Riding The Waves (Fortalejo Clan #1)

Chapter 6

I was so engulfed on reading my favorite book in the library that I didn't get to finish before when someone suddenly snatched it out from my grasp. Napasinghap ako sa gulat.

"Hey!" I hissed, looking up to Aspen who's grinning from ear to ear while holding the book up above his head.

Pasalamat lang talaga siya dahil matangkad siya kaya hindi ko na sasayangin pa ang enerhiya ko na abutin 'yon. Ako lang din naman ang susuko sa huli e.

"Here, kain ka na." Inilapag niya ang isang paper bag sa lamesa kaya agad na nangunot ang noo ko at nilingon siyang muli.

It's been weeks since i've agreed to be friends with him. It isn't bad after all. Bukod sa childish itong brainless day wrecker na 'to, he's fun to be with. Kahit pa madalas akong iritado dahil ang hilig niya akong kulitin kapag nagbabasa ako ng libro. Hindi siya marunong tumupad sa usapan!

"What's this?" Tinuro ko ang paper bag na nakapatong sa lamesa. He pulled a chair and sat beside me.

We're inside the library, our usual spot. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung paano siya nakakasulpot ng paper bag na may lamang pagkain papasok dito. Foods are not allowed inside the library. This guy is really a rule breaker. Hindi na ako nagtataka dahil puro kalokohan naman ang nasa utak niya.

He moistened his lip, smiling at me. "Well, I brought some snacks for you. 'Di ba sinabi kong sponsor mo na 'ko ng pagkain?" He said. "Kaya ayan. Kumain ka na at itatago ko muna 'tong libro para 'di mo makuha."

He hid the book inside his bag for me not to be able to get it. I snorted. He really has his ways of ruining my day, always.

"Haven't I told you to stop doing this, Aspen?" Seryoso kong sinabi. Ayaw ko namang pag-aksayahan niya pa ako ng pera. I have my own money and food. Kaya kong bumili para sa sarili ko at hindi na niya kailangang gawin ito.

"You're just wasting your money for me! Dapat ay iniipon mo 'to!"

Napakamot siya sa batok at seryosong tumitig sa mga mata ko. "Mira, ayos lang naman. This...the money I used to buy this snacks are separated from my savings. Naglalaan talaga ako ng pera para pambili nito para sa'yo." He showed his gummy smile again. Napairap ako.

"Kaya ko naman kasing bumili e."

"I know. Pero gusto ko kasing gawin 'to. So, just let me, okay?" He said. Inilabas niya na ang mga pinamili niya mula sa paper bag. He gave me a bottled water, two sandwiches and potato chips. "Alam kong paborito mo ang patatas pero bawal ka pa rin sa Coke!"

Imbes na mapasimangot ay natawa na lang ako ng mahina. I was actually trying my luck if I could get him buy me a Coke once again but he won't just budge! Ayaw na talaga niya akong bilhan ng Coke dahil nalalasing daw ako. Hindi ko nga rin alam kung bakit gano'n.

"Y-You should take this," I lowly said, offering him the other sandwich that he bought. "Hindi ko naman mauubos kasi dalawa itong binili mo. Tsaka may bento box pa 'ko na hinanda ni Daddy na nakalaan talaga para sa lunch time." I cleared my throat.

The corner of his lips rose because of amusement. "Talaga?" Napalunok pa siya.

My lips protruded for a pout. I nodded. "Oo, sa'yo na 'to."

Kinuha niya ang sandwich mula sa kamay ko at nakita kong natatakam talaga siya roon. I bit my tongue while watching him. Halatang wala pa siyang agahan dahil tuwang-tuwa siya na parang bata habang kinakain 'yong sandwich.

I puffed a breath and started eating too. I've decided to share my bento box with Aspen.

"No, Mira. That's your food." He shook his head, looking away from it. "B-Busog na rin naman ako. Ayos lang." Tumikhim siya at akmang tatayo ngunit hinablot ko ang palapulsuhan niya at mariin siyang hinila pabalik sa pagkakaupo.