Bay of Strangers (Manila Girls #2)

Kabanata 13

Kabanata 13

TW: The following scenes may not be suitable for people with eating disorders—for it may cause a triggering effect and a copy-cat behavior. This chapter also contains self-harm. You have been warned.

If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask for help. Thank you.

Girls

I smoothened the creases of my skirt as I held my shoulder bag on the other hand. It's a dreary afternoon. I just got here and I already have tons of things in my head.

I tried contacting Maven last night, but he didn't answer. He didn't even seen my messages on Facebook. I also tried to see him this morning, but I was told by their helpers that he went out for a quick visit to their supermarket. I wanted to go and follow him so we can talk, but I'll be late for school. So this is my smartest move—to wait for him at school so he won't have a chance to make excuses.

"Why are we waiting for Maven ba?" Tanong ni Vanna.

"Mag so-sorry nga ako."

"For what?"

I didn't speak. I guess she already know the answer when I fell silent. She stomped her heels and rolled her eyes.

"I knew River would cause trouble between us."

"Hindi ko kasi alam kung bakit nagtatampo si Maven. Hindi naman siya ganyan."

"Tss, you're so naive and dense."

Naive? And dense? I'm not sure I'm like that. Nagtataka akong tumingin kay Vanna. Hindi ako ganoon. I'm very smart and observant. My instincts and gut powers are too strong.

"Hindi mo talaga alam?" Inayos niya ang buhok at nagtaas ng kilay.

"Hindi,"

"He likes you, Lei."

"H-huh?"

Maven likes me? That's absurd! I know he' sweet and caring towards me because I'm his friend. He's like that with Vanna and Daven too! He can't say no to me, but he can't say no to Vanna too! Sometimes, I even think that he likes Vanna, not me! Yes, he calls me love, he teases me with his metaphors and funny remarks, and he enjoys the spotlight of having linked to me in one way or another but I never once thought that he likes me! Or that it's true.

Maaaring biruan lang pero hindi ako naniniwalang totoo. Matagal na kaming magkaibigan! Iyon lang 'yon.

"He's grown fond of you, Lei... I don't know if I should be telling you this but I can't stand seeing Maven hurt, you know." Mapait siyang ngumiti.

Something about her smile touched something in me. It wasn't fake nor sly, but bitter and almost painful. She looked away and tried looking at her perfectly manicured nails.

I attempted to speak, but I didn't know what to answer. It feels like my head has been submerged under water and I can't seem to make a way out. Magulo na nga ang iniisip ko kanina, mas lalo pang nagulo ngayon.

"Ayan na sila," Saad ni Vanna at tinuro ang kambal.

Nakita ko agad ang gulat sa mukha ni Maven nang makita kami. Mabilis na tumakbo si Daven sa amin at niyakap kami ni Vanna. Nagawa niya pang magpatak ng halik sa aming pisngi.

"Hey, pretty babies!"

Nakatuon lang ang pansin ko kay Maven na ngayo'y kaswal na naglalakad patungo sa amin. Tumango siya at nilagpasan kami. Ngumuso ako

"I heard you went to our house, Lei?"

"Oo... Kakausapin ko sana si Maven."

"Oh? Serious talk ba? You're gloomy." She giggled and looked at her twin too.