Chapter 43

"Let's go ..."
"Who's the girl?" I asked out of curiosity.
There was a momentary silence between us. Both leaned against the wall, let out a deep sigh.
I was in another dimension again, while he was just staring.
"I don't know," he answered after a while.
"Martha?"
"We're just childhood friends."
"She's your first love."
"Where did you hear that thing?" he turned the body in front of me.
"If not Martha, who is that 'no other woman' you indicated earlier?"
"My future girl?"
I am you future!
If only I could claim that.
It is difficult to simply believe a prophecy. True or not, when the time comes we are still in control of our own destiny. It can happen, depending on our choice. We will be, if we will.
But I don't think it would happen. Knowing what kind of a mess we are when together
"Don't think too much about what that woman said. Often the fortune tellers today are wrong," he suddenly stretched out his hand, "Let's just forget what we heard, and sorry for kissing you."
I just stared at his hand. It disappeared from my brain again. I don't think of it as a big deal now. My attention was more focused on the unexpected prediction.
"Forgiven ..." I half-heartedly said.
"What do you want to eat?"
"I have no money."
"My treat."
Such was the sudden opening of the light on my face.
I only have a limited amount of money to take out of my pocket. There are more and more projects now, including the thesis which has become more expensive for me because I am alone. After that, on-the-job training will begin. It's only been a few months and my hardships as a student will be over. I needed more income now for my daily expenses and contribution to our familys' debt.
Thank you and Kiesha has been kind. I don"t know what it ate to promise to be a hobbyist all week.
Have I done something good to her lately?
I didn't think anything good was done, other than helping his group finish the thesis study they started.
"Where are we?" I pulled Zi's hand myself.
"There's a delicious bulalo there at my favorite karenderya."
"Alright, let's go there," I cheerfully responded.
"Are you okay? We can go to a restaurant nearby-"
"Social! I'm more used to simple foods what," I interrupted what she would say.
If this is his way to atone for sin, that's fine! I actually love the idea. I just really need to supplant to hide what I really feel. That kiss, just quick but I"ll take it to sleep later and wake up in the next few days.
I will admit that ... Yes, I was really bored with what it did, but there was still a strong tremor in my heart.
It was my crush who stole my first kiss everyone!
If only I could freely brag such thing. But of course I can't, there's no way I would.
"Do you often go straight here for lunch?"
It only took a few minutes walk, we also immediately reached the cafeteria he says. We are now eating their best-selling dish and I am loving it!
I already told mama that it will take a long time to come home now because it is raining. It still didn"t subside, we still had to wait for it to disappear before traveling.
"Not really ..."
"Who do you hang out with most often?"
"Martha," he answered frantically.
I was stunned. What else to expect? They are friends, obviously they always have each other's back in whatever condition. It's like we're just Kiesha.
"How many years have you known each other? Why don't her siblings like you? Do you love her?"
It has also stopped eating. He lowered the cutlery, then stared at me seriously.
"Of course I love her because she was a really good friend," he mocked a smile, "I guess you've been too curious about my life now ... Why?" he raised an brow.
"I just want to know things about you," I pouted, "For the next time I won't make the wrong accusation. I once hurt you with what I said in the past, I want to get even with you this time."
"You want us to be friends is that it?" he craned his neck, looking at me intently.
"I don't befriend a guy."
That's the only limitation I could offer to myself. No matter what happens, I can't be friends with him right now, or even if it's not called friendship.
"Hmmm?"
"Hmmm?" I mocked.
He pursed his lips, suppressing a smile. While I couldn't really stop smiling.
For the first time, I felt comfortable talking to him. That is why we are kind to each other.
"Let's go buy your favorite after this."
"Favorite?"
I watched him as he placed the meats on my plate. It was really intentional to separate them from the bone so that I wouldn't have any more trouble eating.
A Zion Leander has this part of his personality ... I secretly smiled. From time to time he gives thanks every time he gives a dish.
"Ice cream ... You like it right?"
Yup!
The weather was cold, but the ice cream was still very good to my taste. Even if the weather reaches its lowest temperature, I will still find a way to eat it. That's for being obsessed with cold.
So maybe it was and I liked him. Because he usually fans a cold flame.
"Tell me something about yourself."
"I'm pretty, I'm cool, I dominate this poll of applicants. I rock, I jump, I-"
"Wait, wait ... What kind of answer is that Amira? This is a job interview, not an audition for a movie role," I slowly lowered the folder I was holding on the table where the questions prepared for her practicum were glued.
"Why, isn't that a good answer?" he lazily leaned back in the rattan chair.
"All right, try to answer those. Let's see if you can pass."
