Break Fresh Ground

18: WHISPERS ON THE SKIN

"Artemis!" I cried out, struggling against her grip as she pulled me through the shadows of the backyard. "What's going on? Why are you acting like this?" I demanded, frustration evident in my voice.

She finally stopped in a dark corner, her back facing me. I stood there, waiting for her to turn around and explain what was going on. But when she remained silent, I decided to head back to the party. Just as I was about to make my escape, her grip tightened on my wrist, holding me in place.

I let out a weary sigh, my annoyance growing by the second. "If you're not going to say anything, then let me go. I want to enjoy the party." Despite my plea, she remained silent, her back still facing me.

Finally, she turned to face me, her features illuminated by the distant party lights. I repeated my question, trying to keep the frustration from my voice. "What's going on? What's your problem?"

"Nothing," she answered curtly. I let out a humorless laugh, disbelief etched on my face. How could she drag me away from the party and then give such a nonchalant answer?

I decided to give up, sensing that I wouldn't get any answers from her. I took advantage of her momentarily lax grip and pulled my wrist free. I turned to leave, but before I could take more than a step, she spoke up.

"He's the guy in La Union, right?" Her words made me stop in my tracks, and I spun around to face her once more.

"Who?" Her gaze shifted to the paper bag I held in my hand. "Malcolm?" she asked, and I noticed a change in her expression at the mention of his name. "What's your issue with him?"

"Sinusundan ka ba niya?" Worry laced her voice, but her expression told me there was something more to her concern.

"Why do you want to know?" I asked, my guard up.

"He was forcing you to come with him in La Union. Are you two...?" She trailed off, but I cut her off before she could finish.

"What are you talking about? He's my cousin," I said, and her silence was answer enough. "Did you get what you wanted to know, Artemis?" I asked, frustrated with her refusal to answer my questions. "Because I sure as hell didn't." I grabbed her arm as she tried to walk away. "What's your problem with me?"

"I don't have a problem with you," she answered, but I wasn't satisfied.

"Really? Because ever since the rumors started, you've been avoiding me." Her continued silence only fueled my frustration. "It's pointless talking to you." I released her and started to walk away, but her voice stopped me in my tracks.

"I'm afraid," she said, and I turned to face her, waiting for her to continue. "I didn't kiss you. We both know that. But what if I did? What kind of words would you hear? It was just a peck, not even on the lips. But what if it was more?" Her voice was tinged with anger, and I could feel the tension between us.

I sighed, grappling with the fact that I understood her so easily. "It's not your fault they spread those rumors," I said, trying to reassure her. Her eyes remained fixed on the paper bag in my hand, and she didn't respond. I took a step closer to her, looking deeply into her eyes. "Is that why you've been avoiding me?" I asked softly, and she reluctantly nodded in agreement.

"You let their words dictate you to stop talking to me?" I continued, feeling a sense of relief that the reason for her silence was finally clear. "You don't have to apologize," I said, trying to ease her guilt. "I forgive you. Now, let's go back to the party."

As I looked at her, I could tell she had had a drink or two. Her breathing was shallow, and her eyes were slightly droopy and dilated. But I didn't mind. I simply wanted her to have a good time and enjoy the party. "I don't have a gift," she said, sounding like a pouty child. I smiled and shook my head. "It's okay. Just being here and talking to me is enough."