Played Without Rules

02. Him

Liam Ford Fortalejo

"LA, pasok na 'ko."

I kissed my granny's cheeks as soon as I've seen her on the dining area with a cup on her left arm. I assumed it was a chocolate drink which she always like to have early in the morning.

She gave me an inquiring look, later on, took a sip.

"Aren't you gonna eat?"

"Sa school na lang po, La," I replied

She didn't move and just met my gaze.

"Very well,  be careful on your way," she finally said. I gave her a smile and headed for the door.

After a few minutes, I'm walking on the same elegant pathway of the school my father owns.

"Bro, sup?" Darren greeted me with a joyous smile. Often times, that gesture is calculated to reach most female hearts.

"Aray, ba't ka tumigil sa paglalakad Denim?"

Napalingon ako sa likod nang marinig  ang reklamo ni Archie. The latter raised his hand and saluted.

"Guys, me--" 

"Save it Archie," I said cutting him. Still a frustrated comedian. I never really liked his jokes, but since we are friends we have to bear with it.

Samantalang ang lalaki kung saan siya nabangga ay nanatiling walang emosyon. Denim rarely speaks and would never want to waste his effort into things that lack importance.

"Naglalakad tayo Denim, subukan mo kayang iwan naman 'yang nobelang hawak mo," nakangiting sambit ni Archie.

Matalim na tingin lang ang isinagot ng kausap nito.

"Just kidding," the other answered quickly.

"Bullshit!" By the sound of his voice, mainit na naman ang ulo ni Hemming.

I glanced at him, and yes, he was frowning.

"Kamusta sembreak?" tanong ko sa kanila.

"It was awesome!" Darren exclaimed. Only if I know, he have been fishing girls the whole vacation.

"No change," Denim stated, eyes still fixed on the novel.

"It's fun!" Archie blurted out. Let me guess, he's dating himself with food if I'm not mistaken.

"Tsk, full of crap," Hemming hissed back.

Sabay-sabay na kaming pumasok sa school.

Ang maingay na hall way ay bigla na lang tumahimik. I don't mind about how they see us, as long as they don't intrude with our business we're fine.

But at this moment, take Hemming's face as a warning, he was clearly not in the mood so it will do you good if you keep out of his way.

Upon seeing us entering the room, our classmates fell in silence.

"Babe!" Jaime exclaimed. She waved at me and  with a brisk move, went to me and dangled her hand on my arm.

"Oh, hi babe," I greeted.

"Didn't you miss me? We haven't seen each other for a month," she said, pouting.

"Babe it's just two weeks," I responded.

"It feels like month. I couldn't stand being far from you."

I was about to say something when our instructor  went inside. We begun to take our seats. Nasa tabi ko lang naman nakapuwesto si Jaime.