Hey You

Chapter 8

"Kilig na kilig ka naman," Danny teased after Jane told him about her talk with Nella at the library.

"Nakangisi lang kilig na kaagad?" Jane's lips turned pointy like they do when she's being defensive.

"Ay sus, nagtu-twinkle twinkle little star kasi yang mga mata mo," he pointed out.

"Hindi kaya," she denied. Although, deep down, there was this undescribable feeling lingering that she didn't understand.

"That's good though. At least now may chance ka nang kilalanin sya," he nodded in approval.

"Kaya nga eh. Buti na lang," she tried to hide the fact that she couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Anyway, I'll see you after school? Sasabay ka ba?"

"I have band practice," he pouted.

"Agad-agad? Grabe, ano bang meron sa school year na toh? Is it just the fact that it's senior year kaya lalong naging hectic o talagang maraming nag-bago?" She thought out loud.

He shrugged in response. "Who knows? Basta mauna ka na lang. I'll just Uber home."

She wrinkled her nose to the idea. "I can wait for you."

He shook his head. "I don't know how long band practice is going to take. Mauna ka na. Carry ko na. Thank you though."

Danny was a victim of bullying ever since he started school as a kid. He was made fun of due to the fact that he was gay. That's why Jane is always so protective of him. "Baka ma-rape ka," she joked. Deep down, she was worried.

"Gaga. Tanghaling tapat mari-rape ako?" He laughed. "Okay nako, cuzzo. Promise," he smiled.

"People get kidnapped in broad daylight," she reminded him.

He chuckled. "Oo pero hindi ako tao so exempted ako."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Ewan ko sayo. Basta sure ka ha? Just call me if may problema or if you change your mind. I can pick you up, malapit lang naman."

"Yes, mother. I'll call you if I need you," he smiled. Then he gave her a hug before they parted ways.

After school, Jane made a quick trip to the lockers before heading home.

At the parking lot, she had just opened the car door when she saw Nella rushing.

"Hey," she called out to her.

Nella stopped and looked to the direction of the voice. "Oh, hey."

"Nagmamadali ka yata," Jane looked at her.

"My little cousin goes to the school across the street. I have to pick him up," Nella answered.

Jane nodded."I see. Do you need a ride?"

Nella hesitated. "Oh no, it's okay," she said trying to refuse politely.

"Are you sure? Pwede kita ihatid," Jane offered.

"Thanks, Jane, but it's just across the street," Nella replied.

"I mean pwede kita ihatid sa bahay nyo, kayo ng little cousin mo," Jane insisted.

Nella felt uncomfortable. "Okay lang talaga, Jane."

Jane paused before she nodded her head again. "I see. You don't know much about me kaya you're hesitating na malaman ko kung san ka nakatira."

Exactly. That's what Nella wanted to say, but she was trying not to be rude. "I was taught not to ride with strangers," she said as a subtle way of agreeing to what Jane said. "Tsaka maliit pa yung pinsan ko, he needs to be on a car seat. Kung ako lang sana, maybe I'll ride with you, pero mahirap na. Baka kidnapin mo kami, madamay pa tuloy yung pinsan ko. Lagot ako sa tito't tita ko," she added so Jane wouldn't take it too personally.