Reason
I couldn't imagine Chloe's rage at the moment. Ayaw ko namang magkasiraan din sila dahil sa akin. Chloe seemed so hurt when I remembered the betrayal that flashed on her expression while crying.
Whatever the reason why she didn't fully shout out what she found out, there was still probably a little sympathy left in her for her brother.
Though I don't really care what kind of rumor she would spread for me, I'm quite worried for Rade's reputation. Is he fine about it?
"Oh? Ayos kana?" tanong ni Angela nang umahon sa pool at kinuha ang towel sa lounger habang naka puting bikini nang bumaba rin ako.
I was scrolling through the photos Jester sent to me, and I also sent the photos of last night's party too.
"Ayos naman," sabi ko.
Tumawa si Angela at hinampas sa akin ang tuwalya. Nangingiti ko iyong inilagan.
"Naks! Ang unbothered talaga ng bwesit! Ang guwapo, ah?" She teased.
I only flashed a smirk. She occupied the other lounger and sipped on the juice while the giggles of the girls, together with the boys' shout and Shiloh's high-pitched voice, were still mingling with the harsh sound of the water while they were still playing.
"Kausapin mo lang ulit, Mav. Baka nagulat lang din siya kagabi," she suggested.
I nodded boredly and looked at my friends having fun.
Ilang sigundo akong nasa lounger hanggang si Rick naman ang umahon at marahas na hinampas sa akin ang towel niya. I slightly squinted my eyes and lifted my gaze while he was looking at me in a serious manner.
Ngumuso ako. His expression soured like he wanted to punch me for the trouble I caused, but because of my situation, he doesn't want to add to my misery.
Tiningnan niya saglit ang mga kaibigan namin sa pool saka muli akong sinipat ng tingin.
"Gumigiling 'yung sasakyan noong Tejano sa gilid ng kalsada," he pointed out quietly without being too suspicious.
So that was Tyler's car that passed by us.
"Baka sira ang makina?" I tried to play safe, though I could smell his curiosity.
Umismid siya sa akin. "Nasa parking lot ako noong nag-away kayo noong Tejano."
Tiningnan ko siya ng ilang sigundo. He licked his lips, watched the pool for a while, looked at Shiloh, and then looked at me with a calm expression.
"Sino pang nakakaalam?" seryoso niyang tanong.
"Brent and Shiloh."
He sighed like he was so tired of hearing the two's names being involved. Tumango siya habang namaywang na at malayo ang tingin.
"Matagal nang kayo?"
"We're not in a relationship, Rick."
Nalaglag ang panga niya. He wanted to ask for something, or to confirm it at least, but he just closed his mouth, like he didn't want to dig more.
Nadistract din naman dahil todo practice agad sa malaking game namin. Ang mga girls, ipinagkibit balikat nalang din iyon dahil iniisip nila na hindi rin naman kami ni Chloe. Bukod doon, pansin nila sa akin na hindi ko rin pinoproblema, maliban kay Rick na kung pwedeng minu-minutong mangumusta, gagawin niya.
And as usual, it was one of the topics at the university when classes started. There were murmurs about me and Chloe. Some were now jumping to the conclusion that I cheated on her, and some were saying I flirted with one of her closest friends. I'm just a bit thankful that none were circulating about Rade.
