Chapter 22: Crave

"What are your parents do for a living, Valderama?" Mr. Vallejos asked.

Heck. Is it necessary to ask that kind of question?

"Sir, I don't think you have the rights to ask some personal information," I uncomfortably answered.

He cleared his throat. "I have a student's information, though. Your parent's occupation is included there."

I clicked my tongue. "Hmm, so why are you still asking? P'wede mo naman pa lang tingnan doon."

I heard gasps. "Uy, Valderama..." Rinig na saway ng isa sa mga kaklase ko, I just ignored them.

"Right, let me ask you other question then, Miss. What comes in your mind when you hear the word family?"

I scoffed. Is this a kind of question and answer portion?

"Well, family... isn't always perfect. Even you share the same name and living under the same roof, there's nothing special because they still can treat you like you aren't belong to them. Like you are an outcast. Being with your family doesn't mean... you love each other."

Silence.

Until Mr. Vallejos cleared his throat. "Okay, take your seat, Miss... Valderama."

I sat without my senses realizing. What the hell did I answer?

The class went on by Mr. Vallejos randomly asks questions. Hanggang sa oras na ng lunch ay wala akong ganang lumabas. Funny how my mood changed everytime I talk about family.

"Miss kita, Aud." Rhiane sat beside me and rested her head on my shoulder.

I flinched. "What the hell, Rhiane?" iritadong ani ko.

"Joke lang, ito naman! Maarte ka talaga!" She even had the guts to pull my hair before moving her place beside Norjana. Yes, she's now with us, and good thing no one's bullying her these days.

"Ilang weeks na tayong hindi nakakapag-club simula noong nagsecond year tayo!" Marga exclaimed.

"E, paano lagi kayong magkasama ni boylet," si Rhiane.

"Saan pala siya?" she added.

"Nasa friends niya, alangan namang lagi kaming magdikit."

I sarcastically rolled my eyes. "Buti naman naisipan mo."

"Mamaya, club tayo? G ba kayo?"

I took my phone out without answering Marga's invitation. I checked our conversation, ngayon ko lang nakita na nagreply pala si Zian since I didn't use my phone earlier.

Zian:

grabe, patay na patay ka talaga sa ‘kin, brat

Zian:

Sleep tight, magpray ka.

I smiled and hid my phone inside my skirt's pocket and looked at Marga. "I'm not available later," I said.

Their eyes squinted at me whilst Norjana's just examining us with her curious stares.

"Sa weekends na lang," I added since I know Zian won't be available. Baka may bonding siya with his family.

"Okay lang sa 'kin. Ikaw ba, Marga? Sama ka, Norjana?"

"Uhm... okay lang naman—"

"Bring her," I cut off and bit on my sandwich.

"Sige, game ako. Huwag na lang siguro tayo sa club baka hindi p'wede si Norjana."

I nodded.

I don't know what's wrong with me. Masyado yata akong nagiging mabait sa babaeng 'to at parang ginagawa namin iyong mga bagay base sa kaniya. We won't go to club because of her. Ridiculous that I agreed.

After lunch, we went back to our classrooms. I passed the essay that Zian created. Nakatunganga lang ako roon habang nakikinig sa prof.

"Class dismissed."

I immediately stood up and grabbed my bag before going out. Habang naglalakad ay idinukot ko ang cellphone para sana itext si Zian, pero nahulog iyon nang may nakabangga ako.

Pinulot niya iyon.

"What the..." I stopped midsentence when I lifted my gaze to our new morning prof. I forgot his name.

"Miss Valderama," he called and handed me my phone.

I stared at him before getting my phone out of his hand and walked away.

I sighed and texted Zian.

Me:

Still in class?

He hasn't replied for almost a minute so I sighed and hid my phone inside my pocket. He's maybe in the middle of the class.

"Audrey, palabas ka na ba? Sabay na tayong tatlo, may lakad si Marga, e!" Rhiane exclaimed while holding Norjana's arms.

I sighed and nodded.

After we parted ways my phone beeped inside my skirt's pocket.

Zian:

slr, brat nasa klase pa ako, pero kung may balak ka pumunta rito, huwag muna

Zian:

may lakad ako mamaya kasama iyong lolo ko, business matters kaya ayon. We’ll just see each other some other day

Me:

okay, you aren’t free tomorrow, right?

Zian:

siguro kasi weekend, why

Me:

nah, just see you on monday

Zian:

may lakad ka bukas?

Me:

yeah, hang out with friends

Zian:

Oh, okay. Ingat ka, ha!

Hindi na ako nagreply at dumiretso na lang sa parking lot para umuwi. I don't have the energy to hang around today.

