, “can we un-rain check that rain check?”

He put down the Quaffle beside her and said, “Why?”

“If you don’t want to, it’s fine; you might already have made plans. I’m sorry—”

“Eve,” he started as he placed a hand on hers, “Un-rain checking that rain check is great for me. What made you change your mind, though?”

“I talked to Bea, Sage, and Kathleen. They said I was dumb for asking for a rain check.” She bit her bottom lip. “I was.”

He smiled and chuckled softly. “Why did you decline in the first place?”

“I saw the way you looked at Ena when she congratulated you. I thought she still had an effect on you…” she bowed her head and said quietly, “or something. I don’t know.”

He pursed his lips and nodded. “I understand. I was just taken off guard; she hated Quidditch.”

“Oh really?”

He nodded. “But I did hear that Jamila’s quite into it. Guess she got attached to it, too.” He shrugged. “Maybe she just liked the game.”

“Perhaps…”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, Eve. I promise.” He leaned forward, which made Eve tilt her head. “May I?”

She licked her upper lip and nodded.

Calvin leaned forward again and captured her lips with his own.

[evedreams]

Kris Allen

Entry Number: 35 Dream: Calvin Oftana (19) Summary: Eve misses him. Rating: G

“I miss him,” Eve said, sighing as she looked at the television screen. She smiled and hugged herself as she continued to watch.

“I’m right here,” Calvin said, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close. “Why do you have to miss me?”

She laughed. “I meant Kris Allen. That guy on TV?”

He scoffed. “I’m so much better than him.”

“Can you sing?”

“Yes.”

“Can you play the guitar?”

“A little.”

“You’ll get there.” She patted his knee.

“Hey!”

She laughed again. “I’m kidding. Of course you’re better than him. You’re the best!”

“I better be.”

She let go and hugged him, wrapping her arms around his back and stomach. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he replied, kissing her head. “Now, who is this guy anyway?”

Eve grinned. It was the latest season of American Idol, and their guest performance was by one of the earlier winners, Kris Allen. She had had a huge crush on him when she was younger, bought his two albums, and even saw him live once from afar—but that was still live.

Before she could respond, Ryan Seacrest asked Kris Allen about his plans. Eve listened carefully as he listed the countries he would be visiting during his mini-tour.

“...Philippines…”

“WHAT!?” Eve exclaimed, pulling away from Calvin’s arms. “He’s coming here?” She looked back at Calvin. “Kris Allen is coming here?”

“I guess?” Calvin narrowed his eyes and tilted his head. “That’s what he said, right?”

“If I heard correctly.”

“Well, if you heard the same as me, then I guess he is.”

She turned back to the television screen, inhaled, and then exhaled two seconds later. “I have to go.” She looked back at Calvin again. “But what if he doesn’t sing the songs I know?” He shrugged, and she continued, “I only slightly memorize his second album, his American Idol songs, and Heartless, of course.”

“So…?”

“Maybe it’s best not to go.” She sighed and leaned back against him again, which made him wrap his arms around her waist and pull her close once more. “Maybe next time,” she said. “There’s always next time.”

As the days passed, Eve played Kris Allen’s songs from his albums. The songs she knew well were put on repeat, especially "Heartless" and his cover of "Man in the Mirror," and she tried her best to keep up with the ones she was less familiar with.

“I miss him!” she shouted at Calvin when he begged her to stop listening to him.

The day of the concert arrived, and Eve was preparing to make pasta for dinner. “My munchkin,” she started, “can you make the drinks?” When she received no response, she called him again. Still no response. “Calvin?”

Finally, he appeared in the kitchen, dressed up to go out. “We’re having dinner here? Why do you have to dress up?”

“Because we are not eating here,” he replied.

She looked down at the pasta sauce she was about to open. “I’m hungry. Where are we eating then?”

“Get changed.”

“Demanding.” But she giggled as she told him to put away the ingredients. “You better bring me somewhere nice!”

When they reached Dunkin’ Donuts, she glared at him. “I dressed up for this? Are you serious?”

He shrugged. He went in line while she found a table. He returned with their favorite flavors, and she began to eat. They were silent as they ate, but she could tell he wasn’t taking his eyes off her.

“What do you want?” she asked, looking up at him once she swallowed her bite. “I’m not giving you money… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I don’t know where that came from. But really, what do you want?”

“For you to be happy? Is that bad?”

She narrowed her eyes. “I’m keeping an eye on you.”

“Why not two? I like it when you look at me.”

She laughed. “But come on, what do you really want? Is this really dinner?”

He shook his head. “Don’t worry, you’ll like where we’re going. I’m sure. I’m really sure. I know you’ll love it.”

“Where are we going?”

“When will you ever stop asking questions whenever I have something for you?”

“Never. I will never stop asking questions. And you know it.”

“I do, sadly. I do.”

“So,” she said with a smile, “where are we going?” She took her last bite, chewed, and swallowed. “Well?”

He smiled and raised his hand, rubbing his thumb on her knuckles, before placing the same thumb by his lips and licking it. “What did you say?”

She gulped. “Nothing, I didn’t say anything.”

“That’s what I thought.”

What Eve didn’t expect for a surprise was tickets to the Kris Allen concert. They were sold out, the last she heard, so she didn’t expect Calvin to be able to get any. He finally told her when he parked the car in the lot. The mini-concert was held in an event room with limited seats.

“How?”

“You’re really asking that?”

“Okay. When?”

“The day tickets were released.”

“Why?”

“Seriously?”

She grinned and shifted to reach him. She cupped his face with her hands and kissed him lightly. “Thank you,” she whispered as she grazed his lips with her own. “Thank you, my munchkin.”

Calvin smiled and kissed her back twice. “Anything for you, my penguin,” he whispered back. “I love you. Always remember that.”

She nodded and kissed him once more. “I will. Just as long as you always remember that I love you.”

“I’ll never forget.”

[evedreams]

Happy

Entry Number: 34 Dream: Calvin Oftana (18) Summary: Officially official? Since when? Rating: G

“…and one cream cheese cheesecake with extra cream cheese and cheesecake cream.”

Eve looked at Calvin as he ordered a drink with words that made no sense—they seemed kind of jumbled. Calvin was ordering for her; it would be her first time drinking milk tea. They had called Sage, who suggested the simple wintermelon from Gong Cha. However, when he saw Eve’s face scrunch slightly, Sage proposed they go to Macau Imperial instead.

And now, here she was, behind Calvin as he paid for their drinks. Once he received his change, Eve began to walk to a table with a good view, but the lad at the register asked for a photo with Calvin.

Eve smiled and continued to walk. When she sat down, Calvin arrived just a few seconds later. She propped her arm up, her elbow on the table, and rested her chin on the palm of her hand. “So, what was it that you ordered for me?”

He grinned. “You’ll see. I think you’ll like it. It’s really sweet.”

“How sweet?”

He shrugged. “I guess that depends. I haven’t actually tasted it yet, but based on your taste, it’s definitely something you’d like.”

She cocked her head. “Alright then. I trust you.” She smirked. “In more ways than one, okay?”

He smiled. “And I trust you, too. In more ways than one.” He was just about to reach for her hand when their pager beeped.

Calvin was about to reach for it when Eve got it first. “You might drop the drinks when people come rushing to you.” She giggled and went to the counter.

When she arrived, she took the tray from the barista and thanked him.

“Um, miss. Miss, um, Eve?”

She turned back. “Yes?”

“Are you and Calvin Oftana public?”

She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Have you announced your relationship to the public?” he asked.

Eve tilted her head a little. ‘Have we? Calvin never denied me, but neither did he shout it out in public. Paparazzi don't seem to bother us.’ She licked her bottom lip. “I’m not sure, honestly. I never really noticed or asked.”

