#TD07

"Goodmorning ma'am!"

First thing in the morning, I was surprised when someone greeted me. I thought it was my creepy neighbor but I sighed in relief when it was just the guard in the condo.

Finally, I managed to smile. "Goodmorning din po."

He returned with a warm smile. By looking at his face, I remembered my neighbor. It's been three days since that incident happened and I haven't seen him yet. It's not like I reported him to the police. I have yet. I couldn't help but to ask the guard.

"Uh, Kuya. Can I ask about dun sa nakatira sa floor ko, sa tenth floor, uhm," I paused as I try to recall the number of his unit since every morning I'd walk pass it. "Unit 306 po ata."

There's a puzzled expression on his face. "306? Ah! Kay Mr. Alfred po ba?"

"Nakuha niyo po."

"Naku ma'am, nabalitaan ko lang din po kahapon na hinuli siya ng pulis. Nalasing daw po at gumawa ng gulo."

I gulped. "Oh, he's in jail now?"

"Opo. Lagi naman po akong nightshift kaya hindi ko na po siya nakikitang nauwi."

"Oh, okay. Do you think he'll come back? I mean, mananatili pa kaya siya rito?" I asked. I was nervous and traumatized at the same time. I didn't want that creepy, pervert stalker living in the same condo as mine

Manong shifted his weight and thought about it for a while. "Uh, siguro po? Bakit po ma'am?"

I gave him a small smile then fixed my bag on my shoulder. "Nothing. Thank you Kuya. Mauuna na po ako."

He fixed his hat. "Sige po. Ingat po."

After that, I went outside the building and saw Keith's car parked in front. My lips curved into a smile when I saw him standing against his car with his hands inside his pockets. He stood up straight when he caught sight of me.

"Goodmorning handsome," I greeted when I got near him

A soft chuckle escape his lips. He still wasn't used of me complimenting him even if I do it from time to time. He finds it awkward and I, on the other hand, finds it cute.

"Goodmorning. You look lovely as always."

"Thank you! San pala punta mo at nakaporma ka?" I asked and eyed him from head to toe. He's wearing a beige polo shirt, black denim pants, and shoes. His perfume was captivating

"On a date."

"E? Who's your date?"

He smiled. "You. Who else? Don't tell me you forgot. Every Saturday, we'd hang out."

"Oh, is it Saturday?" I said and checked my phone to confirm. I smiled awkwardly. "Sorry. I was too preoccupied with my neighbor situation. I was being cautious. I'm a bit scared to go outside," I explained. "By the way, nabalitaan mo na ba ang tungkol sa kanya?"

His brows furrowed. "What?"

I looked at our surroundings to check if there were people around. I then shifted my gaze back to him. "Let's talk in the car." I didn't wait for his reply anymore and went inside his car

Shortly, he began to drive. I looked at him and couldn't help but to admire his features. He got more handsome and his soft features got more defined with his sharp jawline, pointed nose, and thin lips. He has a medium light skin tone---not so fair and not too moreno. A bit of his hair is covering his forehead. For me, his best feature is his fox like eyes that looks innocent and intense at the same time.

"What happened?" he asked while driving

I diverted my attention back on the road. "I just heard this morning galing sa guard. He's in jail now. Nalasing daw e at gumawa ng gulo. I didn't bother to ask him the whole story. It will only creep me out," I said and felt goosebumps all over me

His brow shot up. "Oh, really? Serves him right then," he said, sounding pissed. His lips formed in a grim line. "I'd beat the shit out of him if I see him again."

I tapped his leg to calm him down. "It's alright. I guess we're safe now. I just hope the security will be more strict so that no other innocent people get victimized by crazy perverts like him."

He glanced at me. "May iba pa ba siyang ginawa sa'yo?"

I inhaled deeply. Keith must have felt my uneasiness and discomfort and was about to take it back. "Wala na, as far as I can remember. I really thought he was a nice guy. He has serious issues pala."

He let out an exasperated sigh. "Tsk. You trust to easily."

I looked at him. "Are you saying I'm gullible?"

"Well..."

I rolled my eyes at him. I knew he was just teasing me but I was playing along with him too.

