Gone Forever (1/4)

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I didn't know why I had to lie about having a boyfriend.

"Your friend told me that you didn't have."

'Why did you have to tell him that Yela?' I mentally facepalmed.

"I really like you, Dana. I know you're lying. Please, give me a chance. I will do my best for you to like me back."

I was close to getting swayed. I was tempted by his offer. He already likes me so I won't be having a problem to do my best to make him like me.

The reason why I'm clueless with relationships is because I haven't been in a real one. 'Should I just take his offer?'

My heart objected to what my mind said. In the end, I sticked to what I said.

"I really do have a boyfriend."

"Please, don't lie."

He looked at me with pleading eyes that I had almost took his offer.

"Love? Dana? Who are you with?"

My heart pounded rapidly. It came from a familiar voice.

"Nandito na ang boyfriend ko," I said without blinking. "I'm really sorry." Tumayo na ako at hinarap si Miko.

'Thank you.' I mouthed him.

He smiled and held my hand tightly.

"I'm sorry but I already have this beauty all by myself and I don't plan to share even a strand of her hair. Never." Seryoso ang pagkakasabi niya n'on. Kahit ako ay mapapaniwalang boyfriend ko nga siya.

"I'm sorry," sabi ni Henry at napayuko na lang.

I sighed. 'No, Henry. I'm sorry.'

Humigpit ang hawak ni Miko sa kamay ko.

"Let's go, love. We still have a date."

I watched the back of his head as we leave the shop. I shifted my eyes to our hands. He was holding mine tightly but it didn't hurt.

We stopped in front of his car. He opened the shotgun seat's door and waited for me to get in. Dahan-dahan akong sumakay. He was still holding my hand so I couldn't wear my seatbelt. I was already self-conscious but he had to stay at the door and watch me.

I cleared my throat. "Where are we going?"

"I'll bring you wherever you want," he said and smiled. "Where do you want to go, Dana?"

"Then can we go to an Arcade Amusement?"

"Surely."

Miko parked the car in front of the mall. I don't know why but I felt guilty all throughout the drive. He saw me with another man. It was like he caught me cheating with him. I took a deep breath. 'Why would you feel like that? Wala namang namamagitan sa inyo. That is enough of being assuming.'

"Did my cousin set you up with him?" he asked without looking at me.

I gulped. "Ah. Oo. I had no clue." I sounded defensive. I pinched my arm to get out of my delusion.

He sighed, soundly. "I was right." He looked at me. "I told you that a lot of guys like you." Umiling siya. "I have a lot of rivals."

He only whispered the last part so I couldn't hear it. "Ha?"

He smiled with no intention to repeat what he said. "Let's go?"

Tumango na lang ako.

Bumili ako ng token at dumiretso sa harap ng Claw Machine. Pinagsalikop ko ang mga kamay at pinatunog ito. Ipinasok ko ang isang token at itinuon ang atensiyon sa dinosaur plushie. I've done this before but I never win. I hope I will finally get one today.