Game of Love Ch. 04

"Can you go away?" Eric asked softly, putting his hands on his hips. "I need to work."

"And I am not stopping you." Sergio shrugged as he got closer to the boy. "You can continue working while I enjoy staring at you."

"Really?" Eric raised an eyebrow. "You're one crazy man. I won't do anything if you're around."

Sergio smiled. He was about to grab Eric when he heard his phone ring. He quickly took out his phone and found a message from his boyfriend, Trev.

'Baby, what's going on? You seem distant lately and you're always busy. I wanna talk to you, please. I miss you so much.'

Sergio sighed as he placed his phone back into his pocket. When he looked at Eric, he had a worried look on his face.

"What is it?" Eric asked with concern. "Is there anything wrong?"

Sergio shook his head. "No! Something just came up and I have to go."

"Right now?" Eric gasped. "But babe..."

"I know." Sergio sighed gloomily, taking Eric's hands. "I know I said I was gonna stay till evening but I have to go. This is very important."

Eric's mood instantly changed. That wasn't how he had planned his day with Sergio. He was a bit disappointed.

"Come on, my love!" Sergio leaned forward and kissed Eric softly. "I will make it up to you. In fact, I will call you as soon as I am done with what I am going to do. I promise."

Eric sighed. "Alright!"

He coiled his arms around Sergio tightly and kissed him.

"I will see you."

Sergio went to the bedroom, dressed up and came back to the kitchen to kiss Eric one last time before he left. Eric felt really empty and he remained in the kitchen standing there with a blank face.

About five minutes later, the door to his apartment flung open and his friends came inside and they found him in the same position.

"What's with the long face? Are you okay?" Riya asked. "Your friends are here and you don't seem excited? Come on!"

"Yeah, I am excited!" He sighed. "Maybe it's because I was just looking forward to spending the entire day with Sergio but he left early. He said he had something very important to do."

"I am sure he does." Smith said as he leaned on the counter. "And besides, the fact that we are here should make you like super happy. Come on, we're here to cheer you up. We hardly spend much time together nowadays. You're always with lover boy."

That was able to bring a smile to Eric's face. "Can you blame me? I am in a relationship now and..."

"Excuse me! We're all in relationships." Riya pointed, raising her eyebrow. "But anyway, you're very lucky to have a boyfriend that gives you so much time. I have never seen someone like Sergio before. He is a perfect package if you ask me. And with where this is going, I am sure you guys will eventually end up together."

"I know." Eric moaned, touching his chest. "He's just so different. He might have been arrogant and rude before but he's really a sweet guy and I feel so lucky. I never actually thought I'd be in a relationship again."

"That makes the three of us." Riya said with a wink. "The way you were always like, 'I can't get in a relationship. Men are cheats and..." She was doing great at imitating his voice. "But now, guess who is crazy in love?"

"That was then." Eric chuckled. "But this is different. We've only been together for a very short time but what I feel for him is something that I can't even explain myself. He makes me so happy when I am with him and he always makes me laugh and smile. Whenever he is not here, I miss him so much and I just want him back."

"That's love, kid!" Smith laughed. "So tell me." He leaned forward as if to whisper. "How's he like in bed? Is he rough, gentle or..."

Eric pushed him away before he could even finish asking. "Are you crazy? That's private."

"Yeah! That's private." Riya hit Smith slightly on the shoulder. But then she looked at Eric and raised her eyebrow. "But now I am curious too. How is he? What's the size of his package?"

"Really?" Eric shrugged. "You guys are being unreasonable and childish."

"We're just curious..."

"Well, we haven't done anything yet." Eric said simply as he walked to his dough. "That's a bit too early."

"Hmmm, sexy and romantic." Riya commented. "Where can I find myself a Sergio?"

"Really?" Eric laughed. "You're insane, Riya."

"What?" Riya shrugged. "It's not wrong to wish."

The three friends laughed and began making cookies together. Eric even forgot that he had been missing his boyfriend.

***

"Hahahaha..." Sergio laughed as he closed the door behind him. "...you're very funny today. What's wrong with you?"

'You're the one that's causing this.' Trev complained on the other end. 'Recently, you've not been giving me much time as you did before and it's making me sad.'

