Change of Heart

Chapter 13

Tristan

“Yes, it’s parked at the lower ground floor. I’ve forwarded you the plate number.” I was on the phone with Pedring to give him instructions on how to get my car. “Anna will give you the duplicate key, Pedring. Give the phone to Anna. I’m going to talk to her.”

Pedring handed the phone to Anna.

“Yes, sir?” Came in Anna’s submissive voice.

“Get a cab and pick me up from school. My class is near the back gate.” I said in a stern voice. “Be here by 5pm. You know I’m not patient, so be on time!” I recalled that my wallet is empty, so I added, “And borrow money from Michael!”

“Yes, sir.”

In the afternoon, the weather was suddenly gloomy. It started to rain. Just freakin’ nice! I’m feeling gloomy because of what happened today and the weather just makes the mood brighter.

I wondered if Erica’s anger dissipated. Erica always looked too kind and anger just did not suit her. I was still stricken with guilt and it felt weird because normally, I wasn’t like this.

At exactly 5pm, a taxi stood waiting for me at the back entry. Anna was standing beside it, looking sharp and always ready with her handbag on one hand and an umbrella on the other.

“Okay, let’s go.”  I said.

Anna jumped and held out the passenger’s seat for me. I sidestepped her and opened the back seat. She hesitantly took the front seat.

The taxi was approaching near the exit, but it passed by the front gate.

Then I spotted her. Erica was at the taxi stand, but she wasn’t alone. She was accompanied by Seth.

“Stop the car!”

The taxi hit the break and as my body lunged forward, I remembered the incident in the jeepney. I don’t know if it’s right to be amused by that memory, but I was.

“Something wrong, sir?” Anna asked while giving the taxi driver an apologetic smile.

“Nothing.”

I stared at the two. Do they know each other? Maybe. After all, Erica’s only friend was Seth’s sister. She must’ve introduced them to each other. Seth and Erica seemed to be awkward around each other, but there was something I couldn’t explain about Seth’s smile. It was as if he knew her so well already.

“Manong driver, can you drop us off at where you pick us up?” I said to the driver. He scowled and sighed and made a U-turn.

“B-but sir why?” Anna asked, bewildered. “Is something wrong? Have you forgotten something?”

“Manong driver, there is a girl probably waiting for a taxi at the stand. Her name is Erica. Go to her.” I said, as I hopped off the car. Stunned, Anna followed me out.