The One I See

Chapter 22

ALISHA

I became more and more confused.

I wonder if my mom saw him. Maybe she did. He was the one who brought me there. He was there the whole time, so he could've met my mom. But she didn't say anything. When I asked her if she knew Nakihiro, she seemed distant.

When we arrived home, I talked with my dad. His reaction now is the same as always.

"Dito ka na titira dahil masyado ka ng nagiging sakitin sa apartment mo."

I shook my head. "I promise, Dad, we eat regularly there. Hindi naman namin pinapabayaan ang isa't isa."

"This week, stay in our house," he said firmly.

I couldn't argue with that.

I stared at my ceiling, trying to absorb everything that happened that day. My phone beeped, and I quickly grabbed it.

A text from an unknown number. Unknown yet familiar. I sighed before opening it.

Unknown number: How are you? Nakauwi ka na ba nang maayos? Text me if you're okay :) 

I typed a simple reply.

Me: I'm good already. Thanks for earlier.

Since I was absent the whole day, I decided to spend it reviewing. Tomorrow's going to be our exam, and for the record, I'm a good student. I aim for the valedictorian spot, so I work hard.

The day passed quickly. The next day, I went to school. My classmates asked what happened and how I was. I told them I was fine.

The seating arrangements for the exam were in alphabetical order, so Shau and Megan were far from me.

It felt like the end of the world when I saw that our first exam was Mathematics.

After I finished, I received another set of exams: Filipino and English. Not to be cocky, but I found them easy and finished before the bell rang.

Shau approached, holding his head. "Grabe ang Math! Nakakadugo ng utak!" He looked at me. "Ano answer mo sa 47?"

I tried to remember. He stated the question. I scratched my head. "Actually, based on feelings lang 'yong sagot ko. Maybe 76."

"Naks, chamba!" Megan teased from beside me. I grinned at her. Shau winced.

"Anong chamba? 17 sagot no'n-"

"Gaga! Sabi ng lahat, 76. Ikaw lang yata ang mali," Megan laughed. Shau looked depressed.

"Ano? No way! Teka- I swear, mali ang sagot niyong lahat."

Megan playfully smacked him. "Let's go! Hinihintay tayo ni Trey."

My eyes widened, and I looked at her. Her eyes met mine, and she smiled. My heart pounded.

"Y-You..." I started, but she blushed. "Teka...omg!"

"Not what you think!" she smirked. I pouted and smiled.

"What happened in the two days I was gone? I think I missed a lifetime."

"Oo, bijj! A lifetime to remember ang pag-amin ni Trey. Nabiyak nga ang puso ko nang makailang beses," Shau dramatically said.

I looked at him in amazement. I couldn't find the right words. I think Megan gave Trey a chance. That's wonderful. If Blake knew, he'd be thrilled.

She told me how Trey confessed to her. After she ran out of the clinic, Trey comforted her. It was perfect timing for him to confess. Good for them.