Chapter 7

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Chapter 7

"Bakit 'yan?" Pabulong na tanong ko kay Tina habang nakatingin kay Darwin na nakayukyok ang ulo sa lamesa.

She glanced at me and put her pointing finger on her lip, gesturing me to shut up. Nilingon ko si Cadeo na kaagad namang umiling sa akin. Hinila ako ni Tina palabas ng kubo.

"Badtrip siya." She sighed.

My brows furrowed in concern. "Why?"

"Family problem. Ipinilit na naman daw ng Mama niya na lumipat siya ng school sa college at 'wag nang Nursing ang kunin." Tipid na ngumiti si Tina.

Napakurap ako at nilingon ang kubo. Minsan ko nang narinig sa mga lalaki ang problema ni Darwin pero hindi ko kailanman inalam. Sinasarili naman kasi nila minsan 'yong mga pribadong problema nila kaya hindi na kami nakikialam.

"Financial problem?" I probed.

Tumango siya at hinila ako palayo ro'n. Ang pagkakaalam ko'y Tita ni Darwin ang tumutustos sa tuition niya ngayon pero kapag nag-college na raw ito ay ang mga magulang na niya ang bahala sa gastusin. His father is a tricycle driver and her mother is working in a small factory of milk candy in the province.

"Saan tayo pupunta?"

"Canteen. Hayaan mo munang si Cadeo ang kumausap." Tugon niya at hinila ako papunta sa main.

I was spacing out while we're at the canteen. Nakatingin ako sa ref na puno ng inumin. I was thinking of Darwin's situation. I kind of feel a bit down and thankful at the same time. Wala akong mga magulang pero may mga tao pa ring umaako ng responsibilidad. And that is one of the thinks I'm grateful of in this life.

"Ate, isang Gatorade na orange po at isang Real Leaf." I said as I pull out cash from my wallet.

Bumili rin ako ng Donuts habang hinihintay si Tina sa kabilang counter. Bumalik din kami agad sa Lecaros pagkatapos bumili. Sina Cadeo at Darwin pa rin ang no'n, wala pa si Nicus at Yes. Tulala si Darwin sa kaniyang notebook. Lumapit ako agad sa kaniya pagkapasok ko.

"Nag-lunch ka ba?" Tanong ko.

Tipid siyang umiling, walang ekspresyon. Bumuntong hininga ako at nilapag sa tabi niya ang bote ng Gatorade at dalawang donuts na naka-plastic. Nilingon niya ako, mas lalong nagsalubong ang kilay. I smiled a little and tapped his back.

"You need to at least eat something." I said.

Bumuga siya ng hangin at pilit na ngumiti sa akin. Tumikhim si Cadeo at tiningnan si Darwin.

"Tulungan ka namin mag-apply ng scholarship." He said.

"Uy, oo nga. Game kami d'yan." Si Tina.

Iyon ang pinag-usapan namin buong tanghali. Darwin's even more willing to strive for a scholarship slot. He even said that he'd apply for the student assistant scholarship if needed. He wants to pursue his dream so bad and that's one of the things I admire about him.

Tina: Sien, di ako makakasama bukas sayo. Si Yes o yung mga boys, ayaw ba nila?

Napalabi ako sa text ni Tina. We agreed to jog tomorrow because it's Saturday and now she's retreating. Inaya ko si Yes pero tinatamad daw siya. Hindi ko naman inaya ang mga boys.

Sien: Scam ka talaga! No need na, ako na lang muna bukas.

Tina: Peace out. Next time promise!

I rolled my eyes and replied once more before going back to the movie that I'm watching. Late ako natulog dahil sa movie pero maaga pa rin naman akong nagising. Nagpaalam na ako kay Tita kagabi kaya hindi ko na siya inabala sa room nila nang paalis na ako.

Alas sais nang makarating ako sa sports complex. I cursed out loud in my head when I realized that I forgot my tumbler. Ayaw ko namang bumalik lang ulit sa bahay para do'n. Medyo malayo kasi.

Hanggang alas otso lang bukas ang complex kaya naman pagkarating ko ay agad kong tinakbo ang oval. My ponytail was bouncing as I jog around with my AirPods. The robust music is booming in my ear.