We were then envelop by silence until we arrived at our destination which is a Japanese restaurant. This time, I paid for our meal. He protested but I made sure I win the argument.

"Kamusta pala si Kate? Have you guys catch up with each other?" I asked

"Uh, actually, it's been a while since we last talked. I got busy and whenever I contact her, she doesn't answer. Mabilis lang lagi ang usap namin at nagpapaalam siya agad. I was getting worried. I thought maybe dad doesn't want us to talk anymore," he said, the tone of his voice was sad

My lips parted. "You think so? Hindi naman siguro gano'n kasama ang daddy mo. Intindihin mo rin ang sitwasyon nila."

His lips twitched. There was stern and brooding look in his eyes that made the hairs in the back of my neck rose. "He left us. He took Kate. He didn't come to my mother's funeral. Does that make you rethink?" his voice turned low

I swallowed hard. He resent his father so much that I couldn't seem to digest. I didn't want to push him even more or else he'd get mad. He's scary when he's mad.

"I'm sorry."

"Kate must be feeling lonely," I said trying to calm the mood

There's a hint of bitterness and regret across his face. "Actually, I feel like she's doing better without me. She seems happier with dad and with his new woman. Sabi niya, maooperahan na siya. She's studying well in school. Maganda yung school na pinasukan niya. They even enrolled her in a violin class. She's living a more comfortable and privileged life than before. I don't think she wants to come back home."

And how his eyes turned soft, his lips quivered, the longing of his voice made me think he's still a kid afterall. He may be older than me but he's still young.

"Keith..."

He lifted his eyes on me. My heart ached. He's longing for his sister so much more than ever and I know I wasn't not enough anymore to comfort him. "I hate it. It's not because I envy her. I know I can make her happy too. I know I can give her a better life if only...she stayed."

"Bakit di mo nalang siya puntahan na? You can pay a visit. If money is your problem then don't worry, I can lend you some. If you want, pwede din kitang samahan. I miss her too."

He avoided my gaze. He seemed like he lost appetite since he put his fork down and drank his water. The tension grew between us and it's making me lose interest too.

"What's stopping you? May paraan naman para makita mo ulit siya," I repeated

"It's not as easy as you think," he replied coldy

I snorted. "Are you scared? Are you scared that maybe you're right? That she's better off without you? That she'd choose your dad over again?"

"Beatrice," he warned

"Bakit ba iyon ang iniisip mo? She cares about you Keith. She misses you too and I'm sure she's waiting for you to come to her-"

"What if she doesn't? I can't take the risk," he said in a hoarse voice. "Baka kapag hindi niya ako pinili, hindi na ako makakauwi. I won't come home without her."

"You're not ready yet," I said. I can see it in his eyes but he was too scared to admit. His weakness was either his sister or the thought of abandonment

He shut his eyes and let out a sigh. "I don't know."

"Paano kung wala ka ng maabutan?"

It took a while before he replied. "What?"

"Your dad and sister are miles away from you. We don't really know if they're safe there. My mom used to work abroad and I'd call her everyday just to check up on her no matter how busy she was," I said. "While they're still alive, I hope you set your anger aside. I don't want you to regret before it's too late."

We stared at each other for a few seconds before he finally spoke.

"I'm trying. God knows I am. You know me Trisha," he said softly

"I do. I just don't know how I can help you. Sana tulungan mo rin ang sarili mo."

His gaze lowered down on his plate. I noticed the disappointment look on his face. I felt bad because it seemed like I pushed him too much.

"Don't give up on me. Not you, please," he pleaded

I tapped his hand on the table and forced a smile. "Kumain na tayo. The food's getting cold. Sayang naman itong binayad ko." I held my chopsticks and ate another sushi. I moaned by the delicious taste of it. "I'm impressed. The sushi tastes good here!"

No reaction from Keith. He was not in the mood anymore which made me feel annoyed at first. I tried to cheer him up but he just simply forced himself to be happy again. It wasn't the same anymore until we went back to the car and drove home. The ride was unusually quiet. I was not in the mood to talk either.

"Are you mad at me?" Keith broke the silence

"No. Why would I be?"

"I'm sorry for ruining our date."

I smirked. "Date pala yun?" I replied sarcastically

"You are mad."

