La Grilla Series #1: Come Here

Chapter 36

#LGS1Innocence #LGS1Chapter36 #LaGrilla1 #LaGrilla

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THERE were students laughing boisterously among their own groups scattered in the study area's tables. Leo watched them with his lifeless hooded eyes as he seated alone by a table under the shed.

The students looked so carefree. So . . . innocent.

Despite trying to act all responsible and matured in high school, the students' innocence could still be seen. . . .

Their innocence was still with them.

And for that, Leo could not help being gnawed by envy.

Innocence, of course, doesn't depend on one's virginity. But whatever innocence he got left years ago, it was already lost ever since Melissa began using his body for her own vain purposes.

Leo donned a well-fitting blue striped white pants, black silver-buckled belt, and a button-down short sleeved white polo. He had to be well-kempt and dressed maturely because Melissa required it ever since their involvement started. He did not argue because he didn't know what hell she could promise to bring to his life for disobeying, and he didn't want to find out, too.

Ilang saglit pa at natanaw ni Leo si Ava na kalalabas lang mula sa huli nitong klase. She was walking along with her three other girl friends when they all saw Leo, giggled among themselves, and bickered before bading goodbyes.

Nang makalapit sa kaniya si Ava ay tumuwid siya ng pagkakaupo bago tumayo.

Kapwa graduating students na sila—si Ava, sa high school, at siya naman, sa college. Kaya kung may ipinagbago siya, ganoon din ito.

Ava became more self-conscious with her looks at this point. She always tied her wavy hair in a high ponytail with a wavy side fringe. She used this limited-edition blush-tinted baby powder on her face and a lip gloss for her lips. Mamahalin din ang pabango na lagi nitong gamit. Her uniform from the first class to the last, maintained its pristine look—very few wrinkles, clean, and floral scented.

"Let's go," he sighed in a flat tone.

Ava cocked her head to the side and walked alongside him.

"Kuya Leo," anito, "may itatanong lang ako."

"Just call me 'Leo.' What is it?" aniya, deretso sa harap ang tingin habang nakapamulsa ang isang kamay.

"Huwag mong masamain, okay? I'm just asking for my peace of mind."

"Shoot."

"Hindi ka ba naaasiwa sa pagsundo mo sa 'kin palagi?"

"Hindi. May nakakaasiwa ba ro'n? E, parang kuya mo na 'ko, 'di ba?" walang-emosyon niyang sagot.

Ava pouted, readjusted her shoulder bag, and looked to the front. She shrugged and seemed to choose to keep her thoughts to herself. Leo wasn't that oblivious to the possible reason behind Ava's question, so he clarified things for her.

"Iyon ba ang pinagbubungisngisan ng mga kaibigan mo?"

Ava groaned. "Please, don't be mean to them again."

"Nainis lang ako sa kanila dahil hindi sila tumupad noon sa usapan. Ang sabi nila, 'di ba, bago maghatinggabi, ihahatid ka na nila sa bahay no'ng nag-junior prom kayo?"

"Come on! Medyo nakalimot lang kami, because we had so much fun that night!" Then, Ava gave him a sharp side-glance. "Bakit ba kasi sunod-sunoran ka kay Mom? Pati itong pagsundo sa 'kin, ginawa mo pa, which you didn't really have to do! 'Yan tuloy, iniisip ng friends ko na pumoporma ka sa 'kin!"