"Come on, baby!" Sergio sighed, smiling. "You know that I love you so much. It's just that I am always busy nowadays. It's final year and it's become a bit demanding especially with the seminars. I promise we'll be talking a lot from today."

'Cross your heart?'

"And hope to die!" Sergio said in an assuring tone. "I promise."

'Alright, baby. Love you!'

"Love you too."

Sergio kissed the phone and smiled brightly. He was lost in his thoughts again.

"Where have you been almost the whole day, Sergio?" Steve asked as he walked slowly towards him. "Remember that we were supposed to do something important."

"Do you have to ask?" Henry said harshly with his arms folded. He sounded pretty mad. "It is obvious he was with Eric."

Sergio looked at Steve and sighed. "I am so sorry, man. It's just that Eric..."

"Eric! Eric! Eric!" Steve snapped. "That's all you keep talking about. Do you realize that this whole thing is not real, that it is just a game right? You know that eventually it's gonna end?"

Sergio frowned as he looked at the man who was looking like he was ready for war. "Dude, calm down. I haven't forgotten anything, okay? I know very well that all this is just a bet so you don't have to worry about anything."

Henry groaned. "Well, I also wanted to remind you that Trev will be back in less than two weeks, right? So you better..."

"Henry!" Steve gasped. "What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you acting like you guys are fighting? We all know it's a game, geez! Just because Sergio proved you wrong doesn't..."

"Whatever, man!" Henry said as he stormed out of there and went to his room.

"I don't even know what's wrong with him of late."

He was talking to Sergio but the guy seemed to be lost in his own world. He was really scared. Being reminded that he only had a short time to pull up with this actually made him a bit scared and confused.

"Sergio!" Steve rested his hand on his shoulder. "Man, are you okay?"

Sergio nodded. "Just what he said got me thinking. He's right. How will I keep up with this when Trev arrives here?" He sighed in frustration, coming his hair with his hands. "You know how Trev is and you also know Eric. Eventually one of them is gonna find out."

"Dude!" Steve chuckled, shaking his head. "I am sure you don't plan on taking this bet as far as that, are you? You know whatever you have going on with Eric is nothing but a lie, right? Eventually, you're gonna have to stop it, come out clean."

Sergio looked at Steve and he felt a shiver go down his spine. Fear swept him off his feet and he felt his heart begin to race. It was a really hot night but he got really cold.

"You're gonna have to let this relationship go. Trev is your boyfriend and you guys love each other a lot." Steve said softly. "This should be easy unless... unless you've fallen in love with Eric."

Sergio gasped, chuckling nervously. "Me? Eric? No! I... I don't love Eric." When he said those words, he felt like someone had pinched his heart.

"Good!" Steve patted him on the shoulder. "Now get done with this quick so you can be free of him."

He left the living room, leaving Sergio there alone. Sergio knew that he had to let Eric go but the question was, did he really want to be free of him? That should have been easy but he found himself in a dilemma.

'What are you doing to me, Eric?' He gripped his hair furiously. 'Everyone is right. I need to end this soon.'

The question again was how was he gonna end it?

***

Eric was seated on a small bench outside the apartment block, staring at the sky. The sky was really clear and there were a lot of beautiful stars out there. He had a brilliant smile on his face, enjoying the night. The night was a bit cold but to him, it was perfect.

Eric was only dressed in a black vest with a white cargo short and black sandals. He had tied his hair with a band. He had his arms folded. He slowly raised his chin up, taking the beautiful air in.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Smith asked as he took a seat besides Eric. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Eric shook his head. "Smith, you know you don't have to ask me that? You're always welcome to be with me. You're one of my best friends."

"I know." He chuckled nervously. "But things change when someone is in a relationship. You might be needing some time to be alone and just daydream."

"And miss out on your craziness?" He chirped. "No fucking way is that happening. Besides, no matter the relationship I am in, it doesn't change anything between us. You'll always be my best friend, Smith."

"And so will you."

Smith stared at the sky and he literally jumped up. "Hey! A shooting star." He pointed. "Let's make a wish."

Both of them closed their eyes and with their entire hearts, they made their wishes. When they opened their eyes and glanced at each other, they laughed.

"What did you wish for?"

"I am not telling!" Eric crowed, shaking his head. "If you tell a wish, it won't come true."