"Ma'am, Rizal po?" Kuya Henry asked.

I shook my head. "Let's go home." I then slid myself inside the car.

Two days had passed without the sight of Zian. Para akong lantang gulay, sa totoo lang. What's wrong with me to be like this? Hindi ako natutuwa, this really isn't me. Paano na lang kaya kung hindi ko na makita ang isang 'yon? I'll die? I just spent my two days with the three girls, we went somewhere to freshen up, but the last day we went for shopping made myself mad when there's nothing to be mad about.

"Oh, little sister!" Fiona called when she saw me in one of boutiques.

She's with mom.

I thought Mommy has a duty that time because I didn't see her in our house, but now... I saw the both of them, pretty shopping around.

They didn't even dare to invite me like I really wasn't belong.

"Audrey, what are you doing here?" Mommy asked while holding a dress.

I cleared my throat. "I'm with my friends, mommy..." I pointed at the three girls who were now behind me.

Mommy squinted her eyes at me, feeling guilty. I knew it 'coz I saw it in her eyes. Guilty.

I scoffed. Don't be so ridiculous, Audrey. Hindi ka lang sinama kung ano-ano na ang nakikita mo. Bakit naman magiguilty ang mommy mo, e, ayaw niya naman sa 'yo?

"Nagsasayang ka na naman ng pera. Make sure you go home on time... Let's go, Fiona."

I sighed when they turned their backs at us.

"Huwag mo masamain, ha. Pero nakakainis si tita, Audrey," si Marga.

"I don't like them treating you like that, Audrey. Ganoon ba talaga iyong mommy at ate mo?" si Rhiane naman.

I let out a sarcastic laugh before turning at them. "Then what? Kawawa akong tingnan? Tss, that's so pathetic of me. Let's go grab a food."

Rhiane changed the topic into light one. We ordered our food, and we are now waiting for it. Still, I just stayed silent.

"Audrey... okay ka lang?"

I looked at Norjana and knotted my forehead. "Of course," I answered.

She nodded and looked away, feeling scared.

I sighed. "Are you scared at me?" I asked. The two were both busy with their phones while waiting for an order, so I can talk with her without them teasing me being a friendly.

She looked at me again, shock. "Uhm... m-medyo."

I smiled a bit. "C'mon, I won't eat you, isa lang naman ang nasa isip ko na gusto kong kainin, e."

"S-Sino?"

I closed our gap, enough for us to hear what I am gonna say. "His name is Fernando, I haven't tasted him, so I'm gonna eat him soon," I joked but with a serious face.

Her eyes widened. "M-May boyfriend ka?" she whispered.

I rolled my eyes. "No, he's my... crush, I guess? This is just a secret between us, okay? I really like that guy," ani ko at lumayo na sa kaniya.

I chuckled mentally. Gosh, am I being crazy over him? I can't believe this.

"Narinig mo 'yon?"

"Ang alin?"

"Sabi ni Audrey, crush niya raw..."

I narrowed my eyes at Rhiane who's now whispering something in Marga's ear. Chismosa talaga.

Marga nodded. "Fernandez narinig kong sabi, e."

I threw the tissue at them. "Stop gossiping."

"GOOD morning, class."

They all stood up, so I did and greet our morning professor, Mr. Vallejos.

"Okay, let us settle down. Did you have a good weekends?"

"Yes," they answered in chorus.

Mr. Vallejos looked at me. "How 'bout you, Miss Valderama?"

I creased my forehead. Ba't ba ako na lang laging pinapansin ng isang 'to? "No, sir."

He was about to speak again and his expression telling me he's asking, but I continued. "Continue your class, sir."

He nodded.

I saw some of my classmates suspicious looks at me, I shook my head. Masyado akong nakakakuha ng atensyon dahil sa kaniya.

"What is social science?"

One of my classmate stood up. "Social Science is the study of human relations."

"Good. Next, I want Miss Valderama to answer... What are the different branches of social science?"

The heck? Why does it always have to be me?

"I don't know, sir," I answered. I know some, but if I were to answer I should give him whole, but I don't know much of it.

He nodded and called other.

I heard one of my classmate's silent laugh and whisper. "Nakakahiya si Valderama, sikat pero bobo."

I gritted my teeth and was about to burst out when she stood up and answered. "A branch of science that studies the society and human behaviour in it including anthropology, communication studies, criminology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, social studies, and sociology."

"Great."

After the class dismissed I remained on my seat because Mr. Vallejos told me to do so.

"Come in front, Miss Valderama."

Hindi pa ako nakapupunta sa harap nang nakita sina Marga sa labas ng pintuan. "Just go first," I mouthed before taking my eyes off at them.

