Page 11 of Between Then and Now
CHAPTER SEVEN
Ryan
One month with Bonbon on a remote island is a horror movie waiting to happen. I know it, she knows it, and I will not subject my colleagues to a month of Bon’s incessant yapping.
I park my car and walk inside our house after a long day at the hospital. I think I’m having one of those strange nightmares because I can hear Bon’s voice, like she’s haunting my subconscious or something. But then all thoughts of the supernatural vanish as I see her sitting on our kitchen counter, talking to someone.
As I move closer, I realize she’s with Richard and Rob. Rob is here to watch the game. It’s the Philippines vs. Vietnam today, and our chances are looking really good because of the rookie. Commercials are playing in the living room, and they’re preparing snacks in the kitchen as I overhear their conversation.
“Ugh, that Michael Lee is so hot, he should be a model,” Bon says, peering out into the living room to catch a glimpse of the TV.
“He’s busy carrying the Philippine basketball team, Bon. Save the modeling gigs for the less talented,” Richard replies. Before I can make my presence known, Bon hops down from the kitchen counter.
“There you are!” she says, her voice cheerful. She walks–no, skips–toward me and stops just as I’m about to turn to the kitchen. “I was just talking to these idiots, and I found out something.” She keeps her voice low, as if making sure the others won’t hear.
“What is it?” I ask.
“I know what will make you take me on your medical mission,” she says. And when I don’t respond, she continues. “I can help you talk to that girl you like.”
My eyes grow wide. I don’t remember telling my brother, Rob, or anyone else, about Alexa. So, I can’t help myself as I blurt out, “How do you know about Alexa?” I pull her in the direction of the living room.
“Aha!” Bon exclaims, pointing at me as we walk toward the sofa. “I knew there was a girl. I knew it, I knew it, I knew it.” Her triumphant reaction makes Richard and Rob turn to us. I wave them off as they go back to eating their pizza.
Bon grins, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’re so predictable, Ryan. I knew there had to be someone you were interested in. And now that I know her name is Alexa, I can definitely help you out.”
I rub my temples, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me. I should have listened to myself when I doubted that Rob and Richard knew nothing. But who am I kidding? If not today, Bon would find another way eventually. Her enthusiasm is infectious, but it’s also overwhelming. One month of her energy could be a disaster.I have to be very careful about how I’m going to approach this.
“Look,” I say, trying to regain control of the conversation. I sit on the couch, and she follows suit. “It’s not that simple. This is serious, and we can’t afford any distractions. Plus, getting approval for you to join isn’t just about me asking nicely. There are protocols and procedures, and–”
“Don’t hit me with that protocol nonsense,” she interrupts. “It’s a volunteer mission. I’m sure they won’t mind another person joining in. Now, tell me about Alexa.” She nudges my arm. “Is she pretty? Out of your league?”
I sigh in defeat. There’s no way Bon is letting this go, so I play along. “She’s incredible. And I can’t bring myself to ask her out... I’m not exactly a very pleasing person.” I frown.
“Oh, good, so you know. Self-awareness is important,” she says, and I look at her with a deadpan expression. It doesn’t faze her, though, and she continues. “What? It’s not like it’s a secret. You are the Grinch. The ruiner of all good things in life. The Mojo Jojo to my sugar, spice, and everything nice,” Bon adds, placing her hand on my knee. “And Miller, I will sprinkle your life with some sugar so you can ask out your dream girl.”
“I don’t see how you can help me with that,” I say, genuinely puzzled. Bon’s ideas are always unpredictable, often bordering on chaotic. I hold her wrist and remove the hand from my knee.
She puts it back anyway, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, ye of little faith. I’ve got a plan.”
“Bonita, just yesterday, you were the person who never plans anything. And now you expect me to believe you have a plan for this documentary and for Alexa?”
She sighs, shaking her head dramatically. “Oh, honey. You see, Alexa is like any other person; she’ll appreciate genuine interest and effort. We’ll start small: casual conversations, shared interests, and maybe a grand gesture to show you care. And who better to orchestrate that than me?”
I raise an eyebrow. “And you think dragging you along on a medical mission will somehow facilitate this master plan of yours?” I turn to face her.
Bon jumps up and stands in front of me, placing her hands on both my shoulders and shaking me. “Exactly! We’ll be in close quarters, with plenty of opportunities for you to naturally interact with her. Plus, you’ll have me coaching you every stepof the way. Think of it as a personal wingwoman in a very intense, very immersive setting,” she says, too enthusiastically.
Despite myself, I chuckle. “You make it sound like a reality TV show.”
“Life is a reality TV show, Ryan. And we’re about to make your love story the season finale.” She winks.
I sigh, shaking my head. “You’re impossible.”
“But you love me for it,” she shoots back, grinning. After a few seconds, she places her hand on my shoulder. “Ryan. I will help you with your dream girl, and I will not be a burden, I promise. Pleeeeeaaaaaasssseeeeeeee.”
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms, trying to gauge if she’s actually serious this time. She means well, but she has a knack for getting herself into situations that need bailing out. “Are you sure about that? Are you absolutely positive you won’t need my help every five minutes?”
“Puh-lease, Miller. I am perfectly fine. I won’t need you,” she says, crossing her arms in the same way.
