The Pandemic [illustrated characters pov AKA ICP]

I grabbed Talia's collar and shook her, frantic. "Don't you see, you idiot?! He TOTALLY likes you!"

"No he doesn't!" Talia argued as I let go of her. "He doesn't see me like that! We're just friends...." she brushed the hair from her eyes. "Besides, you should see the way Fimayla looks at him. They're meant to be."

Ugh. She knew I hated it when she said that, and she realized it at this point.

I removed my sandal and threw it at her with all my might as she ran off, screaming. It bounced off the top of her head and she landed face first onto the grass, my sandal next to her face. 

I was always spot on about everything. Everything.

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Today was the the fourteenth of February. Amorous passion between couples day. Singles appreciation day. Valentines Day.

I sat outside of the Fleur de Doux, undercover with my hood pulled up to avoid any recognizable faces; I had a snapback hat underneath my hood as well. It was 8:00 AM, and even though today was the notorious day of love, the streets were filled yet. Fleur de Doux was a locally owned flower shop, and I noticed a couple of men rush in out and from the establishment to purchase last minute gifts. Someone tapped me on the shoulder during my observation and I turned my head.

It was Zico, one of the part-time workers at the flower shop. His soft black hair was layered and parted as to cover his forehead, his hair flowed and barely stopped past his ears. When under light, the highlights of his hair were a smooth and rugged grey, which complemented his almond eyes. Zico had two black studs in his ears, and a work uniform on. He greeted me, with his usual jest.

"Scoping for a boyfriend?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's bit too late for that, don't you think?" I pulled my hood back down. No point in hiding now. "Shouldn't you be working?"

Zico shrugged. "Dan is already in there helping the only customer we have right now. And actually...I am working right now," he smiled. "What type of flower are you looking for, mademoiselle?"

"Well, I don't need a flower," I answered. I suddenly thought of Rick, who I was supposed to be meeting here. "...but I'm trying to help a friend find one." I looked at the clock tower, which instantly told me that ten minutes had passed. Rick was supposed to be showing up at any minute now.

"What friend?" Zico asked, "Is it someone I know?"

I leaned over and whispered, "I'm trying to set up Rick with Talia."

"You hound," he told me, a bit amused. "Why don't you worry about yourself?"

I put my hands on my hips. "Should I take my business elsewhere? I could totally get Rick to buy flowers at the supermarket. I'm only tryin' to help you out here."

Zico held his hands up in defense. "Be my guest, Selena. But I doubt those would even be fresh."

Ouch. Touche,

"Look, just help me out here, okay?" I begged. "Rick needs this!" I pouted my lower lip. "Please, Zico??"

My confidante reached over and grabbed my ear before he pulled on it. "Okay, fine. But on one condition."

I removed myself from his grasp. "Okay, geez! What do you want?"

"After we get the two of them together, I need your help with something for an hour."

"An hour? Doing what?"

He shook his head. "I'll explain more later. You just have to do whatever I say."

Before I could probe him any further, Rick arrived, a bit out of breath.

"Holy cow, Selena! That was a bit urgent, don't you think?" He glared at me. "What's the big idea, dragging me out of here this early in the morning??"

Zico and I exchanged looks before I said, "Do you remember what day it is today?"

Rick scratched his head. "Today's a Saturday," he looked at Zico. "Right?"

"Right," I said. "And it's also Valentine's Day."

Rick thought for a moment. "Okay. And...what has that got to do with me?"

I pointed at him, confusing Rick a bit more than I probably intended to. "You're goin' on a blind date today, mister!"

At this sudden announcement, Rick looked alarmed. "What?! ME?!"

"And I'm gonna take you there," I continued. Zico quietly chuckled behind me and I purposely kicked his leg that was behind me. "It's in a few hours, but I figured it would be good to give you some tips first."

Rick rolled his eyes. "Selena, what do you know about romance?"
"I can't agree more with that," Zico said behind me. I turned and gave Zico a long hard stare before he gestured to Rick to follow him into the flower shop. "Let's find a flower for your lady, shall we?"

Rick followed Zico into the store, myself hot onto their trails. "I guess I don't have much of a choice, now do I?" He spoke directly to me this time. "Can I know who this person is?"

