Forever Trapped

Chapter 6

I stood there still stunned at what he just said.

Here? Again?

So this is not the first time he saw me here? Certainly not on my part because even if I tried, hindi ko maalala na nagkita na kami dati.

"Magkakilala pala kayo?"

I awkwardly smiled at Sister Pam. Imbes na sumagot, I decided not to. I don't want to be rude but I also don't want to be honest and right at this moment, I'm just trying to convince myself that Phoenix is not stalking me. I know he's rich and he's probably busy so for the love of God, may he not have the intention to stalk me because I really don't want to play any game with him.

"Kind of," he answered after a moment of silence.

"Sister, I wish I could stay here longer but I just have to leave early for now. I'll just chat you po if I'll visit next time and feel free to message or email me for updates."

I tried not to look in his direction. I can almost feel my skin melt under his gaze. What the hell is wrong with him? Hindi ko na talaga kayang magtagal dito. He just ruined my plans! I was planning to play with the kids but I can't now that he is here. Ewan ko ba. I feel like we should not be left in one place, alone or not.

"Alis na din po ako. I will make sure to visit the kids soon. Thank you for the time, Sister."

Oh, dear. Is he not sensing that I'm avoiding his presence? At talagang babalik pa siya dito? It's great that he is helping the kids but he is not helping me keep my cool.

Di na bale. I'll just shut my mouth and stay civil, less talk or whatever. We're both adults, I think we're capable of doing that.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just overreacting. Am I? Is he making me panic and all?

Just like what I thought. He's really bad news.

He wasn't talking but I can hear his footsteps right behind me. Napa-kapit tuloy ako sa bag ko. Why is he doing this to me? I mean... he really isn't doing anything but why am I- shit, why am I so obsessed with driving him away? Ayaw kong bumalik sa pagiging teenager na hindi makatulog ng maayos dahil lang sa isang lalake. I wasn't even like that when I was in my teens! Ano ito? Late puberty?

What the actual crap? Do I have a freaking crush on Phoenix?

Nope. Nope. I tightly closed my eyes and tried to drive all those thoughts away. No freaking way.

Sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa parking lot. None of us is still speaking but I can really feel his presence. Hindi kaya naguguluhan lang ako sa sinasabi ni Cynthia because she really is acting like this man like me a little bit too much and here I am with him and he is just silent as a rock!

Is he acting mysterious or am I just really overthinking?

And do I just stay quiet or wait for him to talk?

I hate him already.

"Zahara."

I was so near my car when I heard him say my name. This is the worst timing but I suddenly had a flashback of our making-out moment at parang gusto kong sumakay na lang sa kotse niya or invite him in mine- doesn't matter- just so we can have a part two.

I can't afford to say these thoughts out loud. Hearing myself think is sweet torture already.

I waited for him to say something and the longer I wait, the longer I stared at his face. I really don't like bearded men but the mature look suits him well. Probably why I got the hots for him the first time I saw him. He seems like the type who can handle both serious and dirty business.

"It's- I'm glad we saw each other again."

That's all he had to say? Seriously?

I looked away not even knowing why I wanted more from him. Anong more nga ba naman ang gusto ko?

"Don't tell Cynthia you saw me here." I was reminded. I would be okay if my friends knew but I would just really like to keep this part of my life to myself. "Please," I added just so he'd know how important that is for me.

He nodded. I saw his adam apple move, "Okay. In one condition."

"What?"

"Accept my follow request when I'll follow you again."

I was frozen in disbelief. Is he- that's what he wants me to do? Does he want to follow me? Parang gusto kong matawa sa kaniya. Totoo kaya ang sinabi ni Cynthia about him sulking when he knew I deleted his follow request? If so, wow.

"Okay." I just said. He'll just follow me lang naman. It won't be thae end of the world if madadagdagan ng isa ang followers ko. Besides, it's just him asking to follow me. Wala naman siyang sinabing I need to follow back. If he said so, I probably would but one condition is one condition. He named his price and I'm not willing to pay more. "You can follow me now and I'll accept it here right now if you want to be sure."

I'm a woman of my words and I also couldn't risk him telling Cynthia I'm here or that we've seen each other. It shouldn't be a big issue but it would be safer if no one knows anything. I'll deal with Phoenix some other time but I'm still firm with my decision about dating or not dating.

"No, it's fine but-" kinuha niya ang phone niya and clicked something there. "You know what? I'm okay with that too. There, I followed you already."

I grabbed my phone from my bag and accepted his follow request. "Done," I said simply and put it back in my bag, scared that he'll ask me to follow him too. Heck, no.

"Good," he smiled at me. "See you around, Zahara."

I certainly hope not.