Wicked Games (An Epistolary Novel)

127

Julian was joining us in Anvaya and I'm not surprised. What surprised me was the fact that he seemed to be avoiding me. O baka imagination ko lang 'yun? He was normally quiet naman pero nasanay na siguro ako na nag-uusap na kami kahit papaano kaya naninibago ako kapag hindi na siya nagsasalita at all! Wala na kami masyadong kroo-kroo moments! Improvement!

Was he not in the mood today?

Or was he tired? The travel to Bataan was not that long, just 3 hours including the traffic, but we left Manila almost 9PM so it's past midnight na. He must be sleepy by now.

Or. . . was it because of yesterday? I kinda declined his offer to join him for dinner.

Oh, gosh.

Baka hindi na niya ako yayain ever!

Shocks.

I shook my head, biting my lips. I'm overthinking things again. I should definitely heed Rachel's advice not to overanalyze everything.

Maybe it's nothing. Tomorrow, we'll be back to normal.

Right.

***

Lunch came and I have proven that he's definitely avoiding me. He was still awfully quiet and this time, hindi na lang ako ang nakakapansin. Even Xylene was giving me the eye, silently asking me what happened. I casually shrugged, equally clueless. The frown on Julian's handsome face seemed to be permanent. If he's a woman, I'd think it's her time of the month.

I let him be. Maybe he needed time for himself. I spent time with my other friends while lounging by the beach front.

"I have something to say. We listen, we don't judge, okay?" I chuckled.

Kumunot ang noo ni Rachel bago tumaas ang kilay. "You don't use that line much, unless what you'll say is worth judging."

Natawa ako. "Grabe siya! No judgment! This is a safe space!"

She rolled her eyes at me. "I will listen, and I will try my best not to judge. Ano ba kailangan mo, advisor o reactor?"

I grinned. "All of the above po."

"I think. . . Julian's avoiding me." I started, voice low. I didn't want anyone to hear what I'll say. Marami pa namang chismoso everywhere.

"Huh? Paano mo naman nasabi?"

I told everything to Rachel starting from our unexpected encounter last night up until my observation of him this morning.

"Tingin mo nagselos siya kaya ka iniiwasan? Huy, 'wag delulu!"

My eyes widened at her statement.

"Huh?! Wala naman akong sinabing nagseselos siya!" My cheeks burned. Heck, I wasn't even thinking of that until Rachel mentioned it. I was thinking maybe rejection doesn't sit well with him. Introvert na nga 'yong tao tapos dinecline pa noong nag-aya, 'di ba?

Oh, gosh.

Bakit naman siya magseselos?! Hindi naman kami mag-jowa!

Siya itong nagsasabi na 'wag akong delulu tapos siya itong naglalagay ng kung anu-ano sa utak ko!

I tried my damnest not to think of what Rachel insinuated earlier. At this point, mas lalo lang ata ako nag-overthink!

It was nighttime, and we were chilling by the pool. I wasn't drinking any alcohol yet, only juice. When I finished my first glass, I stood up to have another fill from the bar counter by the pool. When I turned around, I almost bumped into Julian.

I hid my shock, quickly making a chirpy expression. "Hi!"

"Hi." The way he said it was so serious.

"You okay?" I asked lightly, my subtle attempt of interrogating him.

Kumunot ang noo niya nang bahagya. It was so subtle, but I noticed it because why wouldn't I? I easily notice things when it comes to him because he only has few expressions. And at this point, mukhang babalik na naman siya sa default expression niya na poker face.

"Why won't I be?" he replied with an air of nonchalance.

Luh.

Sungit naman.

"I don't know. Your frown seemed to be permanent on your pretty face."

"It's nothing. Just tired," was his bland reply before putting his glass down. "I'm going upstairs. Good night."

He was obviously not in the mood for a talk, so I let him be. Baka lalo lang siyang mainis kung pipilitin ko.

"Okay, good night. See you tomorrow!" I waved kahit hindi na niya iyon kita.

I watched his back as he walked away to the hotel building. I wasn't able to bond with him today, but we still have a full day tomorrow before we leave for Manila at night.

I don't want to feel bum about what's happening, so I joined my friends with their foam party at the pool. Tonight, I'll enjoy myself. Hopefully, tomorrow's better.