The barista nodded.

“Why?” she asked.

“I just wanted to make sure that you get privacy. I’ve never actually… seen you in photos.”

“If you’re wondering about his family life, we’re both legal. He’s in the middle of an annulment.”

The barista nodded. “Okay.”

“I should get back to him,” she said. “But thank you for asking. I really appreciate it. And I’m sure Calvin does, too.” She smiled and went back on her way.

When she reached their table, she placed their drinks in front of them and gave the tray to a nearby waiter.

“The barista seemed too friendly with you,” Calvin said as he took a sip.

Before she took a sip of her own, she said, “He was just asking some stuff.” Then she took another sip, a longer sip of her drink, and grinned. “This is really good!”

Calvin grinned. “I told you.” Then he brought her hand to his. “What stuff did he ask you about?”

“Some good, interesting questions.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Like what?”

“Are we public officially?”

“What?”

“It’s like being IG official but… not just on IG?”

“Huh?”

“He’s wondering if the public knows about us.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, actually. He said he just wanted to respect our privacy.”

“I’m not hiding you if that’s what he’s thinking. We’re dating and I’m proud of it. If people don’t know the story between me and Ena, then that’s not a problem. They’ll figure it out, or if they just mind their own business, then it shouldn’t be a problem for them.” He sighed. “Look, I’m happy with you. Okay? I will show you off to the world if I have to.”

“Don’t do that,” she said, giggling.

“But I want to,” he said. Then he took out his phone. “I don’t usually post on IG, but I do post stories a lot. Mmm…” He had a determined look on his face. “Oh my God.”

“What? What is it?” she asked, worried. “What’s wrong?”

“I haven’t posted a story with you.”

Eve couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt. She had posted stories with him, but who else would see them when she only had 34 followers, all family and friends?

“Let’s post one now.”

“A story?”

He held up his phone and asked her to angle herself with him. He took a few shots before asking her which one she liked most.

“I can’t choose between this and this,” she said.

“Then we’ll post both.” He smiled. “And then this will be in my story.”

Eve looked at him.

“Now we’re IG official,” he said. “That means we’re officially public.”

The story had a picture of their milk tea and intertwined fingers.

The first photo posted was of them sipping their drinks, and the second was with him kissing her cheek.

Once she was tagged and uploaded, Calvin placed his phone on the table. “Happy?”

“I never said I was unhappy,” she said, then frowned.

“I know, but I’m happy. And I want to know if you’re happy, too.”

Her frown turned into a smile. “Yes, I’m happy.”

[evedreams]

Baby Talk

Entry Number: 33 Dream: Calvin Oftana (17) Summary: What baby? Rating: G

Eve frowned as she sat on the bed. Calvin had gone out to buy some food, and she was stuck at home. She wanted to go with him, but he had told her to stay. When she asked why, he simply shrugged without giving an explanation.

As she lay down on the bed, she held her stomach and sighed. ‘Keep calm,’ she told herself.

A few minutes later, Calvin returned with Chinese food. “I was hoping to get Japanese, but there were too many people. Hope you don’t mind.”

“I mind that you didn’t bring me with you without an explanation.”

“My penguin, it’s hot outside. I was practically melting.”

She groaned. “Alright, fine. Go shower before you get sick.”

“Shower with me? It’s been awhile.”

She crossed her arms over her stomach and hugged herself. “I’ll sanitize the food.”

Once Calvin had finished, they began to eat.

“You know,” Eve started, “all this stress is not good for the baby.”

“What baby?”

She froze. “Um…me. It’s me. I’m the baby.”

Calvin put down his box and chopsticks and repeated, “What baby?”

She placed her box and chopsticks down as well. “I didn’t know how you’d feel if I told you earlier. I still don’t know how you feel right now. I was hoping…I was hoping that until the baby is fully formed, I’d tell you then. Abortion is not an option so—”

“Abortion!? What are you saying? We’re keeping that baby.”

“I mean, I already have two scenarios planned whether you want it or not and—”

“Eve.”

“If you want to keep it, that’s great. If you don’t, I can’t force you or—”

“Eve, we’re keeping the baby.”

She stopped talking.

“We’re keeping the baby.”

“We?”

He nodded. “We.”

“You’re not…you’re not just…saying that because…”

His lips stopped her from continuing. It was a soft, passionate kiss that said “I love you” in the gentlest way. She kissed him back.

When they separated, he said, “We’re keeping the baby. We’ll take care of it. And I want to keep that baby because it means we made something…someone beautiful.”

She smiled. “Okay. Then we’ll keep it.”

He touched her belly. “When did you find out?”

“Just some time ago,” she replied. “I told my parents.”

“You told them before you told me?”

“I didn’t want them to think I’m keeping something this important.”

“And what did they say?”

She pursed her lips. “They said they support me. That they’ll love their grandchild. They’re just wary about you.”

“Right.” He nodded. “I’ll tell them face to face that I’m really happy, that we can really start anew.”

“They will ask you about Khalel.”

“And you won't?” He smiled.

She smiled back and shook her head. “I have a feeling he’d love to have a baby sibling.”

He grinned. “Thank you.”

She placed a hand on his heart. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to tell you.”

He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the palm. “I’m really happy. I love you so much.”

“I love you, too. So much,” she replied.

They leaned in closer to each other and shared a kiss.

[evedreams]

A Matter of Trust

Entry Number: 32 Dream: Calvin Oftana (16) Summary: 'Hey, Calvin's doing it. Might as well.' Rating: PG TW: ch*ating

The problem with Eve was that she was an overthinker, especially when it came to relationships, particularly her relationship with Calvin.

She never minded Calvin messaging Ena. First, Khalel was their son. Second, Ena was gay. Third, Ena had personally assured Eve that nothing would happen between her and Calvin anymore. They would remain friends and co-parents, but she wouldn’t stand in the way of Eve and Calvin.

What did bother Eve, however, were messages from other girls. Although she trusted Calvin, she didn't fully trust these girls, nor the fans who sent him letters and gifts. It had been Eve’s idea to let him read the letters and accept the gifts, but give them away afterward. Maybe that had been a mistake.

One day, Eve was tired. Khalel was with Ena, leaving Eve and Calvin alone in their condo unit. She sat beside him on the couch, resting her head against his arm.

Calvin wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

“Who are you messaging?” she asked, trying to peek at his phone.

The couple had always allowed each other to look at their phones. It was Calvin’s idea, and Eve had no qualms about it. Lately, however, he had been keeping his phone close, and Eve hadn’t looked at it in a while. In return, Calvin hadn’t checked her phone either.

“No one, just Marcy. She wants tickets to the next game,” he replied, locking his phone and putting it on the table. “Tired?”

She pursed her lips. Don’t think too much about it, she told herself. “Yeah. I was cleaning the storage. It needed some tidying.”

“You could have asked me for help.”

“You were too busy. You’ve been on your phone all day,” she said, texting Marcy, probably.

“Sorry,” he muttered. “Just ask for my help next time.”

Eve narrowed her eyes before standing up and walking to their room.

They didn’t resolve their issues that night or for several days.

Eve found herself in a position she knew was wrong. She was texting with a friend of a friend, Timothy. Bea had asked Eve to talk to Timothy about an online writing job. They hit it off, and though Bea had warned her about what she was doing, Eve assured her that nothing would come of it.

One day, while in the dining room, Eve crouched on the counter, texting Timothy. She laughed at his joke louder than intended. When she noticed Calvin looking at her, she pressed her lips together.

She didn’t notice Calvin approaching until he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry,” he whispered in her ear. “I was just talking to her about tickets.”

Eve immediately returned to her home screen. Confident Calvin wouldn’t look at her phone anymore, she didn’t turn off her notifications. She jumped when a message from Timothy appeared.

