CAUGHT (REVAMPED)

12

Elijah Alkie Rivera

After packing up Ali's pasalubong for me, both of us immediately followed mamang police sa labas. Mamang police's car was parked inside the garage but he was not there so we went past the gate and saw Gerard leaning against the hood of his car. 

Mamang police's back was facing us, but I could clearly see the amusement on Gerard's eyes. Nakuuu! He better not crush over mamang police. Ako naunang magka-crush eh!

 He was nodding his head over something mamang police asked him and raised his hand to greet me as soon as he saw me. I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously. One thing I noticed about Gerard is he's kinda playful contrary sa face niyang scary. 

Ali playfully elbowed me and wiggled her brows. "Ang laki ng katawan, Eli~" 

I looked at Gerard and nodded my head. "There's a room full of gym equipment sa house niya." 

"Gwapo sana pero medyo scary ang vibes. Di naman siguro 'yan mamamatay tao?" We slowly crossed the road, with Ali's arm hooked on mine. 

I gasped and looked at her. "That's what I thought too!"

"Hoy! Gaga ka!" She pushed me gently. 'Umayos ka. Di talaga kita bibitawan ngayon. Diretso ka kulong sa bahay. Baka kung anong mangyari sa'yo, Elijah."

I laughed at her. "He's a good guy, Ali. I swear." 

"El," Gerard called me nang makalapit kami sa kanila ni mamang police. I couldn't help but notice at his sudden nickname for me. Okay lang din. El sounds cute din naman. 

"Hi!" I greeted back and pulled Ali closer. "This is Ali pala, Gerard." 

Gerard nodded his head towards Ali and extended his left arm. "Nice to meet you, Ali. Gerard nga pala. Housemate nitong si El." 

"Aliyah." Ali received his hands with a bright smile on her face. "Thanks sa pagsundo kay, Eli. Gabi na din kasi."

Umiling siya. "No worries. I do this all the time when I was still living with my ex and brother. "

"Oh..." Ali slowly turned to look at me and grinned. 

Inirapan ko siya and was about to start a banter with her when mamang police called my name.

"Po?"  I asked and gave him a confused look.

He moved close to me and patted my head. "You're always welcome here."

"I'll just get your things," he added and walked away. 

I followed his disappearing figure with my hands on my head. I blinked and looked at Ali who was also looking at his brother. When she noticed me she narrowed her eyes then grinned. Sometimes talaga I'm scared of what's going on inside this girl's head. 

"Welcome ka daw dito, beh," then she leaned close to my ears. "Ayaw niya sa boylet mo."

My eyes widened and glanced at Gerard whose busy with his phone na. "But hindi ko siya boylet."

She laughed loudly tapos tinulak ako papunta kay Gerard. It happened too suddenly that I kind of tripped papunta sa kaniya. Thank God I got caught immediately! I patted Gerard's arms and then turned to glare at Ali.