"Miss, if you have problems don't hesitate to talk to me. I can help you to lessen it."

I scoffed. "Ano'ng alam mo?"

Natahimik siya. "I mean... you can talk to me... I'll give you some advices."

"I don't need some advices, sir. I can manage myself..." I trailed off. "Are you done, sir? I have to go to cafeteria..."

"We can have a lunch together," he offered.

I fought the urge to smack his face, he's our professor after all. "What's wrong with you, Mr. Vallejos?"

"Nothing... I just noticed you seemed need a help."

I rolled my eyes. "I have to go," I said and turned my back at him.

Nadaanan ko pa sa gilid ang isa sa mga kaklase ko na mukhang nakikinig. "Couldn't help to eavesdrop, 'no?" I crossed my arms.

She shook her head and ran away.

I sighed.

"Ba't ang tagal mo, Audrey?" si Marga.

"Prof had to ask me if I need a help."

"Luh, iyong bago? Para saan daw?"

Rhiane motioned a tray. "I ordered for you, kain ka na."

I nodded and sat beside Norjana who's now eating silently.

"I don't know. Mr. Vallejos had something in his sleeves. I'm pissed."

Rhiane laughed. "Ganda mo kasi kaya pati professor napapansin ka."

I glared at her. "Do you think I'm enjoying it?"

She covered her mouth and gave me a peace sign.

"Hindi ka na ba nilalapitan no'ng bullies, Norjana?" si Marga.

"U-Uhm... hindi na... salamat sa inyo..."

Marga flipped her hair and smiled. "Wala 'yon, si Audrey pasalamatan mo!"

I glared at her. "Shut up."

"Ito, hindi na lang makisabay! Lagi kang nakasimangot wala naman kaming masamang ginagawa sa 'yo—"

"E, ano'ng gusto mo? Ngumiti ako kahit wala namang dahilan?"

"Hindi na lang ako magtatalk, binabara ako ni hot babe ko."

I hissed and raised my middle finger. "I'm warning you to shut your mouth."

She giggled and focused on her food.

"May lakad kayo mamaya?" Marga suddenly asked.

"Why?" I arched a brow.

She frowned. "Club... tayo..."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Rhiane bago ulit sa kaniya.

"Problem?" we asked in unison.

She shook her head. "Huwag na nga lang, selos lang ata 'to..."

"Ba't anyare, Marga?"

"Paano kasi iyong classmate ni Dante pansin ko na dikit nang dikit sa kaniya..."

"Then?" ani ko.

"Nagseselos ako malamang!"

I chuckled. "Karma."

"At ba't naman?!"

"You easily get attached, c'mon, Marga, you should know better."

"Kapal mo! Sana paselosin ka rin niyang si Fernandez!"

Napatigil ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin. "Who the fvck is Fernandez?"

She laughed at me. "Tingnan mo, pikon may period ka 'no? Iyong crush mo malamang!"

"Baliw, hindi naman Fernandez iyon, Marga! Iyong lalaking kasama niya sa bar, Zian pangalan no'n!"

I gritted my teeth. "How did you know?!"

Rhiane shrugged. "Tinanong ko sa pinsan mo... Archie iyon, 'di ba? Guwapo, may girlfriend ba 'yon?"

"Why? Are you planning something?"

She smiled. "Wala, ah. Baka p'wede mo akong ireto roon..." She then laughed and hit Marga.

"Stop it may nakalaan na roon. And I'm warning you, Marga, and if ever I saw you crying like before I won't think twice to ruin that guy," I warned.

"Oo na! Hindi na nga, e. May period ang friend natin huwag galitin baka sumabog..."

I closed my eyes tightly. "Ang ingay mo..." I hissed.

After we ate our lunch, sabay kaming bumalik sa building namin.

"Hoy, Audrey, paalala ko lang din sa 'yo. Hindi mo pa nararanasan ngayon, pero pustahan iiyak ka rin. Bye!"

"Get lost, Marga!"

That bitch. Why would I cry over a guy?

"KUYA, sa Rizal tayo ngayon."

"Yes, ma'am."

I texted Zian that I'm on my way to their house. I miss that jerk!

Zian:

Tapos na ba klase mo? Ang aga niyo naman yata matapos?

Me:

umaalis kaagad ako after class just to see you, won’t you give me some award?

Zian:

‘di naman kita inutusan, ah? Pero sige, when you get here : )

I smiled.

"Kuya, let's order some food first."

Kuya Henry found a restaurant on our way, so he stopped the car to buy.

"Six orders. Separate the two orders and the four." I gave him my card after I chose what food will he order.

