#TD06

"Hey, Tris. Are you okay?" Keith asked 

I got back to my senses and lifted my eyes at him. "Hmm?"

He looked at my plates that I was working on. My eyes widened in shock when I realized I messed up. I took my eraser and erased the parts where I wasn't suppose to draw.

"You're not focus on your work. What's wrong? I know something's bugging you."

I shook my head and faked a smile. "Nothing. I'm good. Just go back to study."

Yet he didn't. He kept staring at me as if searching the answers in my eyes. 

"Kai.."

He tilted his head. "Is it because you're hungry?"

I smiled. "I'm not. I, uh, can I wear your hoodie?" I asked, pointing at his hoodie beside his chair. We were at the library and it's a bit cold. He didn't hesitate and gave it to me. "Thanks." I then wore it. It felt nice and cozy. His cologne smells nice too!

"Sige. Ililibre nalang ulit kita."

My brows furrowed. "I'm not hungry okay?"

"Later, you will be," he smiled

I sighed and went back to working on my plates. This time, I tried my best to focus but I was afraid Keith can see through me. I chose to keep the truth a secret from him. He sometimes would ask me about it but I'd always avoid it or either lie. He must have given up now. I wasn't ready yet.

As he promised, Keith bought me food again.

"Here you go," he said and placed the tray with food on top of our table. I drank the milktea first

"Thank you!"

"Kainggit naman. Sana all, nililibre," my friends said beside me. Keith wanted to join us in our table. He sat beside me

I smiled shyly. "Mainggit talaga kayo."

They watch me drink my milktea."Mukhang masarap yung milktea."

Keith chuckled. "Do you girls want milktea too?"

Their eyes widened in surprise. "We do!" they said in unison

I almost choked on the pearls. "Baka wala ng pera yung tao."

"It's okay. Minsan lang naman. I'll buy you guys too," Keith said and before I could stop him, he stood up and went to buy milktea

"Omg! Medyo kinilig ako ng slight. Ang bait ni Keith," Eunice said

"Oo nga. Hindi ko ineexpect na ililibre niya tayo."

"Ang swerte mo naman Trisha."

I gulped and looked at them. "I guess, mahilig siya manlibre."

They chuckled. "Nagjojoke lang naman kami pero libre pala talaga niya."\

I smiled. "Sulitin niyo na," I said and began to eat

After a few minutes, Keith returned with three boba milktea in his hands. He gave each one to my friends.

"Thank you Keith!" they said in unison

Keith smiled and sat beside me. "You're welcome."

While they enjoy their milktea, I watch Keith as he eats. I was happy for him when he started eating healthy now and began a meal plan unlike before. He must have missed her sister too since he'd always spoil her with food and he's doing it to us now. Maybe my friends don't realize it...but I do.

After school, I went home to my condo alone. Keith and I would always go home together since he lives next to me but he still have a project to work on with his classmates.

"I'm doing good mom. Kakauwi ko lang po. I'm cooking right now," I said on the other line

"Kasama mo ba si Keith?"

"Hindi po. Nasa school pa po."

"How's the condo? Are you comfortable living there?"

"Opo. It's just the perfect condo for me. I know you want me to live in a much bigger unit but I'm satisfied with this," I smiled while mixing the vegetables on the pot

"Okay. Make sure na kainin mo rin yung pinadala kong pagkain sa'yo kahit hindi ka pa masarapan."

I chuckled. "I will mom. I miss you."

"I miss you here too. Ingat ka palagi."

"You too mom."

After that, we bid goodbye's and hung up the call. I focused on cooking. Eversince I began to live alone, my cooking skills has improved.

Cooking makes me happy and emotional at the same time because I remember dad. Luckily, I found his small notebook in his office where all his cooking recipes. I didn't need the internet.

Suddenly, I was disturbed when I heard a knock on the door. I walked towards it. I thought it was Keith or maybe mom but I when I opened the door, I was surprised to see an unfamiliar man.