“Who was that?” Calvin asked, his lips close to her ear. “Someone I should know about?”

“No,” she said. “It’s no one. Bea’s friend. She asked if I could help him with some online work.”

“Oh, okay.” Calvin hugged her tighter, kissing her neck. They hadn’t been physically close in a while. “So you wouldn’t mind if I read your messages with him? You’re just talking about work, right?”

Eve stiffened. “Actually, I do mind. We haven’t looked at each other’s phones in a while. I’m uncomfortable with it now.”

One of Calvin’s hands trailed up, and Eve felt herself on the brink of giving in if he didn’t stop. “Calvin.”

“Let me read,” he said firmly, then kissed her. She kissed him back for a while, but when the hand that was on her chest disappeared, she realized he had grabbed her phone.

She pushed him away. “Calvin!” she exclaimed, realizing he was reading her messages with Timothy. His eyes narrowed as he read, then glared at her. “You’ve been cheating on me?”

“Talking to people is not cheating,” she defended weakly. “Nothing is happening between us.”

“Eve, you’re talking to another guy behind my back? And you flirt with him. Who knows what else you’ve been doing? You even update him on what’s happening between us! My God.” Calvin groaned, scrolling through their conversation. He stopped, reading and re-reading a particular message.

“When you and Calvin break up,” Timothy had written, “will you go on a date with me?” Then, “We’ll see…” Calvin looked up, his eyes blazing. “So you already have plans together? What are you going to do, scheme so I’ll break up with you? You don’t have to; I’m on the verge of doing it!”

Eve bit her bottom lip to keep from crying. She loved Calvin, and the thought of breaking up hurt. “I was just…doing what I thought was right.”

“Right? You think talking to another guy was the right thing? And meeting with him? All those times you went out, dressed up, you were meeting with him? I thought you were just out with your friends.”

Eve stayed silent. Even if she told the truth—she was really with friends—she doubted Calvin would believe her.

“I love you. I trusted you because I love you and I know you loved me too.”

“I still love you.”

“Do you?” Calvin challenged softly. “I never thought this would happen between us. I thought I found the reason why Ena and I weren’t meant to be.” He sighed. “I’m going through the same thing again.”

Eve stayed silent.

“What am I going to tell Khalel this time?”

“So we’re breaking up?” she asked, her voice trembling. Maybe this was easier. Not that she wanted to be with Timothy. She knew she only turned to him because she was lonely. “Then I guess you can be with Marcy or whoever girl you want.”

“Oh, so you’re giving me that? After what you did, you’re giving me that?” He scoffed. “Eve, don’t you remember Marcy is an event planner? I wanted a surprise party for you!”

Eve’s heart shattered.

“I know it’s months before our birthdays, but I wanted everything to be perfect for you! Because I love you and you deserve everything good the world has to offer.”

“I…I didn’t expect that.” Tears streamed down her face. “I’m sorry.”

Calvin shook his head. “I’ll have to tell Marcy the surprise is off.” He looked at her, tears in his eyes. “I can’t believe you didn’t trust me. I wanted you to be happy with me because I want to be happy with you. And you didn’t trust me.”

Eve began to sob.

“I’ll take the guest room for the night,” Calvin said, starting to walk away.

Eve grabbed his arm, expecting him to pull away, but he didn’t. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he replied without looking at her. “But I need some time to think.”

Eve let him go and glanced at her phone where Calvin had placed it. A notification from Timothy popped up. She opened the app and long-pressed on his thread.

‘Are you ok?’

[evedreams]

Thank You

Entry Number: 31 Dream: Calvin Oftana (15) Summary: Eve's in a daze. Rating: PG

Eve was in shock. She had just discovered that one of her former friends had been talking badly about her behind her back, even while they were still friends. The accusations she learned about herself were devastating:

She was bad at keeping secrets.

She had faked her illness for attention.

She wasn’t as smart as people thought she was.

She talked about people behind their backs.

And, worst of all, she was a slut.

While Eve admitted to having a “hoe phase” in her past, she was blindsided by her friend’s decision to broadcast it. The revelation had caused her social circle to shrink drastically; many friends from college had distanced themselves, leaving only Bea as her sole remaining contact from DLSU.

It was a scorching sunny day, but Eve barely noticed. She had left a party abruptly, not waiting for anyone to pick her up. Her parents would likely be upset, but she hoped they’d understand.

As she wandered aimlessly, lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice what was happening around her. When she finally came to her senses, she felt someone holding her hand and speaking sternly to her.

“Are you paying attention to me? What happened was extremely dangerous,” the voice said. “You were almost hit by a car. Please, snap out of it.”

The person touched her cheek, and it was then that Eve realized she had been crying. She looked up to see a tall figure, his chest before her. As she sobbed uncontrollably, he wrapped his arms around her and patted her back, providing comfort.

After a few moments, she took a deep breath and pushed herself away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be an inconvenience,” she said, wiping her tears. She rummaged through her bag for tissues and found a nearby trash bin.

“What happened, exactly?” she asked, still in shock.

“You weren’t paying attention, and a car was speeding towards you. I had to pull you back to the sidewalk just in time,” he explained.

“So… I was almost hit by a car?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

Eve glanced around and noticed people staring and whispering, which made her blush with embarrassment.

“Are you okay?” he asked, noticing her reddening face.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you, Mister… um…”

“Calvin.”

“Thank you, Mr. Calvin.” She looked up and her eyes widened in recognition. “Oftana?”

He smiled. “Yeah. Didn’t expect you to know me.”

Eve laughed softly. “Of course I know you. I have the biggest crush on you.”

“And you are?” he asked with a grin.

“Eve. Eve Aparri.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Eve.” He glanced around. “So…”

“Would you like to go to Starbucks or something? My treat, as a thank you,” she offered with a smile.

He nodded. “Yeah, that’d be nice.” He extended his arm, and she linked hers with his. “Shall we?”

“Thank you,” she said, feeling a glimmer of comfort amidst the chaos.

[evedreams]

More Than a Little

Entry Number: 30 Dream: Calvin Oftana (14) Summary: They miss each other. Rating: G

It had been a long, exhausting day for Eve. All she wanted was to collapse into bed. She entered her room, closed the door behind her, and locked it. Stripping off her clothes, she stepped into the bathroom. The cool water made her shiver slightly, but after the heat of the day, it was a welcome relief.

Later that night, Eve was on the phone with Calvin, who was shuffling around in his bed.

“You okay?” she asked. “Too cold? Too hot?”

“No, I just—can’t find the right position.”

“You? Can’t find the right sleeping position?” She giggled. “That’s a first.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, it’s just that the new blanket my cousin bought for me is a little too thin.”

“Oh right, the blanket from Switzerland. I always wondered about that,” she said, tilting her head. “I would’ve expected it to be thicker. I mean, it’s cold there, isn’t it? Did they really think the Philippines is that hot?”

“Probably,” Calvin replied. “You’ve gotta admit, it’s been a bit too hot lately.”

“More than a bit,” Eve sighed. “Do you really have to go to training tomorrow?”

“Of course, my penguin. How can I make you proud if my team doesn’t win?”

She pouted. “Alright.”

“There’s that tone again. What’s keeping you up?”

“I just miss you,” she said softly. “I miss you more than a little too much.”

“I can come over tomorrow after practice,” he offered.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah! I miss you too. I want to see you again.” He smiled. “Even if we don’t get to be under the covers when I come.”

She giggled. “Maybe I should come over instead.”

“Nah,” he said, and she could almost see him shaking his head. “Balance visits, remember? Your parents don’t want you coming here all the time. I’m pretty sure they’ll be scared you’ll get pregnant and I’ll leave you hanging because I can’t handle another child.”

Eve frowned. “Did they say that?”

