"Pasensya na, Elyse. Masyado akong sakim noon." 

I played with the sand using the small stick I was holding. I refused to look at him. Memories of my mom came back to me. I tried to stop the tears from falling. 

"I had to go to a therapist," I whispered. 

Natigilan siya sa sinabi ko. Nakita kong mabilis siyang napatingin sa 'kin. His lips parted, not knowing what to say. I gave him a small smile before looking away, sighing heavily to calm myself down. 

"The impact of... everything that happened... It was too much for me to handle," I confessed. "I grew up without experiencing any hardship, you know that. My dad treated me like a princess. Well, he used to. My mom was always there for me. My brother had a problem with my dad, but he was still so nice to me. I didn't know how to cope, Sev." 

"I... I'm sorry." He still didn't know what to say.

It was fine. I wasn't expecting him to say anything. Sapat na sa 'king napapakinggan niya 'ko. I wanted him to hear my side. I left not because I got tired of him. I left... so I could find another reason to live. 

"I loved my dad so much." I covered my face with shaking hands when my tears started falling. "And it turned out that he wasn't who I thought I knew..." 

"Alam kong mahal mo siya, Elyse." Tumango siya. 

"I loved him, and all of a sudden, it was gone." I bit my lower lip. "It was so hard to turn your back on the person you loved for years. I had trust issues, the reason why I... I couldn't make friends anymore. I had Ida, though. I was glad I still had Ida." 

"I'm-" 

"No, don't say sorry, please. Stop blaming yourself for things that are totally out of your control. The only person I can blame right now is my father." I looked at the sea to calm myself down. "I can't even look at him anymore." 

"Balita ko nasa hospital siya." Tumikhim siya. "Hindi mo siya pinupuntahan? Paano kapag nawala na siya-"

"Then that's better," I hissed. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa stick. 

He looked like he wanted to lecture me or something. "Elyse-" 

"Don't, Sebastian," I cut him off. "Do not go there. I don't want to deal with that matter right now." 

He still wanted to say something but stopped. 

"You should hate him, you know?" I scoffed. "He ruined everything. Good thing your... y-your mom got her justice... right?" 

I couldn't even say the name of his mom. Guilt slowly spread inside me. How could I present myself again in front of Sevi's mom? Would she accept me? I was scared. Sana nabawasan ang galit niya sa pamilya ko noong tinulungan sila ni Kuya sa kaso.

"Pagod na 'kong magtanim ng galit." He sighed. 

Sevi had the softest heart. Kung ako sa kaniya, kahit kailan, hindi ko magagawang magpatawad. It was too much. My dad was too much. He was a manipulative sick bastard. A cheater. A monster. What a shame that I had to bring his surname with me. 

"Umuulan na..." Sevi stood up and offered his hand. 

The rain poured, but I was still sitting on the sand like I had all the time in the world. I stared at the sea. The sound of waves started to get louder, along with the rain. I looked at Sevi who had his hand over my head, kahit siya ang nababasa na. 

"You're so selfless," I whispered. 

"Ano?" He didn't hear what I said. 

"Nothing." I held his hand and stood up. "Let's go. You might get sick. You look like you barely even slept." 

He didn't talk. He let go of my hand and gestured me to go first. I started running until we reached his office. Hindi ako masyadong nabasa pero siya, mukhang sinalo niya lahat ng ulan dahil basa ang polo. He got his towel out to wipe himself. 

"You're staying here, right?" I asked, getting my car keys inside my bag. 

"Oo. Uuwi rin ako bukas." I nodded, ready to leave. "Ikaw? Kailan ka uuwi?" He asked, which made me stop. 

The idea of home, for me, was him. It was probably the same with him... or not? Umuuwi ako sa mansion only to feel lonely and empty. Mas okay pa 'ko sa condo ni Ida, but it was still not the same with Sevi. 

"Do you want me there?" I looked at him. 

"Ah! Magkakasakit yata ako." Maarte niyang hinawakan ang leeg niya. "Hindi pa naman ako masyadong kumakain at natutulog. Feeling ko magkakasakit talaga ako." He even closed his eyes and acted weak. 