"Hey. Uh, goodafternoon," he greeted awkwardly

"Oh! Hi there!" I smiled. I looked at him from head to foot. He looks like he's in his mid 20's. We're almost the same height. He's a bit chubby. He's wearing a jacket and pants. Also eyeglasses

"Ako pala yung bagong lipat. I recently moved here in this unit. Sa dulong pinto. I'm Alfred, by the way," he introduced and extended his arm

I looked at it and took it. "Oh, I'm Trisha. It's nice to meet you new neighbor."

He chuckled. "Honestly, wala pa akong nakikilala dito. Nakita na kasi kita this morning and afternoon."

"Oh, when did you move?"

"Last week lang."

I nodded. "Okay.."

"By the way, I'd like to give you something as your new neighbor," he said then handed me a paperbag. I looked at what's inside. "Nagpa-deliver kasi ako e, mukhang napadoble yung order ko. I thought of giving it to someone para hindi sayang," he smiled awkwardly then rubbed his neck

My lips parted. "Oh, thank you."

"You're welcome. Are you living alone here?"

My brows raised. "Ha? Uh, oo."

"Same lang pala tayo."

I smiled. "It's nice to meet you. Sige, uh, nagluluto pa kasi ako."

"Ay naku, pasensiya na. Sige, kakain na rin ako. Eat well Miss Trisha," he smiled back

"Salamat ulit dito," I said. Nagpaalam siya ulit at pagkatapos no'n ay sinara ko na ang pinto at agad na bumalik sa kusina

I immediately turned off the stove and stirred the vegetables. I sighed in relief. "Oh thank God, hindi kayo nasunog."

After cooking, I began to eat what I cooked. Nahawa na ako kay Keith na healthy living that's why most of the time, I eat vegetables and low on carb meals. I remembered what my neighbor gave me. I took out the food inside the paperbag. A plastic container with chicken wings.

At first, I thought it was sweet of him to offer me food but then I realized I shouldn't be receiving such things from strangers. Well, he seemed like a nice guy. It won't hurt if I taste it. It's not like it has poison. In the end, I ate one chicken wing. It wasn't the best but one was enough for me.

The next day, I was walking my way towards my car to go to school but I startled when someone greeted me from behind.

"Goodmorning Trisha!"

I looked behind me and it was my neighbor. I held my chest, sighed in relief.

He chuckled. "Sorry. Mukhang nagulat kita."

I forced a smile. "Medyo. Bigla ka nalang kasing sumusulpot."

He looked at me from head to toe. There's something about his gaze that made me feel uncomfortable.

"Papasok po kayong school?"

I nodded.

"Sa UP ka nag-aaral?"

He must have noticed my uniform and I.D. I simply covered it with my hand.

"Yes."

His lips curved into a smile. "Oh, balita ko maraming matatalino at magagandang estudyante do'n ah. Isa ka na do'n ma'am."

I smiled awkwardly. "Uh, I guess so. How about you?"

"Uh, factory worker po ako ma'am."

I slowly nodded. "Sige Kuya. Mauuna na ako. Malalate na ko sa klase ko."

"Oh, sure Trisha. Ingat po kayo. Drive safely po!"

I only gave him a small smile then went inside my car. He was smiling at me and waving his hand. I gulped and drove away.

***

"Beatrice Lopez?" my prof called me. I stood up and walked towards his table. He was done checking my plates and gave it back to me. "I like your work this time. Keep it up," he smiled

Lumiwanag ang mukha ko sa sinabi niya. "Talaga po? Thank you Sir!" I replied enthusiastically. I was smiling from ear to ear while looking at my score until I got back from my seat

"Oh! Nice one Trisha. Taas ng score ah," my seatmate, Penelope praised

"Yiee! Thank you. I like yours too," I replied

"Can I see?"

I also wanted to check hers so we exchaged plates. We both drew a two story house with a backyard and garage.

