Sunken Promises

Kabanata 10

"Can I come?" I asked.

"Of course," I almost jumped because of too much excitement when he agreed.

Our second semester starts tomorrow and he's returning to his condo unit today. Gusto kong sumama dahil nag-iisa lang naman ako rito sa bahay. Uuwi na lang ako kapag weekends. Besides, mas malapit ang condo niya sa school. 

"I'll just pack my things. Dito ka lang," I said before running upstairs.

I needed to put my things in a luggage since my shoes and jackets took up a lot of space. I also decided to bring some of my books. Nagdesisyon akong iwan na lang ang essentials ko dahil malapit lang naman sa mall ang unit niya at pwedeng bumili na lang ako roon mamaya.

He was already tying his shoelaces when I arrived downstairs. I think I'll just ask Andrick to take care of my house while I'm not here. Umuwi naman na siya kahapon e. Nagtataka nga lang ako kung bakit ang daming pula sa balat niya. Parang may kumagat na kung ano.

"Let's go?" aniya nang mapansin ako roon.

Nakangiti akong tumango-tango sa kaniya.

Inagaw niya sa akin ang luggage pagkatapos at lumabas. I followed him and saw him put it in his car's trunk. Pumasok na ako roon sa shotgun seat nang masiguradong naka-lock na ang pintuan.

"Can I go to the mall later? I have to buy my essentials," paalam ko habang pinagmamasdan ang dinaraanan namin.

"Sure. Sasamahan na kita. Doon na rin tayo mag-dinner," aniya.

We did what he said. We ate dinner there and bought my essentials. Bumili na rin ako ng bagong mga damit, trench coat, at sapatos para sa susunod na pupunta ako sa condo niya ay hindi na ako mag-iimpake pa.

It's already almost dawn and I still couldn't sleep. That's when I decided to leave a text for Andrick.

To: Kuyangot

Take care of my house for now. Use your spare key.

I was shocked when he immediately replied.

From: Kuyangot

Where are you? Muntik na kitang ipahanap sa pulis

I laughed for a bit before typing a reply.

To: Kuyangot

A friend's condo

My phone died right after sending that text. Dahil d'on, tumayo ako para i-charge iyon. Nakaramdam na rin ako ng antok pagkatapos kaya humiga na ulit ako sa kama.

Arius had two rooms in his condo. Kwarto niya ang isa at guest room naman ang isa pa. He had one common bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, a dining  area, and a balcony here. Malaki siya ngunit sapat lang laki para sa isang tao. Hindi katulad ng bahay ko na talagang mararamdman mo ang pag-iisa mo kapag naroon ka.

I am currently staying in his guest room. Ipinagpilitan niya kanina na tabi na lang daw kami pero hindi ako pumayag. I didn't like the idea that he'll be able to see me when I still haven't brushed my hair and washed my face.

I was about to close my eyes when I suddenly heard loud thunder from outside. Napabangon ako dahil doon at napasilip na rin sa bintana ng kwarto. I closed my eyes when I saw lightning flash from afar. 

I grabbed a pillow and hugged it until I reached the door of Arius's room. Mahigpit kong kapit ang unan sa isang kamay habang kumatok naman ako gamit ang isa.