Chapter 53

Slowly opening the door was the next thing I felt. Yet just stayed in place. I could smell the familiar scent of his favorite perfume, no need to worry.
"Cheer up love," he said, almost a whisper.
I called him earlier before traveling. There is a feeling that such a scene is just as likely to happen. I need him to drive me home.
"I am so glad you're here."
He has a long vacation today. In return for the newly solved mission.
I am so happy for it. At least I could have someone to lean on, when I turn out missing my bestfriend.
"Are we still going to school?"
"Not anymore. I'll just pick up the things left there tomorrow."
I am now finally a licensed teacher.
Silver rule achieved!
That's all thanks to my family and boyfriend who had been with me since day one of examination review.
Coincidentally, there was a good signal at Zi's station. To help me prepare, it intentionally asked for my reviewer"s copy. And even a little bit of time is trying to read so that every video call we can keep up with the questions. And it did helped me a lot to remember the possible items.
My family already knows about us. It's not like he can hide it from them for the rest of his life, even though he immediately goes home every time he comes home from the province.
Unlike Kiesha who until now had no idea. She personally thought our friendship just evolved this time. When we are together, we do everything we can to stay away.
Even though I wanted to find the right timing, I always thought that he might just ruin his day. It's getting bitter when it comes to relationships. Ever since she and Zed broke up, she had never tried to linger with a man almost every day. Everything has an exact beginning and end.
She considered every boys a play toy now. With the world as her huge playground.
"Alright, let's switch position," Zi caressed my back in a gentle manner.
It took a few more seconds, before I got out of the car and turned around to swap positions with him.
"I bought some ingredients in there. I'll cook now."
I reluctantly turned in the backseat the ingredients he was saying. Even at home it is already cooking. More accustomed to own potage, than foods bought outside.
I agree. He cooks better, so he often looks for it when he leaves again.
I don't think I could get over every piece of him. I don't think I could live, thinking that he's not mine anymore. I don"t want to think about those things. Because of all the good that has happened, he is in the lead. I've been holding on to possibility of us, being each other's end game. No matter what kind of torn may come our way. A storm which our love will be tested.
I learned a lot because of him. He became strong, because he was strong. Chasing the real dream, because he supports it. Dreaming, because I know that with every hardship and cry, he is able to support me.
I've been depending my life to him. Something that motivates me not to let him go. I will be crippled when that happens ...
I went straight to the computer when I finally reached Kiesha's condo. While he was still changing first, before heading to the kitchen.
We are not allowed to live in the same house. Mom insisted. Until the seventh month of our relationship it was on guard. There are still many rules to follow.
Something that was not a problem for the two of us. He respects my mother's decision, and understand that the things she want for us would help hone our personality and future.
"You want any drink?" he suddenly asked.
"Milk please ..."
I often drink only milk whenever the brain is activated. I can think better with its help. Especially now that CCTV hacking is starting in neighboring areas of San Antonio, including the mansion of the Da Silvas.
This is very difficult. Because I'm not really used to it. It was even necessary to read articles and books on this field. As well as how to protect the computer from the threat of a virus, and how to penetrate the smallest needle hole.
I understand that some institutions had very tight IT system. Without enough knowledge, it is impossible to open it.
"Here," Zi carefully laid down on my side the glass of condensed milk and cooked foods. He then settled at the vacant sit beside me.
"Thank you," I leaned backward.
"Maybe you can just open that. I'll help you."
"We're talking about Kiesha here ... She needs to be watched."
"I know. I'm just thinking about your condition Gee. The amount you've been doing, at school or here. You need to take a little break. C'mon, eat first," he gave three consecutive kisses to side of my head.
Is there anything else I can do now that she's tender?
Nothing at all ...
This is exactly my weakness. No matter how firm my stand was, when it comes to him, everything would eventually melt.
Suddenly his phone rang. He got up quickly and went to where it was, thinking it was from the station.
While doing so, I quietly watched. He couldn't help but look at the sandal he was wearing, which partially exposed the beautiful work hidden underneath.
He was talking professionally to someone over the phone. Hand on his waist, he looks like a businessman man in regular days.
No wonder why I am so obsessed with him. If that's the case, then the handsome will be with you every time you wake up and take a deep breath.
"Yes, I'll take a look."
"There's still enough medicine."
He simply looked at me. Now the lips are being played with.
I already know who they are talking about. And the more he knew who he was talking to.
It was Martha's mother. The one who asked him to regularly check on her daughter's progress.
They can't get a new viewer here, because the child doesn't want to. He said he only wanted Zion. Medications even threaten to be forgotten if the will is not followed.
She ain't just a b ** ch, but also a spoiled g*dd*mn br*t!
It seems to me that Zi still can't admit here about our relationship. I am not forcing him though. He is responsible for that matter.
I know it will never be easy. Thinking about that girl's illness and the fact that she likes my boyfriend. Maybe it's really accommodating. That is accompanied by our conscience.
But above all, she has to know. It's like stopping hoping that they will be with Zi one day.
"I have to go to Martha," he said hesitantly after turning off the call.
"Ummm ..." I took a drink on my milk.
"Are you okay?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"I can say I'll do something else-"
"I'll go with you," maybe that way we could both be complacent.
I won"t worry about what he does with Martha, he also won"t bother what I can imagine.
"Sure?" he craned his neck, so confused.
"Yes..."
