Love Me (Completed)

Chapter 23 - Distraction

My head slightly hurts from last night's drinking. Si Cedric naman ang kasama ko kagabi at sila Donna at Ruth.

Good thing occupied sila sa isa't isa at walang nagtatanong kung nasaan si Sebastian. Tingin ko may idea na rin si Cedric kaya hindi siya nagtatanong.

Lalong sumasakit ang ulo ko habang pinaprocess ang words ni Papa.

"Ayaw ko."

"I'm not asking you to marry his son. Just get to know him and if it doesn't work out, fine. Walang namimilit sayo." He said.

"What's the point? Save your efforts, Pa. Hindi ko siya magugustuhan."

Mag didinner kami bukas kasama ang kaibigan niya at anak nito. I don't like the idea at all.

"I'm not asking, Vik. We are dining with them tomorrow." His tone made me realized that there's no point in arguing.

Kaya lumabas na ako doon at nagkulong sa kwarto.

So much for being mature when what I'm doing is such a childish act. Pero ayaw ko talaga. With what just happened with Sebastian then another guy?

Kahit na against sa will ko ang gusto niyang mangyari, here I am sitting with my back straight and my face blank. I just smiled a little when I greeted the elders and didn't look twice to their son, David.

May younger sister rin siya at mukhang hindi rin niya nagugustuhan ang nangyayari dahil tahimik lang siya pero halata kong kanina pa niya gustong umalis. Ganyan rin kasi ang reaksyon ko every time Papa brings me to his meetings.

Medyo ininterview pa ako kanina ng Papa niya and as much as I want to be rude para hindi nila ako magustuhan hindi ko ginawa dahil alam kong magagalit si Papa at mapapahiya si Mama. I answered every question with respect and a smile.

I don't know what this David wants but he kept glancing at me while eating. When I couldn't take it anymore I forced myself to look at him only to find him smiling down at me and I subtly rolled my eyes.

I saw him stifle a laugh and I just hope my parents didn't see me rolling my eyes.

While I'm still unemployed nalaman ko na nagsstart na siya sa family business nila. He is only a year older than me and that's why he look so formal.

I'm currently unemployed pero after a month gusto ni Papa na magsimula na ako sa business namin. Small steps he said.

"David, why don't you two take a walk?" His father suggested after eating.

I bet they will start talking about business and don't want 'kids' hearing them.

Tumingin ako kay Papa at isang tango lang ang sinagot niya. So I wiped my mouth and stood up.

We sat at one of the benches somewhere inside the hotel. Hindi ako nagsasalita at siya rin until he can't take the silence anymore.

"I know you hate this and I do too. But we can be friends right?"

I faced him and just nodded.

"So may boyfriend ka ba?" He seems chatty for his Dad's son.

"Wala."

"I see. Pero may someone?"

"Wala."

"Good for you." He said and I turned to face him. Tumahimik na siya and I should be glad but I still asked.

"Why?"

He chuckled. "It's not easy finding someone who your parents approve right?"

"Do you have.." Hindi ko na tinuloy because seeing his face and the last thing he said I already know the answer.

"You know what my Dad said when I was in high school?" He said. "He said I can have as many girlfriend as I want. Wala siyang pakialam kung sino gusto kong idate but the minute I choose someone who is not chinese, tatanggalan nila ako ng mana."

I just stared at him. Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin. I don't know what words to say para icomfort siya.

Hindi 'yun sinabi sa akin ni Papa. He never said anything about boyfriends. I think he's good with anyone basta okay ang family background. I think he may have liked Sebastian though.

"I don't really care about money but I'm their only son and I can't just turn my back on them. My girlfriend broke up with me because of that. She knows we can't be together and she just accepts it." Sabi niya na parang wala lang sa kanya.

And I just looked at him not knowing what to say so I just said, "Sorry."

Hindi ko alam kung anong dapat kong sabihin. There are things I want to say but I can't because I'm afraid that I might offend him. I just met him an hour ago so I kept my mouth shut.

"So if you still don't want to be my friend then I will be really sad." He said with a smile.

My brow shot up. "That is not fair. You told me that to force me to say yes."

"I had to try. Parang galit ka sa akin eh."

"Ayaw ko lang kasi ng ganito. I don't understand why they have to do this." Sabi ko.

"Do we really have a choice?"

"Everyone has a choice. It's just a matter of question if we want to act on it." I said quietly.

Palagi ko 'yun sinasabi sa sarili ko but in the end no choice rin ang pinipili ko. I don't know why I even said it. It's just so stupid.

"I've dated many girls before." He said.

"I can tell." Sagot ko. Nakikita ko kasi sa kanya si Sebastian. He knows what to say and how to act in front of a girl. Wala nang hiya hiya at medyo may ganon vibe siya pag tinitignan ko siya.

"Yes. Pero ikaw lang 'yung gusto kong makilala talaga."

I cringed. "Save it."

Malakas siyang tumawa. "See that's what I'm saying. Mukhang marami ka na rin guys sa buhay mo ah?"

"Konti lang pero the guys I'm close with, they are like you."

"Then we will be close friends then."

"Iritang irita na nga ako sa kanila tapos idadagdag pa kita? No thanks."

"Bakit hindi? Another guy who like to be your friend. What's to lose?" His lips curled up.

Myself. I can remember Sebastian in him. Pumikit ako. He is not Sebastian and I need a distraction.

A new friend is definitely a distraction. No ties with Sebastian. And I just need a man like that. A guy who doesn't know of his existence.

"Fine. Just friends. Don't try to flirt with me." I said sternly.

Tumawa nanaman siya. "Of course. Though I doubt it'll work."

Hindi ko pa rin siya nginitian nung umalis na kami. Nagshake hands pa sila ni Papa bago sila umalis.

"He seems nice." Sabi ni Mama kay Papa. Tumango lang si Papa at tinanong naman ako tungkol sa kanya.

"Okay lang." I shrugged.

Hindi ko lang inexpect na ganon klaseng tao pala ang makikilala ko ngayon.

I didn't realize a smile formed my lips.