The End of Daylight

Best Part

—

"What are you talking about?"

Kunot noong tanong ko sa kanya. I expected him to have a serious expression on his face but he was just smiling, a smile that can surely melt your heart. Geez, what the freak? Why am I being so cheesy nowadays?

He tsked and shook his head. "Don't mind me. Let's just hurry, your Dad might be looking for you." He let out a faint smile before dragging me.

I heard him well, I just want him to elaborate what he said but instead of doing it, he changed the topic! Gusto ko ulit siyang tanungin pero nahihiya ako dahil baka sabihin niyang ambisyosa ako so I just shrugged it off. Maybe he doesn't want to talk regarding that. Was he embarassed or what? Ngayon pa ba siya mahihiya eh naghalikan na kami? Geez, what the freak, Tammy?

While we're on our way home, I suddenly realized one thing. I've never felt this in my 20 years of existence. What's the feeling of being in love? How can you say that you're already falling in love with a particular person? How can you determine? How? I never experienced one, how would I know? How would I know if I'm already falling in love with Jieven?

Wala sa sarili akong napatingin sa kanya. He was busy driving, dazzling eyes pierced on the road. I wanted to ask something but I bit my bottom lip to refrain myself from doing so. I just let out a heavy breath and shook my head before leaning on my seat to relax my mind. I shouldn't stress myself too much, great things takes time.

Lumipas ang isang linggo hanggang sa natapos ang klase dahil sa Undas Break. It was just a week so I decided to just spend my time with my little sister in our house. Nakipaglaro ako sa kanya, nakipag-away at minsan ay lalabas kami para magshopping pero siya lang naman ang bibilihan ko. Mas gusto kong gumastos kung para kay Tamara din naman. Seeing her happy is enough for me to be happy also.

"Ay sofia!" I almost had an heart attack when my phone suddenly rang. Tamara looked up to me with brows a bit furrowed when she heard my phone, wondering who is the person behind that call. We were busy searching for some sofia dolls in the department store when my ringtone interfered.

"Continue choosing, I'll just answer this one." I instructed her and she gladly nodded.

I walked away while pulling out my phone inside my bag. Nangunot ang noo ko nang mabasa ang pangalan ni Jieven sa screen ng cellphone ko. We just talked earlier, why is he calling me again? Miss na miss?

But instead of entertaining my questions in my mind, I just answered his call.

"Yes? Why?" I asked, hindi na ako nag-abalang batiin siya.

"Where are you?" He asked in a deep and firm tone.

I unconsciously looked around. "Rob. I'm with Tamara. Why do you asked?"

I heard his chuckles in the line. "Specifically where?"

"Okay? I'm at the Department Store, Toy Section. Why?" I'm not getting him, what's the point of asking?

"I can see you."

"What?" Mabilis akong napalinga sa paligid dahil sa sinabi niya. "Are you serious? Are you here?" I asked while still lurking around the area but I made sure that I won't go too far from Tamara. Mamaya ay hahanapin niya na ako kapag nakahanap na siya ng laruan niya.

"I'm walking towards your position so don't move."

I didn't followed him, I continued walking but I still can't see him. I started doubting his words, maybe he was just pranking me. Yeah, right. Bumalik nalang ako sa dinaanan ko dahil medyo napalayo ako sa pwesto ni Tamara.

"I told you not to move." He tsked. I could hear the music in the line. It was the same music playing in the speaker!

"Are you really here?" I wasn't able to ask again when I saw him walking towards my direction while holding his phone placed in his right ear. I eyed him from head to toe, sinisigurong siya nga si Jieven. He was wearing a black short sleeve polo shirt with all buttons opened, revealing his whirt shirt tucked in his black ripped jeans and he wore a white shoes to compliment his outfit. He was also wearing a silver watch and I saw his lovely piercing in his left ear.

Huminto siya sa harapan ko mismo at binaba ang cellphone na hawak. I unknowingly put down mine too and glared at him.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Why are you here? I thought you're still in Bulacan?" I asked sounding confused.

He told me last time that they will visit their deceased grandparents there and yet, he's here? Pinaglololoko niya ba ako?

"Because I missed you.." he mumbled.

My lips parted and brows furrowed upon hearing his reason. I glared at him furiously, trying to stifle a smile. "Don't even try to crack a pick up line, Jieven."

