Skip a Beat

Chapter 13 - Hello Again

Earth invited him for lunch. He looked suspicious on what's the occasion he gets invited without Podd around. Or is he? He looks around the restaurant finding the person in mind.

"He's not coming." He heard Earth's dejected voice. Now there's the answer.

They have their dinner in silence. Earth is definitely sulking because Podd is not joining them for lunch. He knew better that Podd is too focus on his work. That the guy keeps on checking his proposal until he's satisfied with it.

"Let's deliver food to his room." He suggested and a glimpse of happiness shown on Earth's face. "When are you going to tell him about your feelings, P'?" He asked as he continues to eat. There hasn't been any progress ever since he first met Earth. Still the same setup.

"Who told you I love him?" Showing an angry face as he stops eating. Earth's denial is like a thick wall but with too many holes.

"You." With his fork on hand, he points at Earth.

"I don't love that guy. Whatever his name is. He doesn't know how to appreciate God's gift to mankind." Pointing himself. "I'll never like him." He rolled his eyes with disbelief. Earth is talking too much when it comes to anything about Podd.

"Staring if he's there. Sulking is he's not. What do you call that?" Interrogating Earth.

"You're imagining things." Earth's defensiveness is up shaking his head. "And you're a messy eater." Earth reach out his face with a tissue, wiping what's on the side of his lips.

New is not shocked at all. Earth is caring and a good guy. Only he's too coward to admit his feelings to Podd. Which Earth's very much not been supportive. If only he can push the two together.

New is having fun with his conversation with Earth. Now that the guy is coped up from sulking for Podd not being with them.

"Can we personally deliver his food?" Earth ask him out of nowhere.

New can't help but laugh that made the diners look at their direction. Earth frowned. He tries to hold his laugh but his shoulders are shaking while doing so. He cleared his throat noticing Earth's displeased face.

"Sorry, P'." Lifting both hands midair. "But that won't do. I've already asked someone. And have you looked at the time already?"

That's when the guy gets to look at his own wristwatch. It's almost past lunch time. Again with the dejected face.

What am I supposed to do with you, P'?

"Oh yeah. I saw your ex." Earth informing while his focus on the food.

It's his time to frown trying to understand what Earth just told him.

"I don't have an ex, P'." He clearly knows that he's not been in any relationship before. Or did someone told this guy him being his ex? Then something strikes him. His eyes widen realizing the ex might be that person.

"Tay." Earth stating the name of the person he thought of.

New just looked at Earth wanting for more details. Besides, the guy doesn't know Tay's face. He never shows a picture of him. They never had a picture together and never did he search for him online. He just thought it's a waste of time. Earth sighed before he talks again.

"After you leave the café, he comes in few minutes after. He sits in front of me while waiting for his order. He introduced himself as your friend. And I..." pointing himself. "...told him I'm your 'boy' friend." Emphasizing the word boy which makes the listener thinks it's the boyfriend, not a friend who's a boy.

"And?" He's somehow curious. Why would Tay have a conversation with Earth who Tay doesn't even know?

"That's it." Earth said as he finishes his plate.