Visual of Elysian (Abstract Series #2)

Chapter 20

"I'll come get you later, okay? Text mo lang ako kung kailan kayo matatapos," Aid stated softly as he dropped me off at the bar.

Pagkatapos naming makita ang resulta kanina, nagkayayaan ang mga classmates ko na mag bar para mag celebrate. At first, I was hesitant to come, but Aid persuaded me.

"Minsan lang naman 'yan. Sige na." He smiled sweetly. "Having a bond with them is necessary."

Kaya ako nandito sa harap ng napagkasunduan naming bar. I leaned in close to him and kissed his right cheek lightly.

"Maayos naman na ang mga gamit mo, 'di ba? Ilalagay ko na lang sa trunk para alis agad tayo pagkatapos mo rito."

Gusto niya talaga na ituloy ang plano naming magbakasyon sa Bantayan. He even purchased a plane ticket to Cebu without my knowledge. He claimed it was my reward for consistently being the best.

"Uminom ng kaunti pero 'wag pong magpakalasing, ha? Malayo pa ang byahe natin later kaya hindi pwedeng worn out ka," he reminded me.

I nodded and stepped out of his car. Bumusina pa siya bago tuluyang pinaandar paalis ang sasakyan.

"Nandito na ang ating numero uno!" Zeke announced when I came in.

Palinga-linga si Achi sa paligid nang makapasok ako. She appeared relieved as our gazes met. I took a step towards her.

"Don't be wasted tonight," I shouted a little loudly because the music was blaring throughout the club.

"I am not a hard drinker!" she shouted back.

Napangiti ako ng kaunti dahil naalala ko na naman ang unang beses na uminom ako ng alak. Now that I think about it, Aid is my first in almost everything. He's quite lucky to have me, too.

Achi appeared to be preoccupied with something all night. Nagsimula yata 'yon noong lumabas siya para pumunta sa restroom.

"Anong oras na?" she asked when she noticed me staring at her.

I looked at my phone. My eyes widened when I realized it was nearly 11 in the evening! I was so engrossed in listening to them converse and drink that I lost track of time. Mabuti na lang at tinanong ako ni Achi kung anong oras na. Two a.m. pa naman ang flight namin ni Aid.

She waved goodbye to everyone when I told her the time. May ibang nagreklamo pero nang sinabi niyang kailangan niya pang samahan ang Lola niya bukas for her daily check up, wala nang umangal.

Nagpaalam na rin ako kaya mas lalong umingay ang mga classmates namin. I cast a peek towards Achi as she walked away.

"Isang shot muna bago umalis! Ang unfair! Hindi ka nga umiinom kanina, e!" Jess complained when I stood up.

I sipped the little shot glass of sunset rum because I have no other option. They were all cheering for me, but the bitterness in my throat prevented me from even smiling.

As soon as I got out of the bar, I texted Aid. Nakita ko pa si Achi na nakatayo lang sa harap ng building at nakatulala.

"Hey," I brought her attention to me. She gave me a quick look. "Do you want me to get you a taxi?"

She gave a slight smile as she shook her head. "Ayos lang ako. Uwi ka na rin?"

I nodded. Gusto ko man siyang isabay na lang sa amin ni Aid, hindi pa talaga ako handa sa mga posible niyang tanong kung malaman niyang may namamagitan sa aming dalawa ng lalaking minsan kong kinamuhian.

When she fell silent, I took advantage of the chance to call a taxi for her. Sumimangot pa siya nang pinapasok ko sa loob.

"Sumabay ka na lang sa akin. Uuwi ka na rin, 'di ba?" tanong niya habang nakasandal sa upuan.