The One Who Stares Behind

KABANATA 6

Days had passed, and things were unfolding unexpectedly. Now, all the students are busy registering for various clubs.

"You're still in the soccer club."

It wasn't a question, but a statement. From the masculine scent of his perfume, I knew exactly who was behind it.

"Eli,"

I stepped backward, creating some distance. Being close to him was dangerously hard to avoid, so I intended to keep my distance as much as possible.

"Ah, yes. And you? Still on the basketball team?"

"Not this time. I want to watch all the players during intramurals week."

Is that possible? Lahat talaga?

" Especially you.."

Natigilan ako at muling napatingin dito na kasalukuyan na rin palang nakatitig sa akin. Ako na ang unang umiwas at tumikhim muna para malihis ang eksenang ito na hindi dapat nangyayari.

Pinilit kong pakalmahin ang sarili sa kung ano mang nararamdaman nito.
Ayoko ng maapektuhan pa sa kung ano pang sasabihin ng lalaking ito.

Pero yun nga ba ang gusto ko?

"Ah. I heard that Maureen's joining the baseball team."

He nodded and I faked a laugh.

"She should be in boxing."

There was that smile again. There he goes, catching me off guard. It's becoming unhealthy for me. I might end up longing for those smiles that aren't meant for me.

I knew exactly what would happen. I'd fall for it again. But no matter how much I tried to resist, I couldn't help it. I didn't even know how I ended up in this situation.

Damn! I forgot we were standing in the middle of the hallway. Most of the students here might start rumors about us, given that Eli is engaged to Maureen.

"El, nasaan nga pala si Xandrev?"

Kahit alam ko naman na kali- kaliwang babae na naman ang lumilingkis sa katawan ng kumag na yun.

"You shouldn't be concerned about what your brother's doing."

"What's new about that?!" I slapped my forehead, realizing my reaction in front of him.

"He's good at it-playing with women. Just like our cousin, Isaac."

"He's worse." so he agreed. "He's been like that since Kelsey left him."

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam ang buong detalye pero alam kong sobrang nasaktan si Xandrev. But knowing Drev, he can endure the pain just to show us that he's okay.

"That's what love can do, Siann. Once a man's heart is broken, it won't let itself suffer again. As a result, the dormant demon within will find its way out."

Napatango ako dahil sa mga sandali itong alam ko ang ipinupunto niya. Gayunpaman, binabagabag pa rin ako ng namagitan sa amin ni Eli sa Miracle River.

Kaya siguro mabuti pang tanungin ko na ito at sa kanya na mismo manggaling kung ano nga ba ang mayroon sa amin ngayon. Dahil sa totoo lang hindi ko alam kung saan dapat ako lumugar.

"About last time Eli. Hindi na natin napagusapan yung nagyari—"

"Maui, look at Michaelson. He's talking with that girl again. Aren't you worried?"

There she goes, Maureen and her crazy girlfriends. They walked closer to us.

At kung paano ako sipatin ng mga kasama niya? Hindi ko alam kung pinandidirihan ba ako ng mga ito o ineeksamin ba ako mula ulo hanggang paa.