“No, but I can tell that’s what they’re thinking,” he answered with a chuckle. “Come on, Eve. We should behave from time to time.”

She laughed. “I am behaved! I’m just… more than a little too much deprived.” She sighed. “Sorry. You know I’ve never been with anyone I actually have healthy feelings for. Having sex with you… making love to you… it’s so much different than I expected.”

She could hear him exhale, knowing he was smiling. “My penguin, you have me. You will always have me. I promise. We can have sex as much as we want when we can, and I’ll make love to you whenever we can as well. I’ve never felt this way with anyone else except you.”

“Calvin, the only person you’ve ever been with was Ena.”

“I know,” he said. “But I’ve had flings before I met you. You know, to cover my state of mind when Ena came out.”

“You never felt like any of those flings could lead to something more?” Eve knew the answer, but she loved hearing Calvin affirm that she was his one and only. “Not even a slight feeling?”

He chuckled. “No, not even the slightest feeling. Not like when I met you. You gave me life. You gave me so much. What really got me was how good you were with Leloy, even when you said you weren’t good with children. I could tell Leloy loved you already. And that was the winning score for me.”

She grinned. “You know, when you say those things, I get jealous of your blankets.”

“What? Why?”

“Because they get to stay on top of you.”

“Oh, you’re going there?” There was a playful tone in his voice. “Really, my penguin?”

She giggled. “Maybe I should come over tomorrow.”

“Maybe you—no! No, you won’t. I’m coming over tomorrow.”

She laughed. “Alright then, my munchkin. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He chuckled. “I love you, my penguin.”

“I love you too, my munchkin.”

[evedreams]

Ready or Not

Entry Number: 29 Dream: Calvin Oftana (13) Summary: How many points will Calvin get? Rating: G

Eve and Sage were having an online date. Being in a long-distance relationship meant they could rarely see each other, especially with Sage being in law school in Alabang and Eve usually only allowed to be around the Pasay and Makati areas. There were some exceptions, but they were rare.

“Will you come with me and Calvin to Timezone whenever you’re free? The one in Glorietta?”

“Why? Do you need me to chaperone? Or watch over Khalel?”

“Hmm, well Khalel isn’t coming with us. He’s with Ena for a few weeks. Ena will be going out of the country for about a month, so she wants to spend time with him.”

Sage nodded. “Alright. I’ll message you when I’m free.”

Eve grinned. “Thank you.”

Sage grinned back. “Anyway, how are you and Calvin?”

“We’re doing well. He’s been… hmm.”

“When are you planning on answering him? You’ve obviously fallen for him, too.”

Eve giggled. “I know, but like, let’s play a little hard to get. I have always been so easy. I want to see if someone is willing to go all the way for me.”

“He’s been courting you for a year!”

“And he knows I’ve fallen for him, too. No harm done. He just needs to wait for me to say yes officially.”

“You’re so weird.”

Eve laughed. “I have to go to my grandfather; he’s going to wake up soon.”

“Okay. I have to study, too.”

“Just tell me when you can. The sooner, the better.”

“Okay.”

“Bye!”

Sage waved.

Once the call ended, Eve felt butterflies in her stomach. “Can’t wait for your message,” she murmured.

As she continued to work and watch over her grandfather, Eve was messaging with Calvin. She smiled at messages from time to time. He was sweet and loving; she just hoped he would stay that way for the long run when she says yes. She had heard horror stories and was really nervous.

‘Did Sage give you a date yet?’

‘Not yet. But she will soon. I know it. She always loves spending time together.’ She smiled. ‘I’m really excited to see you again.’

‘I’m really excited to see you again, too. I miss you.’

‘I miss you, too.’

Finally, Sage gave a date, and Eve immediately relayed it to Calvin. He replied with an excited emoji and said, ‘I’ll message her a thank you.’

It was Eve’s idea to get Sage and Calvin to at least be Facebook friends. The two were comfortable with each other, and they both agreed that they wanted Eve to be happy. One time, Eve had eavesdropped on their conversation. She had excused herself to go to the washroom, and when she rounded the corner, she heard them talking.

“I have no plans on hurting her,” Calvin said. “I’m getting an annulment; I did it for her.”

“Don’t be too drastic.”

���I’m not. It took a while, but when I realized I had fallen for her, I didn’t want anything in the way. My marriage with Ena will be gone. I can see that Khalel loves her, and she loves him.”

“So you wouldn’t have gotten an annulment if it wasn’t her?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. But I know how she is, and she won’t know how much I truly love her if I don’t end things with Ena properly.”

Sage nodded. “I just want her to be happy. A healthy happy. She’s been happy before, but it wasn’t healthy.” She shrugged. “Maybe you’re the one.”

“I’ll make her happy. I’ll do everything I can to make her happy. I promise, Sage. I promise.”

There was a few moments of silence until Sage asked why Eve was taking too long. Eve’s eyes widened, and she totally forgot she was just snooping.

After counting to five, Eve appeared and apologized for the wait. “The line was long.”

Back to the present, Eve was busy preparing for the day. Calvin had picked her up, and he drove to Greenbelt. The parking was better there.

“Wait,” Calvin said. He would always go around to open the car door for her and hold out his hand for her to grab as she got out.

“Wait.”

He was just about to open his side of the door when he paused and turned. “Yes?”

“Do you know what day it is?”

“It was familiar, so I looked it up. Today’s date was when Inception first showed years ago.”

“That’s right!”

“What’s my pr—mmph!”

Eve had kissed him. It was soft and gentle, not at all desperate and needy. Her eyes were closed and her lips stayed still. Calvin regained his senses and snaked his arms around her waist. He kissed her back, this time, with a little bit of force. Eve clutched his shoulders and deepened the kiss.

When she gasped for air, she opened her mouth, but he went first. “I love you.”

She smiled. “I love you, too.”

They walked all the way to Glorietta with their fingers intertwined.

When they reached Timezone in Glorietta, they saw Sage looking at her phone. Eve called out to her, and when she looked up, she gave an exasperated look.

“Where were you? I was getting worried! I was just about to call you!”

Eve gave a smile that read “sorry” all over. “We were caught up a little.”

“Caught up in what?”

Calvin raised their hands to show Eve’s best friend what was happening.

“I don’t even want to know.” Sage rolled her eyes, but a smile was on her lips. “But I’m happy for you. Both of you.”

“Thank you.” Eve let go of Calvin and hugged her. “I’m really happy,” she whispered.

“As long as you’re happy.” They let each other go, and Sage turned to Calvin. “I’m watching you.”

“Thank you, Sage.” He chuckled.

“Come on, we’re going to be late.”

“Late for?” Eve cocked her head.

“Dinner. I made reservations at Fridays. Hope you don’t mind.”

“No.” Eve shook her head. “Not at all.”

The three played games and even sang inside the videoke room. Calvin had no choice but to sit down while singing; he was too tall for the room. Eve also did her best in the claw machine, but after five tries, Calvin pushed her carefully to the side and played. He got the stuffed toy she was eyeing with ease.

“One last game? It’s almost time for dinner.”

“Sure.” Eve smiled. “What should we play?”

Sage looked around before smirking. “The best for last.”

Eve and Calvin looked to where Sage was looking. “Oh no,” Calvin muttered. “Oh yes,” Eve said.

The three headed to the basketball games and chose which basket they wanted. Eve took the middle, placing the stuffed toy on her side, while Sage and Calvin were on either side of her. They swiped their cards and began to play.

Eve did her best to score as much as possible. Sage always won first place. There was even a time when Sage scored a hundred-plus points while Eve scored twelve. I have to win, she thought.

When the time ran out, they looked at their scores. Eve clapped when she saw she had beaten Sage, and when they looked at Calvin, they expected him to get a near-perfect score.

