A Close Second

Twenty Ninth

I know. I'm being too transparent. 

In my defense, this story happens the same time BASO does. Sorry. I'm trying though. Really trying para mabigyan ng twist and mysteries ang lahat ng ito. And i've got a concrete plan on what I want to show in this story, the same way I wanted to show something in BASO. 

Hi Cutie! This is for you! 

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"Galit ka pa ba kay Keith?"

Hindi ako nakasagot agad sa tanong ni Mikki habang magkasama kami at nakaupo sa van na maghahatid samin papuntang resort. I saw Kuya Anton's glance from the rearview mirror but he doesn't say anything about it and just drives.

I give her a small smile. "Hindi na actually." I tell her.
"You just like having the power to get the human ice-cube version of him actually show that he's capable of feelings." She chuckles. "Oh, straight English yun para sayo madam."

Naikot ko ang mata ko saka naman finocus sa daan.

It wasn't as if I was milking at how Keith Andrew is treating me right now. It was nice, seeing him put an effort really. But there was a part of me that didn't want to really acknowledge him.

At least not yet.

I have my reasons. Mikki's statement was definitely not one of them.

The van stops infront of the familiar building that has been my haven before. For a brief moment, I remember when Jacob and I sought refuge in this place.

Mikki nudges me and I take off my earphones, looking ahead and then preparing to get out. She grin at me, putting on her sunglasses. Buti pa siya nagkaron ng time na iprepare ang sarili niya.

"AAAH!"

Bumukas yung pintuan ng van and of couse, sunlight almost blinded my eyes. Natawa si Mikki habang inalalayan siya ni Nico pababa ng van.

"Paganda pa more, Madam," hagikgik ni MIkki.
"Tangina, Nico. Pag nabulag yan, sakin ka sasagot."

Isinuot ni Keith ang sunglasses sa may mga mata ko, saka ako inalalayan pagbaba. He grins at me, wrapping an arm around my waist saka naman isinara ang pintuan ng van sa likod ko. Nakahiwalay kasi kami ni Mikki ng sasakyan kasi si Mommy, ipinahatid kami kay Kuya Anton. I smiled back at Keith. Nico, Greg and Amar sa tabi ni Mikki.

Four days, three nights.

That's how long this whole 'retreat' thing was. I've got to hand it kay Tita Valerie. Everything's set and done for, with the whole class informed and packing last night agad. It's amazing when you think about it.

"Ako nanaman." Bugnot na sabi ni Nico.
"Hayaan mo na, Nicolo. In love masyado eh."

Nagulat ako sa nagsalita and I looked back at Kuya Rob, a little horrified. He grins at me.

"Hi, Beatrice." Ngisi niya. "Andrew, my man.Siyempre, Greggory at Nicolo. "

Nag fist bump sila ni Keith. Shit. Alam niya? I was surprised at that fact. Does that mean Jacob knew about the Andrew?

Hi, Beatrice." Ngisi niya. "Andrew, my man.Siyempre, Greggory at Nicolo. "

Nag fist bump sila ni Keith. Shit. Alam niya? Edi hindi malayong alam na rin ni Jake!

"Hindi ka na bumalik dito. Magtatampo na ba ako?" He tells me.
I blushed. "Naging busy na rin kasi kami, Kuya." Sabi ko sa kanya
"Exams and all." Keith shrugs.
"Right." Tumango tango s i Kuya Rob aaka nangiti. "Alright... Wala pa ang mga kaklase ninyo, but you're all here so pumunta na tayo sa loob?"