"Oh my, really?" I acted worried about him. "Maybe you need medicine. Stop flirting. I'm going now." 

"Hindi ko kaya." He sat on his swivel chair, still acting weak. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling.

"Fine, I'll go home tomorrow. I'll just get my things." I laughed. "I'll see you. Don't get sick, okay?" 

Mabuti na lang ay humina ang ulan kaya tumakbo na lang ako papunta sa car ko. I felt a little cold because of the rain but my heart felt warm. Pagkarating ko tuloy sa condo ni Ida, tinaasan niya 'ko ng kilay. I sat beside her and suddenly hugged her. 

"Hey, why? Is there something wrong?" she asked, holding my shoulders. 

"Thanks for staying with me." I tightened my hug. 

"Hey, why are you suddenly being cheesy?!" She laughed. "I'm not used to this! Nasaan si Elyse?! Ibalik n'yo! My gosh!" 

"You know what? Panira ka." Tumawa ako at binitawan siya. 

"Love you!" She shouted before I went inside the guest room. 

I went to the shower and did my night care routine before getting my things and putting them back inside the luggage. After that, I went to bed, staring at my phone and waiting for his text. What? Hindi man lang ba niya 'ko ite-text? I thought we were improving na? 

I had to do something to get his attention. I stood up and applied lip tint. I also curled my eyelashes before going back to bed. I pulled my nighties down so they would reveal my cleavage a bit. I angled my face before taking a selfie on Instagram. 

"Ugh, it's ugly." I clicked the exit button so I could retake it again. 

I parted my lips and looked at the camera habang nakahiga sa kama. It came out perfect. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. I added the photo to my IG story and captioned it, 'Not sleepy yet.' 

I made squealing noises on the bed out of embarrassment. I can't believe I just posted a thirst trap for him to contact me! Kinuha ko ulit ang phone ko at paulit-ulit na ni-refresh ang DMs ko. Paulit-ulit ko ring chineck kung na-view na niya.

"Omg," I whispered when I saw his name on the list of people who viewed my story. I waited for his message, but it did not come! Hindi na rin siya online! 

So annoying naman! Sumimangot ako at tinabi na lang ang phone sa side table. I crossed my arms over my chest as I glared at the ceiling. Lahat ng inis ko, sa kisame ko na lang binubuhos. I pointed at it and cursed it. 

I stopped when I heard a notification on my phone. Inabot ko kaagad ang phone ko at nalaglag pa sa kama. I held my back to massage it. Ang sakit, ah! 

sevirous replied to your story

"Ah! Oh my gosh!" Umakyat kaagad ako sa kama at humiga bago binuksan 'yong message niya. 

sevirous: Ano 'yan, bold? Kung bold 'yan hindi ako interesado 

Napawi ang ngiti ko. Napalitan ng inis. I rolled my eyes before typing a reply. 

elydezma: If you're not interested, why did you reply to my story? Just admit that you felt butterflies in your tummy when you saw my photo.

sevirous: Tulog ka na lang sis 

See?! Walang kwenta ang replies niya! 

elydezma: Hbu? You're still awake 

sevirous: Hindi ako makatulog eh. Ikaw matulog ka na huwag mo na 'ko masyadong isipin. 

I scoffed in disbelief. What the hell did he just say? Ang kapal naman ng mukha niya! How did he know?! 

elydezma: K. Good night. 

sevirous: gunayt bibe

Napakunot ang noo ko. What? Did I read it right? I was about to reply but he sent a picture. Agad nag-init ang ulo ko nang makita ang picture ng duck! 

I rolled my eyes before turning my phone off. Natulog na lang ako. Sevi knew how to piss me off even though he was far from me. He had that special talent. 

I woke up early in the morning to go to work. I went out of the room and saw Ida preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Umakyat agad ako sa mataas na upuan at nangalumbaba, hinihintay siya. She placed the fried egg and bacon in front of me, together with toasted bread. 

"I'm going back to the unit today," I informed her.