“Twenty!?” Sage gasped. “Calvin!”

“I was distracted, I’m sorry!”

Eve looked at her surroundings and pursed her lips. People had gathered to watch, and she knew it was because they saw the basketball player.

“What could have distracted you?” Eve asked.

He smiled. “Your determined look.”

“What?” Eve narrowed her eyes. “That’s it?”

He shrugged. “It’s the truth.”

Sage sighed. “I can’t believe you only got twenty.”

Calvin chuckled. “Rematch?”

“Maybe I should move to the middle,” Sage said, scooting over. “No distractions.”

Eve giggled. “Alright. Go.”

The three swiped their cards once more and began to play. Once the timer was done, the best friends looked at each other’s scores and laughed; they were tied. When they saw Calvin’s, they applauded.

He shrugged with a grin on his face. “What can I say? I don’t just score thirty-six points in a game.”

“Dude, you scored… so high.”

“Arcade games must come easy.” Eve smiled. She picked up the stuffed toy and said, “Dinner? I’m hungry.”

“Sure,” Sage agreed.

Calvin nodded and began to walk to Eve, but he was stopped by a huddle of people asking for pictures or whatever they wanted. He gave an apologetic look, but Eve simply shrugged and nodded.

“Are you ready for this kind of thing to happen all the time?” Sage asked, worry in her voice.

Eve stayed silent for a while. She hugged the stuffed animal and inhaled its scent. She looked again at Calvin and his fans. “For him? Yeah. I am.”

[evedreams]

Trauma

Entry Number: 28 Dream: Calvin Oftana (12) Summary: Eve talks with a heavy heart. Rating: PG - 13 TW: p*dophilia victim

Eve stayed in the living room, her legs up and her arms wrapped around it, her knees underneath her chin. She wasn’t affected by stories like those anymore, but this one hit differently, she just couldn’t figure out why. ‘Why now?’ she thought. ‘I was okay. I was doing well. I can’t tell Calvin about this. Especially with Khalel having a fever.’

But before she could compose herself, Calvin appeared from the kitchen and reached for the remote. “Leloy’s asleep, looks like he’s feeling better. Ena told me that she’d be skipping work tomorrow for him.”

“That’s nice,” she murmured. She willed herself to sound relieved like she was not feeling anything other than worry for the baby. “I’m glad.”

Calvin sat down beside her and dropped the remote. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she replied. “I’m fine. Khalel is who we should be worried about. Good that he’s feeling better.”

He turned his body to face her. “Eve.”

“I’m fine,” she stressed. “I’m fine.”

But Calvin wouldn’t have it. He wrapped his arms around her and said, “You’re not okay and I want to know why. "I need to know why. I want to help you. Please let me help you. Please, Eve. Please.”

Eve leaned on him and began to sob. “I’m supposed to be okay. I’m supposed to have healed. Why is everything coming back to me like it just happened yesterday.” She clutched his shirt and said, “I can’t do this, Calvin. I can’t talk about it. Not now.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Okay. Okay. I won’t force you. You tell me when you’re ready.”

Days passed and Eve could tell Calvin was worried sick about her. Khalel was feeling much better so that was one relief. The baby was supposed to be with them that week but Calvin had asked Ena to take care of him for awhile.

Everyday, Calvin would sit very close to her that sometimes she could hardly breathe. But she knew it was because he loved her and wanted her to feel better. She wanted to tell him already, but she wasn’t ready yet. Maybe soon.

One day, Calvin was having a bad day, but he still continued to care for her. After a slight inconvenience with the microwave, Eve had had enough. It was bad enough that he was trying his best to make her feel better, she couldn’t possibly feel like she was a burden.

“My munchkin,” she called after his fifth curse. “Can you come here for a second?”

“You want anything from the kitchen?” he asked.

She smiled. Even when things were going south, he still wanted to make her feel that he loved her. “Maybe some hot cocoa with marshmallows?”

“You got it, my penguin.”

After a few minutes, Calvin approached her with two mugs in his hands. “Alright, here’s your cocoa, and here is mine.” He placed them down on the coffee table and warned her it was still hot. “Can’t have you burning your tongue. You won’t be able to feel mine.” He smirked.

She giggled and then instructed him to sit beside her. He did so and locked her in an embrace from behind. “I'm ready to tell you.”

“Really?” he asked, surprised. “Don’t force yourself, my penguin. It’s okay if you aren’t really ready to.”

“No,” she said while shaking her head. “I’m ready.”

And with a deep breath, she exhaled and started.

“When I was fifteen, I made an online friend. He was much older. I think early thirties, if I’m not mistaken. He was very nice at first. And well, I don’t really know what happened but at some point, we talked a lot about sex.”

She felt his hold on her tighten. “Did he force you to do anything?”

She shook her head. “That’s the thing. He didn’t have to force me to do anything. I allowed myself to do it. I was fifteen and I thought I was all grown up. You know, an adult.” She scoffed. “How wrong I was.”

She leaned her head back onto his chest. “Pictures were sent back and forth. At first, it was innocent, then it became a bit more revealing…until finally, everything was off.” She sniffled. “I didn’t think much of it during those moments. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it at all. Then one day, we just stopped communicating. I don’t remember how that happened, I don’t know how it happened but it just…vanished. And I guess that was a good thing.”

“It was a good thing.”

“It was, yes.” She sighed. “I think that’s one reason why my depression sort of like, activated, or something. At some point, I knew it was wrong but I ignored it.” She sniffled again. “I…I don’t know what happened to him after that. Probably went to jail. Sodomized. Killed. I don’t know, I don’t care.”

Calvin kissed the top of her head. “I’m sure he got what he deserved. For corrupting an innocent mind. For making you feel dirty.”

She swallowed. “I’ve always wondered what would happen if I realized how wrong that was at an early point.” She shrugged. “He probably victimized others as well. Pedophiles don’t stop until they’re caught. Well, those who do something about their sick mind.”

They both shifted on the couch, allowing themselves to fully face each other. They didn’t speak. They just looked into each other’s eyes. Hers glistened as her tears fell, and his were boring into hers as if she was all he could see. And maybe she was.

“Calvin,” she started, “I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. I got scared.”

“No,” he said. He raised his hand and wiped her tears away before holding her chin. “No. I get why you didn’t want to say anything. What happened to you was very traumatizing, yes. And I don’t blame you for whatever you did.”

“But–”

“No.” He raised his other hand and his thumb rubbed her cheek. “No. It wasn’t your fault. None of it was, okay? And I know what you’re thinking. Know that I don’t love you any less. I am glad you told me about this, it’s going to help me understand you more. And I want to understand you more. I love you and nothing will ever change that.”

She nodded and looked down, but Calvin tilted her head up. “Hey. I promise, I will help you get through everything you need. I'll be right here beside you. Forever.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

He leaned in to kiss her. It was soft and gentle. Eve knew he did not want to go straight at it. He probably didn’t want to shock her after listening to her story. It was she who deepened the kiss, her who asked for entrance, which he willingly complied with.

“I don’t feel dirty when I’m with you,” she murmured against his lips.

“Yeah?” he smiled, his lips grazing hers. “I’m glad.”

They separated and Calvin brought her close to him. “Thank you for telling me.”

“I was afraid you’d be disgusted.”

“No. No. Never.” He tucked her head under his chin. “Our hot cocoa is getting cold.”

“I’m getting cold,” she said.

He smiled. “I can warm you up.”

[evedreams]

Wallpaper

Entry Number: 27 Dream: Calvin Oftana (11) Summary: They're allowed to look at each other's phones. Rating: G

Calvin propped his arm up and rested his chin on the palm of his hand. He watched Eve play with Khalel, and his heart always burst with joy when he saw them together.

