Ad Infinitum

Chapter 8

©mugiichan, 2014

Elusive

***

I could hear my deep breathings as I continue to stroke my paintbrush on the wall and I HOPE he wouldn't hear it. His presence makes me feel so intimidated and I hate it! I hate it when he's sharing the same place with me. I feel so small.

Scooping some paint in my palette, I mixed some colors and painted the wall. I tried not to distract myself from him. I wanted to glance at him for I don't know why but I'm just fighting the urge not to do it. Sana nandito na lang si Fiona para may kausap lang man ako or either Margaux even though I barely know her. I just feel good with her. Trust is a big issue for me pero sa kanya, magaan ang pakiramdam ko. There is really something on her. I didn't even realize that it's been an hour na nagpipinta ako dito. All I could hear is dragging of the furnitures and murmuring of other people in this coffee shop including his loud, deep voice. He really plays na parang wala ako kanina pa and he never recognize my exsistence in this shop.

"Saab why would you think na papansinin ka ni Thaddeus?" My sub-consious raises her eyebrow to me. "Hello? Nakalimutan mo na ba ang nangyari noong isang araw? Galit 'yan sa'yo hindi nga ba?"

Oo nga naman, why would I bother it? He won't care for me anyway.

He won't.

EVER...

I checked on my acrylic paints and realized some were already empty at sakto namang bumaba si Christian with Aubrey's doctor gesturing her to the exit door.

"Any problems, Saab?" He asked as walked beside me as I scratch my head kahit na wala namang makati sa ulo ko.

"Uhm, we ran out of paint, Christian." I confessed. "I should find some shop around here to buy some paint." He nodded and called kuya Thaddeus up. Ano na naman ito?

"Oh I see and by the way, do you two knew each other already? It seems you two were in complete silence. Is there something going on?" He asks.

Bago pa ako makasagot, nauna na si kuya sa'kin. "Yes, she was my sister's bestfriend." He said while he's staring at me and I immediately looked away. Ha! And now, you're playing this otherwise. Nakikita mo na rin ako. "And no, there's nothing wrong between us, right Saab?" I slowly nodded looking at oblivious Christian. Damn, don't stare at me like that! You make me feel so intimidated!

Hindi ko na hinintay na makasagot si Christian. "I'll just go ahead first. I'll see you two later." Tumalikod na ako at lumabas sa shop leaving the two. Sa sandaling tinitigan ako sa mga mata ni kuya Thaddeus kanina, mas lalo akong natatakot sa kanya. I feel so unsafe when he was near to me. He was way to vicious for me lalung-lalo na sa pagtrato nya kay Margaux which I really find confusing. Mabait naman si Margaux and why he treats her so cold? Walking on the street in a cold afternoon, I slid my earphones on my ear and played my favorite playlist on my phone. Naalala kong may supplies shop kaming nadaanan ni Fiona kanina kaya naglakad na lang ako. I enjoyed walking down the snow covered sidewalk. Matagal na rin akong hindi nakaexperience ng snow since na lumipat na kami sa Pilipinas. Nakakatuwang tingnan ang mga yelong bumabagsak galing sa langit at nakakamanghang tingnan ang kanilang formations kung titingnan mo nang malapitan.

Agad kong natanaw ang supplies shop and it was across the street. I crossed the street without looking on the both sides. Napasigaw ako sa gulat nang may nagpreno na malaking sasakyan ang it's heading to me! My legs were already paralzyed, and I can't move a single step.

Oh God, ayaw ko pang mamatay!

In just one swift, a warm sturdy hand gripped my small wrist and pulled me up. Napapikit ako and I was already rested in someone's chest. My breathes were too deep for I was so scared. I was still trembling with fear of being hit by the vehicle and my legs were still shaking that I can't even balance myself. I didn't even saw the face of the one who saved me but I know it was a man. I felt his arms embracing me so tightly and it seems he wouldn't let me go. That gesture made me feel quite calm and I find it weird. I should be still trembling with fear dahil hindi ko alam kung sino ang nakahawak sa'kin and I was vulnerable at this moment but then, I just feel so safe in this warm, tight arms.