Her Hero

Friendship

After some introductions, we headed to the cafeteria. Ate Melba already know what I will order: Fresh buko juice and a slice of blueberry pie and a slice of cheese. I know it looks weird but I love it.

"How does Ate Melba knows what to put in your tray?" Nakangiti na nagtatakang tanong ni Xymon habang nakasunod sila ni Xavier sa akin, who is oddly quiet for some time now.

"I'm a regular. I have a diet to follow." I shortly explained to him.

We sit and I'm taking glances on Xavier through my peripheral vision.

"Are you a model or something?" he asked as he helped me open the microwavable container of the pie.

I quickly shook my head, " No. Not a model. Never."

"So, my little brother here finally agreed to dine with me. Mom has been asking him to visit home but he said he was too busy. I thought I'd ask him about the girl she was being paired to and here you are in flesh. I wanna know what's the thing between you two." Nakangiti sya pero sa tingin ko para akong nasa interrogation.

I stiffened paano ko ba ipapaliwanag na hindi ako mukang nag ko confess. But Before I could construct my thoughts nagsalita na si Xavier.

"They thought it wrong because I was messing with them. Didn't know they'd believe it." Xavier already finished his food.

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Yara has her eyes on someone..."
Hearing that, I had to hold my breath. This isn't how I dreamed or planned on meeting  Xymon... I wasn't just crossing my fingers but if there other else I could cross just to keep his tongue tied I'm gonna cross it too.  
"You heard the beginning of the story and the incident between Lester. You know he likes girls with strong personality. So, as a concerned citizen of our University I falsely claim that we were involved in a romantic relationship."

Thankfully hindi nya sinabi na may crush ako sa kuya nya. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

"So I heard...Another impulsive decision there Xavier and you know you shouldn't drag someone else into another trouble because of your uncontrolled behavior."
He sound like a father lecturing his son. I didn't know this side of him. I admire his personality but I also feel sorry for Xavier.

"He was just saving me from bigger trouble and I think we could work it out just fine." I shrugged like it's a simple matter. I had to pretend it was fine by me. I had to butt-in because by the looks of Xavier's glance to his brother, it wasn't going to be a pretty conversation.

"I didn't know that Mom could influence you like this, Kuya. You weren't like this." Sumandal sya sa upuan and I can see sadness in his eyes kahit na hindi sya tumungin samin ni Xymon.

Xymon sighed. "I'm sorry. You know I'm doing this for you and for our family. You don't want to take part in the responsibilities of the firm because you have your own thing that you're passionate about. So forgive me if I'm talking and becoming like Mom. We are all just looking after you. We understand what you want but you have to plan your future and don't play around just because you feel like it at the moment or because that's what your gusts are telling you to."

This is awkward.

"Well, I guess having a lady with me wouldn't stop you from lecturing. If you really understand what I want, you won't be rubbing it into my face in front of my girlfriend."

I ignored the girlfriend part. Their conversation is starting to heat up. I need to step up.

"Uhm... Xymon, I think we better go...Mag re review pa kami ni Xavier for the rest of the subjects sa Finals." Tumayo na ko at kinuha ang gamit ko at hinila ang braso ni Xavier patayo.

I extended my hand to Xymon, "Nice meeting you." he took my hand at hinila ko na si Xavier palabas ng cafe.

"I thought you two were close?" I was whispering when I asked him in confusion.

"Yes, we are. This is just some of the moments that he feel pressured and he has to take it out on me. He'll be helping Mom and Dad in the firm and Mom is asking him to convince me to join too. But they all know what I want."

"Don't you think that's practical?"

"You tell me. Have you told your family about your application?"

"This isn't about me Xavier. And we are trying to figure out what's best for you."

He stopped walking and face me but he wasn't looking at me. He was just looking at the ground while he holds the strap of his bag tightly.
"You sound like them."

"I'm sorry..." I tried to reach for him but he just walk away.

I sighed as I followed him through the parking lot.

"Xavier!" I walk faster because he wasn't slowing down or looking back.

"Xavier!" Hindi pa rin sya lumingon.

Hinubad ko ang isang sapatos ko, "Xavieeer!" tinawag ko sya ulit at binato ang sapatos sa kanya dahil mukang hindi na naman sya lilingon. But to my surprise lumingon sya at sapol sa muka nya ang sapatos ko. Hindi naman malakas pero nakakahiya pa rin. I covered my mouth sa sobrang hiya. I run towards him ng iika ika. I grab my shoe and slipped my foot in.

"I'm so sorry...Ayaw mo kasi lumingon..."

"Are you trying to get even?" blangko ang ekspresyon ng muka nya kaya hindi ko masabi kung nagbibiro ba sya o nagsasabi ng totoo. Umiling ako ng marami.

"No! Yes! I mean not the throwing but the other thing..."

"Look... I just want to apologize and I want to return the favor. You helped me feel better kanina and you saved me before from your playful friend and I think I should repay your kindness. So, getting even in the right way."

"I told you, I'll collect when it's due..." he said in a serious face.

"Then take this as a friendship offering. Total you once offer me friendship if you introduce me to your Kuya. Please take this gesture as an acceptance to your offer."

I smiled at him and I saw him control a smile but I can see it in his eyes.

Sumeryoso muka nya, but his aura has returned. The happy and playful aura.

"Fine. Help me review on my other subjects since that was your excuse. And since you want to repay me, I will only accept your payment if you cook for me in your condo while I review. What' d think?"

Natawa ko sa kanya sa offer nya... "Hindi ka rin masyadong demanding, noh? But fine if it'll make you feel better."

I extend my hand to him.

"What is that for? You want us to hold hands?"
"To seal our friendship you idiot!" I smiled and he took it.

"Convoy na lang tayo. Pero sumakay ka na para hindi ka na maglakad papunta sa car mo." Doon pa rin kasi ako nagpa park.

He opened my side and we both hopped it and he drove me to my car.