Love the sky, Astrea

Chapter Nine

Canvas

I was stunned. I didn't know what I should say. 

"Look, I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend our suppose meet up. I had to take my cousin-in-law out for dinner since my cous was busy. I wasn't able to text immediately because my battery died." He, out of nowhere, explained. 

"It's okay. Something came up, I left early." I lied. I tried to look confident, letting out a smile.

"We're good then?" He asked. 

"Yeah, of course." I answered. 

I turned around and picked up a cupcake. I slowly ate it, still processing what happened. The Asikiel Vergoza apologized? A smile crept on my lips.

"People of the Philippines, the practice was cancelled!"  Peire announced.

"We know," Aski and Sachi answered in unison. Then, they showed their phone.

"Baka nasa gc rin kami? Baka lang naman." Sachi sarcastically said.

"Idiot." Aski mumbled.

Peire glared at him but he smiled.

"Now, what to do? Swimming?" Peire suggested. He's jumping up and down looking like a kid.

Quer rolled her eyes at him and scoffed.

"Movie? I just downloaded the season four of Stranger things." Quer recommended. She just finished cleaning the kitchen. 

"Swimming's better. What do you say?" Peire asked Sachi.

"Anythings good." Sachi coolly replied. He was going through his phone, unconcerned of the upcoming debate of the two.

He turned to me asking for an answer. I looked at Quer, she have this "pick movie or else" look. I looked at Peire, he narrowed his eyes. My eyes went back and forth. In the end, I just shrugged.

Peire faced Aski, leaning forward, waiting for his reply. Aski stared at him.

"I have to tutor Astrea." He replied with a blank expression.

I was astound. I chuckled nervously. "Tutor? Now?"

Aski hummed in respond. "At the veranda."

 He took my sketchpad and his bag then went to the veranda. He left the room speechless.

"Ayaw niya sa suggestion mo," Peire nudged Quer. 

"Mas ayaw niya sa pagmumukha mo." Pagsusungit ni Quer. She came to my side and pushed me. "Go na, Aste."

I staggered as I walk to the veranda. I turned to look at the encouraging look on Quer's face.

The table was already set upped when I reached the veranda. On the table was a sketchpad, variety of pencils, paint brush and watercolor, which I think is his.

He peered at me. He gestured me to sit beside him. I sat down and held the pencil.

"Since you already know the basic, you should learn the proper shading. Sketch whatever you want, afterwards I'll show you where to shade depending on the perspective." 

He proceeded to paint on his watercolor sketchpad. I stared at him. I've been looking forward to this, tapos gan'to lang. He just cut to the chase and went directly to the point. I imagine some small talks, getting to know each other portions and some corny jokes. Expectation versus reality indeed. 

I let out a sigh. I faced him and started to sketch him. I attempt to start a conversation but it was stopped by my shyness. Baka makulitan siya sa'kin. I pouted.