"Ayan! Diyan kayo magaling. Pagkatapos ninyong makinabang, aalis kayo!" she dramatically said before laughing. "Kapag bati na sa jowa, iiwan na ulit ang friend!"

"Hey! Are you serious?" I suddenly felt guilty. "I'm sorry! Why don't we go out for drinks tonight? Babawi ako!" 

"I was just kidding, but yes! Sabi mo 'yan." She winked at me. 

I just wore a red turtle-neck and a white two-piece suit to work. Magpapalit na lang ako mamaya since ten o'clock pa naman kami magka-club ni Ida. I also called Sam so she could reserve us a couch. Medyo natagalan bago niya nasagot ang tawag. 

[Heyyy, Elyse!] Her voice was extra high-pitched. Napakunot tuloy ang noo ko.

"Hey..." maingat na sabi ko. "Did I disturb you? I'm sorry I was calling so early in the morning-" 

[Oh, no! No!] She sounded like she was walking out so fast. I heard her panting. [What's up? Is there a problem?] 

"No, no problem. I was just wondering if you could reserve me a couch later? My friend and I are planning to go out for a drink. I could pay-" 

[No need to pay! Come on! Wait lang, Eli... Hey, stop! Later na, okay?!] I raised my brows when she suddenly yelled at someone. I felt like I was disturbing... something. 

"I can just... Uhm, text, I guess?" I suggested. 

[I'm so sorry, Eli. Yeah, sure! You can text me na lang! I'll see you later!] And then she ended the call. 

I just texted her the information before going back to work. I went out for a random inspection and ate my lunch at the hotel before returning to my office. I attended a meeting before I left the company. I was excited to leave. Gustong-gusto ko nang mag-party! I promised myself na hindi na 'ko malalasing like what happened last time! 

I pulled my luggage inside the unit. Sevi wasn't there yet so I cooked dinner just to waste my time. It was around seven in the evening when I heard someone fumbling with his keys outside. Hindi na 'ko nagulat nang buksan ni Sevi ang pinto habang naghahain ako ng pagkain. 

"You're late." I rolled my eyes. 

"Huh? May curfew na?" He raised a brow after closing the door. 

Hindi ko siya sinagot at umupo na lang para kumain. He placed his things inside the study room before sitting in front of me so we could eat together. I kept on glancing at the clock. Binilisan ko ang kain ko. 

"Nagmamadali ka ba?" Sevi's brows furrowed. 

"I'm going out tonight." I sipped on my water. 

"Sino'ng kasama mo?" seryosong tanong niya. 

"Ida." I stood up after eating. "I cooked, so you'll wash the dishes, okay?!" 

"Hoy-" He stopped when I went inside the bathroom to take a shower.

I showered for twenty minutes and then blow-dried my hair inside the walk-in closet. Sevi was outside, washing the dishes. I decided to wear a black halter-neck dress that hugged my body perfectly. I partnered it with silver heels and a black pouch. I tied my hair in a ponytail and put on a pair of earrings before going out. 

"Aalis ka na?" Sevi was in the living room. Mukhang hinihintay niya 'ko. 

"Yes. I might be home late." I nodded, fixing my earrings a bit. My brows furrowed when I noticed that he was wearing a sweater and a pair of sweatpants. It wasn't even cold. "Are you okay?" 

"Oo naman," he said. 

"Are you sick?" I walked towards him, but he stood up to get far away from me. "Why? What's wrong?" 

"Sige na. Umalis ka na. Late ka na, oh." He pointed at the clock. He was hugging a pillow. Parang bata lang. "Enjoy!" 

"I'll be back..." I slowly walked away. 

I booked a grab on my way to the club. I didn't want to drive. Baka hindi ko na naman mai-uwi ang kotse ko mamaya. I'll just book another ride back home. Pagkarating ko roon, nakita ko na kaagad si Ida. She was talking to a guy. She was wearing a silver spaghetti strap dress and her hair was in soft curls. 

"Girls! Girls!" Lumingon agad ako kay Sam. She was wearing a maroon fitted dress. Kinalabit ko si Ida at hinatak palapit kay Sam. "Hi! I was talking to someone lang tapos nakita ko si Eli. Sakto!"