Napairap siya at inis akong tinignan. "We just arrived in Manila and we took our lunch here. You're really unbelievable." He looked at me in disbelief.

"Okay?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "So, why are you here? Where are your parents?"

"Oh you want to meet them?" The side of his lips rose and was about to walk out pero mabilis ko siyang tinampal sa braso kaya napaigik siya. "What was that? I thought you want to see them?" He asked, obviously teasing.

"I was just asking if where are they, I never said I want to meet them." I explained. It's not that I don't want to meet his parents, as much as I wanted to, I'm still not ready. Not now. Not here. Meeting the parents agad? Huwag muna.

"Is that so?" He smirked and licked his bottom lip.

I was about to speak again but Tamara suddenly appeared in between like a mushroom. "Ate here! I like this!" She handed me a large box, Sofia the first was placed inside. It looks expensive but if Tamara wants it then it's fine with me. Wala akong problema sa presyo dahil hindi ko naman pera ang pambayad.

"Okay, we'll buy this." I answered. She giggled but paused midway when her eyes settled at Jieven. She looked up to him and crossed her little arms over her chest while glaring defiantly at the man in front of her. It was like she was examining a new specie. Mataray niyang tinaasan ito ng kilay.

"Who are you.. po?" I laughed when she just added the po in the last. Halatang pilit na pilit ang pagsabi niya. My gosh, Tamara.

Ngumiti si Jieven at iniluhod ang isang tuhod para magpantay sila ni Tamara. "I'm Jieven. I'm your Ate's.." He intentionally cut off his own sentence and looked up to meet my gaze. The side of his lips rose and at that exact moment, I knew that he was actually thinking of something playful.

Sige, subukan mo 'kong ilaglag at busted ka agad sa akin. I mouthed to him.

He pushed his hair backwards before talking. "Friend. I'm her friend." Sagot niya sa kapatid ko at mapang-asar na ngumiti.

I sighed in relief when Tamara nodded to him, though she's still glaring at Jieven like he did something unlawful. "Do you like Sofia the first, Kuya?" She suddenly asked, natawa ako bigla pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko.

Jieven looked up to me with his questioning eyes. He basically doesn't seem to know who is Sofia but it looks like he can't tell that to my sister. He bit his bottom lip while trying to ask for my answer.

"What?" I mouthed to him, refraining myself from laughing because of his reaction.

"Who the hell is Sofia?" He mouthed back. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong matawa. He intently eyed me. Technically, he does not want to disappoint my sister by admitting that he doesn't know who the freak is Sofia so he's asking me for an answer.

"A Disney Princess." Bulong ko at tumango naman siya bago hinarap muli ang kapatid ko.

"Oh, Sofia? Yeah, she's pretty awesome." Jieven nodded to prove my sister that he really knew Sofia. Goodness Gracious.

"Nah ah." Tamara shook her head. "She's Sofia not pretty awesome."

Jieven let out a small smile. "Yeah, she's Sofia." He tapped my sister's head and the latter giggled.

"Ate! Your friend knew Sofia!" My sister pointed out Jieven using her small index finger. She looked so happy now that someone really appreciated her favorite disney princess. Poor Tamara, kung alam mo lang ang totoo, hindi niya talaga kilala si Sofia.

I just nodded at her. Tinignan niya ulit si Jieven nang tumayo na ito at pinagpag ang pants. "Kuya! You're Prince James and Ate is Princess Amber! I am Princess Sofia!" She yelled in excitement.

Jieven looked at me again with his eyes held confusion. "Just say yes." I mouthed to him and he did what I've said. Napasigaw sa saya si Tamara at alam kong sa mga oras na iyon ay magkakasundo na sila ng kapatid ko. Jieven basically knew how to get someone's heart huh?

He told me that his family already went out but he decided to stay with us. Tamara really likes him, panay ang kwento niya tungkol kay Sofia at nakikinig lang naman si Jieven na parang alam niya talaga. But hey, I appreciated him, he really forced himself to get along with me sister. Napapataas nalang ako ng kilay kapag mas kinakausap na ni Tamara si Jieven, mukhang mas close na sila.

"I'll take the restroom first, ikaw muna bahala sa kanya." Jieven nodded while intently watching Tamara running like a cheetah in the game zone. Naiihi na kasi ako kaya ginawa ko munang babysitter si Jieven.

