Chapter 6: Uninterested

This is embarrassing. I couldn't even look at them again as I stormed out of the room to go and hide myself upstairs.

I looked like an idiot back there. Bakit hindi ko kaagad naisip iyon? I just saw that Sam guy when I passed by, so how could I think that they are thieves?

"You're so stupid, Audrey."

Nagbabad muna ako sa bathroom bago naisipang magbihis para umalis. Archie's friends are here, habang ako nandito at nakakulong. Kaya bakit ko hahayaan ang sarili kong magmukmok dito, kung p'wede ko namang takasan si Archie? Tito and Tita are not even here, so I don't have to worry.

I wore a white bandage dress with my red heels when I went out. I should be confident, if I don't want to humiliate myself to them for what just happened earlier.

Archie's not even informed me that he invited his friends over here, instead of going somewhere just because of me. P'wede naman silang gumala nang wala ako.

"Mukhang hindi yata bababa iyong pinsan mo. Mahiyain ba 'yon?"

"Hindi, ah! Kung alam mo lang talaga, Kent."

That jerk. Sinisiraan na naman ako. 

"Audrey, buti naman naisipan mong bumaba — Oh, aalis ka?!" sambit ni Archie nang nakitang bumaba na ako.

I arched a brow and acted cooly when I knew his friends are watching me. Bakit nga ba ako mahihiya?

"I'll just take some air outside. Just enjoy with your friends here," I seriously said.

"Naks, magpapahangin lang pala sa labas bongga pa ang suot," Sam commented.

I snorted.

"Teka, bawal!" He grabbed me by the arm and brought me at the side of the living room.

"Ako papagalitan ni Daddy nito, Audrey! Dito ka nalang, gusto ka pa makilala ng mga kaibigan ko. Huwag ka namang KJ!"

I glared at him. "Makikisama ako, but in one condition..." I don't know why I am doing this para lang makalabas.

"Ano na naman?"

"Let me go just for tonight. I'll do  what you ask me to. It's a deal, Archie?"

Sinimangutan niya ako at humalukipkip. "Ngayon lang, ha? Kapag ito nalaman nila Mommy —"

"Really?!"

"Teka, wala pa nga! Ganito, ayusin mo, ah! Susunduin kita ro'n!"

Para bang nabuhayan ako ng dugo kaya napangiti ako pero kaagad ko rin iyong iwinaksi. May kuwenta naman pala itong si Archie.

"Okay, you should. Give me at least 5 hours —"

"Ano iyon balak mo bang doon ka hanggang madaling araw?! Tumigil ka nga, abuso ka rin. Uuwi ka kung kailan ko gusto."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine! Bakit ba kita sinusunod?! This is really unbelievable!"

"Oh, tara na. Umayos ka, ha! Huwag kang masungit at mataray." Hinila niya ako sa braso at dinala roon sa living room kung saan ang mga kaibigan niya.

There are three boys on the sofa and three girls on the other side. They were eating something while watching TV.

No way.

Is that there way of bonding?

I can't believe it. I just imagine myself being like that, it totally doesn't suit me.

"Oh, iyan na pala pinsan mo. Hi!" A girl on her spaghetti dress stood up and offered a hand on me.

She stared at me and immediately looked away when I raised a brow. I then swallowed when I saw Archie watching me intently. Gosh, bakit ba ako nagpapa-uto sa lalaking 'to?

I accepted her hand not saying anything.

"I'm Ariane, ikaw?"  

"Audrey," I shortly answered.

Sumunod naman iyong isang katabi niya. "I'm Chesca, 'di ko alam na may magandang pinsan pala si Archie... you look intimidating," she said. "Saan ka pala pupunta?" she added and gazed at my outfit.

She's nosy.

I couldn't help when I rolled my eyes.

Her lips parted. "Attitude." She chuckled and rolled her eyes as well.

My lips formed 'O' for what she did. "Are you rolling your eyes at me?" I asked.

Tinuro niya ang sarili. "Me? Ah, definitely not. Ganiyan talaga ako sa magaganda," aniya.

"Whatever."

"Hi, ako naman si Trisha," pakilala no'ng isa pang babae.

"Oh, ito naman si Sam kilala mo naman na, 'di ba? Tapos si Kent at Zian." Itinuro ni Archie ang tatlong lalaki na nakaupo sa sofa.

The first guy just waved his hand shortly, the second guy smiled at me showing his sexy dimples, but the third guy was different. Kunot noo niya lang akong pinasadahan ng tingin habang nakapandekuwatro.