Zico opened his mouth. "It's Ta-"
"..It's a SURPRISE!" I interrupted before he could give it away. "Your date doesn't know who's showing up either."

Zico looked at me as I gave him the look of death. As Rick began to search through fresh flowers, I pulled Zico aside and told him threateningly, "If you don't do this right, the deal is off!"

He only responded by grabbing my face and pulling my cheeks until they hurt. "Selena, there really isn't much you can do, you know that right?"

"You jerk! Let go of--"

The two of us whirled back around as if nothing happened, just as Rick came running up to us. "I found it, you guys! How about this?" He held up a bouquet of blue and purple carnations. Zico nodded impressed. "I think she'll like them. You've really got the knack of the whole romance thing, man."

Rick turned red. "Ah-- really?" Flattered, he said, "I think that's a good thing...right?"

Zico gave him the thumbs up. I praised Rick before he purchased the flowers. By this point, he seemed excited to go on his first valentine's date. He said farewell to Zico and then left the establishment, ready for me to take him to his date,

I had hoped that Zico had completely forgotten about our promise, but he didn't. Before I could follow Rick out, he pulled me aside and told me. "Remember what you promised," he pointed at me. "Be back here in about four hours. Got it?"

I shoved him aside. "Yeah, yeah. I heard you," I forced myself to act cool. "Thanks though!"

I hurried off as Rick waved me over.


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Talia sat inside Papa's Italliano, waiting for her blind date to show up. Blind date? Why, she'd never! It was all because of stupid Selena. Had she not have already set the thing up, she wouldn't have come! And of all days, it had to be on Valentine's day!

She was wearing a casual dress with tights, a denim jacket and combat boots to seal the deal. Talia wondered who was going to show up? Would it be Asia? Her heart pounded at the mention of him. Even though he hadn't showed up last time, she couldn't find it in her heart to stay mad at him for long. She closed her eyes and rested them for a second, just as...

"Talia?"

She turned to face someone she had never expected to see in a million years. "R-Rick??"

Bouquet of carnation in hand with Selena next to him, Rick stepped forward. "You're my blind date?"

Talia turned red. "I...I am?!" She and Rick both sent Selena a filthy look.

Selena didn't expect anything less from the two. She held up her hands in defense. "Happy Valentines Day, you guys!" She winked, "Don't worry, this is all covered for! Order whatever you want!"

Talia stood from her chair, flames burning in her eyes. "SELENA!"

Selena laughed and said, "Have a good date! Love you guys!" She left the restaurant before anything could happen.

Talia and Rick stood in disbelief, but it was Rick who took the initiative to protect his friend. "Oh well," he told his date, absentmindedly. "She only cares about us." He went over to where Talia was and pulled her chair out. "Sit down."

Talia did as she was told, flustered. Her heart pounded angrily because of her friend's tricks, but now it was pounding because of something else. What was it? And...why?

Rick sat at the opposite side of the table. "Let's do what Selena said and go crazy, okay?" he flashed her a charming smile that was enough to make any girl's stomach flip. "She said it was all covered for."

Talia couldn't help but let a giggle escape from her. "Okay, then. To dine, we shall."

They started to look over their fancy menus when suddenly, Rick had the urge to say something.

"Hey, Talia?"

"Y-yeah, Rick?" Her heart pounded like crazy.

"For today, let's pretend we don't know each other..like a blind date," he held out his hand. "I'm Rick. Nice to meet you."

Talia felt nervous, but also a bit excited. She took his hand, it was warm and inviting. "I'm Talia. It's nice to meet you too."

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I made it back to Zico's and he stood waiting outside of Le Fleur's. I noticed that he wasn't wearing a uniform anymore, but instead a snapback hat, jeans, and jacket. He seemed impressed that I came back. "Selena didn't break her promise after all."

I punched his arm. "I don't break promises, idiot," I cast him another angry look. "Let's just get this over with, okay?"

Zico held up a hand. "Wait, how did it go?"

"How did what go?"

"Uh...hello? Rick and Talia?"

Oh. DUH.

"It was good," I told him. "They were surprised, but..." I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my plans. "I think they're going to be really happy today."

