AESTHETIC MIND

Old Friend

[Theo]

Yael was walking towards me holding two ice cream on his hands. Today's Saturday, we decided to go out at the local park

"Pasensya na nahuli ako ng gising eh" He apologize and handed me the mango flavored ice cream. He really do know what I need, no wonder we've been friends for too long.

As soon as he sat on the swing next to me he asked "Why didn't you invite Heather?" 

I scoff and crooked my eyebrows "Is it necessary to invite her every time? Aren't we going to spend some time together like the old time?"

He bend backward and started laughing. He laugh so loud that all the people closest to our direction look at him. I covered my face with my hand, he might've noticed the unwanted attention and starts calming down

"Why do I smell jealousy in your words?"

"I am not. I'm meeting someone right now, I just need someone to accompany me outside, her presence isn't needed so why bother asking her out" I started licking my ice cream, it's already melting in my hand, it feels sticky.

After a momentary silence Yael finished his ice cream faster than me "Mabait si Heather Theo, alam mo naman siguro iyon hindi ba? Why don't you start treating her like a friend?"

I didn't answer him. I'm busy licking the ice cream that's melting faster than the usual, maybe because of the heat.  It's almost 10 o'clock and the person I'm supposed to be meeting shows no sign of appearing. 

"Theo bukas gusto mo bang bumisita sa bahay? Isama natin si Heather" He said persistently 

"You do what you want" I said giving up 

I felt a hand on my back and that send me on the ground "You know how much I despise surprises" 

"Sorry naman" The new comer hold his hand imitating a peace sign "Punta tayo sa cafe, nasusunog na balat ko dito"

Yael extended his hand on me and help me up. I dusted up the excess dirt on the ground

"Kailan ka pa nakabalik dito sa Pilipinas?" Yael ask the new comer, he smiled and rested his hands on Yael's shoulder "Matagal na kong pabalik-balik dito" and laugh loudly. Again the attention was fixed at us.

We arrived at the cafe and a pretty boy wave his hands to catch our attention "Ang tagal niyo tangina kanina pa ako dito"

we settled at his table and order some sweets "So. Why are you asking us out here?" 

The guy smile and rested his elbow on the table "I heard that you've met the infamous part time detectives. Did he recognize you?"

I lean at the table and stare at him "Of course he did. He even thought you were behind the what happened at the activity. I mean, who else would've thought that stupid idea"

And then he laugh again.

The pretty boy that's been sitting beside him covered his mouth forcefully "Shut up you fucking maniac" when he nod, the pretty boy release his hand.

"You've worked hard Theo, Yael. I just needed to distract them from something. Now, Yael can you be a dear and get me more of this sugar cubes?"

Yael did what he is told and handed him five additional pink and light blue sugar cubes

"I won't be surprise if you're gonna die young. Jeovani"

He smile and put the six cubes in his coffee "I'm glad that you still cared"