I stiffened. His voice sends chills to my skin. My expression comes off as a combination of confused and irritated. I was irritated by his offer, although I anticipated that he might have conditions or ask a thing in return for my favor. It's either a pair of shoes, gadgets-anything he asks, I'll buy him. I was also going to offer him a money para lang masali na si Ashton sa grupo nila. I am irritated because he thinks I'm that type of girl who he thinks, is the easy type.
I mean, I barely know him and to have a relationship with a stranger is unusual.
Sa pagkabigla ko, my mouth failed to come out a word when he asks me again. I can sense he's smirking even if I don't see his reaction while making me deal with his offer.
"What do you say? Are you in?"
I step back and struggle to keep my composture unbothered.
There must be another way.
"I'm not into relationships now."
He shrugs. "Then I'll drop the offer and your friend Ashton will never be part of my team.. Sayang, the competition will start off next month."
He never wastes his time and just turned his back on me. I hold his arm before he could run. He swung around to face me, and Yael arched his brow.
"What about money? How much do you want?" I quickly offered.
"I don't care about your money, I have lots of 'em," he said in an offended tone.
Yael gestured for me to wait up, and slip his hand to take out something in his pocket. He uncapped the ballpen with his mouth and grab my palm to write something. I held to see what he wrote. Yael turned his back again but he stopped walking and glanced at me over his shoulder. "I'll give you 3 days, think about it." he winks.
At least he gave me time to think, but I wasn't that thankful for him because Ashton might think I betrayed him. The fact that I'll be dating Yael for him to accept in the runner-athletes team is a betrayal.
Yael jogged to where he was going and I left there, unmoved. Staring at his retreating back.
Three days wasn't enough to decide whether to accept his offer or not. Nagugulohan na ako, tinatanaw ko ang maaaring mangyari kapag tinanggap ko. This is what I do every day, contemplating.
Am I really going that far for Ashton?
I think I know already what to answer, it's yes.
I can't waste Ashton's practice over the past few months, he deserves to be back on the team. Masaya ang tao sa ginagawa niya kaya gagawin ko na ito ngayon.
I already saved Yael's number on my phone and was ready to dial his number. It took only 5 seconds for the receiver to answer the call.
[Hello?] he answered on the other line. I tightened the grip of my phone as I let the words come out of my mouth.
"I'll accept your offer."
[You're very late to decide. Why after the 3rd day?]
I panicked and was about to reason out but he spoke again. [Don't back out, it's a deal. Date me in 1 week]
I released a soft breath.
This is a small thing compared to what Ashton gave me-he sets my confidence up, encourages me to choose what I loved, heartfelt advice that changes my perspectives, hopes, and dreams for my future.