After he came back, nagpatuloy na siya sa pagdrive hanggang sa nakarating na kami sa harap ng bahay ni Zian. Good thing, informed na ang guard sa village nila at baka hindi pa kami papasukin minsan.

"Ma'am, naiwan niyo po itong  isa pang order."

I looked over my shoulder to see Kuya Henry holding the paper bag.

"It's all yours, kumain ka. You can leave if you want, Kuya Henry. I'll just call you later."

"Ayos lang, ma'am!"

"It's up to you."

"Salamat nang marami, ma'am!" pahabol niya nang tinalikdan ko na siya.

I rang the doorbell until Zian appeared and opened the gate's door for me. He still hasn't recovered when I threw my arms around his neck and whispered. "You fvcker, I've missed you so much!"

I heard him chuckle and forced me to break my hug on his neck. "Can you let me just for a bit?! Ikaw na nga namiss, e!" I complained and hid my face on his neck.

He laughed. "Grabe, akala mo naman ilang taong hindi nagkita, hindi mo man lang naisipang kumalma, halata talagang patay na patay ka sa 'kin."

I bit his neck before letting go.

"Ouch, what the— what was that for?!" bulyaw niya sa 'kin at hinimas ang leeg.

I smiled. "You didn't even hug me back!" I rolled my eyes and walk passed by him to enter his house, holding the paper bag.

"Galit agad? Sorry na nga, e. Ano iyang dala mo?" tanong niya habang sinusundan ako sa likod.

Pakiramdam ko bahay ko na 'to, hindi man lang ako nahiya nang dire-diretso akong pumanhik sa kitchen nila.

I faced him. "I ordered food for us, and right— wouldn't you be proud of me?" I asked, chin up.

"Huh, saan?"

I sighed and leaned against the counter. "I ordered food and gave my driver a two orders, I did what you told me to!"

He laughed. "Baka naman napipilitan ka lang?"

I glared at him. "P'wede namang hindi ko pakinggan iyong sinabi mo sa 'kin kung ayaw ko talaga! But I did! You know what, bahala ka nga!" I even now know how to prepare food on the table. I am proud because I wasn't like this before!

Geez, this period's making me more pissed.

"Nagluto pa naman ako, Persian..."

I raised a brow, still busy preparing our food. "You cooked for me?" I asked without glancing at him.

"Yes."

"Okay! I'll eat! Gusto mo ubusin ko pa baka magtampo ka!"

"Really? But you ordered a lot of food." He pointed at the food on the table.

"You can invite your cousin over or you better send him food in his house. Gusto kitang solohin ngayon." I looked at him and smirked.

Hindi kaagad siya nakapagsalita dahil sa gulat, his ears were also red.

Kinikilig ka ba, Fernando?

"Okay, wait for me here." Nagmadali siyang umalis sa harap ko para hatiran ng pagkain ang pinsan niya, I also obeyed him to bring his cousin a restaurant's food kasi marami nga naman talaga 'yong inorder ko.

"Ubusin mo iyan, ha? Huwag magsayang kasi maraming taong nagugutom sa panahon ngayon."

"Yeah, sure. And we can't feed them all, 'no!"

"May sinabi ba 'kong pakakainin natin sila? Just shut up and dig in."

We started to eat, nasa pagkain lang iyong atensyon ko at mukhang mas marami pa iyong nakain kong luto ni Zian kaysa roon sa binili ko.

"You're really a good cook. Sarap nito, ano ba 'to?"

"Kakain ka tapos 'di mo alam, it's adobong manok. Natututo ako kapag pinapanood ko si mama 'tsaka Ari kapag nagluluto."

"Really? Chef halos nasa family mo?"

"Hindi. My mom was a chef before, si Ari magtetake up ng HRM course sa college dahil gusto niya mag chef kaya ayon..."

I nodded.

"Did you buy me an apple pie?" I asked later on.

He stared at me in amusement. "Dami mo na ngang nakain, e, tapos maghahanap ka pa ng apple pie? But of course nagsabi ako sa 'yo na bibilhan kita ulit e so, I bought you some, ang takaw mo kaya."

I groaned. "Hindi ako matakaw, ngayon lang naman! Sama mo!"

He chuckled. "Wala naman akong reklamo, ah?"

"But you're amused!"

He flicked his finger against my forehead and leaned closer, chuckling. "Bakit? Bawal ba akong matuwa?" He smiled and continued. "The brat looked cute craving apple pie. Babawi ako kasi namiss mo 'ko, e. Tell me, saan ka pa nagki-crave?"

"Sa 'yo." I grinned.