Life Of Yesterday (Only a Mémoire)

Chapter 1

"We're partners now, Miss Dela Rosa."

Napairap ako nang marinig ang boses ni Marco. I looked up and saw him standing in front of me while I was still sitting in my armchair. Right after class, pinuntahan talaga niya ako rito para lang mang-asar? Really?

I stood up. "Stop stating the obvious. I already know that."

He chuckled, not removing his eyes from me. "Mind if I get your number, you know, for project purposes only."

I got my phone from the pocket of my pleated skirt and gave it to him. "Give me your number, I'll contact you."

There's an amused smile on his face. "Girl boss, nice," he said then started typing his number on my phone. Nakangisi siya habang inaabot sa akin 'yung phone ko.

Padabog na kinuha ko ang phone ko bago umirap at lumakad paalis. Galing mang-asar. Super effective!

I went home and straightly went to my car. I got my illustration board and did what I always do whenever I feel uneasy.

I'm always building house... home... hoping that someday, I would be able to go in such house... that feels home.

"Ate!" I heard Calynn's voice outside my room.

I stood up after I finished the model of the new house I made and walked towards my door. I twisted the doorknob and opened it. Tinaas ko ang kilay ko kay Calynn nang makita siyang nakatayo sa tapat ng kwarto ko.

"Ate, fries and sundae, your favorite." She smiled and raised the plastic of McDo she's holding. "I bought this for you, Ate."

I smiled to myself but didn't have the energy to show it. I'm not used to showing my emotions to other people.

"Thank you." I said as I got the food she gave me.

Isasara ko na sana ang pinto pero nagsalita siya kaya hindi ko muna tinuloy.

"C-Can I hug you, Ate? Just a price for giving you a food." She sounded so hopeful, like she really wants to be close to me.

Pero ang hirap... ang hirap na nasanay ka na hindi kagaya ng karamihan. Na pinapakita 'yung emosyon.

I maybe weird but this is how I am.

I sighed and nodded. Napangiti siya at inisang hakbang ang pagitan namin bago ako yakapin nang sobrang higpit.

"I love you, Ate." she whispered, still hugging me.

I was just silently waiting for her to let go from the hug. Medyo hindi na ako makahinga.

"Sorry po." She faked a laugh when she finally let go. "I'll go study, Ate. Thank you for the hug." She smiled and walked towards her room.

I took a step forward and looked at her. I called her before she even go to her room. She stopped walking and faced me, smiling widely as she waited for me to speak.

"Thank you for the food." I gave her a small smile before going inside my room again.

***

"Good morning, Miss Dela Rosa, babalik ka na ba sa tabi ko?" bungad ni Marco nang magkasalubong kami sa gate.

"No."

"Ayaw mo akong katabi?" pangungulit niya habang lumalakad sa gilid ko. Hindi ako nagsasalita at patuloy lang na lumalakad. "You didn't text me, Miss Dela Rosa, how can we start our project?"

"Matagal pa ang deadline." malamig na sabi ko habang lumalakad.

"I prefer doing things ahead of deadline."