T.S. STORIES #4: Say Don't Go (Completed)

Chapter 24

It was two weeks of rolling over the bed, wide smiles in front of the mirror, and nightly exchange of I-love-yous. The firsts of my first romance. It might've been too fast, but this one's meant to last. We hid from everyone's sight, making sure each day was just about him and I. Frequent visits to his place, unexpected out-of-town travels, night drives—we had enjoyed each other's company, while keeping everything a secret.

Mama was already confused why I'm always not home since the gala. My sister was giving her ideas, but I told her, I was just meeting my friends before the summer vacation would end. It was a lie, of course, just to cover up our secret hangouts.

And, Raiver. He became more carefree since we started dating. He takes me wherever he goes. His big hug is my favorite greeting from him. He likes to kiss. Until, I figured out that he's a touchy one, but I get to scold him whenever he gets out of hand. Beyond kisses, he's off-limits.

In just two weeks, we got used to each other. And I could say, finally I'm now in love.

But, at the same time, I was a bit worried. It's already over a month and vacation is about to end. I already have a week left to settle everything.

Tonight's our fourteenth day, and he's taking me to another place only he knows. It's just another dinner together, but I'll make sure I'll open up with him about our current set-up. I was thinking it's already about time to take this matter seriously.

All because these past few days, I've been having a bad feeling that someone is watching over us.

A Korean grilling station near the beach, far from the city. The ambiance felt more authentic than those stations in the malls. Aside from that, the weather was kind of chilly, but thanks to the warmth coming from the grill, perhaps we'll be able to get through the cold night.

He was flipping those pieces of meat on the grill, and every time one was perfectly cooked, he placed it on my plate. In return, I picked up one and gently fed it to him, watching his eyes light up with each bite.

Right after he finished grilling, he slid into the seat beside me.

"Raiver," I called him softly. "Ano na plano natin? Two weeks na tayong nagtatago. Anytime soon, they'll find out about us."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, and then he spoke. "Meeting with the family. Who's side first?"

I was already thinking about it these past few days. Mama will most probably like him, but on his side? I don't think his family will ever like the idea of him dating me. It'll be surprising for them that he'll introduce a guy after breaking up with Francine.

"Sa tingin mo ba, aayon sa atin ang parents mo?" I hedged.

"I hope so," he replied earnestly. "They've been supportive of every decision I make since then. Probably, magugustuhan ka rin nila."

He reached for my hand, his fingers intertwined with mine. Leaning in, he brushed a soft kiss against my forehead. Somehow, it chased away all the worries swirling in my mind.

But, just as the moment felt perfect, a sudden, familiar voice shattered our peace.

"Gelo, what the hell are you doing?"

We both turned to see and it was Francine, standing a few feet away. I was taken aback with her very sudden presence. And, her once angelic face, now winced in fury and disbelief.

"Francine?" Raiver called her, flustered.

She stormed over to our table, her look darkening with every step. "I can't believe you're here with this... this loser!" she spat, glaring at me with pure disdain.

"Francine, calm down," Raiver said, standing up and trying to placate her. "This isn't the right place—"

But she wasn't listening. Her voice grew louder, drawing the attention of other diners. "F*ck you, Gelo. Buti na lang, nasundan kita at kung hindi, I won't ever know why you left me," She gestured wildly at the two of us. "You f*ggots!"

Before I could even react, her hand lashed out, slapping me hard across the face. The sharp sting and the sound of the slap echoed in the entire place. My cheek burned, and my eyes watered from the shock and pain.

"How dare you replace me with some guy who's just nothing in the first place?" she screamed, her face contorted with rage. "A guy? Really, Gelo? After everything?"

"Francine, stop it!" Raiver shouted, stepping between us. "This isn't about you and me anymore."

"F*ck you!" Ignoring Raiver, Francine grabbed my half-empty glass from the table and threw the water at me. The cold liquid splashed across my face and shirt, that got me lost in words. Gasps erupted from the diners as they watched her rage unfold.

"You really think you're so special, don't you, Icarus?" Francine sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "You're nothing but a pathetic, desperate fool. No wonder you're miserable. Gelo will never truly want you. He's just using you to get over me. And deep down, you know it. A mere replacement, a placeholder, and everyone here can see it."

The words cut deeper than any slap. The murmurs around us grew, the eyes of strangers boring into my back. I stood up, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Sorry," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.

"Icarus, wait," Raiver called after me, but I couldn't face him—or anyone—any longer. I turned and walked as fast as I could towards the exit, my heart pounding in my chest.

"That's right! Go away, f*ggot!"

Her screams of calling me names echoed behind me as I pushed open the door and stepped out into the cool night air. The city lights blurred through the tears that instantly filled my eyes.

I ran. I didn't stop, until I was far from that place, far from everyone's eyes. On a quiet bench, I sank myself onto it, my mind racing. The hope that had just ignited within me moments ago was now snuffed out, replaced by a familiar ache of the past. I sat there, alone with my thoughts, as the night stretched endlessly ahead.

Maybe... I was wrong.