Tatlumpong minuto ay hiningal na ako. I sat on the benches scattered around as I ran after my breath. Tumingala ako sa langit kung saan tumataas na ang sikat ng araw. The pulchritude combination of colours on the sky is a beautiful way to welcome a new day. I smiled a little and stared at it while resting.

I rested for five minutes then I got up and started running around again. After another half an hour, I stopped and sat on the grassy part of the oval, my chest going up and down hastily. Itinukod ko ang kamay sa damuhan at pumikit ng mariin. Halong lamig at init ang nararamdaman ko.

I unzipped my jacket a little, revealing a bit of my tube. I removed my AirPods and put them backn on the case. I raised my legs and folded them a little. I pulled the hem of my jacket to gaze at my watch. It's less than an hour before 8. I puffed a breath and propped my hands on the ground as I shut my eyes again.

Sa muli kong pagmulat ay nahagip ko ng tingin ang dalawang lalaking tumatakbo patungo sa direksyon ko. I blinked and narrowed my eyes at the figures. I nibbled my lip when I felt a tingling sensation on my stomach after I recognized who they were.

It was Axev and Gavrie. Gavrie is wearing a sweatshirt and basketball shorts. Axev on the other hand is wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and black running shoes. They are running in a moderate speed.

Umayos ako kaagad sa pagkakaupo at pinasadahan ng kamay ang nakapusod kong buhok. Shit. I felt my throat dried even more. I swallowed hard when I felt my heartbeat rising once more. Umiwas ako ng tingin nang makitang mas malapit na sila sa akin.

Why the hell do I keep meeting him unexpectedly? After the encounter with him at the bookstore last week, I never saw him again. His words are confusing me and sometimes, for brief moments, I always stumble with it. Hindi man palagi, ay napapaisip pa rin ako lalo na sa tuwing wala akong ginagawa.

My breathing stopped when I heard their heavy and fast footsteps approaching my place. I heard Gavrie saying something, and then they stopped right in front of me. Una kong nasulyapan ang kanilang mga sapatos at sa pag-angat ko ng tingin ay nagsalubong ang tingin namin ni Axev.

I acted surprised especially when I saw Axev furrowing his brows while looking at me. His jaw clenched and his lips twitched when I smiled a little at them. Beads of sweat are dripping on the side his fine face. Basa ang kaniyang buhok dahil sa pawis.

"Hey." I waved my hand. "Kayo pala..."

"Uy." Tumawa si Gavrie at tiningnan si Axev. "May kasama ka?"

I licked my lips as I looked up to them. Nakatayo sila sa harapan ko. Gusto ko sanang tumayo kaso nga lang baka aalis din agad sila. Axev averted his eyes to Gavrie.

"Uh, wala. Ako lang." Tugon ko.

"Kanina ka pa?" Gavrie asked.

I can't help but glance at Axev again. He's quiet and still serious. He tilted his head and brushed his knuckles on his nose. Tumikhim si Gavrie at tiningnan siyang muli.

"Yes, around six. Kayo?"

"Kaninang alas singko pa. Hindi ka namin napansin agad." Gavrie replied.

Ngumiti lang ako, nakatitig pa rin kay Axev. I pursed my lips at his silence. I don't want to initiate any conversation with him since he's with Gavrie and I don't know if he'd be responsive as well. 'Tsaka wala rin naman akong alam na sasabihin sa kaniya. Dapat pala maghanda ako ng ng dialogue para kapag nakita ko ulit siya without prior notice, ready ako!

Gavrie cleared his throat. "Kunin ko lang mga gamit natin."

Tinapik niya sa balikat si Axev pagkatapos ay tumakbo palayo sa amin. Nalaglag ang panga ko kasabay ng pagbalik ko ng tingin kay Axev na nasaktuhan kong umiiling habang pinapanood si Gavrie na tumatakbo palayo. Nang bumaling siya sa akin ay agad kong iniwas ang tingin.

Slowly, I glanced back at him and this time, he caught my eyes off-guard. My lips parted a little as I felt my neck heated up to my face. His lips protruded while he watches me, his jaw moving hardly.

