One For The Books

CHAPTER XXIII

"Wait!" I exclaimed.

He didn't bother to look back as if he didn't hear what I've said.

"T-thank you." I awkwardly said before I stopped chasing him and in my surprise, he also stopped after hearing the magic word.

"Thank you for saving me."

"No problem." He said in a cold manner.

I guess I'm done with my part. I already said what I need to. I was about to leave him when he took my wrist ang hugged me tight.
I really felt awkward not just because a stranger was hugging me but also because we are in the mall and everyone's looking at us, taking photos.

"I.... can't breathe...." I said. That's too exaggerated, I know. To be honest, I just really can't stand here with him, hugging me awkwardly.

"Please... I just need a hug." He said silently.

"D-dito talaga? Sa gitna ng mall?" I asked. Kumalas sya sa pagkakayakap at seryoso akong tinignan.

"Sorry." He said before turning his back on me.

"Ryve..." I don't know why I called him. Maybe because I saw sadness in his eyes.

"Kain tayo? Treat ko." I said habang hindi pa sya nakakalayo.

Utang na loob ko sa kanya ang ginawa nya. He saved me from those two. He saved me from that great embarrassment.

"I need to leave." He said, still not looking at me. Without hearing anything from me, he started walking again.

"You'll chase Yris?"  I asked. I'm not fool, Ryve. Nabasa ko na ang mga ganitong scenario sa iba't ibang kwento. I know there's a sorcery going on between them. The way they look at each other lately, mahahalata mo naman na may kakaiba. Kung paanong umiwas si Yris sa kanya at nagmamadaling hinatak si Wanted.

Never show me some doubtful actions 'cause I know what's behind it.

Alam mo rin bang nagseselos ka? Of course not! Fudge! Hindi nga ako nagseselos kila Yris at Wanted!

"No...." He said after he stopped. I can see a glint of surprise on his face even though he's not facing me.

"Ok." I said. Mas malala pala sya sa'kin. Mukhang ayaw nya naman na talagang makipag-usap so I decided to walk away when I felt his hand on my wrist, again. Hilig nyang manghatak noh?

"Ok. Libre mo." He said then smiled at me. Fuck at that smile! Ang pogi nya pala kapag naka-smile. Even though mas attracted ako sa mga lalaking laging naka-poker face, I must admit na pogi talaga ang isang 'to. Hindi ko sya ma-imagine na may mahabang bangs na hanggang mata, pale white lips and dull eye. Gwapo rin naman sa paningin ko ang may ganung itsura pero----- erase! Erase! Erase!

I'm not thinking about Wanted! I'm not describing him!

REALLY.

"Let's go---"

"Beatriz!" Someone shouted. It's Athena.

"Oh my God! Saan ba kayo nagsususuot?! Kanina ko pa kayo hinahanap!" I exclaimed. Hindi naman ako galit pero hindi ako natuwa sa ginawa nila. Iniwan nila ako sa ere.

"Sorry..." Usal nya saka nahihiyang yumuko.

"Athena! Beatriz----" sabay na sigaw nina Hena at Aphrodite. Napatigil sila ng makita ang kasama ko. Napatulala ako sa matagal na katahimikan.
Walang umiimik ni isa at alam ko na. Alam ko na may something na naman.

"I think, dapat na 'kong mauna?" I said sabay kuha ng mga gamit ko sa tatlo na tila nabato na.

"Mukhang may dapat kayong....pag-usapan?" Maski ako ay nao-awkward na rin dahil sa inaakto nila.