After peeing, I just washed my hands and went out immediately to check on my sister but I was surprised when I saw her holding a stick with a cotton candy on it. It was shaped like Hello Kitty and Jieven was standing beside her.

"You're spoiling her." Inis na bulong ko kay Jieven nang marating ko ang pwesto niya sa gilid.

He crossed his arms over his chest and smiled sweetly. "Don't be mad, Tammy. It was just a simple cotton candy, no big deal. She wants it so let me give her some."

I just chuckled instead of talking. I don't want to deny this but his simple actions towards my sister made me flutter.

"Tamara is so adorable. I want a child like her. What do you think?" Jieven suddenly talked beside me while we were busy watching Tamara playing with the other kids in the Kidz House. Pansin ko rin ang maliliit na sulyap ng mga tao sa pwesto namin ni Jieven. Geez, their malicious stares are making me conscious.

"What do you mean?" Lumingon ako at nagtama ang paningin namin. He wants a child? Was he even serious about that?

He smirked meaningfully. "May you give me one?"

Mabilis ko siyang hinampas gamit ang bag ko. He laughed at me when I pinched his arm. "Ang wild mo ah." I whispered but he just laughed and held my left hand secretly.

After the Undas break, our training continued and it was more tiring than the usual. Whenever I lay on my bed at night, I could feel the exhaustion and my body ache a lot. Eight hours of sleep wasn't even enough so I always take pain killers after the long training.

One day, my eyes narrowed when I saw Maegan and Hero talking in the bleachers again and they were alone. I don't know what's really happening between them but as much as I wanted not to care, it makes me somewhat anxious. Hindi sila magkaibigan ni Hero kaya kapag nakikita ko silang magkasama ay nagtataka ako kaya nang makahanap ako ng tyempo ay tinanong ko na siya.

"Hey, I'm not jumping into conclusion okay? But I'm starting to think that you and Hero are dating." I crossed my arms over my chest.

She grimaced in annoyance. "Gaga ka ba? Nakadrugs ka?"

"What?" Napangisi ako sa reaksyon niya. "You can't even answer. It's just a yes or no."

"No. Happy?" She rolled her eyes before walking away. I teased her by calling Hero 'Maegan' and the latter turned around. Yeah, they are really not dating huh?

The day before the competition, Jieven gave me a pack of chocolate marshmallow, a chocolate frappe and chocolate waffle. He hid it again under my duffel bag but I greatly knew that it was from him. Ang dami niyang nalalaman eh pwede niya namang ibigay nalang sa akin. But it made me smile though.

"Whoah, e'di kayo na masaya." Pang-aasar ni Daryl sa'kin bago siya kumuha ng isang piraso ng chocolate marshmallow. I shared it to my team mates since I can't eat them all by myself.

Daryl nudged me a bit. "Sabi ko sa'yo kayo magkakatuluyan eh." He teased. "Invite niyo ako sa kasal niyo, ninong ako sa anak niyo ah. 'Di ko tataguan 'yang anak niyo pag pasko promise! May libreng check up pa 'yan sa'kin."

"Silly." I shook my head.

"Sili? Gusto mo sili? Wild." Daryl teased. Tinulak ko palayo ang mukha niya dahil sa inis.

Ngayon na kami aais papuntang Tarlac dahil doon gaganapin ang competition namin. Katatapos ko lang ilagay ang gamit ko sa compartment ng van nang lumitaw si Jieven sa tabi ko. I arched a brow when I saw his wide grin plastered on his lips.

"Seat with me." It was more likely a command from him. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay pero pinitik niya lang ang noo ko. "Stop glaring. You'll seat with me." Before I could even talk, he dragged me inside their van.

Shuffle naman na ang magkakasama sa isang van kaya hindi na ako nagreklamo. I also saw Maegan at the back with Hero beside her and I couldn't help but to smile. She clearly said that there's nothing going on between them and so I stopped teasing her.

I looked at the window beside me while waiting for the others to fill up the empty chairs. We were seating at the first line. Jieven was busy talking to some of his team mates but I could barely feel his hands playing my fingers and drawing some circles on it. Sinubukan kong hilain 'yon pabalik para asarin siya pero mas hinigpitan niya ang hawak.

I let out a small smile. One thing I learned about him these passed few days is that, he really loves holding hands.

