It Started in the Library (Completed and Editing)

Chapter 46: Gathering Storm

Chapter 46: Gathering Storm

The sound of the bass reverberated along my very bones as I toyed with my drink on the bar. Sweaty bodies undulated to the beat of the house music as strangers met and shared intimacies in the dark. For the first time, I paid no attention to the smiles directed at my way. Instead, I watched the swirling, dark liquid as it mixed with the slowly melting ice. Beads of cold water bled like tears on the rim.

They looked so much like Bleu's tears.

I don't know why it never bothered me before – breaking hearts. It seemed so easy: all fun and games and when they get too serious, I take a step back. The rules were that simple.

The rules have changed.

Or I have changed.

I gulped my drink and felt it slowly burn down my chest, before settling warmly in my  stomach. I signalled the bartender to give me another one and she flashed me a knowing smile.

Darn. It didn't have the effect it should have.

What the hell is happening to you Alfredo Derick Zabala?

Imposible namang nababakla ka na?

Oh shit, hindi pwede.

'Tangna, the last time I went to bed with someone was two fucking months ago. That's the longest I've been without a bed partner since I was eighteen. I can't be losing my fuckin' libido at only twenty four. Shit.

My phone started to vibrate and I glanced at the screen.

Baby Girl Calling...

My spirits lifted a bit. Miss ko na si baby girl. We haven't really hanged out lately simula nung maging sila ni Prince.

"Hi baby girl," I greeted her.

"Kuya, nakabalik na po ako," her voice sounded scratchy and I frowned.

"Okay ka lang ba? Bakit boses palaka ka baby?"

"Ang bad mo talaga kuya, hindi kaya. May sipon lang ako," she sniffed. "Ang ingay kuya, asan ka po?"

"Andito sa Privé, naghahanap ng date," I heard her sigh. "Ikaw, asan ka baby? Gusto mo dalhan kita food?"

"Hindi na po, andito ako sa apartment ni Prince."

Napakunot-noo ako, "bakit di ka sa bahay magpahinga baby?"

"Okay lang po ako, inaalagaan ako ni Prince." I licked my lips. Ang daya, buti pa 'tong si baby girl may Prince na. Si Aidan may Red, si Ali may Ria, at mukhang 'tong si Adam pinopormahan yung Rin.

"Kuya, bakit ang tahimik niyo po?"

"Di mo na kailangan si kuya, may Prince ka na," I pouted eventhough she couldn't see me. The lights and smoke machine played strange lights on my empty glass. I saw more empty smiles directed at my way.

"Grabe, tampo na si kuya agad," I heard her say, "wag ka na magtampo kuya. Love naman kita eh."

"Kausapin ko si Prince," I heard her moving before I heard him answer.

"Hi Kuya Alfred," bungad niya sa'kin.

"Kamusta si Diosa? Is she okay? Baka mamaya pagurin mo siya ha? Uupakan kita."

"Hindi kuya, aalagaan ko po si Aya," he assured me. "I'll bring her home in a little while. Wala siyang ganang kumain eh. Napilit ko lang mag-soup."

"Dapat lang. Pag may nangyari sa kapatid ko, yari ka sa 'kin Constantino."

"Don't worry kuya, ako na pong bahala. I'll take care of Aya."