"Good to hear," Zico said. He grabbed my hand and started to make way for somewhere unknown.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, a bit on edge. I was starting to get suspicious. "And what did you need help with?"

"Today," he began. "I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend."

WHAT?!

No, no, no. I quickly pulled free from his grasp. "Wait, what?"

"We had a deal," he told me, nonchalant and composed. "I just need you to pretend in front of my ex-girlfriend."

I glared at him. "I'm not your toy, Zico," but I thought about our little deal. "But...I guess..."

He pinched my cheek again. "You got it...babe," He took off my snapback hat and tossed it back into the store. "No hat for you, today." I guess I didn't look good enough to impress his ex in a hat or something. Whatever.

I rolled my eyes and slapped his hand away before following him off to who-knows-where.

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Lucky Rick and Talia, I thought to myself as I sat down in a coffee shop with Zico, his ex-girlfriend, and her date. At least those two were meant to be. I was a fake.

Zico introduced me to the other couple who were as disgustingly close as a couple should be on Valentine's Day....only ten thousand times worse.

"This is Selena," he told Brendan and Fefe. "She's my girlfriend."

Fefe seemed nice enough. "Nice to meet you," she flashed me a glamorous style that fit her beautiful silky hair and charming eyes. Her date was just as gorgeous as she was. "I'm glad Zico found someone that's worth his wait."

I felt Zico tighten up next to me. Not good.

"Yeah," I said to her. "He just found me one day and then suddenly, we were together."

Zico and I shared looks. Hmm.

Brendan reached over and kissed Fefe on the cheek. "Love is love," he said when he resurfaced. "Where did you two meet?"

Zico answered before I could."Selena ran into me on the street," he explained. "She was interning for some interior design company and literally knocked me off my feet," he mockingly laughed. The others smiled politely. I had no real reaction. Interior design, my foot, I thought to myself, chewing my lip. "She's great. This one is."

Fefe seemed a bit uncomfortable now. There was obviously some type of unresolved issue going on here; first of all, what type of idiot would ask their ex to couple date with them? Idiots.

Brendan didn't seem too uncomfortable at all with this tension. In fact, he fed off of it. He added more fuel to the fire with public displays of affection. He whispered in her ear, making her giggle when our drinks came. He praised her constantly, and the two conversed with us, but not with using "we" and "us" as proper nouns to address themselves. I could tell that Zico was pissed off to the point of no return. He didn't look at me, and I didn't look at him. The two of us were as cold as one "fake" couple could be. But I was totally okay with it, because I just needed to hold out my end of the deal and be free forever! And I would do this again in a heartbeat for my friend....I think...

But the bomb exploded when Fefe mentioned that the two of them were getting married. They celebrated this by sharing a kiss, which I awkwardly looked away from. And then this happened.

Zico reached over, and without a word, grabbed my face and kissed me.

I froze.

They froze.

Five seconds later, I pushed Zico away and scrambled out of my chair in disbelief. I turned to the other couple who stopped in their embrace and apologized. "It was nice to meet you. Sorry about this," and then hurried off. Zico sat in his chair still, no reaction whatsoever. When I had descended down the stairs of the two-story coffee establishment, something broke inside of me.

The tears rushed from my face and I covered it, embarrassed to have this happen to me. Of all the things that I had expected to happen today, this hadn't made the cut. I was just used and then thrown away. It was the epitome of the having somebody use you for their own benefit, not care about who they were hurting, and then having them throw you back into whatever garbage can they had found you in. What hurt me most wasn't the fact that Zico had asked me to pose as his girlfriend, but the fact that he even had the audacity to even consider kissing me to prove a point to his ex girlfriend. What was I doing here? Who am I? And why did I let this happen? I'm Selena, for God's sake!
........


I continued to cry and walk along the street, bidding riddance to whoever looked my way. What did I care? I was going to end up alone anyway. It didn't matter. None of it did. Maybe I should just be thankful that I even got to pose as a fake one. And that kiss-! It was my first kiss! I cursed Zico and my sadness was replaced with disgust. UGH!!

As I was moping around and sulking in my shadows of darkness, someone pulled me back. Zico, out of breath, had finally found me. "There you are," he said, sounding relieved.