"Ida, this is Sam," I introduced. 

"Yeah, we know each other." Ida laughed. 

Oh, right. Okay. Hindi ko na tatanungin kung paano sila nagkakilala. Sam had her own ways. She probably knew everyone. Kapag tumakbo siyang mayor, mananalo siguro siya. 

"Let's go!" Sam clung to my arm before pulling me inside. Ni hindi na kami dumaan sa bouncer at sa counter. She immediately pulled us inside. 

Narinig ko na ang malakas na tugtog at naamoy ang alak at cigarette. Sam stopped in front of a small couch. A 'RESERVED' sign was placed on the table so people won't take it. Umupo kami ni Ida habang abala si Sam sa pakikipag-usap sa waiter. 

"Hindi kaya nalulugi si Sam sa dami ng kaibigang nililibre niya ng couch?" Ida asked, laughing. 

"She's rich." I shrugged. "And we will pay for it, don't worry." 

"I'm so sorry I can't be with you the whole night, girls." Sam giggled. Hindi niya pa natatapos ang sentence niya, may kumakaway na sa kaniya. "Enjoy!" she said before walking away to greet another person. 

"It's you and me." Ida wiggled her brows at me. 

I shook my head, getting nervous now. Kapag si Ida kasama ko, alam ko na ang mangyayari. We were like this in U.S. too. 

May five bottles sa table namin and lahat 'yon balak ay ubusin ni Ida nang kami lang dalawa! Tinitingnan ko pa lang, nasusuka na 'ko! I took five shots of tequila. Sunod-sunod. Ida wanted it that way. 

"Fuck, this tastes so bad," I whispered after drinking another shot. 

"Come on! You can do it!" Ida cheered for me. "Cheers!" 

I drank another five shots and stood up to go to the dance floor. Ida was going around holding two bottles so she could pour them over some random person's mouth. I danced with the two girls I met. Nakalimutan ko na kaagad ang pangalan nila. 

Ida and I finished two more bottles until I almost passed out. I went to the restroom to vomit, so I felt better.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ida was also drunk. 

"I need to go home na." I giggled kahit walang nakakatawa. 

Tumayo ako at muntik nang matumba kaya napahawak ako sa cubicle. The door was open so nasubsob ako ulit sa loob. Ida laughed at me before helping me get up. I washed my hands before slapping myself repeatedly. I wanted to get back to my senses. 

"Oh my gosh, I need to go home naaa, riiight?" I asked Ida. My voice sounded so drunk. 

"Yes! Yes! Let's go! Let's book you a ride!" Ida put her hand on my shoulder before pulling me outside. She stopped when she accidentally bumped into Sam. "Hey, hey!" 

"Hey!" Nanlaki ang mata ni Sam nang makita ako. "Oh my gosh, is she okay?" 

"Of course she's okay!" Ida answered for me. 

I fell to the floor again. Both of them tried to help me out. 

"Or not..." Ida laughed. 

"Damn, Sevi will kill me," Sam whispered, putting my arms around her. "Elyse, drink water, okay? I can't let you go home like this! Your hubby will kill me!" 

"What hubby?" I sat on the couch, closing my eyes. 

Sam sat beside me and made me drink water. Nabasa na 'yong dress ko dahil ang likot ko. I tried to drink a lot of water but ended up running again inside the restroom to vomit. Sam looked so stressed. Ida was drunk too, so she just kept on laughing.

"Let's go." Sam helped me up again. I almost slipped on my heels. "Oh God, do you need a wheelchair or what?" 

"She's fine!" Ida pulled me up again. 

Sam was already talking to someone on the phone. "Hey, your girl right here is wasted as he-"

"Oh no! Don't tell him!" Inagaw ko ang phone ni Sam at pinatay ang tawag. "He's... He's sick! I think he's sick! I can go home! I'll go home na!" 

I walked back to the couch and tried to get my things. Ida was already talking to a random guy. My eyes widened when they started making out. What the hell! I stood up and pulled her away from that guy. I needed to save her! 

