The Day He Said Goodbye

XI

Days leading to finals were fast approaching. I made sure to finalize all other pending requirements so I can focus on the final project. I was aiming to present a video blog along with my restoration project presentation of the structure.

Kaka-excite din nga kasi sabi ni Sal sasamahan niya ako for this project. She wanted to help me sa pagvivideo. Kakatuwa lang sa pagiging supportive ni Sal nowadays lalo na sa love life ko.

Speaking of love life, Cai has been nothing but consistent naman. Nakakatuwa din na he is also building friendships with my cousins. Sabi ni Carmi it shows daw sa pagiging genuine ng intentions ni Cai towards me. I don't know talaga ano nakita ni Cai sa akin, but he always makes me feel special. Kakahiya nga eh hindi pa naman kami but lantaran na niya ako tinatag sa IG posts niya. Na-shock din nga ako nang biglang may nag-fofollow na ng IG ko na mga followers niya, napilitan tuloy ako mag-private kasi hindi ako sanay na maraming nakasunod sa IG ko, especially di ko mga kilala. Ang dami na nga nag-DM sa akin nagtatanong if boyfriend ko na si Cai. Kaloka ang level ng popularity ni Cai.

After I handed my output for my other subjects, I made sure to stop by sa cafeteria to get freshly made meat rolls, babaunin namin ni Sal at Cai today for the site visit para sa project ko. Napagdesisyunan namin to work on it on a Saturday dahil we're mostly free on this day.

I was eating my piece while I was heading out na towards sa gate nang may biglang huminto na sasakyan sa tabi ko. Lumingon-lingon pa ako habang kagat ko pa yung meat roll nang bumaba yung bintana ng sasakyan sa side ko. Dun ko din napansin na si Dax pala yung nagdadrive. Sumandal siya palapit sa nakababang bintana.

"Hey Gabb. Going home?"

"Uhm. Yes." I suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable sa approach niya. He's being too friendly for someone I just met once.

"Hop in. I'll drive you home."

"Ah wag na malapit din naman dito." Muntik pa ako nabilaokan bago nagsalita. What Art told me before was now replaying in my head.

"Come on. Just wanna extend some kindness to anyone who is close to my cousins."

I was about to refuse again kaso bumusina na rin yung kasunod ng sasakyan niya. I just decided to take his offer and got in after he opened the door for me. In my mind, di naman siguro siya gagawa ng masama sa akin when he's totally exposed na pinasakay ako under this broad daylight.

Dax started driving when I was settled already. We were silent for some time. I was debating pa to offer him some meat roll when he spoke again.

"So you love meat rolls?"

"Uhm yes. Do you want some?" I motioned the paper bag towards him.

"Oh no thanks. I'm full anyway. Please enjoy eating, I don't mind."

Natahimik na naman kami ulit. Kahit sinabi niya na he doesn't mind me eating, pinili ko pa rin hindi kumain. Ewan biglang nawala yung appetite ko. Buti na lang malapit lang yung apartment namin.

I made him stop lang dun sa may grocery na katabi lang ng place ko kasi may dadaanan din ako. I thanked him before and after I got out. I waited for him to go before I let out a sigh of relief. Damn it felt like that was the most longest and awkward ride I had going home. Kasi naman tong si Art ano bang klaseng pag-iingat ang dapat ko gawin towards Dax.

I went inside and bought some additional snacks and drinks to bring with us. I also made sure to grab some mosquito repellent lotion just in case malamok sa building. Matagal na kasi na nakatiwangwang ang building due to some contract disputes kaya na put on hold yung reconstruction. I called Cai na rin para tanungin if he needs anything while I'm still inside.