A Break Apart

CHAPTER 10. Little Friction

We grabbed a bite somewhere at the park before leaving, which he insisted on paying for and finally won after a long argument. Aside being a jerk, he was an expert in distraction because I had forgotten Mum's sign, not minding the sun that was gradually gliding into the clouds to call in the night. I was getting fond of him in ways I shouldn't have, and that didn't sit right with me.

"What are your likes and dislikes?" he asked while we strolled on the street.

"Humanity, Sport, Food, Sunday Masses," I listed without second thoughts. "Hate deceit," I finished, thoughtfully, with David in mind. No response came, and so I raised my head to look at him. "You okay?" I asked.

He loosened the tension I caught in his face with a shaky laugh. "Yeah, yeah. I am. It's just the snack I ate," he grimaced, placing a hand on his stomach.

"Oh, sorry..." I slowed down my pace. "Maybe we should, head back."

"No, it's fine. I'll be alright." He waved it off. "So! You're Catholic," he said immediately, a slight uneasiness in his tone as he marched on, and I followed suit.

"Yeah. I go to St Paul."

"I love how religious Catholics are."

"Does that mean you'll attend Mass on Sunday? I'm still inviting you."

He smiled. "I'll try. Don't get your hopes up though."

"I'd be a fool to do that."

He laughed at my response that proved him untrustworthy.

"And what about you? I mean your likes and dislikes?" I asked back.

"I dislike dust, cobwebs—"

"You're so weird. Who says that?" I said between laughter.

He chuckled. "It's why I'm one of a kind."

"A very strange kind," I replied. "And your likes?"

"I like girls, clubs"—I rolled my eyes—"alcohol—"

"Typical." I cut him off, and he laughed.

                            ××××

"Wow... this is sports heaven..." I said, looking around.

William chuckled beside me. "You're exaggerating."

"I'm not. It's really beautiful," I continued, my excitement hard to tame.

"Wait here," I heard him say, and the sound of his running footsteps followed as I was too busy gaping around.

The rays from the streetlights splashed on every court. The chirping of crickets in the bushes created a beautiful note, combined with the echoing sound of tennis ball from the two players that were playing in the court. The badminton court was empty, as well as the basketball court. Fire flies dazzled around the flower bushes, their lights twinkling close to the net that caged the yard, and the moon shone in its full glory. Playing sport in a place like this, especially at a time like this, should be inspiring.

"Let me know when you're done admiring the place."

I shuddered a bit and turned in the direction of the familiar voice with a chuckle, and then my smile erased when I noticed a basketball in his hands. "Wait, you want us to play that?" I pointed at the ball.

"You like sport, remember?" he teased, surprising me with the fact that he had been attentive.

"You were listening," I said.

"My ears aren't accessories," he replied, causing me to laugh.

"C'mon. It'll be fun." He held my hand and pulled me for a sprint to the basketball court.