“A, you’re adorable. B, you’re so beautiful. C, you’re so cute and full of charm…”

Khalel cooed and raised his arms, flailing them from side to side.

“D, you’re a darling. E, you’re exciting. F, you’re a feather in my arm…”

She bent down and Eskimo-kissed the baby. “I’m sure you’ll be a singer when you grow up. Just keep practicing.”

“He’ll get it from you, that’s for sure,” Calvin said.

She smiled. “He’ll be better.”

Then Eve’s phone lit up, and a notification sounded. She looked up and saw that it was from her mom. “Could you check that for me, please?”

Calvin chuckled and reached for her phone. He clicked on the button, and the lock screen wallpaper of her dogs appeared. They both had nothing to hide from one another, so he was able to unlock the phone by himself. What he saw made his heart flutter. The home screen showed him and Khalel sitting down, the baby on his father’s lap, and both looking directly at the camera, smiling like they had just seen something they both loved. And they were; they were looking at someone they loved. It had been a while since he opened her phone; she must have changed the photo just a few days ago.

“What did she say?”

He looked up and saw her with questioning eyes. “Oh, sorry. I haven’t opened it yet. Um…” He pressed the message icon and read the text. “She’s going to Divi and is wondering if you’d like to go with her.”

Eve grinned. “Can you call her?”

Calvin did so, and they let the phone ring. When her mom answered the phone, Eve greeted her. “Yes! I wanna go! When?”

“Next Wednesday.”

“G!”

They bid their goodbyes, and Calvin went back to the home screen and looked at the photo with adoration. “When did you change this?”

“Hmm,” she hummed. “Just two days ago. I was scanning my photos and saw that picture we took last week. Thought it was perfect.”

He grinned. Everyone knew his lock screen wallpaper was a photo of Khalel. “I recently changed my wallpaper, too. Both lock screen and home screen.”

“Yeah? Why didn’t you tell me?”

He shrugged. He got his phone and showed her the photo of him with his family and Khalel. Then he unlocked the phone, and it showed a picture of him kneeling down on one knee, proposing to her.

“You’re a little cheesy, you know that?” Eve teased.

“I love being cheesy,” he said.

She giggled and turned to Khalel. “Your father is so cheesy.” Then she bent down and whispered to him, “I love it.”

This made Khalel squeal, and both Calvin and Eve laughed.

[evedreams]

Tonight by Westlife

Entry Number: 26 Dream: Calvin Oftana (10) Summary: Calvin hasn't been in the best mood lately, and it's hurting Eve. Rating: PG

Calvin had been in a bad mood for days. Eve tried her best to cheer him up but to no avail. After another game loss, she tried her best to lift his spirits up once more. But he had snapped at her. It hurt, and she asked why he had to lash out at her.

“I’m trying my best to give you all you need and you still don’t appreciate it,” she murmured.

“There’s nothing to appreciate, Eve. I know what you’re doing but I’m sorry it’s not working. We’ve been losing for weeks. We’re on the brink of not even going eighth place. And if we do, we’ll be facing your beloved San Miguel.”

She blinked her tears away. “I’m just…trying to help.”

“Well, you’re not.” He shook his head and exhaled. “Look, let’s just go to sleep. I still have early training.”

She nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you there.”

He shook his head once again and headed inside the room.

But instead of following, Eve went to the kitchen and took out her favorite ice cream. She was not in any mood to think; she just ate. She half-expected Calvin to call her, but the other half, the one that expected him not to even bother checking up on her, prevailed.

There was another game a few days later, and Eve was contemplating whether she should go or not. But she promised him that she was going to go to all his games unless something important came up. She did not want to lie, and maybe this would make him feel a little better if she went. ‘I doubt it but it’s worth a shot.’

She was seated in her usual spot, right behind the bench of TNT. When she saw him come out of the locker room, she smiled at him, but his head was bowed down. She swallowed and nodded her head. She wished Sage was with her, but she had an exam, and Eve did not want to take her away from something so important just for something like this.

“Good luck,” she whispered.

She watched as TNT scrambled to get another win against Blackwater. They were doing well, but Blackwater was also trying to catch up. At the end of the game, TNT finally won, and Eve applauded. She tried her best to find Calvin, but she remembered that he was BPG. She decided to wait for him outside of the arena.

He finally came out, and she caught up with him. He was with some of his teammates, and she knew they were going to celebrate. She just wanted him to know that she was happy for them. “Hey.”

Calvin smiled. “Hey.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks. We’re heading out to celebrate. Join us?”

She knew he was just being nice. There was a tone in his voice that made her want to cry again. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “You guys have fun.”

The team bid her goodbye, as did Calvin. She watched them go and she went home.

TNT had begun to win all their games again. The two of them were back to normal. They reached fourth place and had to win against NLEX. Luckily, they won all the games and reached the finals. However, it was them against SMB. Calvin had begun to become cold towards her once again.

“What’s wrong?” she finally asked.

“It’s nothing,” he replied, not turning to face her. “I’ve got training in a bit. I’ll see you later.”

As he reached the door, she called out, “I love you.”

“You, too.”

Eve closed her eyes and shook her head.

During the games, Eve decided not to attend even one. Calvin did not even bother to ask why. He simply said, “Okay.” She was also making sure that she stayed away from him as much as possible.

The day of Game 7 arrived, and Eve contemplated whether she should go or not. Then, she remembered the date. May 18. She knew he would be hurt, but with how he was acting right now, did he even feel hurt? She hadn’t been going to his games and yet, he had not once shared his thoughts about it.

The calendar landed on May 18.

“Game’s at seven-thirty.”

“Good luck.” She checked if she had everything in her bag before booking a Grab. “Daddy and I will be watching you.”

Calvin must have noticed that she was leaving because he asked, “Where are you going?”

“Home. It’s Alessandro’s birthday. I have to be there.”

His eyes widened. “Alessandro’s birthday? You’re going to his birthday over my finals?”

“It’s Alessandro. And even if it’s Astrid, you know I’d still go.”

“Eve—”

“Since when did you care about me going to your games lately?” she snapped.

“What are you talking about? I’ve been in a bad mood because you haven’t been going to my games.”

“Right.” She rolled her eyes. “You were in such a bad mood ever since you found out you’d be going against San Miguel.”

“I’m sorry,” he stressed. “I wasn’t sure who you’d root for.”

Eve narrowed her eyes. “You’re really asking that question? SMB is my team, but you are my love. There’s a big difference.”

“So you’re telling me you’d root for TNT?”

“Of course! My family understands; they have nothing against it.”

Calvin pursed his lips. “I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “Well, it’s done. I’ll see you tonight.”

“You’re going to the game?”

“No, I’m still going home. I’ll see you back here.”

She moved past Calvin, trying her best not to let her tears fall.

San Miguel still won, and although Eve could not help but cheer, she knew Calvin was devastated. How was she going to face him when she got back?

When she arrived, he wasn’t there yet. She sat down on the couch and scrolled through her phone. All she could see was how SMB won the championship and that they were, again, considered the winningest team in the PBA.

She heard keys jingle and she looked up to see Calvin coming in with his bag. He dropped it on the floor and locked the door behind him. He stayed there for a while and Eve let him. He leaned against the wall and shook his head. “Fuck.”

“Calvin,” Eve called softly.

He looked at her, not saying anything.

“Calvin, I—”

But he did not hear her out. Rather, he picked up his bag and walked to the bedroom.

Days later, Eve was invited to a party. It was her friend’s bachelorette party, and she tried her best to find something comfortable to wear. They were going to a club, and she had no idea what clothes were worn there.

Finally, she found something she thought would look nice. She had asked Sage if it was appropriate, and she gave her approval. “Great,” Eve said. “This is good.”

