The Burning of Summer

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

We went to his car, and he opened the door for me, still holding me in place and shielding me from the crowd of people. His presence felt like a protective barrier, and I appreciated it more than I wanted to admit.

Pumasok naman ako agad sa sasakyan, quickly sliding into the seat and buckling my seatbelt. I watched him walk around to the driver's side, his movements confident and purposeful. When he got in, he placed the plastic bags he was carrying in the back seat before starting the engine and driving away.

As we pulled out of the parking area, I finally began to calm down. It took about five minutes for the adrenaline to wear off. I glanced at Reid, noticing how dark his eyes looked now, almost stormy, and the veins in his arms were clearly visible, making him seem tense—was he angry?

"Salamat nga pala kanina," I said, trying to break the awkward silence. He didn't respond, and I decided not to push it further.

"You know you shouldn't have entertained those people in the first place," he suddenly said, cutting through the quiet.

I noticed how tightly he gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white.

"What?" I asked, disbelief flooding my voice. "That would have been rude of me."

"You were rude to me when we first met," he shot back, raising an eyebrow, and I remembered how I had snapped at him then.

"That was a totally different situation! You were a stranger to me and—"

"And I suppose you know those people?" he interrupted.

"They are my fans!" I exclaimed, feeling defensive.

"Or maybe you love attention too much, kaya hinayaan mong pagkaguluhan ka kanina," he countered, his tone biting.

My mouth dropped open in shock.

"Are you suggesting that I am an attention seeker?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Hindi nga ba?" he challenged, and suddenly my ears were ringing with anger.

"Sinasabi mong rude ako, pero sino sa atin ang ganoon ang ugali? You're accusing me based on what you saw, and you don't even know me! We haven't even known each other for a day for you to say those words!"

"I'm saying na sana umiwas ka! Next time, don't get into a mess na hindi mo kayang lusutan ng mag-isa!" His frustration was palpable, and I could feel my own rising.

"Oh, so this is because you helped me! Ganoon ba kasama sa loob mo na tinulungan mo ako? Kung ganoon ay pasensya na! Sa susunod, hindi na ako hihingi ng tulong sayo!" I felt the heat rising in my cheeks.

"That's not what I'm trying to say—"

"Stop and don't talk to me," I snapped, cutting him off.

I couldn't believe it. It felt like my gratitude for his help had turned into resentment. If he didn't want to help, he should have just let me handle it myself.

I felt so stupid.

I know I can take care of myself, so why did I depend on him earlier? Was a part of me hoping he would help? Was I trying to get his attention too much?

This was the first time I felt unwanted by someone I liked, and the realization hit me hard.

Wait! Did I just admit to myself that I like this guy?

I am in really big trouble!

When he tried to talk to me again, I ignored him completely. The entire ride back was filled with an uncomfortable silence, and it felt like the longest journey of my life. I just wanted to be far away from all of this, from the tension and confusion swirling in my mind.