Chapter 23: Fetch

"How was your weekends?"

I frowned and rested my head on his shoulder. We're on their couch in living room, nilantakan ko na naman iyong apple pie na bili niya.

"Bakit?" he asked, raising a brow.

"You know what, I have a lot of things to tell!" Umalis ako sa pagkakahilig sa kaniya at nakaupo siyang hinarap para makita nang maayos.

"Go on, I'll listen," he said.

I smiled. "Ano ba, nakakainis ka!" I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled. "Sirang 'to, ano na namang ginawa ko sa 'yo?"

"Wala, okay! We have this new professor, and guess what?"

"Hmm, pinagalitan ka?"

I shook my head. "You're not good in guessing!" I exclaimed. "He's a bit off, basta uncomfy ako."

"Why? What exactly happened?" He faced me and rested his head on the backrest while looking at me.

"At first, he called me to ask some questions like what's my parents' occupation, and then asked some things about family..."

He nodded in response.

"The next day, he called me again to recite. It was a bit weird kasi ako laging tinatawag niya! And I was having goosebumps, what's wrong with that asshole? Tapos kanina, he didn't let me out for break kasi may sasabihin siya—"

"Ano'ng sabi?"

"If I have a problems, I can talk to him daw, he can help me bla bla..."

"Maybe he's just concern o baka naman lagi kang lutang sa klase kaya ikaw lagi ang napapansin. What do you think?"

Inubos ko muna ang kinakain bago kinuha ang tubig na nasa lamesa at saka siya sinagot pagkatapos. "No, nakikinig ako minsan. I was a bit embarrased earlier too, hindi ko nasagutan iyong tanong niya! Tapos sabi pa ng classmate ko, sikat daw ako pero bobo! Fvck that bitch! I'll sue her!"

That was when he laughed harder. I glared at him, making him serious. "Don't tell me apektado ka? Just let them say what they want, just ignore them. Walang maidudulot na maganda iyan baka makalikha ka pa ng gulo."

"You're too good to be true, alam mo 'yon? It's not bad to sometime break a rule!"

"Yeah, I know. But that lame reason doesn't worth to break a whatsoever rule."

I smiled and offered an apple pie to him.

He shook his head. "Busog pa 'ko."

"Sige na!" I insisted.

He sighed in defeat. Lumapit siya sa akin atsaka kinagatan ang hawak kong apple pie.

I pouted. "Let's watch movies," I suggested and pointed the flatscreen in front of us using my finger.

He glanced at me. "Ano, wala kang balak umuwi?"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't you want me here? We didn't see each other for days! Maaga pa naman, mamaya mo na ako pauwiin, oh." Pakiramdam ko kasi ay pinagtatabuyan niya ako.

What if... ayaw niya naman talaga nandito ako? Pero dahil marespeto siyang tao... ay hinahayaan niya na lang ako? I felt sad on that thought.

Though, Zian's sometimes straightforward, he can say he doesn't want me here anytime he wants. As if, I'll force him.

He sighed. "Sige na nga."

After he opened the TV, he scrolled through Netflix, and left me a bit to go to their kitchen. We're just silent while watching, the lights were already in dim, we're both sitting next to each other. He's holding a bowl of popcorn, habang ako may unan na nakapatong sa hita at pakuha-kuha lang ng popcorn na nasa kaniya habang nakatutok sa TV.

We're watching a romance movie, and I am not actually fond of it, I prefer action movies to romance. But this movie got my attention.

"What a freak asshole, he shouldn't have did that." I commented when in the midst of the movie, the guy did lie to his girlfriend for the sake of one another.

"Lesson learned, huwag nang pumasok sa relationship," Zian added.

Doon na ako napabaling sa kaniya. "Why?"

He chuckled and leaned back. "Kidding. The guy has actually a reasonable point, don't you think?"

I shook my head in disagreement. "No, why would he lie if he could just say it in her face? Wala naman daw siyang ginagawang masama, bakit pa rin siya magsisinungaling? He's guilty."

"No, you didn't understand it. Look, he just did that so his girlfriend wouldn't be hurt. Para pa rin iyon sa kapakanan niya, hindi naman siya nagcheat, he's just helping out someone."

Out of annoyance, I hit him on his arm. "Mas hindi mo 'ko maintindihan. What a lame reason, the girl would be more hurt if the guy keep on lying. It's better to slap her with truths than comfort her with lies."

He raised his hands, surrendering. "You've got a point, wala na akong masasabi."

"Coward," I murmurred.

But the movie was actually worth it, in the end they got back together and promised each other. And just like the other movies, it ended up a happy ending. They happily got married.

