Parted Ways

CHAPTER TWELVE

I started pounding his chest. Ang lakas na iginagawad ko ay parang wala lamang sa kan'ya.

I'm breathing slowly while trying to contain myself.

It's okay, Aru. It's your fault so calm down now. Just talk to him.

I was about to stop when I heard my other self,

No, no! It's not your fault. He left you, he even called you by your second name when in fact he doesn't call you by that!

I slowly stopped.

Seconds passed and then he held my chin.

"I'm sorry, my Solhera. " he said with his softest voice. "I just tried that stunt so that I could know what your reaction would b-"

"Cut your shit, you called me Aruzel and left me earlier only to hear that explanation from you!?"

Ladies and gentlemen, my other self won.

I saw how his pupils dilated and a curved on his lips showed up.

I let out a big sigh and then I rolled my eyes.

He laughed, "Hear me first, please?"

"How dare you laugh at me, huh?" the rage I'm feeling right now is very evident.

Imbes na masindak siya, isang matamis na ngiti ang natanggap ko.

He then get his phone out of his duffel bag.

"You said no phones when we are together!" what's this feeling, I'm too much. I can't control me anymore.

The amusement never left his eyes.

Hinawakan niya ako at sabay kaming umupo sa isang bench, he offered me water before speaking.

"My baby, calm yourself," he caressed my cheeks. "Alright? I'll explain it all to you. On Sunday your parents are going to celebrate their 22nd Wedding Anniversary, I know you know. You can't forget it, right? I prepared that blue box as a gift for them so definitely it's not yours." after caressing my cheeks he reached for something into his bag, I was surprised when I saw a scrunchie in his hands. What surprised me more was when he started doing my ponytail.

After that he continued, "So the thing about me leaving you is that because you didn't looked at me. I felt embarrassed. Syempre kung meron sa mga magulang mo, mas merong sa'yo. I even prepared it myself kasi walang purple box sa shop na binilhan ko." he made me look at him. "Hmmm, do you know why I gave you one? I bet you don't."

I glared at him.

He then smiled sweetly for the nth time. "It's my 3rd month of courting you so I surprised you. Hindi ko naman alam na ako pala ang masusurprise. Do you also know bakit galit na galit ka? Kasi-"

"Of course I know! You left me, who wouldn't be?" this man is really getting into my nerves.

"Ssh," he placed a finger in my mouth so I could stop. "It's your time of the month, that's why I checked my phone earlier. I'm sorry for triggering you. Please be calm now." the rage suddenly faded away when he kissed my forehead.

"Do you want me to stay by your side until you're okay? Do you have pads? What do you want I can give it to you." aww my Caden. "Uh can you wait for a while? I'll just call Samuel and tell him that I wouldn't be able to join the-"

"What?" hindi siya sumama? Punong-puno na siguro si coach sa kan'ya.

"Why do you keep on cutting me off, baby?" he asked gently and chucked. "I have my explanations so don't stress yourself too much. I know I'm a piece of shit in your eyes right now, I don't want to trigger you more."

Guilt rushed in me. I've been too much. Being in the time of the month isn't a valid reason. Maybe I should just apologize right?

"Okay talk to them, I'll be waiting for you in the classroom." I said with finality.

Kailangan ko ng konting oras para mahimasmasan, para na rin mahanap ko ang mga tamang salita para masabi sa kan'ya.

"But-" I cut him off again.

"No buts, just follow." tumayo na ako at tumungo sa aming silid-aralan.

I checked my phone only to see Farah's message na nauna na siya roon at may kwento raw siya.

I'm glad someone's hitting on her. How did I know? I just know.

Good thing I am always wearing a pad a day or two before my time of the month but my goodness, Caden even took note of that!

One step away from the doorway, I turned my back. I want to go back to Caden but my pride is saying otherwise.

When I finally decided to just go inside, a hand snaked around my waist. We walked together and sat on our designated seats.

"What's your chika for today?" my best friend seems like she didn't noticed me because she's still on her phone.

I snapped my fingers at her face, "You're completely out of yourself huh? Mamaya ka sa'kin."

Kahit nakatalikod ako alam ko na umikot ang kaniyang mga mata.

Sir Hermosa entered the room. Iginala niya ang mga mata niya at nagtagal ito kay Caden.

"Oh, Calian! I thought your team would compete today?" he asked acting like so shocked.

"Sir, I have a thing to do so I just decided not to join them today." every eyes was on him.

"More important 'thing' than your passion for playing, huh?"

Kung ibang pagkakataon lang na nagsasayang ng oras ang isang guro without a connection sa topic ng klase, matutuwa siguro ako. Now is different, I'm getting annoyed. I know nagpapa-pansin lang siya kay Caden. Mas makapal pa nga yata ang blush on niya kaysa kay Farah eh.

Kalahati ng oras ng aming klase ay ginugol ng aming guro sa pagtatanong ng kung anu-ano sa mga kaklase kong lalaki.

Quarter to 2 PM a group of men went inside our room.

"Oh, Asher! Ang bilis naman ng laban niyo?" he then glance at us. "Class, how many hours did I spent talking nonsense with you?"

"Actually, we're only out for half an hour sir. We got disqualified because we didn't brought our 'best' point guard with us." Asher said mockingly.