When she was done getting ready, she looked at herself in the mirror once again before smiling and grabbing her bag. Just as she was about to turn around, Calvin appeared. They were quiet until he asked, “Where are you going?”

“It’s Bea’s bachelorette party,” she answered. “We’re going to Spotlight.”

He nodded. “Have you booked a Grab yet?”

She shook her head. “No, not yet.”

“I’ll drive you then.”

She liked that idea.

While they drove, Eve had her hands on her lap, and unexpectedly, Calvin reached out for hers and brought the back of her hand to his lips. Her heart beat quickened. “Calvin.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

Before she could say anything, they reached Spotlight, and he let her go. “I’ll be around the corner. Just call if you need anything or want to be picked up already. Okay?”

She nodded.

“I love you,” he said as she opened the door.

She turned to face him. “I love you, too.”

Once inside, Eve found her friends and tried her best to not think about Calvin. They would probably have the talk later that day. But she couldn’t get him off of her mind, and adding to that, she saw him inside the club, sipping a drink and looking at her.

Bea and some of her friends decided to dance while Eve and another friend watched over their belongings.

“Dance with me.” Eve looked up and found Calvin holding out his hand, a smile on his face. “Please?”

She smiled back, then turned to the other girl.

“Go,” she said. “I got this.” She grinned.

“Thank you,” both Eve and Calvin said at the same time. This made the three chuckle.

Calvin could dance, but Eve couldn’t. So he had been guiding her the whole time. A slow song began to blast, and, with Eve facing the other way, he snaked his arm around her waist and his other hand held her arm. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. He was still too tall for him to rest his chin at the top of her head. “I’m so sorry.”

When it was finally time to leave, Eve turned on the radio, and the song “Tonight” by Westlife was the first to come alive.

“I like this song,” she said.

They had the talk in the car, not where she expected, but still, they talked. That’s all that mattered. He explained to her that cheering for the other team made him lose his confidence, not in her, but in him. He loved her, and he wanted to be good enough.

“You are good enough,” she assured him. “You’re great. You’re the best.”

“You have to say that.”

“No. I don’t. But I am because it’s true.”

“Eve.”

“It’s okay, Calvin. It’s okay.”

They reached their place, and once inside, they locked the door behind them and walked quickly inside their room.

She was inside first, and she grinned as she placed her bag on the table. When he came in, he grinned back before closing the door behind him.

[evedreams]

Ahhhh! I forgot to tag the personal favorites with the PF tag!!! Ugh, fine.

[evedreams]

Answered Blessings

Entry Number: 25 Dream: Calvin Oftana (9) Summary: Eve has a lot to ask from one person.. Rating: PG

“What if I do something they don’t approve of?” Eve asked.

Calvin furrowed his eyebrows. “What do you mean? You’ve met them countless times. They love you.”

“I know, I know. But like…with the annulment over and done with, surely they’re still a little hung up upon Ena. Especially since it’s official that you guys, like…never got married. Maybe it isn’t a good idea to be here right now. Should I come back?”

Calvin shushed her. “Eve, Eve. Quiet. Please. My parents love you.”

She bit her bottom lip. “I know that…but what if I do something wrong?”

“What wrong thing can you do?” he asked, jerking his head back.

“I don’t know…just…I’ll never compare to Ena.”

“Hey. Don’t you dare say that. You and Ena are two different people, alright? You shouldn’t compare yourself to her, never should you compare to her. You’re wonderful.” He brought up her hands and placed his lips on her knuckles. “I love you. And nothing will ever change that, okay? And my parents love you, too. Please don’t overthink.”

Eve pursed her lips. “That’s not a very me thing to do, is it?”

Before Calvin could respond, his parents arrived, and they welcomed their son and his girlfriend with open arms.

“It’s been so long,” Mrs. Oftana said. “Why haven’t you guys visited?”

Calvin chuckled. “Just been a little busy. Eve brought some cream puffs, it’s from that bakery you like near her house.”

“Oh, thank you!” Mrs. Oftana said with a grin. “I’ll bring this to the kitchen.”

“I’ll go with you.” Calvin began to follow behind his mother. “Come on, Dad.”

“But Eve—”

“Dad.”

Eve frowned. Why would he make them leave her?

She sat down on the couch and bounced her knees. It took a while, but when they finally came out, they were all smiles. She wondered if she did something funny.

Mrs. Oftana walked over to her and gave her a hug.

Eve, although confused, hugged her back. “Is everything okay, Tita?”

Then Mrs. Oftana began to cry.

“Oh! What’s wrong, Tita? What happened? Are you okay? Do you need anything? Calvin!”

Mrs. Oftana shook her head. “I’m sorry, Eve. I just—it’s a little emotional right now.”

“Oh.” She bit her bottom lip. “I see.”

The four continued the visit with stories and laughter. They asked about Khalel, how Eve was doing, and how Calvin was coping.

He shrugged. “What’s there to cope with?”

Eve couldn’t help but feel relieved.

A few days later, Eve was playing with Khalel in the condo unit. Calvin was out doing errands, and he had asked Eve if it wasn’t any trouble to watch the baby.

Eve kissed his cheek. “Go.”

Now, here they were, with her watching him play with his toy ball. She was slightly crouched down on the chair she was sitting on. He had been squealing and enjoying throwing the ball around, “shooting” it in the toy basket that was placed in the corner, “dribbling,” and even “passing” it to her from time to time. She would pass it back gently, and he would squeal once again.

“You’re so lucky, Khalel,” she said as he threw the ball. “You’ve got Calvin to love you forever.” Khalel looked at her and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll love you forever, too.”

Khalel crawled over to her and touched her cheek. “Mah!”

Eve giggled. “I hope when you grow up, you’ll still remember me.”

“What are you talking about!?”

She jumped at the booming voice; she expected the baby to wail, but he was smiling. She turned around and glared at Calvin. “Don’t scare me like that. You could have scared Khalel, too.”

“Wait here.”

Eve watched him leave and then looked at Khalel. “Your father is strange.” The baby simply cooed.

When Calvin returned, he seemed nervous. “I wanted to…make sure we were all okay with each other’s relationships.”

“Huh?”

“Did you notice how I tried my best to be liked by your family and friends, and how I wanted you to meet my family and friends, too?”

Eve nodded slowly.

Calvin bent down on one knee and revealed a box. “Eve, will you—”

“No. Stop.”

He looked surprised and then hurt. “I…no?”

She bit her bottom lip. “I… I…” She looked over at Khalel, who had been grinning and squealing. “There’s one person I haven’t talked to.” She looked back at Calvin. “I want to talk to Ena.”

Calvin didn’t waste another day. He had brought Eve and Khalel to Ena’s place. Calvin had talked to Ena first as she carried the baby. Eve waited outside the terrace, her nerves getting the best of her.

“Eve.”

‘Here we go.’ She turned around and smiled. “Ena.”

She gave a tiny smile. “Calvin told me that he was proposing but you wanted to talk to me first. I appreciate that, I really do.”

“To me, you’re the most important person I have to talk to.”

“Because of my past with Calvin?”

“Because you’re Khalel’s mother.”

Ena looked surprised. “Really? I…didn’t expect that. I thought you’d jump at the chance to be his new mom.”

“No. No, I’ll never be his mother. It will always be you.”

“Then why?”

Eve swallowed. “I don’t ever want to replace you. That’s why I’m asking for your blessing. To be a part of him. I know he’ll never love me as much as he loves you, and I know you’ll always—”

“Eve. Stop.” Although Ena had a smile on her face as she waved her hand. “Eve. Khalel loves you, I can tell. And I’m sure he loves you just as much as he loves me.”

She stayed quiet.

“Yes, you can be a part of him. I know his life wouldn’t be complete without you anymore.”