"Okay, enough for the both of you. I'll ask someone to take you home. Wait here, okay?" Sam massaged her head before leaving. 

I pouted and waited on the couch like an obedient puppy. Ida wanted to make out with the guy so bad, but I couldn't leave her alone! Baka kung ano pa ang mangyari sa kaniya! At least I was still a little responsible even though I was drunk. 

My head was really spinning. In just a few minutes, Sam was already pulling a guy. 

"Hala, ano'ng nangyari diyan?" The guy pointed at us. 

"Favor lang, Adi, please." Sam pouted. "I can't go right now. I need to take care of something. You didn't drink naman, right?" 

"Hindi ba 'yan susuka sa kotse ko?" reklamo nung lalaki. 

I closed my eyes. My head was spinning. I could barely hear them talking. Dumilat lang ako nang hawakan nung lalaki 'yong braso ko at hinatak ako patayo. Sam helped Ida up and then we walked out of the club. 

"Hindi kaya patay na 'to, Sam?" The guy laughed after putting on my seatbelt. 

"Boracay?! Of course, I'm in!" Sam was busy talking to someone on the phone. "When ba? Tomorrow na agad? Wait lang... Adi, I'll go na! Take care of them, ah! I texted you the address!" 

"Hoy, Samantha! Shit!" The guy tried to call Sam. He looked defeated. "Ayan, sige! Inom pa! Inom-inom kayo tapos malalasing kayo, wala namang mag-aalaga sa inyo!" 

"Fuck you, bro! Stop talking!" I raised my middle finger at him while my eyes were still closed. 

"Aba! Ako na nga nagmamagandang-loob dito," he answered back before starting the engine. Ida was in the backseat, still conscious. 

"Hey, you! Don't you ever lay hands on my best friend!" I opened my eyes to glare at him. 

"What do you think of me, bro? Manyakis?! How offending." He shook his head while driving. 

"Why? Mamaya type mo siya!" I crossed my arms over my chest. 

"I have a girlfriend." He shook his head. "Artista!" 

I rolled my eyes and tried to sleep again. Nagising na lang ako nang nasa tapat na 'ko ng lobby ng condo. I felt a little better. I took my seatbelt off before opening the door. 

"Thanks. If you do anything to my friend, I will sue you! My brother is a prosecutor, bitch!" I threatened him.

"Ahuh?" He raised a brow. "I'm a lawyer." 

"Oh..." I shrugged before getting out of the car. "Take care of her! Bye!" 

I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the elevator when it started going up. I checked twice if I clicked the right button. Mamaya kung saan ako mapunta, eh! 

"Ding!" I giggled when the elevator opened. 

I tried so hard to walk straight. I stopped in front of the unit and fumbled with my keys. I had to put the key into the door handle twice because it wouldn't go in! I sighed when I opened it and went inside. Dimmed na ang lights sa living room, so Sevi was probably already sleeping. 

I took my heels off and went inside the bedroom, only to see Sevi sleeping. He was covering himself with a blanket. I thought he was sleeping, but he suddenly started coughing. I sat beside him and turned the lamp on. 

"Hey, you okay?" I slapped his cheek lightly. When he didn't respond, I slapped it again. I hoped it didn't hurt. 

"Aray ko." He opened his eyes. His brows were already furrowed when he looked at me.

"Are you sick?" I put my hand on his forehead. "Oh no, you're sick. Wait, I'll get you something!" 

I stood up and went out of the room, gumegewang pa ang lakad. I made a mess in the kitchen, trying to find a bowl. I put cold water on it and slowly walked back to the bedroom. Natapon-tapon na ang tubig sa bowl because of my unstable walk. 

"Ugh! I have to get another one tuloy!" reklamo ko nang maubos na ang tubig. 

"Elyse, matulog ka na lang..." Sevi massaged his head. 

"I can do this, okay?!" I went inside the bathroom to get water again. Pinuno ko ulit ang bowl until it was already overflowing. 

Bumalik na ulit ako sa kwarto, dahan-dahang naglalakad. I was so careful with the bowl until natisod ako sa sariling paa. 

