STATUS

CHAPTER 41

Rafael

"What happened to you?" Trouble asked when I got home. Alas dose na ng gabi at himala dahil andito sya. "Nothing" I simply said and walked passed him.

"Rafael, talk to me" Unbelievable! Now he's saying that after weeks and weeks of not talking to me. "Did you get into a fight?"

I looked at him "Why are you here?" I asked "What do you mean?" I took a deep breath before laughing sarcastically "I mean why are you here? You weren't supposed to be here at this time of the day? I waited for you every single day for a week but you weren't anywhere to be found! So tell me, why are you here?"

He didn't say anything and just stared at me. "Trouble, I-"

"Stop it, just stop. You can go anywhere you want. If you're sick and tired of me then you can go." I walked away from him and went straight to the bathroom.

I was covered in blood. "Raf" I was shocked when Trouble suddenly appeared on my back "I'm sorry"

"Where have you been all these weeks?" I asked him without even looking at him "I- I can't tell you for now but I- I promise I will-"

"Trouble?" I turned to gaze at him without emotion "When did you learn to keep secrets from me?"

"I'm really sorry Rafael" He apologized again "I don't need an apology. I need a fucking explanation" I tried to calm down.

Everytime I think of all the things he did makes my blood boil. I just need him to open up to me. "I really can't right now"

"Then leave, I don't need someone who won't even open up to me when he has problems. I don't need someone who'll just leave me worried every single time, and won't even talk to me. I don't need it"

"Please, just give me time" He said and I snapped "How much time do you want?! 1 week? 1 month? A decade? A century?! How much time do you need? Tell me so that I won't be disappointed every time I wait."

"I missed you so much and I even questioned myself if you still remember me! I don't even know what I did! I was left to think and think about what the hell happened to you! You didn't tell me anything and I was so confused. We were okay just a week ago, pero bakit biglang naging ganito?" I sobbed. I'm clueless about everything.

I don't know what to do. Should I trust him?

"Walang mangyayari satin dito kaya mas mabuti pang magpahinga nalang muna tayo" Pinahid ko nalang ang luha ko at iniwan sya sa banyo.

I'm tired but I'm not sleepy. I want to go out for some fresh air. I saw the cigarettes that Keisler bought for me.

I went out to lit a cigarette "When did you learn to smoke" I heard Trouble's voice at the back "Trouble, let's talk tomorrow-"

I didn't get to finish when he sealed my lips with a kiss.

...

When I opened my eyes, the whole room was quiet and not a single Trouble was there. His clothes were all gone except for his white polo on the hanger.

And a month after, he didn't came back.

...

June 25 2021- Final Exam

I was walking down the stairs when Claire, Keisler and Angie appeared out of nowhere "Hi Kuya. Advance Happy Birthday" She greeted me. I just smiled at her.

"Thanks, but didn't dad told you not to greet someone in advanced?" I reminded her "Who believes in superstition these days?"

"I do" I replied. "Hey man, Advance Happy Birthday" Keisler said and my face immediately frowned "It's still not my birthday" I rolled my eyes.

"Come on, it's nothing. Anyway Advance Happy Birthday" I tsk-ed. "What's wrong with people these days? You never listen" I laughed.

I still have one more test left before I go home. I bid my goodbyes and went to the science lab. It was used for todays test 'cause it has enough space for students.

"You have one hour to answer your test and timer starts now" A teacher said and handed us the test paper.

Time passed so fast and I'm done within 45 minutes of answering. I was about to pass when I realized I sat on the chair that Trouble and I used to sit.

I sighed. Why am I even thinking of a person who's nowhere to be found? I tried to get him out of my mind but everytime I see some familiar places in the school, I just remember him.

Especially the tree that we used to hang out. I sat their for a while and lit one cigarette. I puffed and it immediately had a cooling sensation.

"I didn't know you smoked?" Phillip suddenly appeared in front of me "Your man taught me to smoke" I mumbled and he just chuckled.

"He's not mine Raf" I tsk-ed. "I don't know what's worser, one sided love or love that is reciprocated but won't last long"

"It has been 3 months, he hasn't called once so maybe, yeah" He tapped my shoulder "Advance Happy Birthday"

"Thanks, wear a nice suit tomorrow" I said "Yeah, even if I don't, I still look handsome" He bragged "Where is it? I can't see it"

"Right here "He pointed at his face. I just tsk-ed.

"I need to go, I still have to pack my things" Nagpaalam ako sakanya at tuluyang umalis papunta sa condo.

My birthday will be held at the family resort that's why I need to pack now. This condo will also be vacant for a while since I'm planning to take a break on my studies.

My dad and papa doesn't know it yet but I don't want to disappoint them so I plan to tell them on my birthday.

I saw Trouble's white polo. It's been three months but he's scent was still there. I sighed and continued packing.

I went to the parking lot to get my car. I don't know but my tears started falling all of a sudden.

To be Continued....