Beneath the Two | Academy Series #1

Chapter 8

"So what are your plans for today, Señora?"

I heard Yelah ask me but I was busy surveying Zach sitting at the shotgun.

Yelah was not joking, baka ako pa ang magmukhang maid kapag tumabi ako sa kaniya. Straight from a magazine, huh.

"Leigh, okay na ako sa kaibigan, pero kung magiging pinsan kita, why not?"

Yelah's joke made Zach smirk and look in the rearview mirror. Our eyes met for a second, but I drifted my gaze to Yeh who was smiling teasingly.

"Anong sabi mo, Yeh?"

Natatawa itong umiling habang hinahampas ang hita.

"Ang sabi ko, anong plano mo? Saan tayo today?"

"I want my nails done. Then I'll treat you to a meal later."

Sana lang ay nakapag-deposit na si Mommy para marami akong budget. I can't let my bank account go empty. That's demeaning.

If wasn't not distracted by Zach, I probably got stress by the traffic. Tanghali na kaya mabagal ang daloy ng mga sasakyan. Thanks to the bastard who made it unnoticeable for me.

Pagkababa pa lang namin ng sasakyan ay pinagpiyestahan na kami ng mga mata. Noong una, akala ko ay sa akin sila nakatingin. I was wrong. They're looking at the tall man, walking beside me. He is simply strolling with hands in his pocket.

"Boys are looking at you but you're staring at me." He suddenly shifted his gaze to me.

Hindi ko iyon napaghandaan kaya bigo akong umiwas. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng pisngi ko. I lost my poise when I stuttered, looking for excuses to say.

"Both genders are looking at you, dumb ass."

He sported an amuse grin. I had to defend myself. Baka kung ano-ano ang iniisip niya.

"I'm just c-contemplating your look and they're not looking at me, dumb! Girls are feasting on you that I want to pull out their eyeballs."

"Huwag kang mag-alala. Sa lahat ng nakatingin sa akin, ikaw lang ang gusto ko."

I felt my cheeks burning to the point that I could not find a word to say. Binabawi ko na ang sinabi kong hindi siya marunong lumandi. He's a flirt, not in chats, but in person.

"Tapos na ba kayong maglandian? Pwede niyo na akong isama sa chikahan niyo? I'm not informed na third wheel pala ang ganap ko rito," Yelah interrupted.

Lumayo ako kay Zach at kay Yelah tumabi.

"May essay ka na sa Oral Communication?" out of context na tanong ni Yelah.

"You're thinking about it while we're in the mall? Stop stressing over it, we are supposed to relax today. "

"Himala talaga kapag naka-graduate ka ng Senior High. Stage five na ang cancer mo sa pagiging bulakbol."

I rolled my eyes. "So what? Hindi rin naman ako mag-eenroll in college."

"Bakit hindi ka papasok ng college?" Sumingit sa usapan namin si Zach.

"Because I'll die soon. It's a waste of money and time." I shrugged my shoulders.

Binasa niya ang labi at tumingin sa akin. "I can see your future. You will live, believe me."

"Pangarap mo talaga maging doktor, 'noh? It suits you. You're good at grooming flowery words."

"Ang sadgirl mo rin kasi. Ang masamang damo, may siyam na buhay. Kapag namatay ka, mabubuhay ka pa ulit." She's talking with hand gestures.