"Uhm... ah, 'di ka susunod kay Gavrie?" I don't know what to say!

Ba't parang nabablangko na ako sa tuwing nagkikita kami? Before, I have a lot to say but now, I'm just speechless! I nipped my lip and took a deep breath.

Tumaas ang kilay niya. Naglakad siya papunta sa kanang banda ko at na-upo rin sa damuhan. Isang dipa ang layo niya sa akin. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin, tahimik na pinapanood ang tipid na galaw niya.

"He'll come back." He said simply.

I inhaled a lot amount of air, inducing my cheeks to bloat. Nag-indian sit ako at iniwas ang tingin. I heard him clear his throat driving me to look at him again.

Nakatuko ang kamay niya sa damuhan habang pinapanood na tumatakbo ang nasa kabilang parte ng oval. Tinitigan ko ang nakatagilid niyang mukha. His hair is growing thicker and I think it suits him better that the semi-shaved style. He suddenly glanced at me, causing me to look away fast.

I shut my eyes tightly when I felt guilty by looking away. What the hell? I'm making it so obvious! I puffed a breath and sucked in a greater amount of air as I try to calm down my heartbeat.

"Are you done running?" Bigla niyang tanong.

I blinked twice before gazing at him. Our eyes met for the third time this morning. This time, I didn't look away and stared at his eyes. His furrowed brows made him look surly and cold. Kung ito lang ang unang pagkikita naming, iisipin kong gano'n na talaga ang kilay niya. Palaging magkasalubong.

"May dumi ba ako sa mukha?" Malamig niyang tanong.

Napakurap ako. "Ha?"

His jaw moved then he tilted his head to the front, the sides of his lips elevating a little.

"You're staring too much." He pointed out.

Napanguso ako at napa-iwas ng tingin. I wanted so bad to pinch myself. Instead I rolled my eyes and acted like I'm not hyperventilating inside. I wanted to defend myself but I shut it off. It's damn obvious!

"Yes, I'm done running. Just resting a little." I answered his question to divert the topic.

I roamed my eyes to find Gavrie but I can't grasp a glimpse of him. Saan ba siya pumunta? Ba't ang tagal niya yata? The silence between us stretched for minutes. I was battling with myself whether to strike a conversation or not, and when I was about to, bigla na lamang tumunog ang cellphone ni Axev. Hindi naman kasi sa akin ang ringtone na 'yon.

I saw him pull out his phone from the pocket of his hoodie. He swiped his phone and put it on his ear. Salubong pa rin ang kilay niya at mas lalo siyang nagseryoso dahil sa tawag. Supladong suplado ang dating niya kaya naman naninibago ako kapag nakikita siyang ngumingiti o tumatawa. It's just contradicting but nevertheless, it doesn't lessen his charisma.

My goodness, Sien! What are you thinking?! Months ago, you told yourself you'll uncrush him yet here you are, staring at him with all the chances you have!

"Oh," Axev greeted coldly.

Kumunot ang noo niya at tinaas ang kaliwang braso, ginalaw niya ito hanggang sa bumaba ang manggas ng hoodie niya. It revealed his black watch. I bit my lip while watching him.

"Mamayang alas dos pa tayo 'di ba? May meeting kami sa Histo3 ng alas nwebe."

I pursed my lips and glanced at my own watch. It's quarter to 8 already. Magsasara na rin maya maya ang complex. Hinaplos ko ang leeg kong basa at bumuga ng hangin. I'm thirsty and I should get going since I'm done with my morning run but I can't pull myself up. I glanced at him again.

"Anong sub ba? Professional Practice? Dalawang Republic Acts like naman babasahin do'n." Huminga siya ng malalim at minasahe ang batok niya.

Umiwas ako ng tingin nang gumalaw ang ulo niya sa direksyon ko. If he thinks that I'm eavesdropping, that's not my fault! Nasa tabi ko siya kaya maririnig ko talaga ang mga sinasabi nila, 'no!

"Hindi ko pa tapos 'yong plates sa Archi Design. Pagkatapos na lang ng group meeting. Dalhin ko na lang laptop ko mamaya." His voice was thick and cold.