"Ganda ng details. Ilang linggo mo 'tong tinapos?"

"Two weeks? Nahirapan nga ako e. Di ko pa kasi gamay masyado ang shading. Pinagpuyatan ko 'yan ng bongga. And I'm happy with the results," I said. "I thought I was going to get a low grade."

"Nag-improve naman ang mga gawa mo. You deserve it," she smiled and returned my work to me. I returned hers too

"Thank you. Ikaw din."

"Can I ask, bakit ka pala nag Archi? First choice mo?"

My lips parted. "Hmm? Ah, actually...uhm," I paused 'cause I didn't know how to answer her

"I noticed kasi the other day na may bitbit kang law book, codal ba tawag dun?"

"Ahh, oo. Napansin mo pala yun," I said awkwardly

"Yeah. I caught you reading some law books sa library. Nagtaka lang ako, baka naligaw ka ng course," she chuckled softly. "Or baka balak mo magshift? Naku, hirap ba ng Archi?"

"Uhm, ano kasi...interes ko rin ang law kaya kapag hindi mabigat mga gawain, I make time to read law books."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "E, lagi nga tayong tambak sa gawain, nagkakaro'n ka pa ng time?"

"Multi-tasking," I chortled. "I know how to manage my time wisely din."

"If your interes is law, bakit hindi iyon ang kinuha mo? Do you prefer Archi better? Or di afford law school?"

And that was the question I kept pondering hence I couldn't give her an answer.

Saved by the bell.

After class, I went to the library to return the law books I borrowed the other day. I was contemplating whether to borrow new one's or buy instead. I had the urge but I was stopping myself because I know I wouldn't be able to use them anyway.

I need to keep in mind that I took Architecture. Kailangan kong panindigan ito. I'm already at the second semester. I can't shift.

In the end, I borrowed books that's related to my course and studied for my upcoming exam.

After class, my friends asked me to hang out.

"Trisha! Gusto mo sumabay sa'min. Kakain kami sa Snack Shack."

"Pass muna guys. I need to study for my exam e. Next time, after ng exam."

They nodded. "Oh, okay. Ingat ka pauwi. See you tomorrow. Bye!"

I smiled and waved my hands. "Bye bye!"

I then turned my back and began to walk back to my car. As I was walking, I felt like someone's following me from behind. I held my bag tightly and walked even faster. My heart was pounding inside my chest. I was almost out of breath. I immediately prepared my keys.

Just when I was a few steps away from my car, I gasped when someone grabbed my wrist. I turned and saw Keith!

My heart stopped for a second. I swallowed hard while looking at him. His brows furrowed. There's a puzzled expression all over his face.

"Hey, Trisha. It's me. Are you alright?" he asked worriedly

I looked at my surroundings. I saw a couple of students passing by. They threw glances at us. Keith held my hand and I averted my attention back to him.

"I'm sorry. I, uh, I thought someone was following me," I said nervously. "I'm fine now."

"You sure?"

I fixed my bag on my shoulder. "Yeah."

"I texted you. Sabi ko sabay tayo umuwi."

I blinked a couple of times. I took my phone out from my pocket and saw his text message. "Oh, sorry. Ngayon ko lang nabasa. Akala ko kasi may tinatapos ka pang project."

"We're already finished. Exams are our priority now."

"Malapit na rin exams namin."

"Let's go home now. I'm exhausted."

I smiled and nodded. I was the one who drove the car since he was tired. When arrived in front of our unit, I looked at the other doors in our floor. I thought I'd see our new neighbor but he was nowhere.

"What are you looking for?" he asked

"Hmm, nakilala mo na ba yung bagong lipat?"

His forehead creased. "Bagong lipat?"

"Oh, nevermind. Pahinga ka na," I said

He smiled. "You too. Goodnight."

When I got inside my condo, I heard the door beside mine closed. I went straight to the bathroom to take a bath. I couldn't take a bath properly cause I felt like someone's watching me. After taking a bath, I put on some new clothes and went out.