"Naman e ... I can't think of any answer!"
"That's a simple question ... What do you do, what organization you came from, what are your traits, etc."
"Simple, but a lot to say. Sometimes, the simplest questions are the most complex."
I leaned backward, sighing loudly in defeat.
Can I still fight? Of all the possible answers, he is the hardest to resist. There is a reason for almost everything. And be more direct if you state the point.
"The good thing is, you and Zion will study first. I'll just call my boyfriend," she giggled and got up from her seat. Without further ado she strutted inside their house. Leaving me with Zion alone in their garden.
"Are you coming back right away?" I will post a reminder.
It's so funny again. So sometimes the score is small, because the love of learning comes first. Others can do both, but Amira is a whole level of mess. It's up to him to fall, just to have the desired fun, that big success.
She represents some of the students. Your type of learner who doesn"t think too much about the grade to reach. What you get is fine, as long as you have fun throughout the study. Contrary to me, it seems like I will die if I don't get a big mark, if I can't answer the questions, if I go home crying because I fell.
I am too competitive. I have put much standard over myself, for my mother and for those who have been expecting more from me. It"s not just my family that impresses here, but also dad"s family who belittles us.
Unlike them, we are still far from being successful. According to my aunt, they have nothing more to ask for because they already have almost everything. We are the ones who have to do the scrubbing, it seems that life has no other destination.
Those words are what draw me strength to this day. We will prove them wrong. This is how our lives became because of the blows that came. But in working together, we also lift. I am claiming that!
"Tell me something about yourself," I was pulled back in reality. He quickly turned to Zion like a lion if asked.
"I have studied hard to become a well qualified educator or scientist. I completed a challenging internship with Not-knows-yet University and have part-time work as a private tutor weekdays to weekends after school, depending on the clients' requests and calls .I expect to graduate from UM with a GPA of 95% and I am eager to implement what I have learned in a competent and impactful manner, "I answered, clear and straightforward.
"95% is not enough as a general average ..." he grabbed the folder I put on the table, slowly biting his lower lip.
We've been together before. Since the exam is approaching, thorough study is required. I don't want any of them to fail the exam, especially since this is our last year. The end cannot be consumed because of simple neglect. Success of one, success must also be of all.
"What grade is good?"
"One hundred percent ..."
"That's too much."
"You deserve it."
I fell silent. Just let him glance at the questions written on the folder he was holding. I think this mock job interview will be taken more seriously.
"Next question-"
"Tell me The 1987 Constitution of the Republican of the Philippines- Preamble," I preceded him in speaking.
"All?"
"Everyone, you've memorized it, haven't you?" I playfully raised an eyebrow at him.
This one admitted that he did not want to memorize the words. He wants to serve the country, but he sometimes hates memorizing the Provisions under the Law.
At least a little, our relationship is getting better. Dispute is only once when there are things that cannot be agreed upon.
He was with Martha during the day, and with us at night to participate in the learning session. After the study we will talk a little. Kiesha is the first to open up the topic to be discussed. There are little things I already know about him, and so does he to us.
"We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution ... "
I even had to snatch the phone from my pocket to read the preamble that was being studied recently. How can he memorize it that fast?
My mouth half-opened in awe.
"I thought-" I couldn't find the next words to say. My mind eventually went blank.
"Now let's talk about numbers," he let out a complacent smile, obviously so proud of himself.
I rarely see him smile like this. Every time I do, I have nothing else to do but take a picture.
He looks more of a masterpiece when smiling and dangerously handsome in dark grimace.
"Is there any math in your course?"
"You have it. Let me help you review for it."
"Do you know the formulas?"
"Try me."
"Hambog," I snatched the books to be studied from my bag.
I no longer had to teach him the steps to getting the right answer. The intelligence it possesses is astonishing. Just a rag, knowing immediately how to get through problems.
I was just staring at him. Silently tracing every detail of his face. Almost every curve is perfect, the eyebrows and eyelashes are thick, the nose is at the right point, and the reddish lips are thin. He had a well-defined jaw which is clearly visible from here, his cold eyes is more than enough to make me shiver, and his body- it speaks of nothing but perfection.
"Here, try to answer this," he handed me his notebook.
I quickly averted my eyes. Suppose someone is thinking about what and is having difficulty, then look at him.
"Huh?"
"Answer it," he pointed to the question posed for me.
It's only been a while since I've looked at the numbers but I'm pretty sure I'll have a little trouble with it right away.
He as if made a problem, special for someone who has a unique capability of solving complex things.
"Is there an answer to this?" I asked after a few moments back and forth reading the question he had written.
