T.L. Ako Sa'yo

Chapter 28 (I was wrong when I hurt you)

Arkin’s POV

“Ikaw Ark. How’s academics? I heard you’re in the running to become the class valedictorian.”

She looked at me.

“Gaya parin ng dati. Still enjoying the torture and all. But overall, masaya parin. Wallace is a good competitor.” Sagot ko then I continued eating.

“Now it’s just the two of you battling for that top spot.” Wika niya still looking at me.

I looked at her. Those eyes. I felt uneasy. Thia is in front of me. She’s quiet that made me feel more uncomfortable. I never thought she would show up like this. I was so surprised that I don’t know what to do. I looked at Thia again. She was still quiet. What would I tell her? What do I do?

“Yes. We’ve been better...” I paused for a moment.

.

.

.

“…since you left.” I said looking straight into her eyes.

She gasp then naramdaman kong lahat na sila nakatingin sa amin. Her eyes were full of disbelief.

“Ark…”

She tried to say something but she held back. I looked at Thia. She was looking at us. Her eyes were like full of questions. I just wanted to grab her hand and leave everyone behind. But I can’t do that. Not now.

“Have you been happy?” tanong ko sa kanya.

It may sound like I’m bitter. I don’t know. I just didn’t expect her to show up like this. I’d planned for a long time what to do when she shows up. That I’ll just hug her and say I miss her. But it all changed when I met Thia.

“Actually, I’ve been struggling.” Answered Noemi. They all paused for a moment. No one was saying anything. They’re waiting for the two of us to speak.

“Guys.” Drew wanted to say something pero hindi na niya tinuloy.

I’m still looking at her. She looks so sad. But why should I care? It was her choice to leave. It’s was not mine.

“Really?” I said looking at her as if nobody is around us.

“Guys.” This time, Lian tried to stop us. As if they knew that this conversation would just get ugly.

“It’s been hard for me.” she answered her smile is gone.

“You think it was just you who had a hard time?” I said again, I was about to say something again but then Wallace held my shoulder and shook his head.

“Gu-guys, let’s not talk about that. We’re having our lunch.” Lian said as she drew nearer to Noemi and tapped her shoulder. I looked at Thia, she wasn’t looking at me.

“Oo nga guys. Wag nating sirain ang magandang athmosphere.” Said Drew.

“I’m sorry.” Said Noemi.

Then Thia stood up.

“Ah, mauuna na kami ha baka ma-late pa kami.” she said and she grabbed Sheena’s hand.

“Oo nga. Mauna na kami. Mukhang may importante pa kayong pag-uusapan.” Sheena said and stood up.

“Sheena tara na.” Thia said and dragged her. Then to Noemi she said. “Nice to meet you Noemi.” She smiled. She didn’t even glanced at me.

“Nice to meet you too.” Said Noemi and then they left.

There was complete silence between all of us when they left. Lian was still beside Noemi. I looked at her at parang naiiyak siya.