Love Lies & Chaos

Chapter 7

On my way home, the light was casting menacing shadows through the trees. Tiny bits of dust appeared to dance in the shaft of afternoon sunlight that slanted through the car window as the roads shimmered in the heat of the sun.

"We're home, Miss," Hugo prompted me as soon as he parked the car in front of my new home.

"Yeah. I'm home," I said sighing, still trying to wrap my head around my new home.

As usual, Hugo extended his hand, and I handed him my bag. I was only a minor part of the daily ritual, but that's what made it so comforting. A comforting feeling that won't last long for as soon as I step inside the door, I'll be in the enemy territory.

"May problema ba? From school perhaps?" Hugo must've noticed my defeated expression. Umiling na lang ako. It seemed like he wanted to say something but retreated and simply opened the door for me.

I knew for sure that the chaos of my day will start as soon as I step inside. I was right. Caleb greeted me in his expertise. "You're finally back, Selene! Hours felt like days when you're not here. Our house of love meant nothing without you."

Cringe!

Umurong ako at sinara ulit ang pinto. "Naiintindihan ko ang nararamdaman mo, Miss but please try to stay calm," Hugo said as he stand behind me.

"I can't, Hugo. I just can't. Now please, paalisin mo siya sa pintuan."

"Miss, you know that I can't--" I lifted my hand to stop him. Alam ko naman na hindi niya iyon pwedeng gawin.

Hinanda ko ulit ang sarili ko na harapin siya bago ko ulit binuksan ang pinto.

"You're really there. Akala ko guniguni ko lang 'yong kanina. I must've missed so much."

I fought the need to feel jittery and kept my composure while smiling openly. Well, I wasn't really smiling, it was more like scowl.

"The emotions were too much? I knew it. Huwag kang mag alala, I felt it too. I'm honored to greet you first thing on your return."

Selene, keep it together!

That is then, naalala ko ang sabi ni Maya. I must try being friendly with the to get more information. No matter how revolting it feels, I must endure.

"Um... Caleb," I said clearing my throat.

He extended his hand to stop me from talking. "Hindi mo na kailangan pang magsalita. I understand."

"Huh?" What is it now?

"I know you missed me too. Huwag ka ng mahiya, come here and hug me."

This man is hopeless.

"I know that silence. Huwag mo ng itago ang pamumula ng mukha mo," he giggled. "Or maybe I was wrong." For a while I thought he was finally getting it. "You didn't want a hug, did you want a kiss?"

He'd pushed me too far! I can't let this go on!

I glared at him and ran as fast as I can going to my room. Pilitin ko man ang sarili ko na maging friendly kung ganoon nalang ang haharapin ko, huwag na lang!

Humiga ako sa kama, disappointed with my weakness. Akala ko kaya kong mangpanggap pero tumakas lang ako.

I heard footsteps at kahit hindi ko tignan alam kong si Hugo iyon. "I see. Sinubukan mong ayusin ang relasyon mo kay Caleb. Though it seems this attempt failed quite daring."

Tinakpan ko ng unan ang ulo ko. "Drop it, Hugo."

"I saw what you did there. You're trying to get to know him but I think it's more important that you know yourself first." I took off the pillow and sat up to face him. "This is your first time trying to get to know another person, right?"