I roamed my eyes around my condo. I didn't know what got inside my mind and I began to check every corner to look for cameras. I also checked on the sofa, center table, lamp, tv, and bed. I was relived when I found none.

I sat on my small couch and sighed. I must be crazy. I don't think there's someone who would install a camera here to watch me. The thought gave me chills.

Maybe I was just paranoid. Maybe I was still not used to living alone.

I started when I heard a knock on my door. I stood up to check who it was. I almost had a mini heart attack when I saw that it was just my neighbor, Alfred.

"Oh, hello," I greeted

He chuckled awkwardly. "Pasensiya na ma'am sa abala. Na-istorbo ba kita?"

"Uhm, hindi naman. It's just late and I was a bit shock to see you outside my door."

"Ahh kasi may tatanong lang ako. May tubig ka ba? Hindi ko alam bigla akong nawalan ng tubig."

"Meron naman po. Kakashower ko lang."

His lips parted. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that.

"Ah talaga po? Bakit kaya wala sa'kin?"

"Report niyo nalang po or maghintay kayo baka bumalik din agad. Wala naman po akong problema sa tubig."

There he was again eyeing me from head to foot. Good thing I was all covered up.

"Hindi po ba kayo natatakot tumira mag-isa diyan?"

I was caught off guard by his sudden question. I noticed his eyes were focused inside my unit so I minimized the gap of my door.

"Ha? Hindi naman. Bakit?"

The corner of his lips tilted. "E, syempre po, madalas kayo late nauwi. Ako nga na mag-isa sa unit ko, natatakot e."

My lips parted. "How did you know that I go home late?"

He lifted his eyes on me. "Po? Uh, ano kasi. Nakita ko naman yung kotse ninyo tuwing nauwi ako galing trabaho. May mga kakilala din ako na sa school niyo nag-aaral kaya alam ko madalas ginagabi sila ng uwi. Syempre sa pag gawa ng projects, mga gano'n," he said awkwardly

I slowly nodded, not buying his response. I kinda hate the way he looks at me, parang may malisya.

"Ah sige po. Balik na po ako sa condo ko. Goodnight Trisha."

Even his voice began to creep me out.

I forced a smile. "Sige po. Goodnight din." Before I closed the door, I heard he said something more

"Sweet dreams."

And because of that, I wasn't able to sleep peacefully. I don't believe in ghost. I'm not scared of them either. I'm more scared of real people because they're capable of doing anything.

Days went by and every time I'd go to school in the morning, I'd see him outside and he'd greet me. I didn't want to appear rude so I'd greet him back.

There's also one time where he gifted me a kitchen utensil since he learned that one of my hobbies is cooking. I never used that wooden spatula.

"Trisha. You're the last man standing," my groupmate said

I got back to my senses and focused on the game. Today is our P.E. and we're playing dodgeball. I didn't realize I was the only player left. Meanwhile, on the other team has two left.

I took a deep breath to brace myself. We both positioned ourselves. I looked at the balls gathered in the center then back at them. Our intense gaze struck like thunderbolts. When our P.E. teacher blew the whistle, I ran as fast as I can and grabbed the ball. I then took a few steps back and threw the ball at them. I managed to hit one. I screamed in victory.

But it was not over yet.

The other player threw the ball towards me. It was fast like lightning speed but I managed to dodge it. I was a runner when I was in highschool so I have fast reflexes. My teammates cheered wildly and screamed my name. They were all at the edge of their seat.

I focused on the game and looked at the one man in front of me. I can see the red target all over him.

Now it's my turn.

I smirked and with all my might, I threw the ball as hard as I can faster than the blink of an eye. There was a long moment of silence. My heartbeat slowed down. My breathing was still heavy. Beads of sweat fell down from my face.

I swallowed hard. I thought I lost. I thought I missed...but when I heard the loud whistle that's the sign.

"Trisha!"

