Niki and Andy

Chapter 30: Crossing the Line

The day before new year, nilabhan na ni Niki ang mga naiwang labahin sa unit. She spent the entire day cleaning the house and washing the laundry dahil ayaw niyang salubungin ang bagong taon na marumi ang unit.

Meanwhile, Andy took care of the pets and cooked themselves a small feast to celebrate the new year later.

Pinayagan na ni Niki na i-post ni Tonet ang video sa page nito, but on her birthday. Not one day earlier. Andy still has no idea about the video and Niki intended to keep it that way until her birthday.

After doing chores, Niki spent the remainder of her afternoon taking a nap. She wanted to be awake during the fireworks display.

When she woke up at around seven in the evening, si Andy naman ang nagpahinga pagkatapos nitong maghanda ng pagkain. He was resting on the couch with the two cats and Niki found herself pouting because Andy had yet again charmed a cat that was supposed to be hers.

"Morning," bati nito sa kanya nang dumaan siya patungong banyo.

Pinaningkitan niya ito. Ashley was sleeping on his shoulder while Ponkan was sitting on his lap, wagging his tail with contentment.

"I hate that all the animals in this house like you."

Tinawanan nito ang sinabi niya. "Maybe you should get a dog? Or a pet snake?" he teased.

Niki rolled her eyes and turned her back on him. Tinungo niya ang banyo para maligo bago pa niya ito mahampas ng tuwalya.

–

Kinuha ni Niki ang thigh parts ng fried chicken na niluto ni Andy mula sa lalagyan sa lamesa. She also put mashed potatoes on her plate and smothered the whole thing with mushroom gravy. She took a huge plate of food. Andy was not sure if she could finish everything.

Umupo ito sa tabi niya at nagsimulang kumain. "Kumain ka na?" tanong nito habang ngumunguya ng pritong manok.

"Inaantay kitang magising."

"Kumakain na 'ko," sabi nito sa kanya.

"I know." Gustuhin man niyang tumayo, ibinabaon ni Ponkan ang kuko nito sa hita niya kapag sinusubukan niya. He only meant to sit for a few minutes to rest, but the cats have other plans. Ashley fell asleep on his shoulder and Ponkan put his entire body on his lap.

Mukhang naawa naman si Niki sa kanya because she offered him a piece of the chicken she was eating. She offered it close enough to his mouth so he could take a bite.

"Gusto mo ng rice?" tanong nito.

Without waiting for his answer, she got up and went to the kitchen to get some rice. Andy looked visibly confused when she started feeding him. Niki wouldn't do that unless he was sick or he begged her to do it.

"Do you need something?" kunot-noo niyang tanong nang akmang susubuan siya nito.

"New year's resolution ko ang maging mas mabait sa 'yo," sagot nito sa kanya.

"Ah..." When he opened his mouth, she took the opportunity to feed him with the rice and chicken.

Nakailang balik pa ito sa kusina para magdagdag ng pagkain para mabusog silang dalawa. Something felt weird between them and Andy couldn't figure it out. Does Niki already know about his feelings? Did their friends tell them? But why was she not saying anything? Was she waiting for him to say something?

Iniisip pa rin ni Andy kung papaano siya aamin dito. It was the one thought that wouldn't leave his mind since Christmas. He tried to act normal around her, but not knowing if she already knew was making him anxious.