In The Midst Of The Universe

II.

           The sun was nearly out when we arrived at Peachy's. It's our favorite local café near our neighborhood. Ludus went straight to the counter to order our favorite: Earl Grey Milk Tea with Cheese Foam on top, no pearls (but replaced with crystals), 70% sugar along with almond pretzel.

           "Here's your order, ma'am." Ludus placed the food in the table as he sat down in front of me. I noticed that he kinda looks worried.

           "Thanks," I said. "What's the matter? You look extra ugly when you're stressed," Then I took a sip on my drink. Aaaah, so good!

           "Well, I was on the line to order food when the people behind me mentioned something about prom. And that's when I realized that it's prom next week and we haven't done any preparation!" Ludus said.

           "So what? It's just prom, dude – WHAT? IT'S PROM NEXT WEEK?" I exclaimed. Why didn't I know that the prom is approaching?

           "I know, right? We have to have our prom dresses before Saturday, next week. It has to be a lot more appropriate than what we wore last year, okay? Let's not be involved in Alexis's silly games anymore." He said grumpily.

           I laughed as I recall what happened last year. Months before the awaited Hollywood themed prom, we were hanging out with The Double A's here at Peachy's. I was drinking my Earl Grey Milk Tea (with no pearls, of course) when Alexis put his jenga blocks on the table. I wasn't actually in the mood for games but I still participated. Who knows, he might pay for my drink if I joined. The kuripot in me says hi.

           "Let's play this game in pairs. Alexa and I will be partners. Ludus and Eli, you're in one team, alright? But since we've played this game for about a million times already, we're going to put a little bit of a twist." Alexis said while grinning. "The winners will pick the losers' dresses for prom. Easy, right?" He continued.

           "Oh no. I'm out. Alexis, I'm out." I panicked. There's no way I'm going to let Alexis pick my dress for prom! It's not like I don't trust his fashion sense or whatever, it's just that Alexis tends to be so extra when dressing up. I don't feel like wearing a neon pink gown with sparkly diamond studs.

           "C'mon! Don't be such a kill-joy, Felicity. Besides, why are you so scared? Ludus is good at this game. Right, Ludus?" Alexa tried to persuade me to join. Ludus proudly agreed.  

           "Ugh. Alright, alright. We should win, Ludus Benjamin. Siguraduhin mo lang." I glared at Ludus but he just winked at me. Oh God, I have a bad feeling about this.

           The game started with a tensed atmosphere. On their second turn, Alexis accidentally moved the tower while he's playing and it almost collapsed. Ten minutes passed and the jenga tower seems unstable. The Double A's are whispering to each other, probably talking about their strategies on how to play safely without destroying the tower. Meanwhile, I am staring at Ludus with pleading eyes.

           "Please Ludus, don't lose. I'll kill you if you do." I mumbled. It's now our turn to play. Ludus tried to get the jenga block placed in the middle of the fifth row of blocks. But he unconsciously pulled the block beside it as well.

           "Oh my God, Ludus, no!" And the tower collapsed.

           "Patay." I heard Ludus whispered.

           On the night before the prom, Alexa and Alexis arrived at our house. They were carrying two huge paper bags. I'm guessing that's what we're going to wear for tomorrow. I just wish it's not a neon colored evening gown.