How can it be this analytic? I mean, how can he make a problem as thorny as this?
Now I doubt if I really know the number. I am now questioning my own credibilities and even slowly felt a pang of shame, thinking about the quiz bees I have championed before.
"I made a solution for it first before giving you the question."
I just nodded.
Really?
It took several minutes before I got the answer. This is the longest time for me to solve numbers. Often I no longer need scratch paper. Just look at the question, you know the answer immediately. But now it was necessary to understand and use a different formula.
"How dare you be this smart?"
My competitive brain is shaking ...
"It's not being smart, it's all about comprehension. Often at a glance you know right away how to play with numbers, so the question isn't given much proper attention. You need to set aside that practice and start to focus on both aspects. "
I sniffed and leaned my back on the rattan again. I then lifted my book up to read the last lesson I am going to review for tonight.
He in turn refocused his attention on the notebook I pushed back into its place. He was dead serious. As if a terror prof I never want to be acquainted with. Surely this will create a problem again.
I was both reading and taking a quick glimpse of him. It was instantaneous, but it seemed that his face would disappear from my mind for a long time. Not the subject being read. I can now memorize his curves and traits. I have no doubt why many like him as well. Who would dare ignore someone as handsome as-
Exactly when I looked up at him, he was also staring back.
This time, none of us evaded. We stared at each other, boldly and intently.
"You are not wearing eye glasses."
In the few hours we've been together, has he just noticed that ?!
Ate Kianna gave me some of her contact lenses since she bought too much of it. They have a grade, which helps a lot with my blurred eyes.
"So?" I lifted a brow.
"Nothing, I just found it unusual," he shrugged.
We also eventually stopped staring. The question and answer session has resumed. I found it really hard answering his questions at first, but then I eventually got used to it and even created some tactics.
What should have been just a simple study reached the conflict again, until it became laughter.
He was not a bad companion at all. If I was Kiesha's tutor, she would be my tutor. I think I know more about it, even though I love to read books.
From that night onwards, our bond become strong. We don't just spend the night together, but also in the morning even though Martha is there. She never disagree to it. She had to act cool, just like I do. One day he said, 'It's fun to have a lot of friends'.
It's fun if you really like the friend you're with. Punishment if just pretending. She's kind and pure, but I couldn't seem to find any reason to like. Is it because he knows if he will be a strong rival to Zion? Or do I simply dislike it because I notice that there is a hidden roughness in the habit?
"Is it Martha?" Kiesha asked curiously as the three of us reached out in the corridor. Both just finished class and are now on their way home.
"She has a check -up schedule now," Zi replied frankly.
"Check up?"
"She has a heart condition Gee ..."
I felt my chest hurt. That's why it's pale and slender. I thought it was natural that his body was really like that. She looks perfectly fine, in words and deeds.
"That's why her older brothers don't like Zion because they are afraid that she might be the reason to hurt their youngest and die," Kiesha added.
Now everything made sense.
Martha's brothers can't let Zi hurt their princess. They keep it away from her, but that woman is always approaching it. She would be hurt more if Zion went away, so whatever pushed her away, she would stay and stay by Martha's side. Cause he knew he was the reason of her happiness.
What the fortune teller said suddenly came to my mind.
The woman he loves now will be gone".
That basically means-
I just laughed the idea was finally confirmed. Whatever kind of denial he says, the truth will come out and come out.
I knew it!
And I also know I'd be seriously hurt.
I love it because e. I didn't want to let it into my heart, before I even realized he was already sitting on the throne. Alone reigns ...
If love hurts like this, I hope I haven't been curious.
The noise of the phone awakened my sleeping spirit. I shifted on my position, then took the phone under the pillow with eyes still close. I was very drowsy and had no desire to move. Definitely just dawn, who is it calling this time?
"Hello?"
"Gee ..."
It's Kiesha. She doesn't sound happy. I could clearly hear her sobs and melancholic cry.
I was immediately thrown back on my feet. Drowsiness disappears automatically.
"Why?"
"Si Zed," she sobbed.
Already dead?
The first idea went through my mind. It may sound bad, but it was my unconscious mind that is at fault.
"I saw him with the bitch."
Of course I know who the 'Bitch' was. Eden was the only one who often messed up her life. Almost everything about him is always copied, even the bride has been able to claim as well.
When snakes, snakes really.
"Where are you?"
"On the playground ..."
I looked at the alarm clock. Just before two in the morning, there were no other people in that place now. When someone suddenly rushes to him, it is unlikely to be helped quickly because people are usually asleep.