"What age you wanna get married?" I suddenly asked him out of the blue while he's busy finding another movie, ginaganahan yata. Ayos na iyon para hindi niya mapansin iyong oras.

"Ha?" patangang tanong niya nang balingan ako.

"What age you wanna get married?"

He creased his forehead. "Wala pa ngang girlfriend, kasal pa kaya?"

"Well, I volunteer as your bride."

His lips parted after hearing what I said. He then rolled his eyes at me and sat properly, attention's now in front.

"Ba't naman ikaw? Wala kaya akong gusto sa 'yo," he answered, not glancing at me.

"Nagvolunteer na nga ako, e."

"Hindi naman ako naghahanap ng magvovolunteer, Persian. If it's meant to be, darating lang ang panahon na iyon hindi ko kailangang magmadali."

"But we're destined," I insisted.

He laughed mockingly. "Kapal mo."

"Jerk! Let's make a bet, then! I am sure we'll end up marrying each other."

That was the time he gave me his full attention. "Wow, lagpas stratosphere iyong confidence mo, ah. What if we won't?" hamon niya at humalukipkip pagkatapos niyang ibaba ang mangkok ng popcorn sa coffee table.

"It's up to you, you can ask me favors since you won." I shrugged.

"How about you?"

"Me? Well, simple. If we end up together, you'll buy me car. Ferrari in the future."

Halos mabilaukan siya sa sariling laway. I playfully smirked. "Kinabahan ka ba? Dapat lang dahil mabibilhan mo talaga ako."

He squinted his eyes at me. "Well, hindi ako kakabahan dahil hindi naman iyon mangyayari. For me... if I win, magiging kasambahay ka sa bahay ng magiging asawa ko."

My mouth dropped open. "Maid?!"

It was his turn to smirk. "Oo, kabado ka ba?"

I shook my head attentively. "No! I'll make sure I won't be your maid! You're so heartless, but sure, deal. I will never be your maid, and you'll buy your wife a Ferrari. Deal?"

I offered my hand and he boastfully shook with it, eyebrows wiggling.

After that, nagpatuloy na ulit kami sa panonood. I was too full from what I have ate earlier, pakiramdam ko ay bumibigat na rin ang talukap ng mga mata ko. And yeah, I ended up resting my head on Zian's shoulder.

Nagising na lang ako nang naramdaman kong may nagvibrate sa loob ng bulsa ng palda.

I roamed my eyes around and it was still in dim lights. The TV was turned off. And I am now laying on the couch with a pillow and blanket.

I got up and took my phone out just to receive a plenty of message from Archie.

Archie:

haliparot ka, audrey!!! kailan ka pa pumupunta jan ha???

Archie:

hindi ka man lang bumibisita rito e lagi ka yatang nanjan kanila Zian!!

Archie:

#OustAudrey #TaksilNaPinsan #HuwagTularan #ItakwilSaValderamaClan

What the fvck?

I typed in reply.

Me:

what the hell is your problem?

No one's around, and I was about to stand up and look for Zian when my phone beeped.

Archie sent a photo.

My lips parted when I saw what he sent. It was just a screenshot of an Instagram's story.

It was me, resting my head on Zian's shoulder. I bet he took a photo of me earlier! Hindi siya kita sa picture at close up iyon sa 'kin. I was sleeping with that hairclip on too kaya hindi natatakpan ang mukha ko.

There was a caption below. 'a sleepy head resting in serene'.

I bit my lowerlip and looked up, I can't help when my lips trembled a bit. I felt overwhelmed. With just that, I feel loved. Hindi ko alam, pero biglaan ko lang iyong naramdaman. Why would Zian post an Instagram story of me sleeping?

Archie:

sAna Ol, mgA Lodicakes!!! #PengengBebe

Me:

shut up

Maya-maya pa ay sumulpot na si Zian sa living room. I stood up. "Where did you go?"

He sighed and took a peak on his wristwatch. "It's almost 7:30 PM, let's have a dinner before you go. Nakaligtaan ko iyong oras."

"Really? I can sleep here, you know!" I exclaimed.

He shook his head in annoyed way. "Tumigil ka, tara na." Nauna siyang tumalikod at pumanhik sa dining room, nakasunod lang ako sa kaniya.

"You know what, ngayon ko lang napansin na masyadong maikli ang uniform mo."

"So?"

"I mean, wala naman akong problema sa panunuot mo. It's just that... school uniform iyan, student ka. You should wear an appropriate and comfortable one."

"It's comfortable."

"Yeah, masyadong maikli... hindi ka ba pinapagalitan?"

"Pinapagalitan, but I don't care. Why? Gusto mo bang magpalit ako ng uniform?"

