TWENTY-SECOND
XZ and Sam are cooking in the kitchen of the boys’ house. Technically, it’s a mansion but the boys call it a ‘house’ so XZ’ just going along with it. Eze told her that it is not her first time here but XZ still can’t help but be amazed. She also lives in a big house but for her, it’s dull and empty but this house is different. Even if it is huge, it’s warm and welcoming... it feels home.
Sebastian, Nereo, and Pete are watching XZ and Sam prepare their food for later. This is their ‘Finals is Over Party’ and it was Hayden’s idea.
“Sir Sam, pinapasok na po namin si Ma’am Lily.” saad ng isa sa mga kasama nila sa bahay at umalis na rin.
“You invited Lily?” Nagliwanag ang mukha ni Sebastian.
“No.” sagot naman ni Sam na hindi inalis ang tingin sa ginagawa.
Hindi na nakasagot muli si Sebastian dahil dumating na nga si Lily sa kusina. Lily Pearce is Samuel’s childhood friend. They’ve been together ever since they were born because their mothers are best friends. When Sam went to the Philippines, Lily also went to the Philippines the following year and has been living in the country since then.
“Hi, Sam.” Bati ni Lily kay Sam nang makita ito.
“Hi, Lils.” Bati pabalik ni Sam ngunit hindi man lang niya binalingan ng tingin ang dalaga.
“Oh, is this a bad time? I just thought... since the finals are over, we could—”
“Yes, actually, this is a bad time. I’m busy right now but I’ll catch up with you some other time, alright?” Nakangiting putol ni Sam sa sinasabi ni Lily at sa wakas ay tumingin na rin siya kahit papaano sa kausap.
“Oh. Okay. See you.” sagot ni Lily at nagpaalam na rin. Si XZ naman ay hindi napigilang mamangha sa maikling usapan ng dalawa. They both have British accents.
“Sam, what the hell was that?” tanong ni Sebastian kay Sam pagkaalis na pagkaalis ni Lily kaya nagtataka itong napalingon sa kaniya. Why is Sebastian looking at him as if he has done something very, very bad? He’s just preparing food for the party.
“What do you mean?” clueless na tanong ni Sam.
“You were rude to Lily just now.”
“How was that rude? I said now’s not a great time and it’s true, I’m busy. You’re right there in front of me, can’t you see that I’m indeed busy?” sarkastikong sagot ni Samuel at pinakita pa ang ginagawa niya.
“Seb was just trying to say that you could’ve invited her to stay with us. Driving her away when she literally just got here is kind of rude.” Singit ni Nereo sa mga pinsang mukhang nagkakainisan na.
“You know how she is, she doesn’t like being with a lot of people.” sagot naman ni Sam.
“She’s just saying that because she wants to be alone with you! Come on, Sam. How oblivious are you?” Hindi na napigilan ni Sebastian ang sarili kaya nagulat sina Nereo at Pete. Hinihintay kasi nilang magpipinsan na si Sam mismo ang makaalam sa sarili niya na gusto siya ni Lily.
“I know that. Why do you think I keep meeting her alone? I invite her over when all of you are out, we hang out at secluded spots, and I don’t bring her to crowded places.” sagot ni Sam na ikinagulat ng mga pinsan niya. So, he knows?
“So, you know she has feelings for you?”
“Of course! All people have feelings, Seb. Even Lucas.” saad ni Sam na nagtangka pang magpatawa sa huling sinabi niya.
BINABASA MO ANG
Lost Stars
Novela Juvenil[SMUG Series #1] XZ Martinez is a smart young woman. She was born to a rich and famous family but she doesn't seem to like it. Unlike her older brother, Valentine, XZ is and will never be used to the attention people are giving her but she guesses t...
