Chapter 7 - I'd Do Anything

I'd Do Anything - Simple Plan

"I'd do anything just to hold you in my arms...
Try to make you laugh but somehow I can't put you in the past...
I'd do anything just to fall asleep with you...
And you'll remember me cause I know I can't forget you..."

KEVIN CHANG

I opened my eyes when I felt the heat of the sun on my face. It was already one in the afternoon. I guess I overslept after having four bottles of liquor - alone. 


I was too bored last night especially when Althea just left me and I haven't seen her then. I've met few girls at the bar but I wonder why I only wanted to see her. I think I was too bothered by the reason why she asked for my whereabouts the other night. Was she looking for a guy and thought it could be me? Did something happen to her? These thoughts kept racing my mind that my head started to hurt.


I shifted my thoughts on what to do today. I wondered what excursion I should be having but then I realized that the ship won't dock this day.


I sighed. "Another boring day ahead," I told myself. Being stuck at this ship is worse than being imprisoned at my own office doing paper-stuff. "If I see her today then it won't be boring anymore!" I exclaimed. 


I rushed to the bathroom and took a bath and got ready for my not-so-boring stay on this ship. After everything has been done, I locked my cabin and hurried outside. As I reached deck five, I saw many people gathering at the observation deck. I became curious so I joined the crowd. 


"Hello," I greeted an American man who is around 40's. "What's happening?"


He looked at me and smile. "Whale watching. The weather is fine today so it's good to look for them."


He let me borrow his binoculars and looked at the ocean. I saw whale shark fins above the water. There were plenty of them. After having a good look, I returned the binoculars. 


As I turned to leave, a familiar face caught my eye. It was Althea. Actually, it was her smile that got me. I was so happy to see her but then I realized she was with a guy who is about the same age as me. She looked like having fun watching those whales with him. They were both laughing and seemed teasing each other. They were taking turns in using their binoculars. They were like a couple.


My heart ached at the sight. I thought she was traveling alone but who is that guy? Did she meet him here too? How come they are too close already? Am I jealous? Do I like her? But I just met her!


I left hurriedly to avoid her seeing me. I was too confused with my feelings for her. I rushed to the Strauss dining room at deck four. I believed I was just hungry that's why I had those thoughts of her. 


After having lunch, I went to the Day Spa and Fitness Center at deck 12. I knew this crazy thoughts would be gone after having a good workout. 


While on the treadmill, I tried to focus my thoughts. I only met Althea about three days ago. She's a simple girl, smart and bubbly. I knew she had problems on her own even though she doesn't tell me. But despite those things that bother her, she tries to smile and enjoy this trip. I feel comfortable being with her. I like her 'confused' look. I like the way she looks at me. I like her smile. Then it dawned on me. I like her. I want her. This is the first time I ever wanted someone. In the past, it has been too easy for me to let anyone go. But not this one, I want her and I will have her.


It was already seven in the evening when I finished the workout. I went back to my cabin to have a warm shower. I decided to go to Althea and tell her about my feelings before someone else takes her. 


I looked for her and luckily I easily found her. She was at Imperial Lounge in deck five. Without any hesitation, I called her.


"Althea!" I called as I ran towards her. She looked into my direction and smiled at me.


"Hey, Kevin! It's good to see you!" she greeted. She was holding two canned sodas. So she was with him. "You know what, this place is amazing! I love the band and the music here! Such a good place to hang out! Join us!"


I originally planned to take her away from here but I couldn't refuse her invitation so I followed her. We went to a table near the corner of the room. I saw that guy she was with waiting for her. When he saw her, he smiled. She gave him one of the canned soda to him.


"Hey, this is my friend Kevin. I met him here too," she introduced me to him. "And Kevin, this is Donghae. He's a new friend."


Donghae stood up and held out his hand. I smiled and gave him a grip. I sat across him and observed his features. I wondered if this guy is better than me. Althea gave me the other canned soda and left us to get a new one. Now, this was my chance to know this person.


"Donghae, is it?" I started that conversation. He nodded. "Are you Chinese?"


"No, I'm Korean," he answered. He started drinking his soda while looking at the band playing at the stage.


"So you met Althea here?" I asked again.


"Yeah, I met her the other night." So it was you. It was you whom she was looking for,


"I see. You seem close to her," I told him. He just smiled as a response. "Do you like her?"


He stopped drinking after hearing my question. "Why do you ask?"


"Because I do like her and I will try my best to have her."


He didn't say anything after saying those things. A few minutes later, Althea came back while drinking her own canned soda.


"Are you guys having fun?" she asked us.


"Yeah," Donghae answered her. I just nodded. 


We were having a normal conversation when the band vocalist spoke up.


"Does anyone here want to sing a song?" he announced.


I raised my hand. I knew this was my chance. Everyone looked at me. Althea was shocked by my bravery. I went up the stage and told the band what I was going to sing. I am pretty confident on my singing skills. I knew if my parents would have allowed, I could have been a singer. I heard everyone clapping their hands and cheering for me. I looked at Althea and I saw her cheering for me too. That made my heart happy.


"Uhm, this song is dedicated to the girl who made me feel happy being here. Althea, this is for you," I said. She looked shocked by my statement. The music then started playing and I sang "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. I really liked that song and it was the perfect song to let my feelings reach her. I only sang the first stanza and the first chorus. After singing the song, everyone clapped and cheered. I was glad that they liked my performance. But what was the most important thing for me was her reaction. 


I went down the stage and headed back to our table. Her face looked confused. 


"Did you like it?" I asked her. She didn't answer. "Hey, don't give me that look. Was my voice horrible?"


"No! No! You're voice was amazing!" she said. I smiled at her then I looked at Donghae. He just looked at me.


The band continued playing. Althea stood up and decided to get some food for us. When she was about to leave, I stood up and grabbed her hand. I was not sure what I was doing at that moment but my head kept on telling me to get her out of the place. I kept on walking  fast while holding her hand. I knew she was asking where we were going but I didn't answer her questions. We got to the elevator and just pushed the highest deck, deck 15. When we reached the deck, I let her hand go. There was no one in the deck besides us.


"What are you doing?" she asked. 


"Don't you like me?" I asked her. "I know you may not believe me since we just met few days ago but this is true. I like you and it hurts seeing you with another guy!"


"What are you talking about? Donghae and I are just friends!"


"But you don't seem like one! Please Althea! Please tell me that you like me!" I was holding her shoulders waiting for her to say the words I wanted to hear.


"Hey, that hurts! Please Kevin, let me go!"


"Just tell me you like me too!" I kissed her lips but she moved her face. I held her tight and didn't want to let her go. I tried to kiss her again but she resisted. I pushed her towards a wall and kissed her lips then her cheeks. I wanted her so badly that I couldn't even stop myself. I could hear her cry and plead for me to stop but I couldn't.


The struggle continued until I felt a hand grabbing my arm and pushing me away. 


It was Donghae. He pulled Althea away from me. I looked at him and he looked angry.


"Don't you dare touch her again!" he shouted at me.


Now what have I done?!