Memory of a Sinner

3. Cupid over Anti-Socials

Chapter Theme: Smells like teen spirit - Nirvana

"Why are you taking so long?" I asked as they approached me outside the arcade. I noticed that Zanji wasn't looking at me; I knew what was on his mind. He was getting annoyed again because I was close to Achelo, and he didn't want that to happen. Among our group, he was the most protective of me, like an older brother.

"Just had a girl approach me, you know, I'm good-looking, so she took a photo with me," Wren replied. I ignored him and started walking.

"Anak ng tokwa!" I heard his reaction.

We didn't have any specific plans; we were just wandering around the mall, window shopping, and watching some bands perform. Eventually, Elton and Tyson said their goodbyes and left. That left Zanji, Wren, and me. I didn't know where we were heading, but I just followed the two of them. They were both tall, and I felt even smaller being between them.

Wren turned to me with a grin that made him look crazy. "By the way, you're coming with me later," he said, catching Zanji's attention.

Zanji asked, "Where are you taking her?"

"Secret, you're not invited. That's all there is to it," Wren replied, drawing a line between the two of us and Zanji.

"Tsk," was Zanji's reaction. Wren turned to look at me once again.

"What? Are you coming?" Wren asked again, smiling like a proud man. Maybe he thinks his banter to Zanji was amazing?

"Sure, but you have to treat me to food," I replied.

The smile disappeared from his face, "Damn, why do I have to do that? Shouldn't it be—? Shit! Never mind. Fine."

I was confused by what he said, frustrated with how confusing he could be.

Later on, Zanji also left, and I followed Wren to some unknown destination.

"Shall we walk?" I asked.

"What do you think?" he replied sarcastically, giving me a side-eye.

"Can't we just take a cab? My feet are hurting," I said. He looked at my feet.

"If we take a cab, how will I treat you to food? You choose; it's your call since I'm the one dragging you somewhere," he said seriously, putting his hands inside the pockets of his cargo pants.

Damn it, like I had a choice.

"Okay, let's walk," I said, matching my pace with his but removing my heels before doing so.

He laughed at what I did. "Damn! Who told you to wear those?" He laughed even louder.

I rolled my eyes. "You're such a pain in the ass!"

"Hoy, remind lang kita. You don't even have an ass," Aba't?!

----

When we arrived at his chosen location, I was amazed by the view. "Is it worth the walk?" he asked.

I turned to him, smiled, and gave a thumbs up. "Hell yeah it is."

"I brought you here on purpose," he said.

I was still facing the city and asked, "What purpose?"

"Walter wants to talk to you," he said.

I glanced at him in surprise. "Where is he?" I asked.

"He's on his way," he replied.

There was a moment of silence.

Walter wants to talk to me? Why and about what? Does he have some business with me? What kind of conversation are we going to have? These were the questions swirling in my mind. I felt that Wren knew something.