He gave me a look while preparing the food on the table. "You will do that?"

"If you want me to."

"Ayos lang naman, Persian. I can't force you if that's what you want. Just be careful, maraming manyak sa tabi-tabi."

I smiled. "Okay, magpapatahi ako ng mga uniform ko bukas. Below the knee ba gusto mo sa skirt ko?"

He then laughed. "Sarkastiko iyan?"

I shook my head. "No!"

"Just above the knee, baka magmukha ka pang madre, well that's good mukha kang mabait tingnan."

I rolled my eyes and didn't answer him. Kumain na lang kami at mayroong sinigang na baboy na nakahain sa lamesa. It was delicious and satisfying dish. Nabusog ulit ako, dinagdagan niya pa ng kanin iyong plato ko! Baka manaba ako!

"Brat, I have something to tell you."

We're already in their living room after we ate. I faced him. "What?" I grabbed my bag and hung it on my shoulder.

"Please, promise me you won't get pissed nor smack me across my face." He looked nervous at that thought.

I laughed. "Zian! If you're going to confess, sure! Go ahead, we can start a relationship immediately if you speak out your feelings for me. I'm waiting," I confidently said that made him frown.

"May red spot sa likod," he indirectly said.

My mind got confused. "Red spot?"

"Red spot, dugo, period, buwan mo ngayon —"

I slapped him out of shock and embarassment.

"Aray!"

I covered my mouth after realization hit me. Dali-dali akong tumakbo sa kung saan para maghanap ng bathroom, at the end of the hallway nandoon ang bathroom. I entered and calmed myself down first, catching breath.

Shit, that was embarassing!

I tightly closed my eyes before opening it. I could clearly see my face as red as tomato in front of a mirror. I looked down to check my back, and hell! May tagos ako!

I didn't bring anything. Hinalungkat ko ang bag ko, but in my horror there was no pads! How fool of you, Audrey. Bakit sa lahat ng maaaring kalimutan, bakit pads pa ngayong may period ka?!

I heard a multiple knocks so I stopped moving and just waited for someone to talk from outside.

"Persian, ayos ka lang? You're taking too long baka nalunod ka na sa inidoro."

Fvcking shit.

"Go away, Zian!"

"May gamit ka bang dala? Like, extra clothes?" he continued.

I sighed. "Wala, okay! Just... just... leave me alone!" This is so fvcking embarrasing.

"And what? Maghihintay ako hanggang sa mawala? You need to change, you know." There's a hint of tease in his voice.

Damn you, Zian.

"Just... just..."

"Justin Bieber?" he replied.

"Fvck you!" I went near the door. "Can you at least get me... uhm, pads?"

"Huh? 'Di kita marinig."

"Get me pads..."

"Iyon lang naman pala, e. With or without wings? Ano'ng brand ginagamit mo? Is it Whisper, Modess, Sister —"

"Why the hell did you know that?" I cut off.

"As you can see, I have a sister, Ms. Valderama. When she runs out of pads during her period. I'll go and buy her what she needs. So, ano'ng brand?"

I took a deep breath. "Whisper with wings... and can you lend me some clothes too?"

"Sure, wait for me here," he said.

Minutes have passed medyo nababagot na rin ako kahihintay sa kaniya nang kumatok siya.

I opened the door enough for him to lend the paperbag and clothe. "Wala na akong time para bumili ng damit kaya iyan na lang, don't worry hindi naman iyan madalas sinusuot ni Ari kaya huwag ka na ngangawa. Wait for you outside."

"Fine! Just go!"

I changed and wore a dress he gave me. It was a maroon A-line chiffon dress. Fit sa akin, and I am actually not fond of this kind of dress. If I were wear a dress, it would be a revealing one.

"Tagal ni ganda, akala ko hinihila ka na ng inidoro, e." Kumalas siya sa pagkakaupo nang pandekuwatro atsaka tumayo at pinasadahan ako ng tingin.

"Bagay ka maging maid ko in the future for sure magiging favorite yaya ka ng magiging anak ko."

"Of course, magiging favorite niya ako dahil ako ang mommy niya!" I rolled my eyes and raised my middle finger at him.

"Tigilan mo na kakaganyan ayaw kong maghire ng bad influence na yaya," pang-aasar pa niya.

"Whatever, uuwi na ako!"

"You won't say good bye?"

I faced him after we reached the gate. "Good bye."

His stare softened, and as if he's waiting for something.

I arched a brow. "Thanks for today..." I stepped forward and stole a kiss on his cheek. He didn't flinch like before instead he grabbed me for a hug.

"Thanks for today, too. Take care on your way home," he whispered.

