When the Cold Fire Burns

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Jimson

Fierro is a hardworking girl. If she says that she'll have to do something related with her studies, then I will never dare to cross the line. She loves what she does. I am in no position to disturb her.

But when I asked that question, I hoped she would say that it's not okay. That she wanted to spend time with me. That Janice is interrupting us.

But Fierro walked away. And she never even dared to look back.

"Tara?" yaya ni Janice.

I had no choice but to nod.

Ngumiti siya. "So ano? Convoy tayo papunta roon?"

I nodded again; my lips were sealed in a purse.

The anger immediately corrupted my whole soul. But I never dared to let it out. Muntik ko pa ngang isara nang malakas ang pinto ng sasakyan nang pumasok ako rito. I only sighed—a very long sigh.

Going there, I only thought of Winonah. It is still early. If I hurry up, we will have time. I will make time. I need to make time.

Janice was already standing in front of the restaurant with a smile. Ayokong tumingin sa kanya at baka makita niya kung gaano ako naiinis ngayon. I'm not that cruel. Besides, I'm already here. Fuck.

We went inside. I scanned my mother, trying to find someone to blame, but I couldn't see her.

"You said my mother is here," I said with a creasing forehead.

She fucking laughed. "I think they bailed out. Sabi niya sa akin na sunduin raw kita pero... wala sila rito."

I looked at her and I immediately knew that she was lying. Still, I didn't want to let her be embarrassed and pretended to play dumb.

"Tita must have set us up," dagdag niya pa. What a fucking liar.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself. This is not something I should be mad at. Janice just wanted to spend time with me as per my mom's instructions. She's out of the picture.

We sat down and ordered. Tahimik lang ako. I don't want to talk also. I'm just hanging by the small thread of my patience.

"Jimson... Actually..." she started and looked at me with a nervous smile. "Your mother did not set us up."

I wasn't shocked. I didn't tell her I knew. I just stared at her.

"Sinabi ng Mom mo na mag-initiate daw ako ng dinner. Kaso nahihiya ako kaya nagsinungaling ako at sinabi na sinet-up niya tayo rito. I'm really sorry."

"Yeah, it's fine. Let's just eat."

My eyes went to the food. I just need to finish it then I'm done.

"I'm so guilty," aniya. "Parang may lakad kasi kayo ng kasama mo kanina."

I'm glad she knew. I only ignored her and proceeded to finish the food.

"Is she your girlfriend?"

I was about to eat but my hands halted. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nag-taas ng kilay. "Huh?"

"The girl kanina. Girlfriend mo ba 'yun?"

"No," I replied and continued eating.

"But you have a thing for her, right?"

"What makes you think so?" I asked.

She sadly smiled. "You seemed annoyed right now that you are with me. Kanina kasi, noong kasama mo siya, you looked happy. That's why I'm very guilty."