Ghost in the Present

Chapter 16

"I want to take you home," Aizen insisted kahit na nakatayo na kami sa tapat ng sasakyan namin.

Umiling ako. "There's really no need to."

Of course, I think it's sweet kung ihahatid niya ako pauwi but that would just consume his time, sa halip na magpapahinga na siya at matutulog. And I don't want to do that to him, alam kong busy siyang tao. Sapat na sa akin na nakasama ko siya ngayong gabi.

"I already had a great night. Thank you." Ngumiti ako sa kanya.

He sighed and nodded like I just defeated him.

"Alright, text me kapag nakauwi ka na, okay?"

Tumango ako. "Yes, I will."

"Good night," he smiled at me. "Thanks for tonight. It was great."

I smiled and I think I blushed dahil naalala ko nanaman ang mga nangyari. It was indeed a great night.

I smiled shyly. "Salamat din. Uh, nag-enjoy ako. Sobra."

Muli siyang kumaway sa akin no'ng nakasakay na ako and I also did the same thing.

I couldn't sleep that night and for the first time...I think it's because of my overwhelming feelings. I was very happy na hanggang pagkagising ko ay ngiti agad ang una kong ginawa.

"How's paskuhan?" Mom asked while we're eating.

Ngumiti akong muli. "It's okay, mom. I had fun."

"That's right, darling. You should have fun, you should learn to go with your friends, hindi 'yong lagi ka lang mag-isa sa mga ginagawa mo." Dad added and gave me an encouraging smile.

I really appreciate that they're so supportive, I am so lucky to have them.

"By the way, your cousin told me that someone's going to pick you up today."

Huh? Sino naman?

My eyes widened when I realized that ate Darlyn messaged me last night, telling me that she has a surprise. Eto na naman ba 'yon?

Pero mabait naman si Harvey Chen kaya okay lang naman. Ihahatid lang naman siguro niya ako. Pupunta lang naman ako ng mall ngayon para mamili ng mga kailangang school supplies at hihiwalay na rin ako when we get there dahil may kasunduan kami ni Aizen na doon kami magkikita sa tapat ng NBS.

Ngumiti ako kay mommy at tumango.

"I like that Chen kid. Mabait, magalang, matalino, at galing sa maayos na pamilya. I approve of him as your boyfriend, Amil."

Huh? Naningkit ang mata ko sa sinabi ni mommy.

"Wala po akong boyfriend." Nalilito kong sagot.

I know there's something between Aizen and I pero hindi pa kami dahil wala rin naman siyang sinasabi at wala rin siyang tinatanong kaya ayaw kong mag-assume. Pero maliban sa kanya ay sigurado akong wala akong gustong iba, after all, siya lang naman ang gusto ko.

"Come on, it's okay sweetie. We will be the happiest if you introduce him to us as your boyfriend."

Muntik na akong mapangiwi dahil sa sinabi ni mommy. I know there's nothing wrong with Harvey, but thinking na may iba akong mahal while my family's pairing me to someone feels weird.

Would it be better if I tell them that I already have a boyfriend?

Napailing ako. Kakasabi ko lang na wala akong boyfriend, baka isipin nila na nantitrip lang ako. Maybe next time, I'll tell them.

I know na hindi naman ako magkakaproblema sa parents ko. They're not judgmental people unlike those other rich families na kailangan ay magkagusto sa kapwa mayaman din. My father even said that I can like and date anyone as long as he's respectful and decent.