 I kicked him in the shin. "What do you mean, 'there you are' ?!"

I cussed and rubbed his shin. "Selena, I know you're mad, but--"

I covered my ears. "I don't want to hear it, buster! You can't justify this! Just go away!" The tears started again. "You're the most insensitive jerk that I've ever--"

He rushed forward and held me in a right embrace, my eyes resting on his shoulder. He was warm yet affirmative in his grip. But still, I struggled to break free. "What are you doing, you idiot?? Are you trying to confuse me more?" I continued to try and escape. "I'm not gonna fall for your stupid tricks again, you hear me?? For all I care, you can go fall in a--"

"I like you."

I stopped struggling and froze. What did he say?

"Selena, I really really like you."

I turned beet red, and thanked heavens he couldn't see my face. "Stop telling me lies! Are you trying to destroy my soul, Zico? Just...just shut up!" My heart pounded against my chest.

"...Selena, I'm sorry about today. Seeing Fefe like that made me really mad. And so I...I acted instinctively. Sorry."

I didn't want to hear his apologies. I just wanted to dig a hole and climb into it with my confusion and jealousy enraged persona. "I don't want to hear it, Zico. I don't care anymore," I whispered. "I just...wish you hadn't done that. Let me go, please."

He did as I wished, although not exactly, his hands remained on my shoulders. "Are you really okay? Look, I made all that stuff up because....Fefe dumped me because I couldn't afford things for her. So I made you out to be this...interior design intern to show that I could get her to react. You okay?"

Okay with what? My life? Your motives?

I changed the subject...kind of. "Where are they now? Where is Fefe and Brendan?"

"They're still there," he said, a twinkle in his eye. "They kind of figured I had been lying the whole time, but they didn't object to me leaving to find you."

"What are you trying to say?"

"...that was your first kiss, wasn't it?" He was starting to act like himself again. I returned my anger and kicked him in the shin again as hard as I could.

"As a matter of fact, it WAS!" I watched as he grabbed his shin again, his hands leaving my shoulders. "Good day to you, and GOOD RIDDANCE!"

I walked off in a huff as Zico called back out to me. "Hey, you idiot! Come back here!"

He regained his posture and jogged to meet up with me. "I know you don't believe me, but everything I've said is true," he stopped me again. "I really really like you. Will you give me a chance?"

Even though my heart was racing, I forced myself to sent him a nasty stare. "How can I even trust someone like you again?" I pointed at his chest. "You ruined me, Zico. Thanks a whole lot!"

"Selena," instinctively, he brushed his fingers at the corner of my almond eyes, knowing that my tears were about to erupt again. "I'll make it up to you, I mean it."

"...really?"

"Really," he took of his snapback hat and placed it on my head. "And this can be our real first." He reached in and his lips met mine, catching me off guard. His lips were soft and sweet and I could smell him from where he was. My heart raced, and I was pretty sure that my face was maroon. Slowly, he pulled away from me as I was still in a daze. I didn't know what to say. How to react. But somebody else did.


"WOOOOO, SELENA!"

Zico and I turned to see Talia and Rick sitting side by side on the bridge railing, obviously hyped up. Rick "woo hooed" and Talia clapped her hands while laughing uncontrollably. It was my worst nightmare come true. The laughing couple left the bridge and approached us. They should thank God they did, because I was ready to run over and push them into the lake.

Talia folded her arms, impressed with me. "So this is why you set me and Rick together today? So you could get some alone time with Zico?"

I shook her by the collar. "That's not even what happened!!" She flailed her arms about, trying to escape her impending doom.

Rick applauded Zico. "Nice, dude! So that's what that was all about."

Zico laughed. "Well, I can't say I've won yet..." He spoke to Talia as I let go of her collar. "How was your boyfriend's initiative? Good?"

Now it was Talia's turn to turn red.Rick also submissively looked off into the distance, a bit embarrassed himself. "W-W-what are you talking about?!" Then, she got a revelation. "You and Selena really do fit!"

I rung her collar again. "SHUT UP!!"

Now it was Rick and Zico's turn to laugh.



Singles Awareness Day? Yeah, right.   ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