"I'm not. Ang kulit."

"Then why do you look sad?"

I was looking outside the window the whole time when I remembered our conversation about his family and I thought about mine too.

"I just miss my dad."

Of course he probably didn't feel the same. If only he's here, then I wouldn't carry the burden that Keith's feeling alone. Truth is, I'm not strong enough to even talk about it to other people comfortably.

"I know I've asked you this before yet you still haven't given me an answer yet," he began. "But why did you change your mind?"

I smiled weakly. I knew he'd ask that and before I would avoid it but now I'm tired of pretending anymore. Admittedly, the reason why I chose not to tell him the truth was because I didn't want to burden him even more knowing that he's going through a lot too.

"Well, it was my mom's decision at first. She was scared that I might end up like dad. Ako rin, natakot. Pumayag na rin ako," I casually said but my heart was being stabbed every word that came out. "Baka di ko rin kayanin law school. Okay na yung may iba pa akong option. It's okay to change your mind. Gano'n naman kapag bata 'di ba? At first, I want to become this and that as you grew older, magbabago din yung gusto mo."

I hope he didn't notice that half of what I said was a lie or else any minute, I'd broke down into tears. I tried my best not to look at him.

"Is that so? I don't think you're incapable. You're much better than this."

Now he's crushing my pride.

I scoffed. "What are you trying to say then?"

"Between us two, if you want something, you'll do everything to achieve it no matter what the circumstances. No one can stop you."

"I like what I'm doing know," I strongly stated

"But it seems like fear is taking over you," he said. "Is there something else you'd like to tell me?"

"None," I replied coldly. Fuck. I want to immediately shift the topic so that I can breathe easily but now I feel tensed by his question. It's torture for me to lie to him

"Trisha.."

I shut my eyes, trying to get myself together. "Hindi lahat kailangan mong malaman."

"I tell everything to you."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do."

"Why is me not taking up law such a big deal for you anyway?" I muttered underneath my breath. "Jowa ba na abogado hanap mo?"

"What? No. Seriously Tris?" his voice raised a little

I folded my arms over my chest. "I'm happy with what I'm doing okay?" I said half heartedly. "End of discussion. Ayoko na makipag-away."

He looked at me and had the audacity to smile. "We're just talking."

I rolled my eyes at him. Just like that, something switched inside of him. He seemed more relaxed and laid back now thann an hour ago. I didn't know what happened. He just made me grumpy.

To cheer me up, he bought me ice cream and we found ourselves eating in front of the nightview. The stars were like diamonds up in the sky. I stared at them in fascination like a kid who just saw them the first time. I was aware that Keith was admiring me.

"Atty. Beatrice Lopez. It suits you."

I was stunned by his statement as if he strongly believed in it more than I do. I thought I just misheard him. I looked at him, blinking a couple of times.

"Hmm?"

"It's what your heart truly desire."

I looked away. My ice cream started to melt so I licked it right away. "Ikaw kaya. Mrs. Sanchez sounds better," I whispered

He chuckled. "My heart desires peace. And you are my peace.

My cheeks heated up. I cleared my throat and faced him. "Kapag naging abogado ako kung sakali, gusto ko abogado din ang boyfriend ko."

He tilted his head, wondering what I meant. "Why? Isn't it challenging? You might argue a lot."

"Being your bestfriend is already challenging anyway but I like the challenge." I winked at him and couldn't help but to laugh. I was referring the challenge to him the same way he referred peace to me.

"Very well. I'd take the challenge and shift to law right now and then."

My lips parted. He continued to study my face while I can't help but get lost in his eyes. My heart skipped a beat. This man owns my heart and day by day, I'm falling for him all over again. 

"You're crazy," I finally spoke

Even so, I knew he was just joking around. He can't easily shift to a different course. His interest wasn't law although I had to admit that he suits to be a lawyer too. I can imagine him inside the court. Whatever he does, he's good at it.

But turns out, he really meant what he said.

We were studying together a while ago in the library for our upcoming exam when he got a phone call. He excused himself and I watch him leave the library. I continued to study. I thought that it was probably his sister who called. It's been ten minutes and he hasn't come back. I began to worry so I couldn't help but to check up on him.