The next thing I knew, my friends all came running down to me and hugged me. I smiled in victory. We all jumped around in celebration. One of them held my wrist and raised my arm in the air. They continued to cheer my name.

"And our MVP for today is none other than, Trisha!" our coach announced

It felt like I was in MMA and I was declared a winner.

My eyes widened in surprise when he handed me a trophy. I didn't expect I'd receive one. I thought it was just a small game. I laughed when I realized it was just a small one. I found it cute!

"Thank you!" I smiled widely

After classes, I immediately texted Keith to inform him my win. I was too excited to tell him. I can't wait! I decided to write it down on my notes and transfer it to my diary when I get home.

Dear Diary,

You wouldn't believe this but I just hailed MVP in our small dodgeball game in P.E. class! Crazy right? Cute ni Sir. Binigyan pa akong trophy. It felt good...but honestly, my body is sore. I suddenly miss track and field. I wish I can run again.

"Trisha."

I startled when I almost bumped into someone. I lifted my eyes and saw my neighbor Alfred! He's the least person I was expecting to see.

I gulped. I suddenly felt nervous. "Hey, uhm, sorry. Hindi ako natingin sa daanan ko," I said. "By the way, what are doing here in my school?"

He smiled. "Uh, wala. Napadaan lang. Laki pala ng school mo 'no?" he said while looking at the building behind me. It didn't last long and he shifted his gaze back to me. "Gusto lang din kita makita."

Mas lalo akong kinabahan sa titig niya. It looks like he's the one I should be running from.

I swallowed hard. My palms began to sweat...so is my face. He must have noticed it.

"Mukhang P.E. niyo ngayon ah. Pawis na pawis ka. Teka." He then took out a small towel from his pocket. I was caught off guard when he moved closer to me and before he could wipe my face, I took a step back

"Uh, o-okay lang. May towel naman ako na dala," I stuttered. I wasn't sweating because of P.E. but because of him

Instead of giving me space, he only chuckled. "Hayaan mo na ako. Sigurado akong pagod ka. Pawis na pawis ka."

Seriously? What the hell is he doing? Didn't he get the hint that I was uncomfortable? Is he doing this on purpose.

My lips twitched. I held his wrist to stop him. "I said I'm fine," I firmly said, holding back my anger. I immediately let go of his arm

"Oh come on Trisha," he said sensually then his lips curved into a smirk. "Kung gusto mo, pwede kang magpahinga sa unit ko."

My blood boiled by what he said. That was the last straw. I clenched my fist in anger. I was ready to punch him in the face and run but even before he can lay a finger on me, someone held his wrist.

My lips parted in shock when I saw Keith. He looked calm but deep down, I knew he was pissed. He didn't speak. He's only looking at the man in front of me.

"Hey! Bitiwan mo nga-" He winced in pain when Keith twisted his wrist. Keith blocked me from him without letting him go. I heard a shriek that came out from the man's mouth.

"Get lost motherfucker," Keith hissed then released his grip from the man. The man fell on the ground but he scrampled and left us

I sighed in relief. Keith turned to face me and walked towards me.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" he worriedly asked and searched for my eyes

I gave him a small smile to calm him down. "Yes. I'm okay. Thank you."

He held my shoulders and checked if I had any bruises. My brows furrowed.

"Hey. Okay nga lang ako. Calm down Keith."

He shut his eyes and sighed. "Who's that man? Do you know him? Or just a random stranger hitting up on you?"

I gulped. "I, uh...yes. He's just a stranger. I'll tell you everything sa car. Uwi na tayo."

While we're on the road back home, he brought him up again so I told him the truth.

"He lives in our floor. Bagong lipat daw siya. His name is Alfred. I don't know much about him aside from he's a factory worker."

"Bagong lipat? How come I haven't seen him? Matagal ka na ba niyang ginugulo?"