I can't believe this guy.

He didn't even smile or do anything, he just stared like I was some sort of a puzzle.

While staring at these three hot guys. Okay, they are all hot and handsome even the girls are pretty but this guy really stood out. He's kinda mysterious, but... a calm one.

Nabalik ako sa ulirat nang kalabitin ako noong Ariane.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Pinapaupo ka?" It was rather a question than a statement.

Napasinghap ako. "I'm going somewhere, so I can't join you or something..." I flipped my hair.

"Boyfriend?" she asked.

I shook my head.

She smiled. "Talaga? May mga single pa naman kami rito, baka interesado ko." Inginuso niya ang direksyon kaya napalingon din ako roon nang tumama iyon sa mga lalaking nakikiusyuso at hindi na nanood ng TV.

"Iyang tatlo single iyan —"

I heard Sam cleared his throat. "Pass, Ella. May hinihintay ako," aniya.

"Ako rin, baka bumalik pa 'yon," said by the second guy, Kent.

We all fixed our eyes to the third guy, Zian.

"Me? Well, I'm not interested," he said, arching a brow.

Wow.

Wala akong masabi sa sinabi niya. I felt like he immediately turned me down, kahit hindi naman.

I rolled my eyes.

"Ay mukhang wala rito ang para sa 'yo, Audrey," sabi noong si Trisha.

"Tama na 'yan, Trisha. Si Archie single rin, ah? Hayaan mong may karamay, kawawa naman. Alangan namang ireto mo sa mismong pinsan," Sam replied.

They laughed.

They looked happy. I felt lonely when I remembered Rhiane and Marga. I should call them tomorrow.

"Archie, I guess..." I glanced at him. "Uhm, you can continue having fun, I'll go now," I excused myself.

Nagmadali akong lumabas para hindi maabutan ng kung sino o ni Archie, pero kaagad din akong nainis nang naalala kong wala akong dalang pera, I don't even have a car!

"This is infuriating!" I stated.

Lumabas na ako ng gate at nagpalinga-linga baka sakaling may dumaang taxi. But, minutes passed wala pa rin. Kahit si Archie, hindi man lang ako naisipang ihatid! May pa sabi-sabi pa siyang susunduin niya ako. Paano niya iyon magagawa kung hindi niya ako ihahatid? That stupid.

I was about to get inside again when I bumped on my way back. It was the guy who got me curious. Or should I say I felt rejected for the first time. Zian.

"Sorry," he uttered.

"Uh, it's okay though..."

Oh my! Audrey?! Did you just say it was okay? I really did it, but why? What's wrong with me? Hindi okay!

He was about to walk in other direction when I held his arm. "Can I have a favor?" I gave my seductively smirk.

When our eyes met, I felt like I was able to read his soul. Really. It made my heart warmed... for the first time. This is a rare feeling I felt just by now.

Caused by the ray of sunset, I saw what his eyes look alike. I saw how beautiful his eyes are. A hazel-brown eyes that are similar to mine, but his are more attractive. His thick eyebrows, long and curled eyelashes, his small but sharp nose, and last... I licked my lips. His lips, it is small pinkish lips.

"You've got the perfect features, huh?"

It shouldn't be the line I would have to say. Bigla nalang ako nadulas at nasabi iyon. I've never complimented other guys before.

He chuckled.

Bullsh!t, Persian Audrey. Have you gone mad? That even his chuckle caught your attention and made your heart beated fast?

What's wrong with me right now or what's wrong with him to make me feel like this by just staring at his serene face?

This is hilarious.

"Pinahinto mo lang ba ako para sabihin iyan? Well, thanks, then."

I sighed. "You must be Zian," sabi ko kahit kilala ko naman na talaga siya.

"Hmm." He nodded.

"I'm Persian Audrey."

I introduced myself to a guy with my full name. This was my first time. And those first times went on him.

This is crazy, but I can't control it.

"Okay. So, if you won't mind, may I go now?"

"Where are you?"

Inginuso niya ang sasakyan na nasa garahe. "I'm going home," he said.

"Why?"

"I have some things to do."

"Wouldn't you join your friends inside?"

Since when did I become talkative?

"I will, maybe tomorrow? My mom called me, so I have to go home." He shrugged.