"Keith?"

As soon as I got out, I saw he was in a hurry. A mixture of fear and worry were evident in his face

"I have to go," he said

I frowned. "What? Where are you going? Did something happen?" I asked and held his wrist

"Pupuntahan ko si Kate."

I gulped. I was nervous at the thought too. "To the U.S.?"

He nodded. "Yes and I'll book a flight right now or maybe tomorrow," he replied. "I have to go."

"What? Now? Did...something bad happened to her? Bakit biglaan?"

He sighed. "I'll tell you everything soon Tris. But for now, I'll be leaving." He walked passed me but I called him again

"But we have exams tomorrow Keith. You can't miss it."

He slowly turned to face me. "My sister needs me Tris."

Her lips parted. She tried to find the answers in my eyes. Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya. I held her cheek and gave her a small smile. "Pass the exams for me, okay?"

"Keith.."

"I'll get going. I'll be back soon."

And that was the last thing he said before he disappeared in my sight. I didn't stop or chase after him anymore. Deep down, I knew something bad must have happened to Kate otherwise he wouldn't be in a hurry and decided to go after her right now and then without a plan. I didn't know when or where he'll going to stay there. 

I had nothing else to do but to wait. I didn't care so much about our exams anymore. Keith was out of reach. I had no idea what was going on. It's making me lose my mind. For days, I prayed that they're safe and that they'll come back soon.

And they did. Thank God.

But I can't be fully at ease knowing that something must have happened. I thought they came home with their dad but it was only the two of them.

I first saw Keith then Kate beside him. Kate ran to me and I envelop her with a hug.

"Ate Trisha," she cried

"Oh, thank goodness you're safe." I closed my eyes and felt tears rolled down my cheeks. I didn't let go of her. A mixture of relief and joy flooded inside of me.

When I looked at Keith, I saw an overwhelming exhaustion and agony in his eyes. At that moment, I knew something changed inside of him. My body felt weak as if I was feeling exactly the same way as him but I managed to come closer to him.

"Keith. Are you okay?" I asked, my voice was hoarse 

He didn't speak. He no longer has the strength to do so. Even lie.

I brought my hand to his cheeks and tried to find the answers in his eyes. Kate was still crying on me. The weight already felt heavy.

"Keith," I called him again. I felt the painful press of tears in my throat and fought to swallow them. "What happened?"

He let out a sigh. I knew he was fighting so hard not to crumble and fall in front of us but he failed. He sniffed and muffled some words that I couldn't understand. Our eyes finally met. His face was pale, almost as if he hadn't slept nor eaten when we was away.

"Remember what I told you last time when we were eating ice cream and stargazing in the night sky?"

That was the least I was expecting he'd brought up but I exactly remembered his words.

There's a faint smile on his lips. "I guess I mean it."

"Keith.." I was too weak to hold on to him but instead, he held my hand that's on his cheek. His demeanor changed. I almost couldn't recognize him. I was afraid of what he'd become.

"Wish me luck."

***

Dear Diary,

The first day I met Keith, I knew he's smart. He thinks logically and would not let his emotions take over him. Eversince he came back with his sister, I was happy they're finally reunited after years of being separated but they didn't only bring themselves, kundi panibagong pagsubok.

Until now, I couldn't wrap my head around it when he told me everything that happened. I admit. I was scared to know the truth because I, too was exhausted. It was too much for me pero kung titimbangin ko, mas hindi ko kakayanin na talikuran at iwan siya.

I thought he was crazy when he decided to shift to law without even thinking about it thoroughly. It was an impulsive decision. We even had a small fight about it. It reminded me when my mom stopped me from pursuing law. He must have felt what I felt. And now, I understood what mom felt too.

It was so easy for him to say it right there and then but he knew it was a big risk. It was a shot in the dark. He didn't care. Sayang lang daw sa oras kung magmumukmok siya kaya nag-isip siya agad ng paraan.

He didn't exactly know what he was doing or what he put himself into but one thing's for sure. He never stops. He kept his cool but the eagerness inside him didn't waver.

That was the craziest thing he had done in his life.

But what's even crazier is the fact that I joined the ride too...and hope I won't die.