Nagsimula ang byahe. The competition will be held in Tarlac so it will took us 3 to 4 hours before we arrive. I was just playing wordscapes while we're on our way. Natutulog na ang iba kagaya nalang ng katabi ko na ginawang unan ang balikat ko.

"Hey, are you asleep?" I mumbled to him while looking into his closed eyes. He had a very beguiling long eyelashes, so I couldn't help but to pinch his nose softly. He didn't respond but he groaned a bit. Nagulat nalang ako nang abutin niya ang kamay ko and in one swift movement, our fingers are now intertwined. Lihim akong napangiti nang maramdaman ang pamilyar na pagtibok ng puso ko.

I caressed his hand a little before leaning on the window and closed my eyes so I could join them in dreamland.

A sudden movement made me open my eyes, I immediately realized that I was already leaning on Jieven's shoulder and his right hand was covering the sunlight that was reflecting on my face.

He smiled when he saw me. "I'm sorry for moving. You can continue sleeping." Mahinang bulong niya sa akin kaya napatango ako bago muling pumikit para matulog.

"Nabobored na ako! Tara tiktok!"

Wala pang isang oras ng makatulog ako pero nagising ako dahil sa sigaw na 'yon. Umayos ako ng upo kaya napatingin sa akin si Jieven. He looked at me with his apologetic eyes. It wasn't him, it was Hero who shouted.

"It's okay." I stopped him when he was about to scold his friend. "I got enough sleep so don't be grumpy." Asik ko na may nang-aasar na ngiti sa labi.

I looked at my wristwatch to check the time. Nagulat ako dahil pasado alos dose na. I am starving.

"Kakain na tayo mamaya." He said as if he just read my mind.

"Okay." I nodded and let go of his hand so I could fix myself. He didn't protest but he glared at me. Galit na galit ang lolo mo.

The van stopped in a Seafood Restaurant nearby. Doon kumain ang buong team. Umupo kami sa pang-apat na lamesa at kasama namin si Hero at Maegan. Jieven said that he'll be the one to order for me so I just let him. After a moment, I just found myself staring at the seafoods placed above the table.

I ate silently, good thing I'm not allergic to seafoods unlike Kendra. Geez, it would be a large lost to me if ever that we're in the same situation. I feel sad for the people like her, seafoods is one of the best food a person should taste before she dies.

"Here." Jieven placed the skinless shrimp on my plate. I thanked him for his effort.

"Sweet nila oh. Ako rin balatan mo, Maegan." Hero nudged my friend, making her grimaced at him in annoyance. Alam naman niyang mabilis mainis si Maegan pero siniko pa rin niya habang kumakain. Siraulo talaga.

"Eh kung balatan kita ng buhay?" Meagan talked back. I tried to hide my laugh by clearing my throat when Hero mimicked her. They looked so cute together.

"E'di huwag! Damot!" Reklamo ni Hero at tinignan ang lalaking katabi ko. "Bro, balatan mo nga rin ako." He pleaded and without further ado, Jieven gave him three skinless shrimp.

"Yown!" Hero giggled.

"That was meant for you but I'll just make another one." Jieven whispered to me afterwards. I just nodded. Wala namang problema sa'kin dahil kaya ko namang balatan ang sarili ko pero kung iyon ang gusto niya then it's fine with me also.

We arrived in Tarlac around 3 pm and we will be staying there for 3 days and two nights. The first day was meant for outdoor activities, the second day will be for indoor and the third one is for awarding. The University paid all of our expenses including the hotel accomodation and transportation so we have nothing to worry about.

"Go Cecilians! Raise our Flag!" Coach yelled and raised his mini flag, showing our university's logo. Mag-uumpisa na ang competition at lahat kami ay kinakabahan.

The first day went well. Umaga ang laban ko at masasabi kong nagawa ko ng maayos ang dapat kong gawin. We won against the two university's and I could say that among the rest, nangunguna kami. Meanwhile, the volleyball and basketball competition occured in the afternoon and as expected, the ladies got the second while the men got the first place.

The next day, we supported our co-athletes. I hang out with my team while we're watching and Jieven did the same. Napag-usapan naming focus muna sa competition, bukas pagkatapos ng awarding ay malaya kaming makakapasyal kaya bukas nalang ulit kami mag-uusap.

But before I could even close my eyes to sleep that night, my phone beeped only to see his message.

