First Rain Of Summer | COMPLETED

Eleven

THERESE'S POV

"Make me your apprentice, Madam Eula."

With my straightforward and bold statement, I could see amusement written on her face. I didn't waste any second right after I showed her all my sketches.

She sipped from her tea cup, "That was so sudden."

Xavier is sitting beside her, attentively listening to our conversation.

"Ever since I saw your musing, I fell in love and right at that moment, I wanted to learn from the best, that happened to be you."

"How can I get you if I wasn't sure with your skills. You know, hindi ako basta-basta kumuha lang dahil mapapahiya ako." She smiled.

"As you can see, I believe my designs align with your vision and I think with my skills, I'm a fast learner." I looked at Xavier, to back me up here,

"It's true, 'La. She's a fast learner and if hindi mo naman siya kukunin bilang apprentice mo, at least train her."

Gusto ko siyang sapukin dahil sa suggestion niya. Anong hindi kukunin? I don't just want to train under her, I want to be her apprentice.

I gave him a hindi-ka-nakakatulong look.

"Three months," then she sipped from her tea cup again, "I'll give you three months to create a gown from one of your designs. Nakasalalay ang desisyon ko sa gown na 'yon."

That's a piece of cake. I accept the challenge.

"Of course, you can still ask me for some advice and if you have time, you can enroll on one of my courses."

"I'll gladly do that, Madam Eula."

Madam Eula and her assistant had to go first as they still have to meet some clients. That left me with Xavier.

"So, how was it?" he asked.

I sipped from my tea cup. The tea has now gone cold.

"Fine," maikling sagot ko.

Deep inside, I wanted to jump and shout because of happiness but I must be wary kasi the last time I felt this, there was a price.

"Seryoso? I could see your eyes twinkling when Lola offered you a challenge." Prente itong nakaupo.

"Shut up, you pervert." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm now a pervert when all I did was to help you back there."

"You called that help? You even suggested that I'll just train under her."

Tumawa ito, "Ano ba gusto mong gawin ko?"

Bakit ba nandito pa rin ito? Is it because I haven't paid him yet for fixing my car? I sighed. Kinuha ko ang dalawang libo sa 'king wallet at nilapag iyon sa mesa.

"There, my payment for fixing my car. As for the tire, magkano naman iyon?"

"Bayaran mo na lang 'yong gulong. Hiniram ko lang iyon sa garage ni Lola ng walang paalam."

What the heck? Paano kung malaman iyon ni Madam Eula. I'm not concerned about him, inaalala ko lang ang aking sarili. I don't to get on Madam Eula's bad side dahil sa ginawa niya.

I straightened, "Are you insane? Paano kung nalaman niya iyon. Iisipin pa no'n inutusan kitang nakawin iyon."

"Correction, hiniram ko 'yon."

"Whatever."

Binayaran ko 'yon. Mabuti na lang I have some extra cash with me.

"You shouldn't suppress the happiness you're feeling now." Tumingala ako, para tingnan siya dahil nakatayo na ito, ready to leave. Mabuti naman.

"If you're happy, then you're happy. If you're sad, then you're sad. No one will reprimand you for feeling them. You should live in the present, not in the uncertainty of the future."

-

I came home feeling better than before. I may be alone but I like it. The silence sang me a lullaby.

Damn that Xavier for messing up with my mind. He can't just run his damn mouth and give unsolicited opinions. That night, I texted him. I asked him to accompany me.

You, 6:32 p.m.

I need you to accompany me.

Mamimili ako ng mga gamit at wala akong

alam sa Divisoria. Baka alam mo pasikot-sikot

doon.

Xavier Vin, 6:32 p.m.

Mukha ba akong tour guide mo.

You, 6:34 p.m.

Didn't you say feel free to use you? Beside

I'll pay you in exchange for your time.

Xavier Vin, 6:34 p.m.

Iba talaga kapag mayaman, pati

oras binibili.

Sige, malaki na ang utang mo sa 'kin

Make sure to pay.

You, 6:65 p.m.

Don't worry, baka nga bayaran pa kita in

advance.

Xavier Vin, 6:36 p.m.

Deal.

Just so you know, wear your casual

outfit and let me do the bargaining.

You, 6:37 p.m.

Alright.

We've decided to buy supplies two days from now because according to him, he has a prior commitment that he can't cancel. As if I care. All I need is for him to accompany me. Wala akong pakialam sa mga affair niya.

I decided to have take-out food because I don't cook and I don't know how except for cooking noodles and egg. I need some real food in order to survive.

There's a minimal sting on my throat whenever I swallow food but thanks to Xavier, nawala na ang pamumula nito. He even gave me Advil to take if ever I can't handle the pain. To my surprise, I could handle it.

Now that I remember, there was a time I noticed a hand mark on Xavier's neck. That was a long time ago, maybe when we were in tenth grade. My curiosity built up despite being firm that I don't give a fuck about his life story.

Kung hindi siya gangster, like what he stated, paano at saan niya nakukuha ang mga pasa at sugat niya? Ano 'yon, trip niya lang pumasok sa school na may ganoon? Or baka kulang din siya sa aruga, kagaya ko, kaya nagpapansin siya sa school.

I sighed. Maybe he was abused in his own house? Or maybe he was bullied by someone? I massaged my temple because thinking of how he got those stresses me. I should not get involved in his life.

Mabuti na 'yong walang deeper connection between us. I'll use him and vice versa, he can use me to have more money in his pocket. I don't know what kind of relationship we had as of the moment, but it should stay the same at all times.