"Ouch!" I suddenly fell to the floor. "Hala!" I covered my mouth in shock. 

It was flooding! Inside the bedroom! 

"Anak ng tupa," Sevi whispered, forcing himself to get out of bed. 

"I can clean this! Promise!" I stood up again. My dress was all wet now. 

"Huwag na- Hoy!" Sevi tried to stop me.

Kinuha ko ang mop at naglakad pabalik sa kwarto. Sevi tried to get it from me, but I told him to just sit down! He was sick! I tried to mop the floor like Cinderella... but why was it getting messier?!

"Ako na, ako na..." Sevi sighed, getting the mop from my hands. 

"I just... I just wanted to give you something to drink." I pointed at the bowl. 

"Hah..." He scoffed in disbelief. "Akala ko pa naman pupunasan mo 'ko. Inumin ko pala 'yon?" 

"Yes, why?" I blinked twice, not getting his confusion. 

"Ano ako, aso?" He shook his head while mopping the floor. 

I laid down on the bed. Pagod na 'ko at ang sakit na ng paa ko dahil sa heels. My dress already went up, revealing my panties. Sevi glanced at it but immediately looked away. Umayos ako ng upo at hinatak pababa ang dress ko. I was conservative, 'no! 

"Baby, can you kiss me, please?" I gave him a cute smile.

"H-huh?" Sevi acted like he didn't hear anything. 

"I miss you na, ugh..." Humiga ulit ako sa kama. Nahilo na naman ako. "You know what? I haven't had sex for almost four years na! Am I dying?!" 

"Elyse, matulog ka na." Sevi went out of the bedroom to put the mop back. 

I pouted and stared at the ceiling, waiting for him to come back. Napatingin ako sa kaniya nang huminto siya sa harapan ko at sinubukan akong hatakin paupo. 

"Paano ka umuwi?" he asked. 

"Oh, a guy took me home." I giggled. That was the truth!

Binitawan niya 'ko bigla kaya napahiga ulit ako sa kama. Kumunot ang noo ko at sinipa siya. What the hell! Nahilo tuloy ako bigla! 

"Sino?" He sounded mad. 

"I don't know! Sam's friend!" I tried to sit down, but I was struggling. "A little help here, please?"

Hinatak niya ulit ang kamay ko paupo. I sighed and stood up to go inside the bathroom. Susunod sana si Sevi pero sinaraduhan ko siya ng pinto. What? I can wash myself, you know! I just needed to take my clothes off, get into the shower, wet myself with water, apply soap and shampoo, wash myself again, and then done! 

That was what I did. Muntik nga lang akong makatulog sa shower. Sinuot ko ang robe ko pagkatapos, and then I brushed my teeth. I also applied a cleanser to my face and washed it off before going out. Sevi was already sitting at the edge of the bed, talking to someone on the phone. 

"Bakit ganito? Sino nag-uwi rito? Kilala mo raw?" Sevi looked so stressed out. "Ah, si Adonis. Oo, nandito na. Lasing na lasing, amp." 

"Hey, are you talking about me, huh?!" I pouted before going to the bed, still wearing my robe. 

"Oo, nilalagnat lang ako pero uminom na 'ko ng gamot." He ignored me. "Ingat kayo bukas. Sige na, Sam. Bye." 

I closed my eyes and tried to hug a pillow. I heard Sevi leaving the room. Akala ko'y hindi na siya babalik pero nakita ko na lang siya bigla sa harapan ko. 

"Basa 'yong robe mo. Magpalit ka nga." Sevi placed my clothes on the side table. 

"Dress me up." I playfully winked at him. 

"Hoy, hindi ako nakikipaglaro sa 'yo, ah." He pursed his lips. "Tumayo ka diyan." 

"Okay, daddy!" I giggled. 

Napamasahe siya sa sentido niya pagkatayo ko. Muntik pa 'kong matumba kaya hinawakan niya ang braso ko. I gave him a cute smile before getting my clothes on the side table. I pulled on my robe and took it off to put my clothes on.

