The Last Rule

Chapter 35 - Prize

"Do you think she'll like it?" I asked Dos while holding up the pair of white clogged slippers.

He wasn't even looking at me. Nakatunganga na naman. His eyes were fixed somewhere far away. 

We were at the mall today to buy a gift for Raela's birthday. She's not a fan of celebrations, so we were planning a surprise party. I picked these clogs because she needed them for her clinical duty sabi ni Kuya Calli.

"Hello? Tao po!" I waved the slippers in front of his face, trying to wake him from whatever  thoughts he was lost in.

He blinked, startled, and finally turned his eyes to me.

"Bakit white? Favorite niya ba 'yan?" he asked, trying to act like he was paying attention.

Wow. Inirapan ko siya, nagsisimula na akong mainis. I had explained the whole 'white duty shoes requirement' thing twice already. Ilang stores na rin ang nilibot namin para makahanap ng tamang pair.

"You're not with me, you're mind is somewhere else." I left him there at dumeretso sa counter. I heard him call my name pero hindi ko siya pinansin. I was crossing my arms and pouting the whole time I was waiting at the cashier.

After paying, I walked out of the store, sensing him trailing behind me.

"Sorry na... lablab, sorry na," He tried to catch up.

"Stop calling me that you're not my boyfriend." Inirapan ko siya.

"Wag ka na magtampo, please? Alam kong cute ka pag nagtatampo, mukha kang mochi. Pero wag mo na ako sungitan, please," he pleaded with his signature puppy eyes.

"Anong mochi?!" I glared at him.

"Ililibre nalang kita ng ice cream." He grinned and flashed a peace sign. Before I could even answer, he had somehow gently dragged me toward the ice cream parlor. I don't even remember agreeing. Ganyan siya palagi. Before I know it, I'm going along with his plans.

I sat at a small table for two, arms still crossed. He went straight to the counter without even asking what flavor I wanted.

Of course.

A few minutes later, he returned with two cups and placed one in front of me

Strawberry. My usual.

He stared at me expectantly.

I don't feel like eating strawberry.

I looked at the cup, then at him.

"Ayaw mo ba 'yan?" he asked. Without waiting, he swapped it with his Cookies and Cream.

I stared again.

I don't like Cookies and Cream either.

He read my expression and knew right away.

"Anong flavor gusto mo?"

"No need" I told him and padabog na kinuha yung ice cream even though I don't like it. Sayang kasi.

"Ako na ang kakain niyan. Anong flavor ang gusto mo talaga?"

"Chocolate."

He stood up without hesitation and joined the now longer line. Mas dumami na ang tao and mas mahaba na ang pila. Now i feel bad. Kasi naman eh! 

I opened my phone to distract myself. Most of the messages were from Teby. Marami pang kulang sa decorations, she was asking if I could buy more items for the party. 

Minutes later I heard a cup being placed on the table.

A few minutes later, Dos returned and gently placed the chocolate ice cream on the table in front of me.