The Evening Star (Ongoing)

Chapter 5 (Theo)

It's almost a week since my date with Kaia and all I can say is that this scheme of ours is definitely working. Rumors have been spread and there were news articles about us on social media.

Here in the workplace, many people have been gossiping, asking me and my family questions but I haven't addressed any of them. Every time I pass the lobby and other public spaces here in the building, people eye me and cast side glances at their friends.

Since the date, Kaia and I haven't been seeing each other. We only text one another if there are important matters to say and so far there's no friendly talk between us even through chat.

I'm kinda disappointed.

I remember messaging her that night and maybe she was uncomfortable about it? Kaya di siya gaanong nag te-text? Or sadyang ganon lang talaga siya? Why am I even stressing myself out?

Axel keeps on bombarding me with messages that night. Tinatanong kung anong nangyari. Anong pinag-usapan namin. He actually teased me about choking on vegetables, nakita daw niya anong nangyari.

Axel and I were born on the same year pero mas nakakatanda ako ng ilang buwan sakanya. Malapit na yun siyang lumampas sa kalendaryo eh, ako lang ang inaasar non. Palibhasa kasi sabi niya na di na raw siy maghahanap ng mapapangasawa.

We've been through thick and thin. Alam ko anong mga pinagdaanan niya noong mga nakaraang taon and vice versa. He was never the same after though, but I know that he will eventually heal.

I didn't notice the office door open until my father spoke. "Theo, anak?"

I stood up and padded my way papunta sakanilang dalawa. "Dad, mom. What brings you here?" I asked after hugging them both.

My mom—Bethany, isn't actually my biological mother. Dad married her years after filing a divorce nung nalaman niyang may kabit pala ang una niyang asawa. She was cheating behind our back and now, we don't know ano nang nangyari sakanya.

Both of them sat down on the couch before mom replied, "We heard rumors about you having a girlfriend."

"Is it true hijo?" My dad asked, seemingly giddy.

I bit back a sigh. I know eventually, they'll ask about this but I didn't expect na ngayon. "Yes, she's my girlfriend. What about it?"

"Bat di mo sinabi sa'min ng maaga? We could've met her sooner." Mom.

"Sasabihin ko naman—"

My reply was immediately cut off by dad, "You know, may family dinner tayo sa linggo. Why don't you invite her?"

"Oh oo nga! Tama ka Caesar, we can invite her." My mom said. She doesn't look giddy like dad, I actually think na ready na siyang i-interrogate si Kaia. Don't get me wrong, she's pretty nice pero it'll take time for her to like a person.

I just listened to them talk and at last sabi nila na dalhin ko raw si Kaia this Sunday sa family dinner, for them to get to know her. Dad is excited, a small smile evident on his still-handsome face.

"Diba anak, I told you na makakahanp ka this time."

I chuckled a bit, "Mhm, yeah yeah." Little do they know that this is just a ruse and in the end, I'll then become single again.

But this isn't so bad.

Nang makalabas na sila sa office, pagkaraan ng ilang minuto si Hera naman ang pumasok. "Kuya!"

I raised an eyebrow, "What now? I'm working."

She sat at the chair in front of me, "No your not. You're just passing the time at binubuklat-buklat mo lang ang mga papeles jan."