Next To Me

14. The Walls in Between

He decided that he should just face her and tell her the truth, that the guy had mistaken them for a couple. But that would be embarrassing on her part. She might not come with him at the grocery store again, more so at any place outside.

But it was his fault too, he thought. He should have saved himself right from the start, at the cashier, or at least explained to Maine what happened and not run with the box to his room. He should have shoved the box back to the scary guy and told him that he's not getting the item, lest he get a punch in the face or two. But everything already happened. He's already in this situation, and now he couldn't think of a way to solve it.

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Two days had passed. RJ still hasn't appeared or made his presence in front of her since he ran away with the box. Maine thought they could have that day together since he decided to be absent for work, they could bond as new friends. She even decided to invite him for a movie marathon since she downloaded a few ones she thinks he might like. She even bought packs of popcorn when they were at the grocery. RJ wakes up early to go to work. She was still sleeping then so he's already gone even if she want to invite him for another breakfast. When Maine would have dinner, RJ hasn't come home yet. (Yes, she checks his room, if there is light from his balcony door then that means he's there.) she would hear noise from his room when she's already lying in bed starting to sleep. She thought he must have become busy with work lately.

She admit to herself she misses him. It felt nice to have company and someone to talk to. Especially when you're living alone and you don't get to go out that much.
She thought she'd have a constant company in that lonely building. Someone to greet good morning at the doorway, then talk to during dinner, relaying tales about their day, anything that piqued their interest or anything under the sun. RJ actually is fun to talk with. There are things that they both like, and when they contradict, they learn from each other's point of view of the subject.

One Friday evening she couldn't take it anymore, she sent him a text message during dinner.

M: Hi RJ. How are you? Haven't seen you around lately.

RJ was surprised when he checked his phone while starting to grab his bag. He almost forgot Maine. After the embarrassing incident, he became busy at work that he had to take over time. Since then, he haven't got back to her.

"RJ, let's go! Nakababa na sila, papunta na ng resto." A girl told him, one of his officemates. His team were having a company dinner outside in one of the newly opened restaurant near their office. Another text message came in.

M: uhm, pauwi ka na ba? Nagdinner na? I have this extra chops I bought earlier, may bagong bukas na fast food sa baba malapit lang. They're cheap and give large servings. Masarap din ung food nila! Just thought of sharing with you.

"Ate Jade, pasensya na. Di na ko makakasama sa dinner." RJ told his waiting officemate.

"O, why? May nangyari ba?"

"Wala naman. But I have to go home na. Thanks for the invite. Pakisabi nalang kina boss."

"Sige, okay. I'll tell them. Ingat pag-uwi." The girl said as she head out first disappointed.

RJ: Maine, tirhan mo ko ng chops na yan. I have to try that! Para may malapit na tayong mabibilan ng dinner. I'm on my way home.

Maine grinned from ear to ear upon receiving his reply. It felt like she received the Christmas gift that she want. She went out to the balcony then looked down at the street. Waiting for any signs of him.