FLS #2 : Lucius Silveron

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

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Three days had passed since that night we met. Lucius didn't answer his phone, and I never saw him at school. I know he's avoiding me because he knows I'll toast him bigtime.

Until this day, he called me first saying that he misses me and asking for forgiveness.

Inaya niya akong lumabas at dahil wala rin naman akong ibang gagawin and I somehow...want to see him pumayag na ako.

"Take it back," I said while he pays in the cashier. Nasa convenience store kami malapit sa village namin.

Bitbit niya ang mga binili naming beers at mga chips.

"Pananagutan ko naman, Esther. I can be your boyfriend. Ayaw mo ba?" He slightly pout.

"Ayaw ko."

Hindi siya nakasagot hanggang sa lumabas kami ng convenience store at makapasok ng sasakyan niya.

"No, baby, hindi ko babawiin," he said.

"Baby, my ass."

Lucius chuckled and pulled my face close to him and kissed my cheek. "Please be my girlfriend," he suddenly whispered."I'll be good. You can always check my phone if you want."

"Chloe will get mad!"

I don't fucking care about his phone or if he got women. I don't fucking want to be in a relationship with him, it's dangerous as hell! Ayaw kong masira ang pagkakaibigan namin ni Chloe. She hated him to the core, ayaw nga niya ang pagsulyap sa akin ni Lucius tuwing nagkikita kami sa escuelahan.

"She doesn't matter, Esther."

I hissed and shook my head. "She's my damn best friend, Lucius. Hindi pwedeng ganoon. She matters to me and she doesn't like you."

Lucius shrugged and sighed. "But if there is no Chloe, would you say yes?"

Nanatili ang mga mata niya sa akin at ganoon din ako. Hindi makasagot.

I don't know

"H-hindi... Hindi ko alam."

"I will not take my words back until you answer my question," he said and opened a can of beer for me. "Will you stay in my place fot tonight?"

Umiling ako. Lucius moved out so I can sleep over his condo unit whenever I want to, that's what he said. Ngayon na nakabukod siya mas malaya siyang gawin ang kahit anong gustuhin niya sa bahay niya. He's alone and can bring any girl he wants. And I'm afraid that I'm one of them.

"How's your day?" simple niyang tanong sa malamig niyang tinig.

I don't feel like answering him. Nakakaramdam ako ng matinding inis sa sarili at gusto ko iyon isisi sa kanya.

Sumimsim ako sa beer habang tinatanaw ang dilim ng gabi sa bintana ng sasakyan niya.

"Esther, I'm asking you, aren't I?" tanong niya sa mapanuyong boses na meron siya.

My lower lips suddenly tremble. "Hindi kita narinig," bulong ko, hindi pa rin lumilingon.

"I'm sorry," Lucius said and even tried to reach my hand.

Walang nagsalita kahit isa sa amin hanggang sa makarating kami sa harapan ng unit niya. He opened the door for me and when I stepped inside, Lucius' arms travelled on my waist and hugged me tight. I stiffened in shock malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan ko ng makabawi.

"Are you mad?"

Umiling ako at inalis ang pagkakayakap niya sa akin. Nilapag ko ang mga beer sa mesa at iyong Mac n cheese na dala ko.