One

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I'm standing in the middle of the massive grassland, lost in its view. The sun, so gold and wild, shines down on my face,  and I can feel the soothing, country breeze flipping my hair swiftly. The feeling is no longer foreign; I've been here before.

It's the same place, and he will soon show up; the one with sensual hands, engulfing scent, the only one who constantly makes my heart beat fast, my curiosity go wild, and my eyes go blind.

I wander my gaze into the horizon, taking in every detail of the enchanting, crystal blue sky married to the waltzing silver clouds, and that's when I feel his presence behind me; so electrifying, utterly beguiling.

He hugs me tightly, making me melt completely to his touch, my body yielding to his grasp. I close my eyes to indulge the moment, the very same salacious moment I dream awake, as he whispers in my ears something I scarcely hear.

And then I try turning around, to finally have a glimpse of his beautiful face that I've marvelled at over a million times in my heart. But it doesn't happen. He's always so near, yet so far away. He disappears. Once again, I fail to see him.

As my eyes fly open, I gasp for air. Heavy breaths expel through my lips, a hand clutching my chest. I sit up, my skin slick and sweaty, finally recalling that I'm still in bed and it's pitch black outside. I pant heavily, letting my heart rate ease.

The same fucking dream.

"I need to get myself a boyfriend," I mutter groggily, trying to accept the reality around me.

Current status: Alone in bed.

Relationship status: Single.

Having proper sleep has been quite a challenge for me. I've lost count of how many nights I've stayed awake, mainly because of a certain nightmare, and this tantalizing dream.

I'm an insomniac, so says my therapist.

Fully aware of the resentment I have towards sweating, the summer has decided to grant me a vengeful visit. I slowly get up and turn on the fan, which allows my body to cool off gradually as I let myself be swayed by thoughts and self-pity disease like a post-nightmare effect.

I feel so damn lonely. I hug my pillow and imagine him once again. I don't remember when I closed my eyes until I wake up in the morning at the sound of my classic alarm clock ringing so loudly.  Well, it's another mundane day in my boring mundane life.

My natural curls are into a simple up-do about an hour later. Satisfied with the light makeup on my deep bronze face, I slip into a pair of nude pumps while zipping up, with difficulty, the black office dress I'm wearing for work.

One more reason to need a boyfriend?

I roll my eyes, watching my ungracious self through the mirror as I zip my dress like a pirouetting drunk ballerina.

"Phone, charger... keys!" I instantly reach for my car keys on the table and clutch my bag unceremoniously.

It's bright outside as I clamber into my Old Benny, a red worn-out Ford Mustang in red that I love like crazy, ready for another long day ahead. But as expected, much to my disappointment, the big guy starts acting up.

Not again, please. I twist the key but the legend refuses to comply. It screeches and rests. Once... then twice.

"Damn it!" I groan loudly and try again.

But the Ford is set. So damn decided.

I'm gonna be late.

"A taxi it is." I grab my handbag and exit the car in a rush.

After hassling with the L. A traffic jam, I arrive at the campus about an hour later, still hung over from lack of proper sleep. I guess it's one of those times you may wonder how the rest of the day will be. First a haunted night, and then an awful morning filled with heat and noise.

Good morning, Hollywood.

But my smile returns the moment I walk into the campus of one of the prestigious universities in California. Gigantic buildings and lush green vegetation distract my mind as I mingle with a mass of students and employees walking hurriedly to their respective destinations.

It's the last day of summer finals. Despite everything, U.C.L.A feels like home. It is a home. I schooled here, now I work here.  It's the only world I know.

"Morning, Kira. I'm glad you're early." Dana, our office assistant, regards me as soon as I arrive. Her black heels clack on the tiles as she walks over. "New dress? Looks good." Her smile is genuine but dubious.

"Thanks but.... everything okay?" I reply while putting my belongings atop my desk, ready to receive the bomb she's about to drop.

I know it's a bomb.

She is dark-skinned, short, slim, and talks like a broken record, but rather very efficient.

I glance up at her, and she looks in quite a frenzy; her short hair is all ruffled from constant scratching, I suppose, for it's what she normally does when things get tough in the office, and her manicured fingers are busy scrolling her tablet.

God, help me!

"You're supervising the morning exams today, so you better get ready, dear," she urges, and here the bomb explodes. "Only ten minutes left," she adds.

"What? But that's crazy! How come no one told me?" I lament, my voice begrudging—even though it's nothing new.

We do have an official schedule posted in the Teachers Information System but somethings life happens.

"Because Professor Ingrid fell sick so I received changes some minutes ago. Sorry, sweetie." Dana gives me an apologetic smile, ready to find her next victim.

Just great!

I work as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Los Angeles. The job that I never dreamed of, but came after me either way. I got direct recruitment as soon as I graduated here two years ago.