"I guess he moved three weeks ago. At first it wasn't a big deal. I didn't even tell it to mom. I thought he was a friendly guy but days passed, I've noticed he's kinda suspicous or at least, that's what my gut feeling is telling."

He sighed heavily. His eyes were fixed on the road.

"Are you mad?"

"I'm mad at him."

"I'm afraid we'd still see him sa condo."

"Now that I know him, hindi ako kampante na mag-stay ka sa unit mo. It would be better to sleep at my place."

I looked at him, wide-eyed. "What?!"

"Do you feel safe right now to stay at your unit? Pwede naman ako nalang ang lumipat."

"No. I mean, hindi naman niya ako siguro guguluhin pa matapos nung ginawa mo. I can tell he was scared," I chuckled

He looked at me. His expression remained stern. "Trisha. I'm serious. Paano kung balikan ka niya? He's just living the same floor as ours."

"Kapag may ginawa ulit siya, I'll report him to the police."

"Hihintayin pa ba natin yun? He already crossed the line."

I sighed. He's right. I can't lose an argument to him. I knew he'd react this way once he found out. What I didn't expect was that motherfucker who didn't respect my personal space.

"Beatrice."

"Okay. Fine," I said. I looked at the small trophy in my hand. A small smile crept on my lips. "Look, Kai. MVP pala ako nung nag dodgeball kami sa P.E." I said to brighten up the mood

He looked at me and smiled. "Yeah. I read your text. Congratulations Tris! I wish I was there to watch the game. I'm sure you kicked all their asses."

I chortled. "I sure did! I played really well."

We then became silent throught the ride until we arrived home. I went to my unit first to get some clothes. I took a bath at Keith's place. This is probably my first time sleeping at his unit. I felt a bit awkward.

"You sleep on the bed while I sleep on the couch," he said. The bed was already fixed and clean after taking a bath.

I looked at him who's standing beside the bed as if he's waiting for me to get to sleep first. I walked towards the bed and sat on it. It felt soft and cozy. My cheeks heated up at the thought of us sleeping together.

"Bakit ka sa couch? Hindi ka naman kasya do'n. Ayaw mong tabi nalang tayo?" I suggested

He tilted his head lazily. "I won't be able to sleep then."

I looked at him suspiciously.

"Tsk. Stop what you're thinking," he said and flicked me lightly on my forehead. I massaged it.

"I'm sorry."

He raised his brow. "For what?"

"For not telling you right away. You must be upset. Hindi ko naman inakala na.."

"Is he the reason why you're spacing out sometimes? Whenever I ask you if you're okay.."

I shook my head. "No. I was just, uhm, stressed by the amount of schoolworks I have," I lied

He nodded. "It's okay. You're safe for now. I feel at ease. You can stay here if you want."

"Eh? Magkatabi na nga unit natin e, tapos lagi pa tayo magkasama sa school. I can't stay here."

"Why? Nagsasawa ka na ba sa'kin?"

My lips parted. He looked serious by his question.

"Hindi naman sa gano'n.."

He chuckled. "I'm just kidding. I'm just worried about you. Sabi sa'kin ng mama mo na bantayan daw kita lagi."

I rolled my eyes and smiled.

"Let's sleep na. I'm tired."

"Okay."

I was caught off guard when he planted a kiss on my forehead. I swallowed hard. I looked at him and he's already at the sofa with a blanket.

I felt bad for him since he slept on the small couch instead of his bed. I yawned and laid on the bed, covering myself up with a blanket. The lights were already turned off. I took a peak at Keith to check if he's already asleep.

"Are you sure you don't want to sleep here-"

"Goodnight Tris!"

I pouted and stared at the ceiling. If we were still kids then he would have probably agreed. I was about to close my eyes then I suddenly remembered my diary. Damn it, I forgot to bring it.

In the end, I opened my phone and went to my notes. I decided to finish what I was writing earlier. I was careful not to get caught by Keith.

Dear Diary,

Little did I know something crazier happened to me other than winning MVP...

And that is...my neighbor.