Be With You

Prologue

Being this close with him gives me chills, especially when he stares at me. I don't know what to react, but I need to show the people that it's not awkward.

You don't feel anything. Keep your composure.

He leaned more closer and touched my face. I tried so hard not to flinch when I felt the warmth of his palm. So soft. I feel like he was touching me as if I'm a porcelain vase he's afraid to break. The look in his eyes, it's as if he want to convey something.

Is it love? I guess not. But I can see that he's holding back.

When he's about to pull off of his hand, I immediately grabbed it and pulled him towards me. Shocked was on his face, but I continued what I have to do.

I leaned in closer to him this time and I heard the loud scream of the people watching us as if this thing is true. I touched his face and turn around him while having a fixed eye contact. Slowly, I pulled away and he also disappeared, running to the side of the stage to prepare for the next scene.

I looked in front of me where our audience are. I saw flicker of good emotions in their eyes.

I continue to deliver my lines. Feeling the emotion of what the script wants to convey.

Hurt! Hurt because I was being used.

"And, cut! Okay, 15 minutes break, guys", our director said while holding a megaphone. He clapped his hands to call for the others attention.

"Good take,Leonel. Pahinga ka muna, then reread your script for the next scene. Okay, everyone, please rest muna. Then we'll proceed to the next scene."

I jumped out of the stage to get my bottled water and take a rest.

"Leon!"

I tsked when I heard this voice. Andito na naman siya para manggulo.

"Leon!!!"

Nilingon ko siya ng may pagod na mukha.

"What now, Gi?", I asked and drink from my bottled water. She clung her arms to me and smiled widely.

"Galit ka na naman? Wala pa nga akong sinasabi. I just called you." She then pouted and embrace me tighter.

" I know what you're up to, Gi. Hindi mo ako madadala sa mga pacute mo." Pagsusungit ko. I roamed my eyes around the place, and find someone looking at our direction. When our eyes met, he immediately busied himself on to something.

I just shrugged my thoughts away and read my script.

"Anong oras ang end ng practice niyo?", Gianna then ask.

" Maybe 7. I'll be home late. Don't wait for me. Just call Kuya Jom to pick you up." I said with an ordering tone so that she can't say no. But then, being the annoying kid she is, she likes to oppose my word.

"But Leon-"

"And it's Kuya Leon for you." I fired back. She pouted and crossed her arms in front of her.

"Akala ko ba hindi kita pwedeng tawaging 'Kuya' sa school?" She reasoned, giving emphasis to the word she should use as a sign of respect while glaring at me.

I put down the script and faced her.

"Well, it's just me and you here, alone. Nasasanay ka na porke mas mahaba ang oras natin sa school. So now, you should also call me 'Kuya' when were alone together, understand?"

She just stomped her feet, showing me that she's annoyed.

The moment I got back to reading my script, an intentional cough disturb me.

" Phi! Hello!"

My sister jumped out of excitement and went towards the new comer and clung her arms to the guy, just like what she did to me earlier.

"Kamusta practice niyo? Sayang hindi ko naabutan yung scene niyo ni Kuya- amp, I mean, ni Leon." She then looked at me, looking sorry. I just shooked my head and sigh.

With a confused look she turned to me, maybe waiting to be scolded.

" He knows about us, little sis. But it should only be him."

Shocked, she hold my hands as if confirming, and without her asking, I said, " We're seeing each other."

I looked at the guy in front of me and showed him a teasing smile. He just rolled his eyes heavenwards and I can just saw him trying himself not to smile.

"Kuya! You have lots of storytelling to do. I'll wait for you to finish your practice."  She pointed her finger to me and facing the other one," You too. How could you two!"

I just went back to my thing and smiled to myself. I think I really have a lot to tell her. But, I don't care.