YOUR NAME ENGRAVED HEREIN: THE TRUTH UNTOLD

THE TRUTH UNTOLD: PT.3

My face became a deep shade of red when we entered the room. The place was a mess. Clothes were everywhere. A laptop left on its charger was on the bedside table. Several bottles of beer were scattered on the floor. Chang Jia Han let out an amused laugh.

A' Han tried helping out but I shooed him away. I grinned and pushed him to the side. I should be in the Guinness Book of World Record for finishing the whole place in less than 10 minutes.

The bed was straightened out. The trash was in the bin outside the door. The clothes and underwear were thrown in the cabinet. He gave the place a once over then allowed his visitor to come in.

"How long have you been staying here?' A' Han asked.

"A couple of months, more or less," I replied. "Make yourself comfortable."

The staff restocked the mini bar twice a week. If one would see my ever-growing bill they would think I'm an alcoholic. I scan the row of bottles, choosing a half-opened brandy, two glasses and walk towards the receiving room. It was empty. I felt disappointed.

Then I heard him humming a tune. My Adam's apple bobbed up and down. Now I am 100 percent sure that this is a bad idea but my heart says differently.

"Why are you on the floor?" I asked.

"What? You said make yourself comfortable." He responded sheepishly.

"How is that comfortable?'

"I am comfortable as long as you are with me."

Damn! His chest tightened out of nowhere.

************

After the fiasco, he left the school grounds, not even sure where he wants to go. He walked aimlessly. He didn't even notice that he was walking along A'Han's street.

The Chang's Residence is made of wood. There was a stair going to the main house. The door opened after a couple of knocks. It was Mrs. Chang who opened the door.

"Birdy! Are you with A'Han?" She inquired with a smile on her face.

"It's just me Mrs. Chang. Ahm," he hesitated but steeled his self,

"Mrs. Chang, may I talk to you and Mr. Chang?"

Despite her puzzled look, she allowed her to enter their house. Mr. Chang was sitting in front of the TV. There was absolute silence while he fidgets.

What am I doing here? What am I trying to accomplish? Am I ready for the consequences? Am I ready for the days ahead? For the days that, there will be no A'Han to trim my hair. No A'Han to protect me from bullies? Am I ready for that bleak future? He should. So he faced Mr. Chang and weaved his lies

He didn't notice how long he was waiting for Chang Jia Han. It was obvious that he ran judging by his erratic breathing.

"What did you do at school?" Mr. Chang asked without waiting for A' Han to catch his breath.

"What?"

"Did you try to steal his girlfriend?

Chang Jia Han looked at him with contempt. "What do you want? Why did you come here?" His voice is very low. Dangerously low.

"The college entrance exam is coming up, I should really concentrate on studying. Your parents should know what's going with you at school." He replied while avoiding the other boy's eyes. "I'm the one who has a girlfriend, why did you interfere?" he continued.