From: Jieven

Can't wait for tomorrow. Good night :)

I just replied a simple goodnight before sleeping. The next day, we are allowed to wear casual clothes as long as we have our ID so I just wore a simple baby pink sleeveless jumpsuit and a white shoes. Meanwhile, Maegan was wearing a simple blue ladies long sleeve, black ripped jeans and black ankle boots without heels.

"Guys! Picture tayo!" Maegan raised her monopad in the air so everyone gathered in a certain position and smiled in the camera. We just recieved our medals, certificates and trophies so you could only see nothing but pure happiness in our faces. Sino ba namang hindi natutuwa kung nagbunga lahat ng paghihirap mo di'ba?

"Picture kayo ni bebe boy!" Bigla nalang akong hinila ni Maegan at tinulak kay Jieven na may kausap na iba. I bumped into his body and he looked shocked when he saw me behind him.

He was wearing a simple white button down polo shirt, black trousers and white shoes. He was also wearing his specs, making him more appealing.

"Hey—" before he could even finish his sentence, Maegan interfered.

"Picture kayo!" Asik niya.

Jieven's eyes settled on mine. I smiled awkwardly and shrugged my shoulders, lowkey saying that I had nothing to do with Maegan's sudden plan. He just playfully chuckled before wrapping his left arm around my waist. Nakaramdam kaagad ako ng kiliti pero hindi ako nagpahalata. He pulled me closer until our body touches one another. He held his gold medal so I held mine too before we both looked at the camera and showed our sweetest genuine smiles.

"Ang cute!" Anas ni Maegan habang tinitignan ang litrato namin sa camera.

After recieving our awards, we separated ways so we could finally roam around Tarlac. Ang sabi ni Coach ay huwag kaming lalayo at bago lumubog ang araw ay dapat makabalik na kami. I was just about to message Jieven but he suddenly appeared behind me, covering my eyes lightly.

"Hey." I removed his hand and faced him.

"Where do you want to go?" He asked while putting his hands inside his pockets.

"Hmm." I looked up and bit my bottom lip while thinking. I searched a random placed earlier, what was that called again? Nakalimutan ko 'yung pangalan!

"Stop that." He said out of the blue.

I glanced at him. "Stop what?"

"Stop biting your lip." He looked away and massaged the bridge of his nose.

"Why?" My forehead creased.

He glanced at me, looking serious right now. "Just stop. It makes me anxious." He mumbled in a deep and husky voice. I was terrified by his sudden action so I just nodded.

We can't decide where to go so we ended up to the mall nearby. I bought some stuffs for Tamara and Jieven was just watching me. "I think this will suit her." Pinakita niya sa akin ang isang purple dress. The dress suddenly made me remember Sofia the First so I giggled in excitement.

"Oh my gosh! Ang galing mo pumili!" I snatched the dress away from his grip and examined it as if it was the precious thing I saw in my whole twenty years of existence.

"Well." He shrugged his shoulder, looking so proud of himself because I praised his taste.

Napairap nalang ako. I paid for all the things I bought for Tamara. I suddenly glanced at Jieven when I saw him looking at the toy section while I was busy in the cashier. After paying, I walked towards him and crossed my arms over my chest. "Are you going to buy a toy for your little brother? Or sister?" I asked.

"Ha?" His voice held confusion. "Ah, no. Wala akong kapatid. I'm just looking around."

"Oh, you're an only child?" Nanlaki ang mata ko nang tumango siya.

"What's the feeling?" I suddenly had the urge to interview his life but it faded away when he shook his head in disagreement.

"Boring." He simply answered before pulling away the paper bag from my hand. "Let's go. It's almost sunset." He walked out first, leaving me dumbfounded. I just shrugged before following him.

The auditorium was just a walking distance from the mall we went to so we decided to walk while watching the sun going south. The sky makes me somewhat shiver, its scenic beauty was so overwhelming. Mas minahal ko ang paglubog ng araw dahil nang unang beses na makita ko si Jieven sa Coron ay papalubong ang araw.

"I'm proud of you." Jieven suddenly mumbled. Maybe he was talking about the competition.

I glanced at him and he smiled alluringly. "I'm proud of you too."

On the following days, the classes continued. I rushed my missed quizzes, articles, reports, written documents and such even though my professors gave me so much time so I could do my task properly. I chose not to waste my time so when I have some, I'll spend it in the library.

