Avery Montemayor - He's No Prince Charming

Chapter Twelve

"How was school?" bungad na tanong sa 'kin ni Avery nang magkita kami sa café malapit sa school.

I was already typing a message for our driver when he called and said that he'll pick me up. Pumayag naman ako agad kasi wala rin naman akong lakad. I told him I'll wait for him at the café and he agreed.

"Ayun," I sighed. "Stressful but keri pa naman. Marami nang ibinigay na mga gagawin for finals na para maasikaso na namin ngayon. I'm also worrying for our feasibility kasi nalalapit na ang university week, we're supposed to open a booth there."

Speaking of university week, naalala ko na kung bakit sobrang busy na ngayon nina Ei at Justice! May ginagawa nga pala silang short film para sa CineRU.

"I'm guessing you'll be very busy now, huh?" he sighed. "I understand. If you'll need help or anything, just tell me. Baka makatulong ako."

"No worries," I shook my head and smiles at him. "Kaya naman namin 'tong ihandle. Besides, I don't wanna give you additional stress. I know you'll be busier than me on the coming days, weeks even, dahil graduating ka na. So, you need not to worry."

Sumandal siya sa kanyang upuan at ngumiti habang nakatitig sa akin.

"Anything you ask from me will not be an additional stress, Shan. I hope you know that."

"Pero..."

"I'm serious. Besides, konti na lang naman ang aasikasuhin ko ngayon. Once I finish my training, I only have two final exams and after that, aasikasuhin ko na ang papers for graduation. So technically speaking, I'm not as busy as you."

"Bragging, huh?" pabirong umismid ako kaya tumawa naman siya.

"To be honest, I'm just trying to find ways to spend more time with you even when you're busy." Diretsang sabi niya kaya saglit naman akong natigilan.

"But, I'll understand if you don't want any distractions. Just tell me when you're free, doon na lang kita aayaing lumabas. Ayaw ko namang maging dahilan ng hindi mo pagtapos sa mga gawain mo—"

"I—I'll tell you if I need help or anything— But that does not mean I am very eager to be with you, ha! Don't get the wrong idea!"

Bumunghalit naman siya ng tawa dahil sa pagiging defensive ko at wala naman akong nagawa kundi ang halos mamatay na sa hiya.

"Don't worry, Shan. Kapag nangyari 'yun, sigurado akong mas eager pa rin ako kaysa sa 'yo—"

"Huli kayo!"

Sabay pa kaming napalingon ni Avery nang marinig 'yung nagsalita. Muntik akong mahulog sa aking upuan nang makita sina Camden at Kace na parehong nakangisi na para bang nahuli nila kaming may ginagawang illegal.

"Wow, bro! Last time I checked, hindi mo trip pumunta dito sa area namin because, quote unquote, it's such a hassle to go here and you'd rather miss us instead. Fucker! What happened now? Ano? Tinraydor mo na kami?" pagdadrama ni Camden. I snorted but tried my best not to laugh.

"Oo nga, pare. Kaming matagal mo nang kaibigan ay hindi mo nabibisita ng madalas 'tapos itong si Shan na nito mo lang nakilala, hindi ka nagdadalawang-isip na puntahan. I feel the disrespect! May favoritism!" dagdag pa ni Kace and I finally lost it. I burst out laughing while watching them make Avery feel guilty.

"Cut it, you idiots! Mga gago!"

Tumawa na rin si Camden. Si Kace naman ay ngumisi at nakipag-high five na kay Avery. Camden also greeted Avery before he turned to me.

"Hey, Shan! Happy New Year pala. I forgot to send you a text during New Year's Day. Ayaw ko kasing makaabala sa inyo ni Avery."

"Shut it, Cameron."