From the Ground Up

Chapter 2 (Meeting You)

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to, I-" The words catch in my throat, a pathetic excuse for an apology. My eyes dart around the room, searching for a friendly face. There, in the corner of my eye, is Aaron, standing uncomfortably close to Say. My heart pounds frantically in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the embarrassment I'm drowning in. Heat sneaks up my neck, staining my cheeks a humiliating hue of crimson. Everyone is staring. Every face in this room feels like a spotlight, illuminating me. 

"Uhm, I'm gonna get going," I hear Delia and Juan's voices calling from behind the crowd. A wave of relief washes over me. "Again I'm so sorry," my voice barely audible over the roaring in my ears. With a surge of adrenaline, I fled, my legs pounding against the floor as I parted the river of bodies like Moses when he parted the red sea. I pray with every step that this humiliating moment would be gone and pretend that it didn't happen. 

"Bilisan niyo tumakbo ang daming nakakita gago!"

"Ano ba Delia, wag ka sumigaw lalo tayong mahahalata eh"

Soon as I heard Juan, I know in myself I couldn't accept the fact that I touched him. HIM.  My mind replayed the scene in slow motion, the shock turning into a nauseating wave of disbelief who was now probably disgusted with me.

"AAACKK, AYAW KO NA!!" I ran as fast as my legs could take me. A steam of happiness flowed through my body when I heard the sudden ding of the elevator.

"Thank God! Sakto may elevator!"

"Guys! Bilis may elevator dito" The slow creak of the closing door loosens the tight grip around my chest. A shaky sense of relief washed over me. 

"Ayun ligtas na tayo!"

"Bakit ang saya saya mo Juan, eh etong kaibigan natin yung napahamak dahil sa katangahan mo!"

I watch the two of them bicker. It's like watching a really low-budget rom-com in 3D. "Hahahaha, ang cute niyo para kayong magjowa" The words slip out before I can stop them. But before I can watch exciting part, a loud thud  followed by a beeping sound echoes through the room, startling me. My amusement vanishes, I saw his face, once again. My eyes widened like it's like I'd seen a ghost..

"Shit-"

"Hoy Juan tumahimik ka" Juan groaned as Delia's hand was in his mouth.

Earlier that day, someone got the nerve to  approach me. A confession hung in the air like a dandelion drifting in an unknown filed. And to my surprise she even brought along a friend, Aaron. Her gaze, filled to the brim with hope, it was a downright contrast to the indifference I felt. An uncomfortable presence in my life. Her feelings for me were unexpected, unwelcome.

"Hi, Diko uhm,," she stammered, her voice barely audible over the clatter on the hallway. I forced a neutral expression, masking the irritation I felt.

"Get to the point. I haven't got all day." 

"Come on man, just let her finish." 

"I like you! Diko.. I like-"

"Yusay," I began, my tone flat, devoid of any warmth put a lump on her throat. "Well I don't, so if you'll excuse me I'll have to get going." The words felt like stones, heavy and cold. I met her gaze, disappointing. 

"Wait lang Diko! Grabe ka naman! Can't you give me a chance?"

"Oo nga Diko, Give Say a chance"

"Shut up Aaron, you have no part in this."

"I don't care if you sob or even be hysterical in front of me" I spat out those words laced with frustration. "I should get going. I have lots of errands to do."