A smile was on my face as Von and I walked around the mall while looking for Kuya.
"Ella," Von softly said.
"Hmm?" I replied, turning to look at him to see what he wanted to say. By now, I knew some of the things Von didn’t like. One of the things he disliked the most was when you didn’t look at him while he was talking.
"Can- can we do this again?" I frowned at Von's question. "I mean, can we go out again? Just the two of us," he said. I smiled and nodded.
We were about to continue walking when someone called our names.
"Yu."
"Von."
When we turned around, we saw Kuya Drix and some of their friends. "Yu, where did you go? I was so worried back there. I’m sure Lola will get mad if she finds out, and she might not let you go out again." I started to feel nervous at what Kuya said, thinking that the plan Von and I made might not happen.
"Von, you just disappeared. I thought you were just going to answer your aunt’s call," Amy said, clearly upset. I couldn’t help but wonder if something was going on between them, so I looked away and didn’t listen to their conversation.
"Yuella, come on, let’s go to the ice cream part so you can taste the best ice cream in the world. Don’t worry, it’s my treat," Justine said with a wide grin, even giving me a playful wink.
I couldn’t help but laugh, amused by how Justine invited me. I looked at Kuya Drix to see if he would allow me to go.
Kuya Drix, still laughing, nodded and put his arm around me as we headed to the ice cream shop.
"Is everyone getting a free treat from you, Justine?" Kayl teased. We all laughed when Justine’s face suddenly turned sour as if he had just suffered a loss before he glared at Kayl.
"Shut up, Kayl, you’re richer than me!" Justine shot back, and they continued their playful conversation until we all sat down inside the shop.
"Yuella, what flavor do you want?" Justine asked, ready to go to the counter.
"Chocolate flavor, Justine. Thank you," I smiled at him, but my smile faded when I saw Von glancing at me and then quickly looking away. I furrowed my brow, but I shrugged it off, thinking I was just imagining things.
A few moments later, Justine returned with the ice cream. He smiled as he handed mine to me, and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Von watching Justine. When our eyes met, he looked away.
While we were eating, Justine came by my side, laughing as he asked if I wanted more and if I did, he’d be ready to go back to the counter and get it.
Kuya Drix laughed, teasing me, "You’ll gain weight all of a sudden." I frowned at him and politely declined Justine’s offer.
I was still full from what Von and I had eaten earlier, and I wanted to save some room in my stomach for dinner at home. I didn’t want Lola to get upset with me again for not eating what she cooked.
Kuya and his friends were talking about something else, likely about their studies. I found out that they were all taking up civil engineering. I couldn’t help but admire their skills, thinking how amazing it was that they were still together and succeeding in their studies.
After finishing my ice cream, I stared outside the store, watching the people passing by. I was reminded that the next school year was fast approaching, and soon, I would be in college. Although I had my doubts and worries, I kept reassuring myself that I could do it and that I wouldn’t give up for Lola’s sake.
I must’ve been lost in thought for a while because I was only brought back to reality when Kuya Drix tapped my shoulder.
"Yu, let’s go," Kuya said. I nodded, grabbed my bag, and stood up.
When we got outside the Mall of Asia, Kuya’s friends started saying their goodbyes, as they each had their own things to do.
"Were you with Von earlier?" Kuya cautiously asked. From looking out the car window, I shifted my gaze to him. "Yes, Kuya. I lost sight of you earlier, and he was the only one I saw. I’m sorry, Kuya, it won’t happen again."
"It’s okay, Yu. Just don’t wander off next time because we’ll both get scolded," Kuya said with a laugh, trying to lighten my mood.
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:)
YOU ARE READING
Unwritten Destiny
RomanceA young woman with a single dream, a peaceful and happy life surrounded by the people she loves. Raised by her grandmother, who became both her guardian and guide, she lost her mother at a young age, and her father's absence felt just as profound. I...
