In Between (SC, #4)

Kabanata 21

Kabanata 21

Jealous

Everything happened so fast. I didn't know how I manage to take a bath in a span of minutes. Tila hingal na hingal ako sa ginawa 'ko, sa pag-aayos, pagtingin ng gamit 'ko sa bag. Genesis is true to his words this time, because Jere really did bring my clothes. Sinuot 'ko na lamang ang isang jeans at isang puting crop blouse. It is partnered with my white converse shoes. Combing my hair is struggle, I don't know if I did it right when I ran for my life downstairs.

Silence layered the Herrera's living room as I strode toward the exit. Walang bakas ng mga magulang niya pati na rin si lola Magdalene. I wonder where are they? Alam ba ni Jace na nanatili ako sa bahay nila? But he never sent a message to me after the good luck text.

I just shook my head and almost stumbled myself on the ground when I heard car roared to life. Naghumerentado ang aking puso nang dumungaw siya mula sa driver's seat.

Si Genesis!

His hand gripping the steering wheel lightly while the other is pointing the gate. He mouthed incoherent words I can't digest. Ngunit ang tanging kuha 'ko sa sinasabi niya ay buksan 'ko ang gate. My brows creased when he saw I get his point. Lumapad ang ngiti at nagbusina pa sa pang-aasar.

I did it. For the love of God, I did it. Para makapasok na 'ko at mapasa 'ko na ang final project.

Nang matapos 'kong gawin iyon, nagmamadali akong pumunta kung saan nakaparada ang kanyang itim na Subaru Forester. Nagmamadali akong pumasok na hindi na hinintay ang pagsang-ayon niya. I sweat like I ran a marathon even I don't experience it yet. I exhaled a hot breath through my nose. Nilagay 'ko ang bag 'ko sa ibabaw ng aking hita habang kinukuha ang aking hininga.

Tension caked inside his car. Hirap na hirap akong tignan siya.

I am really inside his car and he's going to drive me to PUP! I can't imagine this will happen in my life.

I slowly arched a brow while unhurriedly gaze at him. Shockingly, Genesis' deep set eyes bore into mine. It is a profound graze of eyes to my features. Ilang segundo iyon ngunit walang salitang lumabas. A lump formed in my throat and he caught me off guard. Napaiwas ako at tumingin na lamang sa daan. He started again the engine and drove away.

I should just say something you know. Say thank you for his offer and generosity. Without him, I'd probably crying and kneeing in front of my parents for failing them. But the word stuck in my tongue and it tasted so bitter to let out.

Why is it so hard, man?

Side-eye, while just driving one hand, he put baseball cap over his head. Nang tagumpay niyang gawin iyon ay inayos naman niya ang telepono na nakakabit sa sasakyan. I thought he's setting up the waze but I am wrong. Genesis opened his cellular data and went to Spotify to play music.

Brendon Urie's voice streamed inside his car.

Tahimik pa rin ako. I don't really know what to say. Mas gusto 'kong mang-asar na lamang siya ulit. That is better because I could refute easily. But complimenting him, saying some kind words are not for me. For him.

The scent of his car is tantalizing. I bathed myself with the smell. It somehow calm my freaking out mind. Pagkatapos ng mga sampong pagtatalo sa isip, I reckon to gaze at him-his handsome demeanor. Lumunok ako nang gumala ang mata 'ko sa kanya na abala sa pagmamaneho. His eyes set on the road while mine is situate only for him. My lips quivered when I am about to say the words.

Mabilis akong umiling sa iniisip.

"Found something you like, Isabelle?" una niyang mga salita, gumuguhit ang ngiti sa labi.