Jieven and I haven't talked for almost three days since our schedules are somewhat incompatible but everytime that we passed by each other in the campus, we'd just threw a small smiles.

"What are your plans after class?" Jieven called me once during my vacant time. Kasama ko si Maegan sa Student Lounge dahil busy din siya sa paggawa ng plate niya. She poked my arm teasingly when it hit her that I was actually talking to Jieven on the phone. Binato niya ako nang nag-aasar na tingin kaya inirapan ko siya.

"Mall maybe? Bibili ako ng notebook. Why?" I reached for my avocado shake and sipped on it while waiting for his response.

"I'll come. I have something to tell you."

"Why don't tell now?" My forehead creased when I heard him puffed a breath.

"I want to see you." He said softly so I just nodded even though I greatly knew he wouldn't see me.

"Fine. See you later then."

"Yeah. Wait for me outside the campus. I'll fetch you alright?"

"Yeah."

He let me ended the call and right after I put down my phone Maegan threw me teasingly looks. "May date kayo ni loverboy?"

"Nah." I shook my head. "It's not a date, sasamahan lang akong bumili." I answered without looking at her and continued doing my report.

"E'di date nga! Gaga!"

I waited patiently for Jieven outside the campus after the class. When I saw his Red Mercedes Benz, I unconsciously smiled. The car stopped right in front of me and the window in the shotgun door went down.

"Get in." I heard him from the inside and so I did what he said. Pagkaupo ko sa loob ay mabilis nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang isang bata na siguro ay kaedad lang ni Tamara. He was wearing a kindergarten uniform and was busy playing on his ipad.

My face held confusion when I looked up to meet Jieven's gaze. Sinabi niya sa akin na wala siyang kapatid. So, sino 'to?

"Is this what you're talking about earlier? Is this.. your uh son?" I reluctantly asked.

"What the hell, Tammy?" He scowled.

"What?" I can't help but to let out a laugh when I saw his reaction. Para siyang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa.

"He's my nephew. Pinsan ko ang mommy niya." He briefly explained afterwards. He pushed back his hair casually.

"Oh." I mumbled and looked at the little boy in the backseat again. He looked so cute! I think Tamara is his schoolmate, they had the same logo. "So why is he here?" I glanced back at Jieven.

"They couldn't picked him up so I did them a favor. Is it okay if he'll come with us?" He bit his lower lip. "No one's home and his Nanny went out."

"Of course!" I hissed and smiled.

"Thanks." He smiled at me too and looked at his nephew. "Aldrich, say hello." It was more like a command so I ravishingly glared at Jieven. Baka matakot 'yung bata sa kanya dahil sa ginagawa niya eh.

Aldrich looked up and his eyes flickered in amusement when he saw me. He put down his ipad and waved his little hands with a wide smile plastered on his lips. "Hi! I'm Aldrich!"

I smiled unknowingly. "Hello! I'm Tammy! You're so cute!" I giggled and pinched both of his cheeks softly. He was a bit chubby but that makes him more charming. And I could barely see some glimpse of Acosta's blood on his face.

"Are you sure Aldrich is not your son?" I asked Jieven again when he started driving. I am just curious plus I want to tease him.

His brows furrowed when he glanced at me before looking at the road again. "Aldrich is not my son, Tammy and besides, I want no one but you to conceive my first child." He casually answered, making me swallowed hard. I could feel my cheeks burning because of his bluntness. Geez.

Pero imbes na sagutin siya ay tinignan kong muli si Aldrich sa likod. He was now busy playing again so I didn't bother talking to him. After a moment, we arrived in the mall nearby. Aldrich looked so excited when we reached National Bookstore. He immediately went to the coloring section. Napangiti ako nang maalaa ang kapatid ko.

"Go with him. Kukuha lang ako ng notebook." Anas ko kay Jieven at tumango naman siya.

Naglakad na ako palayo at mabilis din naman akong nakahanap ng notebook. I also bought some highlighter when I noticed one earlier. I was about to turn around when Jieven appeared beside me.

"Just one notebook?" He asked while looking at my mini basket.

"Yeah, why?"

"Go get some more." I was shookt when he grabbed another three notebooks. It was the same notebook but in different colors. I thought he would stop but he grabbed another set of colors.

"Hey, stop." I held his hand and defiantly glared at him. "Are you planning to complete the rainbow colors or what?"