THE days went on like that. After class, I'd go in Rizal to see him. Nasa bahay niya lang kami since he has some things to do, ibibusy ko na rin iyong sarili ko sa paggawa ng essay at iba pa. My parents are busy so they wouldn't notice it. Maganda na rin iyon dahil hindi naman na ako naabutan ng madaling araw. Bago pa mag 8 PM ay pauuwiin na ako ni Zian. Bago na rin iyong uniform ko, hindi na iyon iyong revealing at fit. Decent na kumbaga. Napapansin iyon ng iilan sa university dahil nakasanayan naman nilang makita akong ganoon ang suot. Well, blame the jerk who made me like this.

"I really hate it! As if I can use this fvcking Stat and Prob in the future!" I complained the next days.

Zian laughed at me. Tumigil muna siya sa ginagawang research at kinuha ang papel ko. "Paano mo maiintindihan, e mukhang ayaw mo naman talagang intindihin? You should love it for you to understand. Hindi mo pa nga inaaral, e ayaw mo na. See?"

Hindi ko siya sinagot at kumagat na lang sa pizza na inorder niya.

"Come closer, ituturo ko iyong alam ko sa subject na 'to."

I was like a kid as I obeyed him. He started explaining things on me. Kunot noo lang akong nakikinig at tumatango habang ngumunguya ng pizza.

"Got it?"

"Siguro."

He sighed. "I'll make a problem for you to solve. Let's test your listening comprehension now."

"The hell. Gagawa ka ng problema tapos ako ang papagawan mo ng solusyon?"

"It's for your own good. Sumunod ka na lang," masungit na aniya.

"Fine, whatever!"

I tried solving it. Tama naman ako noong nagcheck siya kaso mas marami ang mali. So, inulit-ulit niyang iexplain sa akin hanggang sa unti-unti ko nang naga-grasp.

"Una na ako, ha. May dinner kasi kami with visitors," si Marga kinabukasan.

I nodded. Mag-isa na lang ako nang magpaalam din si Rhiane. Hindi ko makita si Kuya Henry sa parking lot at naiinis na ako.

I looked up at the sky. There were dark and heavy clouds with the promise of rain.

I texted him.

Me:

Where the hell are you now, Kuya Henry?

Kuya Henry:

psensya na tlaga mam pero hndi ko po kyo masusndo ngyon may bglaan pong emrgncy ang kptid ko kya ngmdli po aq,,, nagtxt nrin po aq ky Junjun pra snduin kyo kso sbi nya hnhntay nyarn si mam fiona, ptwarin mo sana ako mam wg nyo po aq itkwil blng drver nyo po psensya na po tlga nagalala po aq sa kptid ko 😭

I heaved a violent sigh and massaged my temple, trying to understand what kind of texting code he used.

"What the fvck is aq? Ey-kyu?" I pronounced.

Fine, whatever it is, there's one thing I am sure of! He couldn't fetch me today. And there's a hint of rain, I didn't even bring an umbrella.

I decided to text Zian.

Me:

Hey, are you finished with your class? No one's fetching me right now. Should I commute?

What a stupid. Why am I even asking him?

But he replied even before I could call a grab.

Zian:

No, is it okay if I fetch you instead? Wala kaming prof ngayon. Can you wait or nah?

My smile grew wider.

Me:

I'll wait outside. Angeles University.

I sat under the waiting shed. Just watching people and vehicles passing by. Medyo nabagot ako at nakaramdam ng gutom, so I went in the nearer store and bought a sandwich and ice cream when the rain started to pour when I went outside.

"Audrey!" Minutes later, someone called.

I immediately stood up out of excitement, but it faded when my expectation went in vain.

I thought it's Zian... but it's Kurt.

He's now running towards me holding an umbrella.

"What are you doing here?" I asked with a loud voice.

"Nalaman ko na hindi ka rin masusundo ng driver ni Fiona kaya ako na magsusundo sa 'yo. I almost skipped my class just to come here."

I rolled my eyes and stepped forward. Medyo nababasa na ako sa lakas ng ulan. He stepped closer to me so we can share the umbrella without getting wet.

"Gutom ka na? Ba't ice cream iyang kinakain mo, hindi maganda iyan..."

I flinched when he wiped the side of my lips using his thumb and in my horror he brought his thumb to lick it!

"The ice cream tasted sweet."

But before I could react, someone called me again... in a calm way.

"Persian..."

I looked at the guy with his uniform. He's now a bit drenched, but his cold stare made me nervous.

"May sundo ka na pala..."

"I was waiting for you, Zian..." I said in a low voice.

But as if he didn't hear and just glanced at Kurt beside me. He eyed him before sighing. "Was I too late?" he whispered something I didn't hear.