A Close Second

Twenty Third

The night progressed just like that with the Medranos.

I really felt at home with them nang hindi ko na mamalayan na gabi na pala. Next thing I know, I was being ushered to Andrew's car, which was a bit unfair because I was having fun kahit na school night.

It was like I was a real part of something.

"Sa uulitin, Ate Beatrice!" Masayang paalam ni Alyssa sa akin habang papasok ako ng sasakyan ni Keith.

I smiled at the girl saka naman nag wave sa kanila nila Adele at Kuya Charles na sumama para ihatid kami ni Keith sa may pinto. Yung mga iba, nasa loob, no doubt nagkukwentuhan parin.

Hanggang 8 lang kasi ang paalam nitong lalaking ito, and it was quarter to 8 already. Nagpaalam na ako sa mga tao sa loob and they made me promise na makakarating ako kung sakaling may ganitong usapan ulit ang magpipinsan. Minsan nakakatuwa rin yung feeling na belong ako kahit hindi naman nila ako kadugo.

"You seem happy." I tell Keith habang nagdradrive siya.
He smirks at me. "Why? Should I look sad?"
"No. I could just see how happy you are." Sabi ko.

He glances at me briefly, smirking saka naman hinuli ang kamay ko bago ito dinampian ng isang halik. He smiles.

"I'm happy dahil nakasama kita." Sabi niya. "That and the fact that you're so good with my family."
I smirked back in return. "So you have no problem with me and your family now in the future right?"
"And I'm the one being bold."
"Mag-huhubad ka?" Iling ko. "I know we're getting there, but I'm not ready yet, Drew."

He chuckles and then saka naman itinuloy ang pagdradrive. With my hand in his all of the way.

---

Inopen ni Keith ang door saka inilahad sa akin yung kamay niya. I take it gratefully, saka naman tumayo na rin.

"Did you have fun, Milady?" tanong niya sa akin.
I nodded. "So much."
"Well, you should go get some rest, baby." Sabi niya. "We still have classes tomorrow."

Saka niya ako hinila at hinalikan sa noo. I smiled as he gently lets go of me, kissing my hand softly as well. Kahit kailan talaga hindi siya pumapalya. He gently lets go of my hand.

"Thank you, Beatrice." Sabi niya. "For today."
"Thank you din." I tell him. "Please be careful in driving."
He smiles. "I will, baby." He says, running his hand on my chin saka naman tumalikod.

I stand sa harapan ng bahay namin saka naman pinanood siyang paalis ng compound, he beeps twice, and our guard gives him a salute before he allows him to go out of the property. I smiled saka naman pumasok na sa loob.

Come to think of it, ang swerte kong may isang Keith na nagtratrato sa akin ng ganito.

I've never felt so loved before. And for once in my entire life, nararamdaman kong may isang taong talagang inuuna ako.

---

"San ka pupunta?"

Jake grins sa akin habang naglalakad ako, nakasandal siya sa isang post sa may walkway, hands on his pocket, and seeming to be waiting for me.

I grinned at him. "Naglalakad lakad."
"Walk-a-thon?" natatawang sabi niya.
Tumango lang ako. "Parang. Marami akong inaayos para sa huling termino ko bilang SC President."
"Sama ako."

I shrug saka naman dumeretso ng lakad. He chuckles saka naman sumabay sa akin. I hugged my clipboard and then smiled, shaking my head. Tahimik lang kaming naglalakad. Hindi ko rin naman alam kung anong uumpisahan ko though. I didn't want to bring up Thea, so mananahimik nalang ako.