First Rain Of Summer | COMPLETED

Eighteen

THERESE'S POV

"Bagay sa shape ng mukha m 'yong squared frame," he picked up the eyeglasses he's talking about. "Here, the amount of thickness of the frame is just right and it suits you."

After I shopped with Lola, until now, I'm not used to calling her that, so I decided to get my prescription eyeglasses. Xavier is with me while Lola has something to buy at the grocery. She didn't let us come with her because Kuya Julio accompanied her.

"You really think so?" I tilted my head a bit.

I just got my eye checked and according to the optometrist, both my eyes' grade is two hundred and my astigmatism is one hundred, which is quite surprising to me since I haven't experienced a headache that much.

"Yup," he was actually the one who put it on me and that made me startled a little bit. "Tingnan mo sa salamin."

I looked at the mirror and he's correct. It did suit me.

I removed it and looked at the price, "Hmm, nine thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine pesos."

"Nine thousand?!" he half shouted and half whispered.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya and shocked registered on his face.

"What the heck is your problem?" I frowned.

The price is pretty decent considering the brand, it's Tom Ford and it's already discounted.

"Ang mahal, Therese. Iba na lang ang piliin mo," he nervously chuckled.

"It's actually nice and discounted na siya. Don't worry about it," I wore the eyeglasses again and looked at myself in the mirror. "I'm so pretty with this." I mumbled.

"You're right." I heard him speak.

"I'll get it," I walked towards the optician and I handed over the frame.

"Cashier na lang po ang payment, ma'am." He smiled.

I headed over to the cashier and paid the total amount; eyeglasses and check-up.

"It will take one to two days po bago niyo makuha ang salamin." The cashier said and smiled.

As per her, they'll just text me when it's ready to pick up. Now we're done here, I have no exact plan after this.

"Do you want to grab an ice cream?"

I nodded to his question, "Sure, why not."

"Okay, libre ko this time."

I softly chuckled. Gustong pumalakpak ng aking mga tainga nang marinig ko ang salitang libre. It's been a while when someone treat me at hindi ako tatanggi.

"Mint choco," I looked at him and waited for his reaction. Not everyone wants that flavor and it disgust them. Parang toothpaste na nilagyan ng chocolate chip daw. That kind of logic is stupid. Of course, there's a cream and it doesn't taste like one!

"Mint choco?" He stopped walking and I did, too. Now, what is his problem?

"Uh-huh, may problema ka?" I put my hand on my waist.

"Wala akong alam kung saan makakabili no'n, eh." It's a habit of him when he doesn't know or certain with something to scratch his back head.

"I know a place," I shrugged. "Masarap do'n and not too expensive!" I excitedly said.

He smiled, "Alright, lead the way."

We started to walk again. It's Sunday, hence the mall is packed with people but somehow the noise is bearable. When we arrived at the ice cream shop, I'm glad that we didn't need to wait long as the line was short.

"I'll get two scoops," I went over the line and there were three people in front of us.

"One hundred and twenty pesos per scoop?" there's a hint of shock in his voice and that made me feel bad. Hindi ba siya sanay sa mga ganito?

I said, "I'll get one scoop na lang pala. I'm not in the mood to eat din naman."

Sometimes, I have to be aware of the people I'm with. I'm so fixated with my own desire that I forgot I'm with this person who I think has less money than I have. I'm used to buying whatever I want without thinking about the price as long as I like the product.

It's our turn and I'm patiently waiting for Xavier to say our order.

"Two scoops of caramel vanilla and," he looked at me then back to the crew. "Mint chocolate, make it two scoops also."

"Is that all, sir?"

Xavier answered and paid. While sitting and waiting I called his attention.

"I said, I wanted one scoop," I don't want to burden him financially. I saw him worked his ass off at ang kapal ng mukha ko magpalibre.

"It's fine. May extrang allowance ako this week from Lola."

"But-" he cut me off.

"Paano 'yan, nabili ko na. Nakakahiya naman kapag binawi ko pa." he casually shrugged.

I deeply sighed, a sign that he won. "Alright and next time, let me treat you to a meal."

"Works for me."

I got a text from Lola and according to her they're done with groceries.

"Pinapatanong ni Madam Eula if may bibilhin ka pa raw?"

Umiling siya, "Bakit daw?"

"They're waiting at the parking, tapos na raw sila sa grocery." I stated.

"Ikaw ba? Do you have to buy something?"

I shook my head with his question. "Let's go, then."

We stood up and exited the store. We're walking when he stated something that caught my attention.

"You know, if we're pretending, at least we should do it properly."

"What do you mean?"

Diretso lang ang kaniyang tingin. "At least let me know what you're up to. Lola keeps on asking question kung ano raw ba ang ganap mo sa buhay and I've been telling her lies."

He looked at me briefly, "I don't want to keep on lying to her, lalo na she's very fond of you."

There's a hint of guilt registering on his face and that made me want to pull my hair. Frankly, Xavier is a good person. There was one time I saw him helping the owner of the bakery shop across the school hand out the flyers. He even fed the stray dogs when he encountered one. He always has dog treats inside his bag.

He smiles more often now, compared to past years.

"Fine, I'll update you."

I wanted to apologize but I couldn't. I feel like the words won't naturally come out as I'm not used to apologizing. Pakiramdam ko kasi palagi akong nasa tama no matter what I do.

"Oh, that. Not every day I have load at baka hindi ako makaparesponse sa 'yo. Pero h'wag ka magalala, I'll wrote you a note."

I just nodded and we patiently waited in front of the mall entrance for Lola's car while eating the ice cream he bought for the both of us.