"It's okay." Smith jabbered. "I know exactly what you wished for. It's obvious. You know, Eric. I feel so happy right now knowing that you're in a relationship with a guy that can protect you, someone that can give you the love that you deserve.

You're one of the strongest people I know on this earth. Even if what you're going through is harder, you still keep your chin up. You never let anything let you lose focus. I just feel like... like you deserve all the happiness in the world." Smith was tearing up and he was always the strongest among the three of them. Seeing tears in his eyes made Eric emotional.

"I am your best friend Eric and I know we have the best of days. But seeing you smiling and happy the entire day makes me happy. It makes me happy that I always thank God for bringing Sergio into your life. Things are really difficult for you but I feel that with Sergio around you, you can conquer anything. You can be genuinely happy."

Then he chuckled as a tear started rolling down his cheeks. "I never actually told you this but when that bastard broke your heart... I sneaked into his house at night and I beat him up real bad."

Eric gasped, his eyes widening. "That was you? Oh my God..."

"I couldn't bear to see you in tears, Eric!" He sniveled, slowly rubbing his tears.

Eric couldn't fight his own tears. "No matter the kind of life that I have, Smith, as long as I am with you, everything is bearable. I have been so happy because you've brightened my life and given me a reason to be happy and smile.

Never for once have you judged. You've stood for me and you've fought for me as well. That's the reason why no matter what happens in my life, you'll always be a part of me. I promise you that."

Smith couldn't express his happiness. "Thank you so much, my best friend."

"Brother!" Eric corrected before he pulled Smith into a quick hug. "Anyway, why are you talking to me like this? Am I about to die? Do you want to kill me with emotions?"

"No!" Smith smiled, rubbing Eric's tears. "I was just reminding you of how special you are to me and how special our bond is."

Eric took in a deep breath and slowly laid his head on Smith's shoulder, clinging closer to him.

"I remember us being like this back in high school. Those were wonderful moments."

"Let's just stay like this for a while." Smith said softly. "At least, let's take a break from crazy Riya. Let's just have our Meric moment."

Meric, a name that the two boys had made in high school which was just a combination of their names. It was cute. The two friends stayed outside just watching the sky for a really long time. It was a beautiful reminder of the past and it was beautiful.

***

"Alright!" Laurel said with a sad sigh. "It's okay, I understand. Thanks for trying to help anyway."

She cut the call and threw the phone on the couch. She was so worried and disturbed over what had happened the past few days. Her heart hadn't stopped racing and the image of Giada at the firm hadn't left her.

"God, what I am going to do?" She muttered. "Giada has blacklisted me in almost all firms and companies."

"Just tell the truth!"

Laurel quickly turned and found a woman who was in her late 50s slowly walking towards her with a stern face. She was Regina, Eric's nanny and the woman that had been staying with her and helping her around. She was kind hearted and beautiful too.

"When are you gonna continue keeping him in the dark?"

Laurel abruptly shook her head. "I can't tell Eric what's going on, nanny. No matter what, I can't." She rushed to her and held her hands while staring into her eyes. "You've got to promise me that you won't say anything to him, please. I will find something soon and..."

"Laurel, you know I wouldn't squeal even if that boy tortured me." She joked. "But you know this is Eric we're talking about. One glance at you and he'll be able to know that something is wrong. And after that, it will only be a second before he can figure it all out. You know how much he hates Giada."

"That's why I am worried." Laurel groaned angrily. "I don't want what happened the other evening to repeat itself. I can't bear to see my son hurt or sad."

"But you've got to tell him the truth."

"I can't!" Laurel yelled.

"It's either that or you find a job soon." Nanny said softly. "But we all know this is impossible. Giada is very powerful and influential. Knowing her, she's doing her best to make sure you never land a job again. I only see one solution in this."

Laurel quickly looked at Regina. "What do you mean?"

Regina sighed. "There's only one person who can help you in this. Why don't you ask help from Brice?"

"What?" Laurel gasped, shaking her head. She couldn't believe Regina had suggested even that. "I'd rather be jobless than ask that man for anything. I don't wanna be indebted to that man. No! He is the reason why all this is happening."

"But what are you going to do?"

Laurel took a deep breath. "If it proves difficult, I only have one other option. I had thought about it long ago but I never thought it would come to this. But I will have no other option than... than to accept."

