Lexi
Of course, hindi ako nakatulog.
It did cross my mind that the guy could have mental health problems — but I knew that my father had intensive background checks and psychological exams before he hired anyone as part of his security team. If Aki had issues, he must hide it well.
I used my background in IT to also check what information I could get about him online. There was barely anything there. I found one social media profile, which didn't have a photo, that said:
Name: Aki Deus
Location: universe
What an uncreative deity. Probably why he wasn't put in charge of making the Earth.
I also am aware that maybe he's just taking me for a ride, so I know I have to be careful.
But, nothing could explain the flames I saw, how he seems to move a from one place to the next in just a split second... things you wouldn't really notice unless you were staring at the right moment.
Morning couldn't come soon enough. As soon as my alarm sounded, I was up, pulled back the curtains and said to the sunrise, "Minsan ang bagal mo kumilos, Aki. Pero good morning!"
I was certain I heard his chuckle.
I rushed through breakfast and ran out to the car where he was waiting, holding the door to the backseat open for me. I pushed it and sat shotgun. "Bilis!!! Ang dami ko pang itatanong."
He laughed again. "Okay, sige na. Ask away, Alexandra."
"Ba-"
"Oh, by the way, remember there are things I cannot tell you."
"Gahd. Mas maarte ka pa kaysa sa mga artistang may tinatago. Fine. Fine. Can I ask na?"
He nodded.
"So, why are you here?"
"I... visit often. For a good part of the past 3,000 years, I have come down to be with people."
"Do you meddle in wars?"
He was pensive, then seemed to debate what to tell me.
"There were some. But, eventually, I decided that human beings are equipped enough. Let them do their battles."
"But, shouldn't you help the side that is right?!"
He looked sad. "Sometimes, it is not so easy to tell what side is right."
I wanted to debate it, but he seemed to no longer want to discuss it. "So, ganun na lang yun? You gods just... watch?"
He smiled mysteriously. "No, but sometimes when we help out, it is often ignored or denied."
"Your cryptic answers are starting to annoy me."
He frowned. "Why is that? But when people post these mysterious answers on Twitter it is cool?"
I chuckled. "You're on Twitter?"
"I look into it. It is part of my studies when I visit. I was in some of your classes in University."
My eyes widened. "What? You? No! I would have remembered."
"I sat at the back, but yes, I remember you."
I pushed that thought aside, still amazed that we had crossed paths before but I didn't recall. It must be part of his plan to remain incognito in some of his visits.
"Why didn't you keep using 'Apolaki'? It's a good name. I really like it."
He smiled. "I prefer it. However, a few years ago, this 'movie producer' contacted me and when he heard my name, wanted to make me an adult film star."
I laughed out loud. "Hindi nga?!"
"Yes. It was quite shocking. But the financial offer was bongga."
"WHAT? Hahahahahahahahahahahahha!"
He looked at me. "Did I use it incorrectly?"
"No. Tama naman."
He parked. "Nandito na tayo. Ingat and have a nice day, Mumsh."
I laughed all the way inside the building.
