Maddie's POV
A tall beautiful girl is leaning on her car waiting for me. Her tall frame making it easy for me to look at her.
"Oh, bata. Bakit biglaan ang uwi mo? And gosh, you look like a mess." Ate Mae, my cousin who lives here in Davao asked once I entered her car.
Yes, I'm in Davao. This is the first place that came into my mind. Hoping that the peace of mind I am looking for is here.
"Na-miss din kita, ate." I answered sarcastically.
"Still the same 'ol Maddie." She laughed loudly, just like any other friend I have, she likes making fun of me.
"I didn't go here to be the subject of your amusement."
"Loosen up. Kaya ang sarap mo asarin eh."
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes at her.
"Pero, bakit ka nga umuwi? Ang alam ko ayaw na ayaw mo nalalayo sa mga best friends mo." She gave me a quick glance before returning her eyes on the road.
I couldn't find the right words to answer her, I thought I can escape them, but boy, how is that possible they are part of my life, they are my life. It's frustrating not being able to tell them about what's happening inside my head. They are the ones who really know me and it's them I want to talk with when it comes to things I'm not familiar with but I just can't tell them that I like Pauline.
"Did I say something wrong? Nag-away ba kayo?" Ate Mae's playful demeanor is now gone.
"No. Well, yeah, kinda." I scratched my nape trying to give her a proper answer.
"Kaya ka ba umuwi dito?"
"I miss dada and nana. But you can say that also."
It's true, I miss my grandparents. It has been awhile since the last time I saw them.
"Don't worry. I know you guys will work it out." She said trying to console me.
"Thank you, ate." I sincerely said.
"It's no biggie. I'm here if you want to talk about it."
"I know, thank you. Anyway, enough about me, how are you?" I made my voice cheerful to lighten the mood.
"All is well for me. Naunahan mo lang ako, dapat ikaw susundo saakin sa airport eh."
My eyebrows creased and I stared at her with a quizzical look.
"I'll study in Manila." Her grin is contagious that it made me do the same.
"Really?! Wow. When are you moving?"
This will be such a good news for the others. Just thinking about it makes me excited.
"Maybe next week."
"Nice, sasabay nalang ako sayo."
"What?! Ka-on at tulog mo lang yan, bukas uwi ka na." She suddenly stepped on the break making the both of us halt forwarda.
"I said, sasabay.ako.sayo." I put emphasis in every word to mock her.
"Baliw! Pilosopo!" She smacked the back of my head making me glare at her.
"Sabi mo "what?" eh sinagot lang kita."
"Sira! May pasok ka, tapos one week ka dito?"
"OA mo, ate. I told dad to talk to the school."
"Ikaw ha, using your dad's connections." She smirked and I threw a tissue at her.
Our remaining car ride was filled with silence. It wasn't awkward or full of tension. Maybe she sensed that I want some time to think, even if that's what I've been doing since I realized I like Pauline.