I heard him bidding goodbye to the caller before he put back his phone inside his pocket. Nilingon ko ulit siya, he's staring in front. I heaved a deep breath and puckered my lips.

"Mahirap ba ang Architecture?" I asked, curious and just really wanted to avoid silence.

He glanced at me. "Sakto lang."

Sakto lang? Kung sabagay, he's intelligent. But isn't it Architecture is rated as one of the hardest course? Hindi ko lang alam kung totoo. Especially now that he's in his third year, baka mas lalong humihirap.

"Is that really your dream? To be an architect?" I asked.

Umayos siya ng upo, nakatuko pa rin ang kamay sa damuhan. He licked his lips and moved his jaw. Sumulyap siya sa akin, malalim ang tingin niya.

"Yes." He replied throatily.

I bobbed my head and folded my knees. Mataas na ang sikat ng araw sa langit. I smiled a little when I realized something. I don't really have a dream. I don't know what I really want to become someday.

I want to take Medical Technology just because I think it's interesting. I'm not even sure if I'd go to med school. I don't know. So everytime I hear people talking about dreams, I can't help but question myself. Ako? Ano ba talagang pangarap ko?

"Pwede bang magpa-design ng bahay, Architect?" I smiled and bit my lower lip.

His brows furrowed even more. Instead of being intimidated, I smiled wider. His lips parted a bit while staring at me.

"Tell that to me when I already have a license." His lips twitched.

Ngumuso ako at nagkibit ng balikat.

"Ilang taon na lang naman ang bibilangin. Dapat ako ang unang kliyente mo ha, Architect Manzanar." I teased and pointed my finger at him, as if giving him a warning.

His lips protruded, revealing a ghost of smirk behind it. Suminghap ako at napakagat sa labi. Should I tease him a little more so he'd finally smile? Umiling siya at iniwas ang tingin sa akin.

"Stop believing in me so much. I still have a long way to go." He muttered.

"Syempre, may tiwala ako sa taong gusto ko." I shrugged.

Nilingon niya ako, nagsalubong muli ang kilay niya. Napakurap ako at napaisip sa huling sinabi ko. What the hell? I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. I wanted to take back my words, I was not even aware! It's a slip of the tongue!

Naningkit ang mata niya habang pinagmamasdan ako. Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng aking mukha. What the hell did I say? Gusto ko siya? Hindi ba ay crush lang dapat, Sien?!

I swallowed hard when his stare got deeper and darker. My heartbeat leaped. Nanuyo ng husto ang lalamunan ko habang sinasalo ang titig niya.

"Paki-ulit nga." He commanded as he raised his brows on me.

My lips parted as I try to control the situation. I could just easily deny it or make a joke out of it yet I panicked instead! His eyes pierced through me when I stayed silent. Nang mahagip ko ng tingin si Gavrie na tumatakbo papunta sa amin ay agad na iyon ang pinuna ko.

"Gavrie's here." I almost stuttered!

His eyes turned to slits and his brows drew closer. I looked away from him and watch Gavrie run towards us. 'Tsaka lang ito nilingon ni Axev nang nasa mismong harap na namin siya. May dala siyang string bag at isang tumbler.

"Ano? Uwi na tayo o dito ka pa?" He asked Axev as he lends him the black tumbler.

Tumayo na ako dahil balak ko na ring umuwi. Magsasara na rin naman ang complex. And most of all, I just want to get out of the situation. I can't still believe I said those words! Unbelievable! Gratefully, Gavrie saved my ass!

Sinulyapan ako saglit ni Axev at tumayo na rin pagkatapos ibalik sa kaibigan ang tingin. Nilingon ako ni Gavrie at nginitian.

"Uwi ka na rin?"

I smiled a little and nodded. "Yeah. Magsasara na rin naman sila."

"Sabay ka na sa amin palabas." Tinanguan niya ako sabay baling kay Axev.

Hindi na ako tumanggi pa. Pinagpagan ko ang aking likuran. Sabay kaming tatlo na naglakad palabas ng complex. Nasa gitna namin ni Axev si Gavrie. They started talking about school stuff and Gavrie would always tease Axev for being a smart-ass because his answers are always theoretical.