"Okay? But can you give me a ride in your way home? Ayaw ko na kasing abalahin si Archie." Wow, Audrey. Kailan ka pa may pake sa pinsan mo? You're doing this because you want to play along with this handsome guy in front of you.

He let out a chuckle. "Abalahin? As far as I remember, you're a brat. Hmm, is that an excuse?" He gave me looks.

Oh. Did he read my mind?

"What? Of course not. How can this be an excuse? Excuse you. You're not even my type." Okay, I just said that to save myself, but hell, he's totally my type.

"Same feelings. You're not my type either."

I clenched my jaw.

The nerve of this guy to say it in my face!

"Talaga? I'm not your type?" tanong ko.

Humakbang ako papalapit at hinatak ang kuwelyo niya para maglapit ang mukha namin. We are inch away before our lips touch.

He didn't even flinch or something.

He slowly smiled. "Hindi mo ako madadala sa ganito," he calmly whispered while looking at me straight in the eyes.

Hindi kaagad ako nakagalaw hanggang sa naramdaman ko nalang na hawakan niya ang kamay ko na nasa kuwelyo niya at ibaba iyon.

"I heard you're a playgirl, your cousin talked too much that I could even tell what's your favorite color." He brushed his hair making it messy.

I rolled my eyes. "Let's say I am, so?"

He smirked. "I didn't say anything. You seemed proud for being a playgirl, huh? Too much for my liking." he smirked at me.

"What the..."

Hindi ko na nadugtungan nang lumabas si Ariane. "Kuya!"

They are siblings?

Ariane immediately covered her mouth with her hand when she saw us.

"Oh, Kuya. Pumoporma ka kaagad, ah? Sorry for interrupting," she teased and turned her back when Zian called her.

"Ari!" He seemed annoyed.

Bumaling ulit si Ariane. "Oh, bakit? Sige na diyan ka muna, balik nalang ako —"

"What are you talking about?"

"Sus, alam ko na iyan. Sabi ni Mama huwag ka nalang daw umuwi, nandoon naman na daw si Lolo."

Zian sighed. "Okay."

"Sige, balik na ako, ah!" She waved her hand at me and ran inside.

Susunod na rin sana si Zian kay Ariane nang hawakan ko ulit ang kamay niya, but this time he swayed it.

"You're too touchy," he pointed out.

I let out an air for what he said. Ang suplado.

"Ang OA mo. I asked you a favor, 'di ba? So, can you..." I stopped when he smiled.

"I didn't come here to be your driver," he sarcastically said.

Oh my. Nakakailan na siya! "May problema ka ba sa 'kin?!" singhal ko.

"Nah. Baka ikaw may problema sa 'kin? Una, pinagkamalan mo kaming magnanakaw at ngayon gagawin mo akong driver. Who are you?"

This arrogant jerk.

I'm taking back what I've thought earlier. I thought he's kinda calm, but heck. He's an arrogant jerk!

"Whatever!" I hissed.

Pumara ako ng taxi nang may nakitang paparating. Sumakay kaagad ako habang buwisit na buwisit pa rin dahil sa lalaking iyon.

Humanda ka sa 'kin sa susunod.

"Ma'am, bayad po."

"Oh, right!" How could I forget to pay my fare? Are you totally insane, Audrey?

Naghanap ako ng bill sa bag ko, but heck there's nothing inside. Bakit ba kasi umalis ako kaagad doon? This is Zian's fault!

"Uhm..." Nagpalinga-linga ako hindi alam ang gagawin.

I saw a guy near, so I went near him, but before I can go further, someone grabbed me by the arm.

"I already paid it. You don't have to seduce that guy for your fare," Zian whispered.

My eyes went bigger. "Did you follow me?"

He shook his head. "No, nakita lang kita."

Nanliit ang mata ko. "You're not a good liar."

"I guess, I am," pag-amin niya at tiningala nalang ang labas ng club.

"You're fond of partying?" He then glanced at me. "No doubt."

My forehead creased. "So, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I was on my way home. I'll get going now. You didn't even thank me for paying your fare. What a brat you are." He rolled his eyes and turned his back.

I rolled my eyes and didn't say anything when I entered the club.

My ears immediately filled by the loud music. Parang baguhan ulit ako, it felt so long. There were people dancing on the dancefloor, chattering, drinking, and making out at the shadow.

I took a glance on my cellphone. I still have a lot time to spend here. It was still six in the afternoon, so I can still relax here by drinking.

I wandered my eyes looking everywhere when a guy greeted me. "Hi."

