ENCHANTED LOVE - Season 8 Episode 22

Anthony kept teasing Junia all the way down, making her so annoyed she couldn’t help fantasizing about strangling him and impatient for them to reach their destination.

After going down from Southern City Mountain, Anthony took Junia and Laura to visit the grotto. After a scrumptious dinner, Laura excused herself, saying she was tired and wanted to get some rest.

In reality, she just wanted to give the two of them the opportunity to spend some time alone.

The chemistry between Anthony and Junia was undeniable, so she decided it was time to take her leave.

“Let me give you a ride, Mom.” Anthony got up and rushed to his mother’s side. “It’s okay darling, don’t worry about me,” Laura quickly interrupted. “The hotel isn’t far from me, I could use a walk for some fresh air.”

She smiled and continued, “I’m not as energetic as you youngsters. Give Junia a nice tour around town and make sure she gets home safe. Okay?”

“Mrs. Clark, don’t worry about me.”

Although Laura had told Junia about her plan in advance, she still didn’t feel good about it. She continued, “I don’t feel like going anywhere else this evening. I saw a cinema on the way here, so perhaps I’ll go and catch a movie. Anthony can send you back, I’ll be fine on my own.”

“No, no, there’s no need.” Laura glanced at Anthony and said, “Actually, going to the cinema sounds like a good idea.

Anthony, why don’t you join her for a movie?”

“No really, it’s fine,” Junia protested with a shy smile. “I prefer to go alone.”

Anthony remembered his previous mistake and decided to watch a movie with her to make up for it, an apology through actions. He told Laura, “Mom, please take care. I’ll go catch a movie with Junia. Call me when you’ve reached the room safely, okay?”

Junia’s and Laura’s faces both lit up with happy smiles when they heard Anthony’s words.

At the cinema, Anthony asked Junia which move she wanted to watch. Junia picked a romanic movie and Anthony offered to buy the tickets.

Before he could even turn around to join the ticket queue, Junia grabbed Anthony’s arm. “Will you… Are you planning to… leave me alone like last time? If you are, please just tell me now, I really don’t mind watching alone.”

“Junia, I told you that was a mistake I will never repeat again and I meant it. Will you please let it go?” He added, “Don’t worry, this time I’ll buy two adjacent seats.”

Junia smiled and replied, “That would be great.”

“Can they be in adjacent rows instead of side by side?” Anthony asked half-jokingly.

“Just go and get the tickets!” Junia exclaimed, making Anthony burst into laughter.

Anthony couldn’t focus on the movie. Although he maintained a nonchalant exterior, he actually couldn’t stop thinking about his affair with Sheryl.

The movie finally ended at 10 o’ clock. After dropping Junia off at the hotel, he headed straight for Sheryl’s house.

He didn’t know why, but for some reason just staying outside Sheryl’s building gave him a surprising sense of ease.

It was now almost 11 o’ clock. Anthony looked up and saw that the light in Sheryl’s room was already off. He wanted to go up and talk to her so badly but just didn’t have the courage to. Not wanting to go back yet, he lit up a cigarette, trying to exhale away the unexpected yearning in his heart.

Just as he was putting out the cigarette and getting ready to leave, he caught sight of Sue hobbling out of the building. With Laura in town, he had totally forgotten all about Sue. Watching her limp away, he quickly opened his car door and got out.

Sue didn’t notice Anthony approaching. She was more focused on her movements. She knew that if she slipped and fell, she could become a cripple for life.

She heaved a deep sigh as she made her way down the stairs slowly, taking it one step at a time. There was nothing that she could lean against for support and all she could do was take extreme caution.

After what seemed like ages, she reached the final stair and mentally celebrated her success. Suddenly Anthony called out from somewhere behind her. “It’s already so late. What in the world are you doing out here?”

Sue was so startled. Then she lost her footing and with it, her balance.

Fortunately, Anthony reacted quickly and managed to catch her in his strong arms.

Upon seeing the face of her rescuer, Sue frowned and smacked his shoulder. “You scared the wits out of me! Why did you sneak up on me?”

“You answer my question first.”

Anthony’s eyebrows were furrowed too. “It’s already late and you know you’re having difficulty walking. What are you doing out here?”

“Fine, but first could you help me up?” Sue asked, feeling slightly embarassed. Her entire body was pressed against him, fully supported by him, making the whole situation even more awkward and embarrassing.

Anthony helped Sue back on her feet and repeated his question again sternly, “Now tell me, why were you headed out?”

“Nothing important,” Sue answered with knitted brows. “I just wanted to go out and grab a bite,” she continued.

“What?” Anthony asked disbelievingly. Then he started nagging, “Don’t you remember what I told you? I’ve stocked your fridge with fruits and yogurts and so much more, it’s practically a mini buffet in there! I’ve even prepared some meals for you and put them in there. All you need to do is open the fridge and choose what you want to eat. What could possibly possess you to leave the house and ignore my words?”

Sue looked down at the floor the whole time, too embarrassed to look at him. She knew he had a strong point. Finally, she found the right comeback. “It’s none of your business. Who do you think you are? You’re not my keeper!”

“You…” Anthony was left speechless by her attitude. He took a deep breath, quenching the anger building in his chest. He asked again, “Just tell me, where were you planning to go? If you don’t tell me, I’m going to carry you back to your house right now.”

“Please, don’t!” Sue hastily dropped the attitude and begged Anthony.

Her funny one-legged flamingo-like stance made it hard for Anthony to fight a smile from creeping onto his face, but he maintained a grim face anyway.

Seeing that his stern approach was working, he asked her yet again, “If you don’t want me to do so, just be honest with me. Why are you out?”

The unsmiling expression on Anthony’s convinced Sue that there was no escape from the situation and she finally admitted, “Oh come on, lighten up a little! I just wanted to go and buy something.”

“Buy something?” Anthony asked sarcastically, “And what might that something be?”

“Sanitary pads!” she blurted out. “Are you happy now?!” Sue’s voice went up in volume out of shame and embarrassment.

She hadn’t intended to say anything, but Anthony had kept pushing and pushing and even threatened her, leaving her with no choice but to tell the truth.

Anthony was stunned into silence.

He had thought that he had prepared everything for Sue, giving her no reason at all to have to leave the house. But he had forgotten that Sue was a girl and required extra provisions. The tables had turned and now he was the one turning red with embarrassment.

“Well, are you satisfied with my answer?” Sue asked angrily. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get to the shop before it closes.”

“Why didn’t you just call me and ask for help? Don’t you have my phone number?” Anthony creased his brows and asked Sue, genuinely puzzled.

“What’s the use of calling you for this? How can you help?” She forced her face into a neutral expression, trying to hide the embarrassment and awkwardness she felt. She loved Anthony, but having to tell him that she was on her period made her feel like hiding in her blanket and never coming out.

She looked into his eyes and asked, “Would you really buy them for me if I call you up?”