where will destiny take us?

☆ 6 ☆

"Pagod ka na bang sumigaw?" tanong niya habang patuloy sa pagda-drive. "Wala namang makakadinig sa'yo."

I made faces, mocking him. Umayos nalang ako ng upo sa backseat at tiniis siya. I know na wala na akong magagawa kaya nanahimik nalang ako. I'd usually be reading a book when someone is driving for me but I have to be cautious. I can't let him take me somewhere unfamiliar.

Hindi naman niya ako balak patayin, 'no?

The question made me shudder.

Biglang nag-ring muli ang phone ko. It was Dad calling. I looked at Ivan warily and moved to the farthest he can't reach me at the back seat. Baka kasi kuhanin na naman niya 'yung phone ko.

["Hi, anak. Are you alright?"] worry is evident in Dad's voice. I'd love to really punch Ivan in the face for this.

"Ah, yes Dad."

["Sure ka?"]

"Yeah. 'Wag mong pansinin 'yung tawag kanina. That was just a joke." Tumawa ako to emphasize my lie.

["Okay."] I sighed on that response. ["But who was that guy? Is he truly your...?"]

"No, no. He's not. It's just... a friend." I almost gagged on the word. I can't believe I have to describe Ivan as that. 

I heard Ivan chuckling. Mukhang narinig niya yung sinabi ko.

["Oh, okay..."] He sounded skeptical.

I heaved a deep sigh. "Dad, really. He's just a friend."

["I didn't say anything.]" Natawa naman ito. ["Mga anong oras ka uuwi?"]

"I don't know. But I'll be home safe." Napatingin ako kay Ivan. "I think..."

["Alright. Just call me if you need anything."]

"Okay. Thanks Dad."

["Be safe, anak."]

Binaba ko ang phone after that call. I massaged the bridge on my nose, feeling a pang of pain on my head. What have I gotten myself into?

Is this really just punishment for shattering a side mirror and killing a frog... and talking back to teachers... and...

No. It's not, right?

"Didn't know you already have a car."

Nailing ako at inalis sa utak ang iniisip ko. "I'm already 18," I replied to the guy who's busy driving.