Now I've learned to love and enjoy it. Who knows? Maybe it's my call.

I head straight to the auditorium, where the freshmen are already seated. Eyeing them for a while, I end up smiling at the few faces looking so anxious as though approaching judgment day.

Well, who likes exams?

As the students poke their noses in the papers, my cell phone buzzes. I get a few distasteful looks that force me to walk out immediately not to disturb them. It's Samantha, my only crazy friend that would never let me live in boredom.

We're like SpongeBob and Patrick.

"Hey, Sam, don't you know it's business hours now?" I snap, half-shutting the door behind me.

I stall by the hall.

"I know, but chill out," Sam quips, her voice full of ecstasy as though she's landed herself a new Mr. Gatsby.

"What is it?" I urge, fully aware that I'm breaking the rule and I may get in trouble if things go west.

"You're taking a leave this time, right?" she asks in her sassy voice, her enthusiasm unearthly.

"Yes, and?"

"Okay, listen," she says excitedly. "You and I are going on a vacation next week."

I scowl, wondering what she's talking about now. Damn, I need to get back!

"Hey, Kira, don't start playing dead now. I said we are going on a vacation, are you listening?" she snaps, annoyed at my floundering silence.

"I heard you," I reply absently, my eyes on the classroom through the door. "Sam, I'm supervising the exam right now. How about I call you later, please?"

"Fine!" she grunts, possibly rolling her eyes. "And you better call me, huh?"

"Okay, later." I hang up quickly and get myself back to work with a smile.

I'm sure she is sulking right now.

She hates when I ditch her, but I've got bills to pay. Plus, I can't risk getting caught on the phone while on duty. And given how chattering Samantha is, she can talk all morning if possible.

I go straight home after work—it's almost my usual routine. Nothing but the calmness and lavender scent welcome me into my humble abode that's furnished in red and white with a few stuff but plenty of books.

My home is small but sometimes it feels so big that I'm considering adopting a pet. Maybe a little dog will do.

Sighing, I kick off my heels, drop my handbag on the couch, and make my way towards the kitchen that's adjoined to the living room. I hope I can find something edible before I lose my balance.

It's like I've survived a hunger disaster.

Chicken sandwich becomes my dinner when I think of Sam's call and her crazy ideas. I better call her back before she makes a long-distance scene. I'm so glad we live and work separately, or else it'd be a catastrophe.

We're like fire and water, yet inseparable.

"Finally," Sam speaks as soon as she picks up, and I throw myself on the red loveseat sofa, feet on the black, wooden coffee table.

"Tell me from the beginning," I urge, biting my sandwich.

"Hey, do you think you're the only one who works hard? I'm an executive assistant to one of the most successful Exporting companies in L.A!"

Here we go.

I decide to turn on the TV while I take in all of my friend's scolding, which I'm already used to. I'm glad it's WWE and it's Roman Reigns kicking some butt.

"Yes, Sam, I know that and I'm sorry about earlier." I roll my eyes. "So, tell me about your grand plans that you didn't consider consulting me first while making." I go sarcastic, and Sam couldn't care less about my whining.

"Look, I met this guy... let's say a client, and he invited me to his ranch," she explains. "I kind of like him, Kira, so I accepted."

"Okay, and?" I'm already wary.

"And we're going together, next week," she says, making my eyes widen, but no surprise in them. "I'm not taking no for an answer, just to be clear."

"Huh?" I gasp.

Well, she's always bossy... or pushy?

"You heard me," she prompts. "And besides, you love the countryside and I like him, so it's a fair bargain."

Oh! Why didn't I see this coming?

Unsure whether Sam is requesting or informing me, I just swallow it as it comes, and take a deep breath coupled with a yawn.

"Sam, that guy... are you dating him?" I'm extremely curious.

"I think so," she returns with faint surety, and I frown bemusedly. "We had lunch... and dinner... like two times? Well, we also kissed and..."

Not the intimate details, please.

"Alright, enough," I interrupt her PG-rated talk. "Fine, I'll go with you."

"Really?"

"Yes, Sam. Didn't you say I have no option?" I roll my tired eyes.

Frankly, I prefer to spend my six weeks at home, reading books, watching movies, and maybe a beach walk or swimming during sunset. I'm a very simple person, and so is my life. But knowing Sam as I do for the past fifteen years, she won't ever let that happen.

However, I've been in my comfort zone—hiding behind my work—for two years and perhaps some little change of scenery is all I need to recharge my batteries. The same routine every day can be toxic, I know, so how terrible would it be to go with her? I sigh heavily.

____________

A/N: Thank you for reading this book. I don't usually do the character face-claim thing but I figured most people do so here we go.

Beautiful Zendaya as Kira Jones



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