I resumed sleeping consciously after I stopped the first ring of the alarm. Naka-snooze naman. Sakto lang.
On the second ring, I walked to the bathroom like a robot. My eyes hurt a bit. I bet namumugto ito ngayon. I'll just apply hot compress later.
I caught sight of my tattoo in the mirror. It gave me a warm feeling. Hinaplos ko iyon. I traced the audio waves where his voice, his words, reside.
Wala akong kibo pagkarating sa dining. I was surprised though when I saw Toffer seated in front of my mother.
Pagkaangat niya ng tingin sakin ay ngumisi siya. I was so thrilled and shocked to see him. Walking fast and hugging him was natural.
"I miss you too, Avi." He chuckled as he released me.
He looks more mature now.
My parents were smiling at us but all I can give them is a half meant smile. Nagtatampo ako siyempre.
"Bakit ka dito kumakain?" tanong ko.
He pretended to look pained. I made a face.
"Para pagkatapos kung kumain, ihahatid kita."
I blinked twice. Baka sunduin ako ni Corbyn. I'll just text him later.
Ako:
Ihahatid raw ako ni Toffer.
He answered fast.
Gray:
I'll fetch you tomorrow then. See you, Love.
Titipa sana ako ng sagot pero sinita ako ni Toffer.
"What?" bulong ko.
"Kain ka muna. Puro ka cellphone." Namiss ko yung simangot niya.
I rolled my eyes. Since kararating lang niya, pagbibigyan ko na.
"Napaaga ka ata ng dating," puna ko habang kumakain.
Nagkunwari siyang tatayo na. "Ayaw mo atang nandito ako eh. Sige sa bahay lang ako."
Tinawanan ko lang siya habang papabalik sa pagkakaupo.
"Saan tayo?" Si Toffer pagkatapos ng breakfast.
"ACE."
"AC Empire?" I saw something in his eyes. Hindi ko alam kung galit yun o realization. "It's part of your degree, I suppose."
"Yup. Things have gotten more innovative in my college. Veneza, my classmate was in charge of the selection of companies. She's Corbyn's cousin."
Humigpit ang hawak niya sa manibela. "I know."
Hindi na ako nagtaka kung kilala niya si Veneza. They're best friends anyway.
Hindi ko nga lang maintindihan ang mga facial expression niya. But it doesn't take a genius to know that they're not okay.
"So, nag-usap na kayo?" tanong niya pagkatapos ng ilang minutong katahimikan.
I chuckled nervously. "Of course. Why wouldn't I talk to my boyfriend?"
Napansin ko yung pagkawala ng atensiyon niya sa daan. Bumaling siya sa akin bago binalik sa daan ang mga mata.
"Come again, Avi? Your what?"
"My boyfriend?"
"Oh shit. Are you for real? After what happened? Since when?"
"Yesterday."
"Bakit hindi mo sinabi?" Frustrated yung boses niya. People are starting to get into my nerves. "Akala ko nagkakamabutihan na kayo ni Villena."
My eyes widened. "What is that supposed to mean?"
BINABASA MO ANG
CREAM OF THE CROP
General FictionIntelligence is a gift. In this field where brains are their weapon, where minds are above the hearts, will minds be enough to solve this war called love? Beauty, is ordinary but it is a wonderful experience to find beauty in the ordinary. Will the...
