Behind Every Pages

Chapter Twenty-seven

Lestari

Ezra's way of courting was truly unique. It was different when a writer was the one pursuing you—you got a love letter every day.  And each one made my heart flutter a little more.

Hello Pretty,

Thank you for making me happy by supporting everything I do. I always appreciate the words you say, and they truly touch my heart. I hope to bring you happiness too, through the books I will continue to create for you, yes, just for you.

Love, Ezonme.

As I turned to the first page, I was speechless. My cheeks flushed with a warmth I couldn't explain.  My fingers traced the words, "Only for Lestari," and a shiver of pure joy ran down my spine.

He even made a book out of his fantasies from before. I shook my head in disbelief, a happy laugh escaping my lips. I immediately started reading, my heart pounding with each turn of the page.

All the questions I had about his stories were answered, and I felt a surge of gratitude for his thoughtfulness.  We were meeting tomorrow, and he had invited me to a fair. I'd never been to one before, but he said I would enjoy it.

Wherever we went, I knew I would be happy because I had Ezonme by my side. He had a way of making every day feel special.

My smile faltered when Luther walked past the living room. He'd been leaving the house a lot lately.

"Where are you going?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

"Wherever," he replied with a grin, but his eyes seemed to hold a secret. I playfully threw a pillow at him.

"Saan nga? You're always leaving without saying anything," I said, trying to sound serious, but my voice betrayed my worry.

"Fine, I have a painting contest, okay?"

"Today? Why didn't you tell me! I'll come watch!" I immediately stood up and was about to run upstairs to get ready when he spoke again.

"That's exactly why I didn't want to tell you, I didn't want you to come watch," he said with a frown.

What does he mean? Doesn't he want me to support him? I'm only starting to make it up to him as his older sister, so I should support him in his hobbies like painting.

"And why not?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"I-I don't want you to see me lose," he avoided eye contact and pouted.

"Why do you think you'll lose when you're actually going to win?" I retorted.

"How do you know? You have no idea who's my competitors are, of course they're good,"

Why is he so negative?

"And you're good too! I've seen all your paintings and I know you're good, you can win," I encouraged him, shaking him by the shoulders, trying to shake some of his negativity away.

"You're saying too much," he looked away, his cheeks flushed with a shade of pink.

"Talaga, sit there and wait for me. Try leaving without me," I pointed at him, my voice laced with a playful threat, before leaving to get ready.

Nakinig naman siya dahil talagang hinintay niya ako, masungit pa siyang tumingin sa akin dahil daw ma le-late siya, na-guilty naman ako, baka kasi imbis na manalo, natalo pa sa pagiging late.

Nang marating namin ang event ay isa iyong studio ng sikat na pintor sa aming lugar. Siya pala ang gumawa ng contest para sa mga kabataang nagpipinta. Galing sa iba't ibang bayan ang dumalo at marami rin ang katulad kong sumusuporta.