Regina frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Laurel just stared at her without giving an answer? Was there anything she was hiding?

***

"It's okay, baby." Giada said with a smile, holding on to the phone. "I miss you too."

'I will be back in two days. The meeting is going well and eventually, in two days, we are gonna have the contract.'

Giada smiled brightly. "Alright, honey! Goodnight."

She cut the call and start cat walking down the stairs where a man who was dressed all in black was standing waiting for her. He was one of her henchman and he had sent him to get really important information.

She was dressed in a sexy tight black dress with high heels on her feet. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and she had an evil grin on her face. She had just arrived from the office and she was a bit tired.

"Well..." She said with her arms folded. "How did it go?"

"As thought, she's been trying to find a job, my lady." The guy said in a deep manly voice. "But she's not getting lucky. They're rejecting her everywhere."

"Good!" Giada smiled evilly, taking in a deep breath. "Now we'll see how she's gonna survive. It will only be a matter of days before she comes crawling. She'll know who's boss. And has she contacted my husband in any way?"

"None that I know of ma'am." The man slowly bowed. "Some of my men are keeping an eye on her."

"Good!" She took a bundle of hundred dollar bills and handed it to the man. "What about her spoilt brat of a child."

"Oh yeah," The man took out a small envelope that he gave to Giada. "Those are all the things I was able to gather about him. It contains what he's been up to the past few weeks and also about his boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" Giada asked as she opened the envelope. "I thought that brat was single."

"Yes, ma'am. But all the details are in there. You can check them out."

Giada chuckled bitterly as she opened the envelope. However, when she got her hands on the pictures that her man had brought her, she remained frozen where she stood. She was staring at the picture like she had seen a ghost.

It was a picture of Eric and a guy kissing in public. Giada was shocked. She looked at the man and then the picture. Then she began laughing at the top of her voice like an evil queen in a fairytale movie. She was filled with joy.

"Ma'am... is everything okay?"

"Nothing is okay." Giada laughed. "This is more than okay. This is the best information you have ever given me and I am gonna make sure I reward you for this. I am so impressed right now."

"Really, ma'am?" The man said with a smile. "I am humbled."

Giada looked at the man and gestured for him to leave. She remained alone there, looking at the pictures that she was holding.

"Well, well, well, Eric..." She chirped as she passed her hands on his face. "...what a handsome man you've got over there. You look really happy. But there's just one problem, dear..." She laughed. "...I am allergic to your happiness. I don't like seeing you happy. Your happiness is my sadness and mine is your sadness as well.

How will it be if I take your happiness away, little Eric?" She started ripping the picture in enough. "I will wipe that smile off your face. Just you wait and see, Eric! I will wipe it off for good."

She stood there, bringing in deeply. Then she took out her phone quickly and dialed a number.

'Hello!' The voice said on the other end of the line.

Giada's face lit up with an evil grin. What did she have up her sleeve this time?

***

"Ah..." Riya screamed, jumping up and down. "Oh my God, I made it. I made it!"

Riya had never felt the happiness that she felt at that time. She was holding a script for all the continuous assessment exams that she had taken for design that year. She had passed and she was really happy because it meant she was gonna sit for the exam.

"In your face bitches!" She screamed. "In your faces!"

"Riya, calm down." Smith said, trying to make her quiet but she wouldn't stop. "You're making unnecessary noise."

"What?" She laughed. "You know very well how hard this course is and I made it. Of course, I have to make noise. What did you get anyway?"

Smith smiled, raising his script. "69."

"I even beat you!" She chuckled, pointing at him.

"Only by 4." Smith said, sticking out his tongue.

"Still means something. Anyway..." She looked at Eric. "What did you get? Many people failed this course and are not sitting for the exam. It is impossible for you to fail."

Eric chuckled, raising his script.

"97!" Both Smith and Riya gasped as their eyes widened.

"Dude! Are you a wizard or something?" Riya asked. "Do you know how hard this course is for you to get overall 97? I am impressed."

Eric just smiled brightly. "Thanks but this calls for a celebration. Are you guys up for it?"

"Up for it?" Smith asked. "Even if I broke up with my girlfriend today, this celebration must go on."

"Yeah, just pray she doesn't hear that." Eric commented. "Let's go!"