He looked at me and smirked. "Why not?"

"Hey—"

"Don't worry I'll pay for it." He simply answered afterwards. Napakagastos! Akala ko pa naman matipid siya!

"No, I'll pay for it." I insisted but he furiously glared at me. His face darkened upon hearing my answer. He then shot up a brow, lowkey showing defiance and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Sabi ko nga ikaw na." I rolled my eyes and forcefully gave him the basket. "Where's Aldrich?" I asked instead before walking out. Sinundan naman niya ako habang chinecheck ang notebook na pinili niya.

"I don't know." He simply answered.

I immediately looked back with my eyes widened in surprised. "What the freak Jieven? Nasaan si Aldrich?" Pag-uulit ko dahil baka iba lang ang narinig kong sagot mula sa kanya.

"Book section." He laughed at me before waking towards the cashier. I mentally rolled my eyes in frustration before turning my back to search for Aldrich. Siraulong 'yon, hinahayaang mag-isa 'yung pamangkin niya. Tsk.

I stopped when I saw him reading a certain book for kids. He then closed it and placed it back to the shelves afterwards. Then a second later, he pulled out that book again, flipped the pages for a moment before closing it and putting it back again. Wait, is he aware that he's been repeatedly doing that thing?

"Hey." Jieven popped up beside me. My forehead creased when I saw him holding a book. "I'm going to buy this book so watch for Aldrich first." He said before I could even ask.

"You like books?" I fired back. Minsan ko lang siya makitang magbasa kaya nanibago ako sa sinabi niya.

"Sort of." He shrugged and was about to walk out but I held his arm, making him stop from moving.

"What's wrong with Aldrich?" I looked up to him and our gaze met. He took a glance at his nephew before looking at me again with a small smile on his face.

"He has OCD."

"What?" What was that again?

He let out a heavy breath. "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." He paused and looked at his nephew. "An anxiety disorder, it makes people have recurring, unwanted thoughts and ideas, making them do something repetitively." His eyes settled on me again and let out a sad smile. "But Aldrich is good, he just couldn't help doing things repetitively sometimes."

While we're on our way home, I couldn't stop glancing at Aldrich minute by minute whose now peacefully sleeping at the back. At some point, it makes me feel sad. He was still too young to have an anxiety disorder. How unfortunate.

"Hey," Jieven reached for my hand without looking at me. "Aldrich is fine. Don't give him that look."

"I'm just worried." Sagot ko at muling napalingon kay Aldrich.

He chuckled softly. "Don't be. We are trying to help him so just calm down. He'll be okay."

"Okay." I puffed a breath. "Anyway, may sasabihin ka di'ba?" I suddenly remembered what he said to me in the phone earlier. Muntik ko na namang makalimutan.

"Ah yes." He nodded and looked at me before settling his eyes on the road again. "I'll be gone for about a week I guess? My relatives arranged a reunion for our family so we're going to Canada after our examination."

"What?" My eyes widened in astonishment. Reunion in Canada? Whoah.

He let out a small laugh. "It was a sudden plan."

"Okay." I smiled then caressed his hand. Wala namang problema sa akin kung aalis siya basta ang mahalaga ay bumalik sila dito ng ligtas. "Oh anyway, are you okay with your family's situation? You know.." I bit my bottom lip while trying to think how should I construct my words without offending him. "You know.. your parents.. are they still..?"

He tsked when he got my point. "I'm trying to get along with them." There was a small hint of sadness in his voice. Nakaramdam na naman ako ng lungkot para sa kanya. Ang anak talaga ang naiipit kapag nag-aaway ang mga magulang. How unfortunate that he need to deal with that.

I tried to smile at him and then nodded. "Don't be afraid to open up to me. Just tell me your thoughts, your problems and such. I'm always here to listen." I mumbled without looking at him. Naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng hawak niya sa kamay ko.

"Count me as your ears, your shoulder, your—" I paused midway when he suddenly stopped the car in the sideways.

When I looked at him, he was already trying to stifle a smile. He leaned forward, closer to me and then pulled me for a tight hug. My heart beat quickened but I still managed to wrap my arms around him in return.

I smiled sadly when I felt that he let out a heavy sigh. I caressed his back and was about to speak but his next words made my heart skipped a beat.

"I love you.." he lovingly whispered to my ears.

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