Faking Delays

70. Why Did I

Harris Luigi

HINDI NA ako nagsalita at hinayaan na lang siyang maupo sa tabi ko at maki inom. I figured that it's better than having to turn down girls all night.

"I know you're wondering why I'm here," Li started after sipping on her drink. Then made a gagging noise."Ew, ugh. Tequila's really not my thing. Anyway, I was actually-"

"I don't care," I retorted and drank mine. I can feel the liquid travel down my throat. It's leaving traces.

"I'm gonna tell you anyway," she insisted. I sighed and shook my head. "I was actually playing downstairs when I saw you arrive. Di mo 'ko napansin sa stage? Ako 'yung DJ doon!"

I remained unresponsive and drank another shot.

"Anyway, nakilala kita agad kasi akin 'yang suot mong cap at shades, 'di ba. So I finished up and followed you here. Swear, I'm not a stalker!" Tinaas niya pa ang kanang kamay. "So ayon na nga-"

"Here." Hinubad ko ito at nilapit siya kaniya.

"What?"

"Take those and leave me alone."

She slid it back and chuckled at my attitude. "No, silly! I'm not here to take them back. You may keep it. Like I said, I just want to drink with you."

"Why?" I scowled at her.

She kept smiling and shrugged. I averted my gaze.

She really likes black and blue, that's how I would describe her.

"Why not?" she asked back. "Who wouldn't want to drink with the great Mr. Everett. Isa pa, I'm sure you're a good company," she said in a tiny voice, emitating the girl earlier, which I did not find amusing. Nagsalin na lang ako uli.

She then gasped. "Hala, siya 'yung babae sa mall kanina, 'di ba!"

And as if my body has a mind of it's own, I suddenly stood up and turned to where she's pointing.

"Hmm. So that's what it takes to turn your head," she whispered, more like to herself.

"You think it's funny?"

"What is?" she asked, feigning innocence.

I slammed the glass on the countertop and stood up. "This! Me! Why the hell do you keep pestering me?! Fuck, I don't even know you and you act as if you're some lovesick puppy following me around!"

People turned their heads, stopped and gasped as they recognize me. I stayed still. Frozen.

I looked at her eyes, and she was as shock as me.

God, what have I done...

"Oh my, is that Harris Everett?"

"The Harris Everett? What is he doing here?"

"It's him! Hey, give me my phone!"

"Fuck, look at the girl he's screaming at. She looked scared as hell, dude."

I grabbed my hair until it hurt. I chuckled and looked down. A fucking mess, that's what I am. I saw some flashing lights and people gathering.

I just covered my face with my arm and tried to leave. But people were too crowded already.

"Move out of the way! Bilis, I said move!"

I opened my eyes when someone suddenly grabbed and covered me with a coat. He dragged me away from the people and led me to the stairs.