"Madalas ka ba rito, Sien?" Gavrie asked when we're nearing the entrance.

Nilingon ko siya at tipid na nginitian. "Minsan lang. Kayo?"

"Madalas." He replied and glanced at Axev.

I glanced at him too. Diretso ang tingin niya sa harapan and like usual, he looks serious. Madalas sila rito? An idea formed in my mind. I groaned at myself because of that.

"Sa Ugac Sur ka 'di ba? Tanza kami ni Axev, sabay ka na samin." Alok ni Gavrie.

I pursed my lips as I watch Axev's brows furrowed at Gavrie's offer. May sasabihin pa sana ito nang tumunog ang cellphone niya. Axev pulled out his phone and read something on his phone. Saktong may tumigil na tricycle sa harapan namin.

"Sa Plaza muna ako." Axev uttered after putting back his phone inside his pocket.

Kumunot ang noo ni Gavrie at nilingon siya. "Hindi ka sasabay? Gagawin mo sa Plaza?"

"May bibilhin lang." He replied and glanced at me.

I glanced at the driver waiting for us to decide. I wanted to tell them I could go first but I can't jump right into their conversation. Instead, I told the driver my destination and went inside the tricycle. Sinundan nila akong dalawa ng tingin. Medyo malayo ang Plaza rito at Tanza. Magkaiba pa ng daan kaya hindi kami pwedeng sabay sabay.

"Hindi ka sasabay sa amin?" Tanong ni Gavrie at humawak sa bubong ng traysikel.

"Hindi na." Axev muttered coldly.

"Sigurado ka?" Gavrie insisted and crouched to enter the tricycle.

I saw how Axev's jaw moved while staring at his friend. Nagulat ako nang bahagya niya itong itinulak para hindi siya tuluyang makapasok sa loob. Muntik na akong lumabas ng traysikel kung hindi ko lang narinig ang tawa ni Gavrie na hindi ko na makita. Axev cussed under his breath driving my forehead to crease.

"Kuya, dalawang Plaza at isang Ugac Sur." Tumatawang sinabi ni Gavrie bago ko siya nalingunan na pumupwesto sa likuran ng driver.

Sasabay ba siya kay Axev? I thought he's going to Tanza? I glanced at Axev who was still outside, pinching his nose like something is frustrating him. I folded my lips, trying to supress my smile. 'Tsaka lang ako umayos ng upo nang pumasok siya at umupo sa tabi ko.

He's tall and masculine so I thought we won't fit in that small space but luckily, we did. Umurong pa ako ng husto para lang maka-upo siya ng maayos. He smelled manly. Kanina ko pa naamoy ang pabango niya pero mas matindi ngayon dahil magkadikit kami. I tried to smell myself. Baka mamaya amoy pawis ako!

We were all silent during the whole ride. Hindi na ako muling nagsalita dahil baka kung ano na namang masabi ko. I refrained myself form glancing too much at Axev's side profile. Diretso ang tingin niya sa labas.

We reached the Plaza first. I gasped when Axev went out of the tricycle and glanced at Gavrie who paid for the both of them. Umikot si Gavrie papunta kay Axev. I waved at them and smiled a little. I didn't expect anything so when Axev crouched so he can see me fully, my lips parted in surprise.

"Chat me if you're home. Para alam ko kung naka-uwi ka ng maayos." He said seriously and fixed his stance.

My eyes widened a bit as my jaw dropped in shock. Narinig ko ang pag-ubo ni Gavrie na para bang nasamid siya. Hindi ko alam kung narinig niya ang sinabi ni Axev. Umatras sila pareho palayo kaya umandar na ang tricycle, giving me no chance to say something.

Sa byahe pauwi ay hindi natanggal sa isip ko ang sinabi niya. Why would he say that? Why would he need to know if I got home safely? Ang daming pumasok sa isip ko. It took ounce of me to dismiss all the ideas because I didn't want to assume anything.

Pagdating ko ng bahay ay agad akong dumiretso sa kitchen para

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