The possibility of us

Chapter 19

Days had passed since the last time Zach saw Zhaira. Although he managed to not be surprised to some of her absences, Zach can't deny that there are things he is not used to when it comes to not having her around.

~ I never thought I missed you this much until you happened again

Zhaira locked herself in her room for days. There are things that she doesn't want to burden Zach the way she did before. But that invisible string is still present; keeps pulling them together.

~ What do I do to forget every inch of you?

Zhaira went to the store at 2:15 am Thursday. Free of alcohol she easily recognized the face of an irritated Zachary, who seemed so bothered at his work.

"Zach"

She taps his shoulders.

"Uy! Zhai ikawpala"

She playfully looked around.

"Bakit? May iba pa bang ganito ka-cute samundo?"

He smirked and shakes his head.

"Cute? Nice try"

"Supladomo today ah! Actualy suplado ka naman talaga eh mas lalo nga lang today. Nyare?"

"Ikaw? Sober ka ata today ah"

"Day off ko"

"Ha Ha ikaw langtalagakilalakong may schedule for that"

"Well, nice to meet you. Teka, iniiba usapan eh"

Zack walked around while he mops the floor. Zhaira followed him wherever he goes eager to find out what bothers her friend.

"Zhaira, umupo ka nga! Dadalankitangkape in a while"

"May problema kabakasi?"

"Marami. bigyankita?"

She stood in front of him and asked him gently.

"Zach, c'mon"

Zach paused and think for a second. After a quick thought, he pulled Zhaira's arm and let her sat down on her favorite corner. He sat across her and looked at her eyes confusingly.

"Oh, a... mukhangmalala tong probelmamo ah?"

"Kasi"

"Kasi???"

"SI LIANE!!!"

He leaned back.

"Ha Ha. Let me guess, another team building???"

"Don't laugh"

"Ha Ha Ha"

"NYEnyenyeI said don't laugh!"

"Okytitigilna. Ha Ha Ha. Oops, sorry"

"Anoba! (breathes in) Help me?"

"Okay. Sorry I can't help it. Gaanobakasi ka-problematic ang team ng girlfriend mo at laging maypa out of town?"

"Ewan"

While Zhaira enumerates all the possibility of Liane's excuses she suddenly realized that it doesn't make Zach any comfortable. She leaned forward, scratch her head and try to reach out for his attention.

"Zach, huy"

He shakes his head.

"Hindi ko alam ano iisipin. I trust her you know? Peroparang"

"Parang, it's making you uncomfortable?"

"Yeah! How'd you know?"

"Pffft! With my experience kay Raul? I should know everything"

"Ahhh. So you're implying that maybe Liane is a cheater? Like your Raul? Excuse me!"

"I didn't say that"

"But it sounded like that"

"Okay fine. Pero malay mo sila pala magka-laguyo Zach ohmayghad!"

Zach's eyebrows raised as he listens and watch Zhaira's depiction of a telenovelascene.

 Taposmahuhuli natin sila, tapos caught in the act! Tapos! Tapos!!! Hyperventilating!!!"

Zach stood up suddenly and threw at her, his morning towel.

"ZHAIRA!"

"Arayko ah! Malay mo naman!"

"Ewan ko sayo. Mas may sense kapapaglasing ka"

"You don't mean that"

"Of course, I didn't"

He smiled and slowly walks away from her.

"Zach! oh, saan ka pupunta?"

"To get you your coffee"

"Oh, okay"

The issue may not be settled, but seeing Zach smiled already makes her effort of sounding stupid was worthy. And though still bothered by his girlfriend's whereabouts, Zach can't deny the his gratitude about how much Zhaira tried to make him feel lighter in more ways than one. 

He can't help but smile while he peeks at Zhaira so humiliated about herself for trying to make him feel better.

"Cute" 

Shakes his head as he prepares her coffee.

She looked at him from a far. Made her feel better when she gazed at his smile.

"Nakakahiya ka Zhaira. Ugh!"

Tapped her forehead. Embarrassed but contented.

"Well, at least it paid off. He smiled"

"I can see you staring at me Zhaira!"

Zach shouted.

"Excuse me?! I was staring at the green board"

He walked towards her and placed her coffee on the table.

"You know that it is not a green board. It's black"

"Black? Really? It looks green to me"

"Mag-kape ka na nga!"

~What I'd do to keep your gaze. What I'd do to see you smile again.