Chapter 3 Memory of the Past

Vera's POV

On Monday morning, I made up my mind to purchase a new cellphone to replace my old one. I felt a strong need for it for my job application.

Previously, I had worked at a lending institution in Washington. After completing my master's degree, I was promoted to the position of Financial Officer with a significantly higher salary. However, after two years, I was bored so I decided to return to LA to be with my brother. Additionally, I wanted to fulfill my dream of working at the top talent agency in the city.

Originally, I had plans to apply at META, but the accident involving Reid caught me off guard. Recalling Reid's situation, I shook my head in disbelief. It was hard to fathom that he had been in a coma for two weeks already. I hoped for his swift recovery, as he played a crucial role at META.

After a twenty-minute drive, I arrived at the Cellphone Care Center. Deciding to bring my documents inside for photocopying, I organized them in a folder before stepping out of the car. It took me around 30 minutes to finally settle on purchasing the latest model of the iPhone.

After my documents were all photocopied, I went out of the shop, but I suddenly bumped into someone in the hallway. My heart was racing as I took a quick glance at him. I hurriedly picked up all my papers scattered on the floor because I could no longer resist the tension I was feeling deep inside.

The person standing before me, assisting in gathering my documents, turned out to be none other than Royce Miller. It was evident that he couldn't be Reid, considering Reid's current condition in the hospital.

As I overheard him beginning to utter the initial letter of his name, I swiftly made my exit, fearing that he might recognize me.

My palms were clamming with sweat as I settled into my car. Oh, my goodness. I never anticipated crossing paths with him again after three long years. And to my surprise, he appeared even more attractive. How could I forget him? How could I forget the man who happened to be my first kiss? Despite the flaws and quirks I had heard about him, I remained unfazed. Many times, I questioned why it had to be him and not his twin brother Reid, especially considering my familiarity with Reid as my schoolmate and friend at Claremont McKenna College.

Memories of our college days flooded my mind. I was in my second year while Reid was in his fourth when he mustered the courage to confess his feelings for me. I never expected him to make such a bold move, as he had always struck me as the serious type. Nevertheless, he was undeniably kind-hearted and incredibly handsome. Numerous women had vied for his attention, doing all the possible means to win his heart, but all their efforts proved futile.

Reid possessed a refined personality. Despite his privileged background, he remained down-to-earth and never boast about his family's wealth and influence. However, I could not force myself to feel romantic love for him. I could only regard him as a friend and nothing more.

It was not Reid whom I have feelings for, but rather, it was Royce. It has always been him. Memories from the past flooded my mind, causing me to close my eyes momentarily.

On the night following our college graduation, my best friend Alexa invited me to her thanksgiving party at Skybar. I knew how much she enjoyed hosting parties at venues with swimming pools. To fulfill her request, I sought permission from my brother, who granted it on the condition that I would not take alcoholic beverages.

The party commenced promptly at 7:00 in the evening. Females were dressed in elegant gowns, while males sported rolled-up long-sleeved shirts paired with jeans and sneakers. As for me, I opted for a knee-length, fitted, off-shoulder pink dress and wedge sandals.

Our classmates and friends were enjoying themselves as they danced to the beat of the music, and perhaps it was only me who did not join them on the dance floor, simply because I was not used to it. I was not used to going outside for socialization. Though I belong to the middle class, but I just preferred to stay at home rather than have that kind of party. If it were not for Alexa's request, I wouldn't be there for sure. I looked around to recognize those who had attended the party. Suddenly, I spotted Reid who was with a group of men, gulping a bottle of beer. The area was a little dim and only the dancing lights were turned on.

"Hey girl, why are you not joining? Come on. Let's just have one drink." Alexa whispered in my ear, causing me to startle.

"Who are you looking at?" she asked loudly since the music was getting louder too.

"Isn't that Reid girl?" I exclaimed and gestured my hand towards a certain direction.

"Nope, it's not Reid, but his twin brother Royce."

I was taken aback by the revelation that Reid had a twin brother. I had never encountered his brother on campus, and Reid had never mentioned him before.

Alexa informed me about Royce, which left me feeling slightly unsettled.

"Actually, I invited Reid, but you know, he's too focused on his business career and doesn't enjoy going to parties anymore," Alexa smirked.

Suddenly, she grabbed my hand and insisted that I put on my swimsuit, as the swimming session was about to begin.

"A swimsuit? Oh no! I can't wear that here. Besides, I didn't bring one," I protested.

However, Alexa was persistent and led me to the dressing room. She tossed me a dark blue halter swimsuit.

"Put this on! I brought it for you. It doesn't reveal too much skin, so don't worry, okay?" Alexa said as she changed into her own sexy black halter suit, which accentuated her cleavage. Reluctantly, I put on the swimsuit, feeling a bit hesitant.

Alexa embodied a carefree spirit. She had attended countless parties and fully embraced the vibrant nightlife scene, a lifestyle she had been accustomed to since middle school. Hailing from a wealthy family in Westwood and being the only daughter, she enjoyed all the luxuries life had to offer. While Alexa embraced a liberated mindset, I leaned towards a more conservative outlook. Despite our contrasting personalities, she remained my closest friend, and I knew she genuinely cared for me and respected our individual differences. "Wow, you look so sexy, girl!" she exclaimed, even whistling at me. I felt a bit shy as I looked at myself in the mirror.

"Girl, it perfectly fits you! You have a nice and sexy body, so you have to flaunt it off sometimes. Hmm. I'm sure men out there would go crazy over you," Alexa continued jesting me around.

"So, are you ready? Let's get out of here!" she uttered and held my hand.

I took a few hesitant steps towards the door, then I paused only to let out a deep sigh. Alexa noticed my hesitation and turned around. "Hey, what's wrong, girl? Come on, walk with confidence! This is part of socializing. Let go of your old-fashioned ways."

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and continued walking. When we reached the pool area, the lights were already on, as nobody was dancing on the dance floor. Everyone stood around the pool, already dressed in their swimwear, awaiting Alexa's signal. I could feel the gaze of some male classmates on me, making me feel self-conscious.

"Wow! You look so sexy, Vera!" some of my classmates complimented, causing me to blush. I simply smiled and thanked them. My heart raced and my hands became sweaty when I noticed Reid's twin brother intently looking at me.

Alexa quickly grabbed the microphone and began to speak.

"Thank you all for being here. It means a lot to me. And special thanks to my best friend, Vera!" Alexa smiled and gave me a slight hug.

"But guys, I know you're all excited to swim, right? Well, well..." Alexa paused, building up the excitement.

"Before we start swimming, we're going to play a kissing game," she announced.

I furrowed my brows, because I did not get what she meant to say. Some people cheered, expressing their enthusiasm for the game.

Alexa instructed the females to stand on the right side of the pool, while the males gathered on the left.

"Now, try to remember where the person you like is standing. Familiarize the surroundings as well, or else you might fall into the water," Alexa chuckled and then continued speaking. "As soon as I give the signal, the lights will be turned off, and you'll have 60 seconds to approach and kiss the person you like. Remember, there are no strings attached. This is just a game, so let's all be professional. The best pair caught intimately kissing when the lights come back on will be declared the winners and receive a grand prize!"

Oh no! I thought to myself. I contemplated not participating in the game, as I couldn't imagine myself being kissed by someone. I had yet to experience such a thing in my entire 23 years of existence.