“Ena.” Eve saw tears fall down Ena’s eyes. “Ena, you don’t have to force this. I could—”

Ena shook her head. “Don’t. Calvin loves you. And so does Leloy. They would be devastated if you left them. They don’t deserve that, they’ve been through so much. Calvin has been through so much. I know I’m a part of it.” She scoffed.

Eve stayed quiet.

“To be honest, I was scared at first. When you and Calvin started dating, I could tell that he had fallen for you. Fallen for you really hard. I know. He adores you. Perhaps even more than he loved me. I don’t know, I haven’t asked.” She let out a throaty laugh. “I was scared that you’d take my family away from me.” She began to sob. “I was so scared you’d take Leloy away from me.”

Eve felt tears running down her cheeks. “I’d never, Ena. I’d never do that.”

“When I got to know you, I knew you wouldn’t. I saw how much you respect the boundaries. But now, there are no boundaries.”

“There’ll always be a difference between you and me.”

“I hope he doesn’t see that. He’ll be growing up with you. He’ll never call you ‘Tita’ in the future. And he’ll call your parents his grandparents as well.” Ena hugged herself. “I’m not scared anymore, Eve.” She sniffled and composed herself. “You have my blessing.”

Eve could feel the joy in her heart when Ena said that. She cried, not because she couldn’t be with Calvin and Khalel, but because she could finally, surely, and wholeheartedly be with them.

Eve took a few steps forward and hugged Ena. “Thank you.”

Days later, Eve was getting unsettled. Calvin hadn’t proposed again. She was so ready to accept, but he never asked again.

Two days before the next game, news broke out that Calvin had been traded to San Miguel. The two celebrated in bed.

One day, she was watching one of his games, a semifinals against Barangay Ginebra, with Khalel. This surprised her as Calvin never brought the baby with them. He had bought him noise-canceling headphones, and they played his favorite lullabies. She did notice something odd though—the arena was filled with people she knew. And, without warning, Sage had sat beside her.

“Hey,” Sage greeted as she got comfy.

“Hey?”

“Good to see you.”

Eve narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. “Didn’t know you were gonna be here. Don’t you have a retreat?”

Sage shook her head. “Nah, watching this would be better.”

Eve nodded slowly. “Third game, they win, and they advance to the championships.”

The game began, and she couldn’t help but wonder what was going on. Minutes into the game, Eve’s parents arrived and sat beside her on the other side.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised.

“We want to watch the game,” her mom replied. “Is that bad?”

“Well, no.”

Her mom greeted Khalel, and he cooed.

The game ended, and Calvin shot the winning score. With everyone shouting and screaming, Eve did her best to hover over Khalel. She really wanted to cheer, but she had to protect the baby.

Then, Eve heard Calvin’s voice. “Could Eve come here to the court, please? Eve? Come on, you know who you are.”

Eve’s mom took Khalel from her and shooed her away.

She walked to the court quietly, not sure what was happening. When she did reach the basketball player, she asked in a hushed tone, “What are you doing?”

The mic he was holding was taken away from him, and they replaced it with a headset. “I love you, you know that?”

“I do,” she said, cocking her head to the side. “And I love you.”

Then, he started. “You are amazing. You are wonderful. Despite your crazy ideas about yourself, you still find the will to love those around you. When I first met you, I didn’t know how big of a part you would be in my life.”

Eve’s heart thumped faster than usual.

“But I don’t regret meeting you. I am so glad I met you. You are such a blessing to us, to me and Leloy. And I couldn’t ever imagine my life without you anymore.”

She bit her bottom lip. ‘Oh my God.’

“I was going to wait until the championships, but I couldn’t. You’re my lucky charm, and I would feel even luckier if you were officially mine.”

Sage appeared behind them and handed Calvin the familiar box. He bent down on one knee and opened it, and she saw the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. It was pink. She had to ask though what kind of stone it was, but it was pink.

“Eve Aparri, I love you so much. Will you marry me? Please?”

People were quiet. Not one single drop of water was heard. Everyone wanted to know her response.

“Did you do this to make sure people would see and hear my response?” She giggled.

“I didn’t really think about it,” he admitted. “I just knew I had to ask you right away.”

She grinned. “I love you, too, Calvin Oftana. And yes, I will marry you.”

Cheers erupted, and Calvin placed the ring on her finger. He stood up, and they kissed. Both knew it was the start of something new.

[evedreams]

Asking Khalel

Entry Number: 24 Dream: Calvin Oftana (8) Summary: Eve and Calvin need someone's persmission. Rating: G

Eve knew that what she and Calvin had right now was special. Well, for her, it was special; she wasn’t entirely sure about what he thought. She knew she shouldn’t feel that way, but she couldn’t help it. They were in a situationship—sans the sex—and she wasn’t entirely for it, but she enjoyed his company. They never said the three words, and although she wanted to, she knew it wasn’t right. As she said, she didn’t know how he truly felt.

One day, the two were hanging out with Khalel. Eve loved the baby; she wasn’t even good with children, but she somehow got through to the boy and fell in love with him right away. The three were at a park. It was a sunny day, and there weren’t many people. Eve took Khalel from his dad as there were many basketball fans around.

“Can I have my child back?”

She shook her head. “No.”

Calvin sat back down and leaned back on the bench. It had been a tiring day. He had picked up Khalel from Ena right after training, and they quickly headed for the park. They were running late, but Eve didn’t mind; she had time to think.

“You okay?” she asked as she held the baby’s hands and raised them up and down. The baby was cooing, and she smiled at the sound.

“I’m fine,” he replied. “Just kinda beat.”

“We could have gone to your place,” she said. “I don’t mind. I get to see Khalel play with his toys.” She turned to him. “Always so cute to watch.”

He turned to her and smiled. “You guys are always cute to watch.”

She blushed. “You really know how to charm people, you know. Is that how you got Ena?”

Khalel cooed once more after hearing his mom’s name.

“Ena is… she was in denial, I guess,” he said with a shrug. “But I’m glad she’s living her life now. I’m happy for her. I’ll always love her; she’ll always be Leloy’s mother, but… I guess she and I just aren’t meant to be.”

“Mm.” Eve nodded and looked away. “I guess so.”

Calvin licked his lips and looked away as well. “What are your thoughts about… us?”

“Hmm?”

“What are your thoughts about us?” he repeated. “I mean, with what we have… right now? Are you okay with it?”

“I’m fine with it,” she answered. But deep down, she wanted more. “I’m okay with it. Are you okay with it?”

He didn’t answer.

“Okay then.”

“Are you okay with me calling you my girlfriend, then?”

She quickly turned to look at him. “Huh?”

“I guess not.”

“No! I mean, yes! I’m definitely okay with it. I mean… I mean…” She stopped. “I’m okay with it. I don’t mind.”

Calvin smiled. “Then I’m your boyfriend now.”

“But…” She paused. A worried look appeared on his face. “I have to ask Khalel’s permission first. His decision is the most important of all.”

“I’m sure he would say yes. He loves you.”

“And I love him.” She bent down to kiss the baby’s cheek. “You love me?”

Khalel squealed and jumped on her lap.

“Then I guess I’m your girlfriend now.” She grinned. “I’m okay with that.”

Calvin grinned back and bent down. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you, too,” she murmured.

They kissed, and it was very different from their usual. She felt the spark, the fluff, the butterflies, the shock. “I love you,” she thought.

When they separated, they smiled at each other.

“Can I tell people about us?” he asked.

She wanted to be coy, but her smile gave it away. “Only if you want to.” Then she looked down. “What about you, Khalel? Is that okay with you?”

“Come on, Leloy, can you give me and Tita Eve permission to be together?”

Khalel squealed once again.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Calvin said with a chuckle. “First official date next week? Without Leloy?”

She giggled. “Sure. My munchkin.”

He smiled. “Alright. My penguin.”