Serendipity (Dauntless Series #3)

Chapter 31

"Why do you keep checking your phone every five minutes?"

Nilingon ko si Jesse na nakakunot ang noo sa tabi ko. Pinatay ko ang aking cellphone bago iyon nilagay sa aking bulsa. We're here at his girlfriend's birthday party and I was invited by him. Nahihiya pa nga akong sumama dahil hindi naman ako inimbita ng girlfriend niya. Pakiramdam ko nga mainit ang dugo sa akin ni Davina dahil close na close kami ni Jesse. If only she knows that I can steal her from her boyfriend in just a matter of seconds. But of course, I won't do that. They seem to be happy together and besides, I should mind my own business. Ni hindi ko nga kayang yayaing maging girlfriend si Manilka nang hindi naduduwag.

Speaking of Manilka, they still hasn't replied to any of my texts. I know I am not in the position to demand from anything but they're really freaking me out right now. Konti na lang tatawagan ko na ang nanay niya para tanungin kung nasa maayos na kalagayan ba ang kaniyang anak. 

I excused myself when my phone starting ringing. I thought it was Manilka at first, but it was Kuya Landon, my security. I went to a less crowded place of Davina's house. 

"Hello? Is there any problem?"

"Ma'am, may bisita po kayo,"

I would've told him to let them in, because only my family and a few friends knows my address, but when he mentioned a particular name, I almost flew inside the house to find Davina or Jesse to let them know that I am going home already. So this is why they're not bothering to return any of my messages. I didn't know that they are coming home today. I mean, I know that their contract has already expired this month but I didn't expected them to return home this soon. I wasn't ready yet but I am dying to meet them right now. Forget about everything, they are far more important.

"Manilka ang pangalan. Sinabihan ko siya na bumalik na lang maya-maya dahil mukhang gagabihin kayo ng uwi pero sabi niya ayos lang daw. Maghihintay siya."

I told Kuya Lance to get me there as fast as he can. I tried calling Manilka multiple times but they still won't answer it. Hindi ko alam kung pinaglalaruan niya lang ako o ano. I swear I don't like it.

Pagkahinto pa lang ng kotse sa labas ng gate ay agad akong tumakbo patungo sa isang itim na Volkswagen Eos na nakaparada sa unahan. I saw Manilka come out from it and I threw myself into them the moment they got their feet on the ground. I didn't care if we will fall due to my actions because I was too preoccupied by the fact that they're here. Good thing we didn't because Manilka managed to stand straight despite carrying my entire weight. I buried my face onto their neck.

"You really missed me that bad, huh?" they chuckled. The sound of it was so tickly against my ears.

"Isn't that obvious?"

Manilka put me down. I am still catching my breath but I still managed to smile. They grabbed my hand and intertwined it with theirs. I swallowed the bile on my throat.

"Do you want to go inside?" I offered but I was already dragging her inside. Natawa si Manilka at tumango. Sumaludo siya kay Kuya Landon pagkapasok namin at ganoon naman ang ginawa ng aking security.

"I'm sorry if I came unannounced. I wanted to surprise you," they said. "I got your address from Seamus. He said you and him are kinda close."

Natigilan ako. I throw a side glance at them to see their reaction. They don't really smile that much so seeing them with their usual poker face is making me nervous to the roof. I feel so guilty even though I know in my heart that it wasn't my intention to betray them by sleeping with their best friend. We weren't together that time, yes, but knowing that I've loved them ever since made what happened so messed up. 

"What did he say to you?" bakas ang panginginig sa aking boses.

Kumunot ang kaniyang noo dahil doon ngunit hindi niya na iyon pinagtuunan pa ng pansin. "Nothing much. But he also mentioned that you met Brianna through him. She was your childhood crush, right?"