Ako ang Iyong Tahanan (ON GOING)

Chapter XXVI

"Hi," Jayden greeted me as he rolled down the driver's window down.

"Why in the world are you here? Don't you have a practice?" I asked him with a concerned voice.

"Bawal?" he played with his tongue. 

I rolled my eyes, ginaya pa ako eh.

"Oh," he handed me a plastic with burger and fries inside.

"Dude, you don't have to---"

"You said you were hungry," his eyebrows were furrowed. 

I can't stand this guy, he's spoiling me like I'm his responsibility. Jayden makes me feel the feelings I have never felt before.

"I was joking!" I bit my lip to stop myself from smirking.

"Malay ko ba?" he scoffed. 

I glared at him before getting in the front seat. I wanted to take him inside the house, pero baka biglang dumating si Tita at madatnan kami. That would be so awkward.

"How's practice?" I asked him while I was taking a bite from my burger.

"Intense, lapit na ng do or die games eh. Dude, sobrang nakakabobo pag naiisip ko na hindi ako makakalaro," he let his fingers ran through his hair because of frustration.

"The guys got this. We just have to trust them, you'll reach finals," I patted his shoulder. 

He nodded and gave me a smile.

"Ikaw? Tell me about your day," he told me as he looked at me with sincere eyes. 

I sighed, "Quite good. Papa's questions are repetitive nga lang, and he has trouble in making new memories. He also forgets some from the past, but at least, he recognizes me. He's also acting kind of childlike, so you really have to be patient in dealing with him." 

I leaned my head on the car window.

"That's tough, but at least he's awake now."

"Yeah, and his vitals are stable. Therapy na lang talaga," I faked a smile. "But I really want to go home. I want to be the one to take care of him."

"What? Babalik ka ng US?" he looked at me with a disagreeing face.

"Yes. I really want to, but papa doesn't seem to approve it. I wanted to hug him tight, but he's pushing me away," I sighed.

"Pero 'di ba sabi mo dati nandoon naman 'yung kapatid ng Papa mo para bantayan siya," he looked mad.

"Yeah, pero iba pa 'rin kung ako mismo 'yung nag-aalaga."

"Paano 'yung pag-aaral mo dito? 'Yung banda?" he raised his voice.

"Ba't ba sobrang against ka? I just---"

"Alyx, don't leave," he cut me off. 

I looked at him with my eyes wide open. 

"Dude, what the hell?" I clenched my fist.

"I know this sounds selfish, but please, don't go."

"Why?"

He messed his hair while he was shaking his head.

"I need you," he wet his lips.