My Perfect Stranger

-The Box-

"Russel, saan ang restroom dito?" He instructed me to go left straight down the hallway and I did. I didn't pee. I just found myself looking at the mirror and watching my face while feeling my heartbeat. After a few months, I thought I was almost halfway done with my healing and rebuilding myself. Before I came here, I was very certain that I could handle Manila and everything in it but in just one moment all that I believe in was vague. I am suddenly frightened of something that I'm not aware. I don't know. I just don't know.

"Anna?" I was startled by his voice. I don't know how to face him. Oh God! Why does it have to be this freaking complicated!? Why?

"Anna, are you okay?" He called out again.

"Y-yeah. I'll be out in a second." I draw a few deep breaths before I go out. I saw him standing outside and worrying. I smiled. He's still the same Aidan a few months ago and unfortunately I'm still the same Anna too. I'm scared. I'm still scared to fall again.

"Everything okay?" No. I replied mentally.

"Yeah. Of course. Medyo nawindang lang ako sa performance mo kaya kailangan kong i-absorb ang lahat." Of course I wouldn't dare say what's on my mind. It will only make matters complicated.

"So kailangan talaga sa loob ng CR?" He grins.

"Whatever." I walked past him.

"Did you like it?" He asked timidly and I stopped with my trail.

"Like what?" I answered confusedly and faced him with my arms folded in front of me.

He rolls his eyes. "Come on. You know it."

"I don't. Anong sinasabi mo?" What do I know? What he's talking about?

"Don't make me say it please." I raised an eyebrow.

"Come on Aidan. I really don't know what you're talking about. Just say it directly. Hindi ako marunong magbasa ng utak." I sounded pissed.

He stared at me and I did the same as well. I'm waiting for him to say it but then he's also waiting for me to figure it out. Ano ba kasi yun at ayaw niyang sabihin sa akin?

"Sir Arboleda? I've been looking for you all over the campus. May naghahanap sa'yo sa office." A man in his mid 40's interrupted our staring session. We both darted our heads towards him but I immediately return my gaze back to Aidan.

"Sino daw po sir Hernandez?" He asked him with his wrinkled forehead.

"Your friend. Yun yung pakilala niya." Aidan stiffened. Sounds weird. Your friend?

He drew a deep breath. "Thank you sir. I'll be there in a minute." He said flatly.

"Okay." Umalis na yung co-staff siguro ni Aidan sa guidance. He looked at me and he became a little bit uneasy.

"Come with me first." He grabbed my hand and dragged me. He dialed a number.

"Madam Mich? Pwede bang samahan mo muna si Anna?......Nandito kami malapit sa grade school department........Okay thanks." He looked at me. Apprehension. Yan ang nakikita ko sa mukha niya. Kinakaladkad niya lang ako malapit sa may guard. We stopped in front of a classroom that looks like a pre-school room.

"Why? Something wrong?" Nakakahawa ang pagiging uneasy niya. Hindi niya ako sinagot. Nakita ko na si ma'am Mich, heading towards our place.

"Aidan!" I heard a familiar voice. I turned my head towards the voice.

"Ate Carla." He says. I froze. What is she doing here? Aidan doesn't seem surprise by her presence. Why am I suddenly this tense? My system has crashed. Oh no!