Tough & Classy

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: "I'm not mad. I'm hurt. There's a difference."

I just hate it so much when my mind tells me to forget about him, but my heart is against it. After how he had treated me, I should be mad with him. Nasaktan ako pero hindi ko magawang makaramdam ng galit. Nagtatampo, oo. 

I haven't seen him again after that day. Partly because my pride wouldn't let me but I had those weak moments when I badly wanted to just give in and see him. 

"JL and I will be watching a movie tomorrow. Wanna come with us?" tanong ni Andy habang patungo kami sa library.

"Nah.. I don't wanna be the third wheel. Just enjoy your date."

She blushed but tried to hide it by laughing it off. "What are you talking about? It ain't a date! Lakad mag-best friend iyon!"

I smiled a bit. "If you say so."

She tried to deny it even more. I just let out a soft chuckle. Pero natigilan ako ng makita siya. I wiped off the smile on my face and looked away. The urge to run away from him was so strong but I knew that would make me look weak in his eyes. 

"Hi Chester!" masiglang bati ni Andy sa kanya.

I pretended not to see him. Nanatiling diretso ang tingin ko. I could feel his stare on me, but I chose to ignore it. But when I couldn't take it anymore sinabi ko na kay Andy na mauuna na ako sa library at tumalikod na. 

"So, what was that?" tanong ni Andy pagdating niya sa library. "Walang pansinan? Intense ah!"

"I don't care about him anymore," I said nonchalantly.

She raised her brows. "Talaga? So kahit mag-sorry siya sa'yo hindi mo papansinin?"

I scoffed. "Chester?" I muttered sarcastically. "He probably doesn't even know the word sorry."

"Uy grabe siya. Mabait naman si Chester. Temperamental lang ng slight." I raised my brow. She laughed awkwardly. "Medyo marami sa slight?"

"He's a jerk."

"So hindi mo na siya gusto?" That rendered me speechless. "Hala siya! Gusto pa 'no?"

"I'm starting to 'unlike' him."

"Hmm.. sayang mukhang affected pa naman din siya sa pag-ignore mo sa kanya."

Napahinto ako sa pagsusulat at tumingin kay Andy na kunwaring busy sa binabasa. I swallowed my pride. "Did he really seem affected?"

She looked at me and smirked. "Yup! Patingin-tingin nga siya kanina sa'yo eh. Kaso ignore galore ka sa kanya."

Natahimik ako.

Nagpunta ako sa bahay nina Clyde para magpasama sa kanya sa mall. May bibilhin lang sana ako para sa school project namin. Si Andy sana kaso ay may family gathering naman sila. 

"Hi, tita!" masiglang bati ko sabay beso sa kanya. 

"Hello, Claire! Buti nadalaw ka dito."

"Magpapasama po sana ako kay kuya Clyde? I need some stuff for my project."

"Just go to their tambayan."

"Thanks, tita!"

Alam ko na kung saan ang tambayan na sinasabi ni Tita. It was the house next door. Nabili nina Tita ang property na iyon at gigibain sana ang pader sa pagitan ng mga bahay. It was supposed to be their guesthouse, but the twins had better plans for it. Gumawa na lang sila ng gate na daanan para makapunta sa kabila buhat sa bahay nila.