Ephemeral|✓

Chapter 8

Chapter 8
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"Thank you po talaga, Tita Olivia. Ingat po kayo d'yan," huling saad ko bago niya ako babaan ng linya. Tita and I talked about the payments regarding the tutor-thing. She's a really considerate person, and a persistent one. Hindi niya 'ko hinayaang mag-end ng call hanggang hindi ako sumasang-ayon na babayaran niya pa rin ako ng buo kahit na hindi ako magt-tutor ng isang linggo. Sabi niya ay gusto niyang makatulong sa akin, tutal ay nag-aaral pa naman daw ako.

"Ryder!" tawag ko sa kaniya. "Hmm?" tipid niyang tugon habang siya at si Phoenix ay nakikipaglaro sa aso nila. "Why didn't you tell me that Tita Olivia's out in a business trip for a whole week? Paano si Phoenix?" alala kong tanong. He smirked and lifted his eyebrow up. "Why is that a problem? Ang galing ko kaya mag-alaga ng bata," mayabang niyang sagot at tumawa.

"Yeah! Kuya Ryder cooks really tasty meals!" sang-ayon ni Phoenix na nagpangiwi sa akin. I guess Phoenix is fine without his mother afterall.

"Don't worry, Azi. Palagi naman 'tong nangyayari. Mom's always out for like, a week or more. Sanay na 'kong alagaan ng maayos si Phoenix," wika ni Ryder at kumindat sa akin. "I'm still worried for the both of you, though.." I murmured, but I think he still heard me.

I sat beside them and played with the dog's pup. Kilala na rin ako ng aso nila, kung kaya't hindi na ito nagagalit sa tuwing lalapitan ko ang anak niya.

I was taken aback when Ryder gently patted my head, a gentle smile on his face. "You're such an overthinker, Azaleah. But, thanks for worrying," he said and immediately looked away. I was left dumbfounded, still looking at him.

I suddenly felt a slight jump on my heart. That was.. strange of him..

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An hour passed and it was time for me to go home already. Kahit na gusto ko pang manatili hanggang mamaya at bantayan sila, marami pa rin akong kailangang tapusin sa bahay. Wala ring tao roon, kaya kailangan ko na talagang umuwi.

"Uh, Ryder! Uuwi na 'ko. Thanks for the food!" nakangiti kong paalam at kinuha na ang mga gamit ko. I patted Phoenix's head and waved goodbye to him. Nagmamadaling umalis ng kusina si Ryder at lumapit sa akin.

"Let me take you home," sambit niya. "Huh? Hindi na. Alagaan mo na lang si Phoenix dito," tanggi ko. "I want to see Ate's house!" biglang singit ni Phoenix. Napakamot ako sa batok at napatingin kay Ryder.

"See? He wants to come with us." I sighed in defeat and nodded. "Fine.. Let's go!" I stated that made the both of them smile.

Pinasakay niya ako sa front seat, pero alanganin akong tumingin kay Phoenix. "Is he fine all alone back there?" tanong ko. "He is. He likes being alone when in a car," naiiling niyang tugon at tumawa. "Pasalamat ka gusto ni Phoenix makita ang bahay namin. Kung hindi, uuwi akong mag-isa," bahagya ring natatawa kong usal na nagpasimangot sa kaniya. "Opo," he surrendered and started the engine.

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"We're here, Phoenix!" tawag ni Ryder sa kapatid, dahilan upang malawak na mapangiti ang batang kasama namin. Akmang aalisin ko na ang seatbelt nang sumabit ang bracelet ko rito. I had a hard time removing it, so Ryder immediately helped. He scooted near me and took off my bracelet, he also helped me remove the seatbelt. His scent brushed through my nose, his familliar perfume getting me flustered again. Our eyes suddenly met, a hint of crimson visible on his cheeks. Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na masyado na palang malapit ang mga mukha namin sa isa't isa.

"T-thanks," I nervously said and slightly smiled before moving away from him. My awkward-ass tried so hard to look away. Bumaba rin sila sa kotse na siyang nakapark ngayon sa garahe. "Thank you for the ride. Do you guys want to stay for a bit..? Uh, I don't think I have some snacks inside, though.." usal ko. "I want to go pee, Kuya," biglang singit ni Phoenix.