Ludic Selcouth #3: Dancing Keys

Key #20

I stared at him for how many seconds while processing what he said. Right.. if I want to see the puppy, we need to meet often.

"Guess we'll keep in touch this time, huh. But not as a student and instructor anymore." he continued. I just cleared my throat and averted my gaze.

It's not a bad thing though.

"Is it fine? I really like Hottie.. I would love to see him growing up. Ako nalang ang pupunta sayo kapag gusto ko siyang makita para hindi hassle sayo, since ako naman ang may gusto.. Atsaka hindi naman ako pupunta araw-araw, maybe once or twice a week." pakiramdam ko tuloy ngayon ay mag-asawa kami tapos naghahatian kami ng oras para sa anak namin.

I feel like something tickled my stomach with the thought. What a crazy scenario.

"Well.. it's fine with me. I owe you for taking care of him, I'll give this to you." I puckered my lips ang nodded. Mabuti nalang at mabait talaga si Paesyn.

"Okay.. thank you.." nanatili siyang nakatingin sakin habang ako'y sa leeg niya lang nakatingin dahil nangangawit na rin ang leeg ko kakatingala sakaniya.

"Uwi na ako, sorry again for interrupting with your supposedly night out." kinuha ko ang key fob mula sa bulsa at pinindot 'yon. I smiled a bit at him before I turned my back and walked to my car.

I bit my lips the moment he's out of my sight. My heart is pounding so hard.

"Are you going to drive at this hour? What if you bumped with someone again? You bashed on my car in broad daylight, what more that it's already dark?" I automatically stopped when I heard what he said.

Is he really underestimating my driving skills?

Hinarap ko siya at seryosong tinitigan. "It's really mean to say these things to me, Paesyn. I was so occupied with a lot of things that day that's why I was out of focus. I can drive, I'm not a kid." okay na sana talaga kung hindi niya lang laging kinikuwestiyon ang driving skills ko dahil sa aksidenteng pagbangga ko sa car niya.

"Don't think of it as an insult, Ava. I'm just worried. Ihahatid nalang kita, it's past nine now." does he always worry for everyone?

"It's a two hours drive and you're here to spend some time with your friends. Don't bother anymore, kaya ko naman talaga. Nakapunta nga ako rito mag-isa, I can also go home alone." he clicked his tongue and shook his head.

"I see their faces almost everyday, it wouldn't hurt them if I will leave early. Mas maiinis sila kapag nalaman nilang hindi kita inihatid pauwi." napanguso ako at naisip na ang bait naman nila.

"I understand, thank you. Pero kaya ko talagang umuwi mag-isa." pagtanggi ko at tuluyan nang binuksan ang kotse.

"Not because you're 18 now, doesn't mean that you can do everything on your own." I didn't realize that he already neared me and he's standing behind me.

"Anong connect sa uuwi ako mag-isa eh natural lang naman 'yon?" I whispered.

"I'll drive for you, sit on the shotgun." napabuga ako ng hangin at hinarap ulit siya kahit na sobrang lapit namin. My neck really hurts whenever I'm looking at him.

"Paesyn—"

"Just do what I say, Ava. It's for my peace of mind." I closed my mouth and stared at his face. He's really serious.

What a gentleman. His soon to be girlfriend will be so lucky to have him. Kahit na sobrang busy niya ay nakakapaglaan pa siya ng oras para sa ibang bagay. He won't let you go home alone when it's already dark. He's always concerned and thoughtful.