"Hoy! Hindi rito! Sa C.R ka magbihis!" Sevi suddenly turned his back against me, covering his eyes. 

"Oh, come on! You saw it na!" 

I rolled my eyes while I was putting on my underwear. I refused to wear a bra. Sinuot ko na lang ang pajamas ko at binutones ang pang-taas bago humiga ulit sa kama. Lumingon na siya sa 'kin nang wala na siyang narinig na ingay. 

"Why don't we start sleeping next to each other, huh?" I asked, tapping the space beside me. 

"Baka mahawa ka. Sa study room na 'ko." He shook his head. "Matulog ka na." 

"Please? Please?" I pouted. 

He sighed heavily before slowly lying down beside me. Inayos niya ang higa niya at kinuha ang comforter para kumutan ako at ang sarili niya. I faced him while he was facing the ceiling, feeling awkward. 

"Do you miss me?" I asked. 

He didn't answer. He just swallowed hard, refusing to look at me. 

"I miss your hands on my boobs," I whispered to him. 

Napatingin agad siya sa 'kin, nakakunot ang noo. I laughed at his reaction. Oh my gosh, he looked confused. It was funny. 

"Ano'ng trip mo? Matulog ka na nga." Umusog siya palayo sa 'kin, like I was a dangerous creature! 

"I was just kidding!" I laughed again. 

Silence surrounded us. We were both staring at the ceiling, thinking about different things. I was thinking of something to say. Ngayon ko lang gustong sabihin ang lahat ng naiisip ko. It was the alcohol speaking for me. 

"I miss you so much," I whispered before dozing off to sleep. 

I woke up around noon. Medyo masakit ang ulo ko pagkadilat. Good thing it was Sunday so walang work. I stood up and went out of the room, only to find Sevi preparing food. Tinaasan niya 'ko ng kilay nang umupo ako sa dining, inaantok pa. 

"Sige, inom pa. Inom lang nang inom hanggang sa masira ang atay," pagpaparinig niya habang nagluluto. "Sa susunod, si St. Peter na susundo sa 'yo." 

"You're so O.A ha!" Inismiran ko siya. "Hey, are you feeling okay na?" 

"Oo, uminom na 'ko ng gamot," he answered. "Ikaw? Masakit ulo mo?" 

"Yes..." I pouted.

"Tanggalin mo," walang kwentang sagot niya.

Napasimangot ako. Gusto ko siyang batuhin ng plato! May ginawa na naman ba ako sa kaniya?!

"Are you mad at me, huh?! Why are you being so sarcastic?!" reklamo ko sa kaniya. 

Hindi siya sumagot. Naghain na lang siya ng ulam at kanin. I refused to eat rice. It wasn't part of my diet. Ulam lang ang kinain ko. He opened the fridge and placed two slices of cake on the table. I bit my lower lip and looked at him. 

"Where did the other slices go?" I asked. 

"Eh di pinakain ko sa site. Bakit?" He raised a brow. "Mabuti nga nagtira pa kami para sa 'yo, eh. Happy birthday, ah." 

"Where's my gift?" Nilahad ko ang kamay ko. 

"Wala, tinapon ko na." He shrugged.

"What?!" Binitawan ko ang kutsara. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him. "Get me another one! How dare you throw it out?! You should have just kept it! What did you do to it?" 

"Sinangla ko." The side of his lips rose. 

"What? Ano'ng gift mo?" My brows furrowed in confusion. 

He sipped on his water and raised a brow, refusing to answer my question. Padabog kong niligpit ang pinagkainan ko at nilagay sa sink. I heard him chuckle while I was washing the dishes, nang-aasar. 

"What is it nga?" I stopped in front of the television while he was watching a movie. 

"Oy, umalis ka diyan." Sinubukan niyang sumilip sa TV pero hinarang ko rin pati kamay ko. "Anak ng! Ang mature, ha!"

"What is it?!" I crossed my hands over my chest. 

He massaged his head and sighed heavily before looking at me. I raised my brows at him, waiting for his answer. 

"Singsing." He pursed his lips and looked away. 

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:)