"Yeah?" I replied.

"Want some drinks?" he offered.

I smirked. "Sure."

His smile went bigger when I let him held me by the waist and escorted me somewhere.

He gave me a shot of vodka, and I drank it with no hesitation. Ah, this felt nice.

"I'm Jacob, you are?" He offered me his hand, I just stared at it before at him.

"You don't have to know."

He shrugged and put his hand down when I didn't accept it. "If you say so."

Nanliit ang mata ko nang kanina ko pa siya napapansing titig sa dibdib ko o baka naman nagha-hallucinate na ako dahil medyo lasing na rin ako dahil marami na ring nainom.

"You're already drunk," aniya at tumayo para umupo sa tabi ko dahil nasa tapat ko lang siya kanina.

"No."

"Do you wanna go somewhere?"

I stared at him and smirked. "Let's go outside," I whispered.

"Let's go." Itinayo niya ako at hinawakan sa baywang at iniakbay naman isang braso ko sa balikat niya.

I really felt dizzy. This isn't good.

I groaned when I felt a lips sucked on my neck while we're walking.

"Stop it," I said, my eyes were half-open.

"This would be fast. Let's go to a near hotel."

I hit his chest. "No way."

He forcefully grabbed me. "Saglit lang."

"I said no. Are you a deaf or just a totally stupid?!" I can still managed to say those words out of annoyance.

"Leave her alone." Someone said on his serious voice.

The guy laughed. "Chill. I was just helping her!"

"Helping, my ass!" I kicked his balls and totally lost my balance. Good thing, someone catched me at the back.

"You bitch..."

"Yeah, I am a bitch."

I closed my eyes when I felt comfortable on his arms. "Whoever you are, you did a great job. I don't say thanks so, bare with me," I whispered until I dozed off.

I groaned and put the pillow on my head, hoping that pain would reduce. "Darn it, how could I made myself drunk without even buying anything..." Right, I remember a jerk bought me so many drinks.

Oh, gosh. I couldn't believe that guy. He has the nerves to bring me somewhere, huh?

Bumangon ako at inilibot ang paningin habang nakawahak sa ulo.  "Oh, why am I here in my room?" I asked myself.

I tried to recall what happened last night. I passed out when a guy helped me! Who's that freaking guy? I nearly thanked him! I swear, it hurts my pride if I would say thank you or even a sorry. I won't say those words no matter what.

"Audrey, you finally woke up. It's already lunch. Napuyat ka ba? Saan ba kayo pumunta ni Archie?" sunod-sunod na tanong ni Tita Nadya.

I felt my senses awakened. "Ah, yes, Tita. He brought me somewhere, so I got tired." I shrugged and gave Archie a look when I saw him on the table, smiling.

"Let's eat, hija. Did your Daddy call you?" Tito Isiah asked.

Naglakad ako patungo sa bakanteng upuan sa tabi ni Archie.

"No, he didn't."

Tita and Tito are on their uniform, and I think they have a work later.

Tito sighed. "Baka busy lang, did you have fun yesterday? Madaling araw na rin kasi kaming nakauwi ng Tita mo, so we didn't get to check on you."

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag sa sinabi niya. "It's okay, Tito. Don't need to check on me time to time. I'm not a baby anymore," I said.

Tita chuckled. "Mukhang good mood ka, ah? Nga pala, baka hindi kami makauwi ng Daddy mo mamaya, Archie. May medical mission kami sa Legaspi starting tomorrow."

Para bang pumalakpak iyong tainga ko roon.

Sinulyapan ako ni Archie sa gilid ng mata ko.

"My, rito nga pala galing sina Zian kahapon."

Napabaling ako sa kaniya, ngumisi naman siya sa akin.

"Oh, bakit daw?"

"Ah, dito ko na lang sila pinapunta. Gagala nga sana kami kaso walang magbabantay kay Audrey kaya sila nalang ang nag-adjust."

"Gano'n ba? You can bring Audrey naman, Archie. They'll surely get along."

Tumawa si Archie. "'Di ka sure, My. Kahapon nga napagkamalan niyang magnanakaw sila Zian, e."

Hinampas ko siya. "Huwag mo na ibalik. It was embarrassing."

They laughed.

"Sige na, magre-ready na kami. Umayos kayong dalawa rito, ah?"

We nodded.

When they already gone, I faced Archie.

"Who the heck brought me here last night?"

Archie's smile went bigger. "Si Zian, tanga."