"Why did you go there? You know how dangerous our world was. You're just looking for another problem," I hurried out of bed. A hoodie was simply grabbed from the cabinet and did not bother to change into pajamas.
"Can you please just quit nagging? I need your sympathy right now ..."
I gasped violently. Of course she do. I am her bestfriend, the one she can only depend on. Since childhood, we have leaned on each other.
"Sorry, I am heading now."
Slippers first became the center of my vision. In a hurry, so it was just snatched from the container to use.
My family are now in their good sleep too, so I had to beware of my steps. Slowly I took every step down the stairs, to the entrance. Even opening the door comes with caution attached.
When I finally got to the gate, I ran the distance from the house to the park where my grieving friend is now.
I gasped, not even able to get close to him. She was now visible to me. I mean, them ... Kiesha and Zion.
She was sitting on the wooden swing, still weeping. Zi on the other hand is standing in front, with his hands on both his pants pocket. He just stared at my friend, seemingly hesitant to come any further to give sympathy.
"Hi," I said, looking straight at him.
He coldly nodded, in response to my greeting.
From him, my gaze shifted to the friend who had obviously been crying. Used tissues were even scattered on the ground.
"What exactly happened?" I crouched, so our eyes would meet. I was worried that I had put her runaway hair behind her ear and that she would cry even though I hadn't heard the whole story.
"I went to Zed's condo earlier. I prepared and brought him food because I missed him suddenly ..." he stopped speaking to cry loudly for a moment.
Seeing her this vulnerable, I felt so bad. I never thought a firm and bold Kiesha can shed an agony just because of a man. It"s so bold to look at that you wouldn"t think you would just get hurt. But she was just like a normal being, she can also feel pain.
"His friend tried to stop me, but I didn't listen ... He just made me curious over his action-" she pulled me closer to her, asking for a tight hug, "Tapos ayun, noong pagbukas ko sa condo ni Zed, I saw Eden and them both. They were both naked in bed ... "she cried even more.
I didn"t know how to calm it down, other than a tight hug and a gentle massage on the back. I don't know what to say. All I could think of in this moment was the growing hate over that man. I'm just saying he's unreliable.
"He called me seventy times already and even sent a hundred messages. He was asking for forgiveness, he want us to meet tomorrow-"
"Where?" I firmly asked.
"At home ... He's supposed to go," he sniffed again.
I let his tears stain my jacket. I let her use my shoulder, to lean on. This is the least I can do to make her feel loved. No matter how earth-shattering the first break up was, I am always here to mend it with warmth.
"Let me go ... But I'll be the one to face."
"You won't hurt him?"
"Do you think I can slap him?"
"No."
"You're right. Slap isn't enough to make him pay for what he's done. I won't slap him, but kick, tweak, whip and punch ..." I shuddered and clenched my fist, "he could see how angry he was. a Geline Neilani. No one should mess up with my bestfriend. "
"You sounds really scary ..." she pulled me away a little bit to meet my eyes.
I can hardly recognize the former artistic Amira. When she arrived now, she looked like a simple woman from a severe divorce. Messy hair, like a blast with scattered makeup, just a Tshirt, big pajamas and slippers. She's a total mess ...
"Make sure he comes to your house tomorrow, I will take revenge for you," I think my high blood pressure rose at the imaginary image of that man.
"Okay ..." she sighed heavily.
"And I'll take care of that woman too."
"You look like a hired killer in the tone of your voice Gee."
His emotions eventually subsided as well. She decided not to seek for revenge, because it was just a game played by dumbass who cannot accept defeat.
In the eyes of the lord, what they had done was very wrong. A person who promised to commit his loyalty to someone should keep the words until the two of them decided to part ways. It's not that while you already have a lover, you will look for another lover.
When you get into relationship, you are not just planning for a short-term happiness. Finding a mate means finding someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, not finding someone you would like to play with.
I also stayed by his side for almost an hour. Quietly listening to grievance and remorse. She regretted her choice. If only she tried to listen to me before, maybe this will never happen.
I myself emphatically reminded her not to trust that man too much. Maybe one day, he'll just find out that he's being manipulated. And it happened ...
I shook my head at the thought.
Until we just 'Hope' now. The opportunity will never be restored.
"I'll just get another water for you ..."
There is a 24/7 store nearby. I just bought him water when he calmed down again because he cried again.
"Let me."
Zi and I stared at each other. Earlier, he used to walk back and forth to buy Kiesha and me water and tissues, because I was also really full of sympathy.
"Just stay here with her. The store is nearby, isn't it?"
He nodded hesitantly.
I got up from the cradle, then gently tapped his shoulder. I signaled him to fill my position. He gotta act as me for a moment.
To be continued...