He sniffed. Still wondering as he walked back to the left seat. Until lunch just watched. I just need to memorize every detail of my face.
"Are you really sure?"
"Yeah," I laughed accompanied by the answer. For somehow its feelings are bitter.
Things that have never been effective. But it seemed to add to his doubt and nervousness.
It's up to you Pilvera. It"s not my fault if you bring the worry up to sleep later.
I just want to accompany. Nothing more, nothing less.
Our flight to Martha's condo took several hours due to the worsening traffic.
If at some point, I dream of losing all the cars and we are the only ones left. But now that I'm with Zi, I have no other desire but to tighten the crowd so that we can't get through.
Through it, I could spend more time with him in one place. I could hold his hand for long and could cherish every moments, as if it's our last day together.
The relationship trend is difficult for us. In this state trust is required.
When apart, we have no idea what each other is doing in each moment. He may be hanging out with greedy female co-workers, he may be distracting himself from reading a book while waiting for a complaint from the Mayan mama he serves, or he may simply go around the province to check on the safety of the people there. Finally, I don"t know, maybe he was crazy about something else there.
But he certainly can't. He is the man with a word. How many times has he proved that, every time he promises things that have never been broken.
He was the best man I am lucky of having. I know ...
"I've been waiting for you for a while," Martha's face opened as she looked at him. Convergence is obviously expected.
"Your mom called me."
"He said you're coming-" he accidentally focused his gaze on my band, "You're here too ..." his smile immediately dissolved.
Am I the only one? Or is she really seen acting as a legal husband?
She scanned me from head to toe and didn't even bother to offer a fake smile. Even if that's all, maybe I'll be happy.
"Why is she here?" she coldly asked.
"I took him with me."
"Why?"
Zi and I stared at each other. He bowed slightly, asking permission to finally confess. But neither nod did I respond.
Like the idea, there is a part of me that worries for Martha, no matter how bad.
Maybe not today ...
"Good afternoon to me. Maybe I can still come in, right?" I change the subject. It looks like it has no plans to greet. It would be better to say that he wants to ask the earth to eat me right now or be struck by lightning with evil looks.
But it's not a big of a deal. After all, we know what we truly are to each other.
"Come in," he eased the opening of the condo door.
Unable to hide the disgust in my presence.
But do I even care? I don't think I could pay attention to such truth. He should be grateful now that I even thought of postponing the severe pain that can be received due to the fact that it is hard to say. She can still live longer that expected, after this day.
"Have a sit," she is truly disgusted. So do I.
And Zi is not a fool for no one to notice the strange cold of the environment. So it makes way to relieve stress by giving equal attention.
He was regularly checking on me, everytime Martha says something that could be tag inappropriate. Thinking that I am the real and only girlfriend.
'I miss you'
'Call me again'
'Shall we go for a walk sometime?'
'That's what I like about you. I mean, you know, I like you in general '
Words that ignite the fire that the system currently feels. Thank her and compared to Kiesha, my patience is long. It could last for long, lucky for her.
"Do you still have any foods?"
"There are still a few left over from your purchases."
Purchased?
I wasn't told that he was also the one shopping for it.
I pretend to sit on the couch. So did Zi who deliberately kicked my foot gently and asked if it was okay with his eyes.
Well, I need to be alright. I chose this scene, so let's laugh.
"It's been the past week. Maybe the others are rotten," Martha said, but her gaze was directed at me. The answer obviously gives the question readable on my face.
How many weeks ago?
I raised an brow.
'Just fix your answers Leander, and no problem will arise'
"I'm referring to the dry goods," Martha intentionally tapped his shoulder, "Of course I've run out of meats, fish and vegetables," she intentionally positioned herself behind Zi so that I could slap her freely.
It turns out that he really is the true color.
Martha — the mother, the woman good at skinning — you. You will not find fault, from the shape of the body, detailed and beautiful sculpture of the face, even status in life. If you look, it looks like he caught all the luck in the world. But fall into the habit.
"I'll just call your manang Dia to buy you food."
"Why would anyone else call, if we can do it ourselves?"
"I have another walk," Zi stood up. Sapo nodded as he headed to the kitchen.
There was only a marble counter in between, so I could still see his every move from the seat.
He first opened the refrigerator and checked the missing goods. After this, the cabinets were hoisted next. Stop at the medicine pouch itself.
He read the labels one by one, then peeked at the flesh.
He looks so used to doing things like this. From memorizing one by one the foods that need to be bought, even medications that can"t be missed or let go.
This is how he appreciates the son of the people who were the reason to somehow provide for the needs of the family now living quietly in a remote province.
The sacrifice made by Martha and her parents must have been double what she was doing. His debt to Manila has now been reached, so he cannot be left with the responsibility in exchange for the assistance received.
Above all, Martha already became part of his life. She was a childhood friend who have stayed with him during successes and failures. It would be bad for me if he was forbidden to return the favor.
It was a simple give and take situation for them. No romantic relationship involved.
It wouldn't be a problem for me if that's how the conversation went. I have nothing to destroy in the organization they have formed. Just make sure it doesn"t take it to another level, now that I"m here standing as a girlfriend.
I am open-minded. I could understand even the most complex thing. Just don't get to the point where I think I've given up on my own. Perhaps in those moments, few perspectives will be forgotten.
"Where are you going?" Martha approached right in front of him.
"I am going somewhere with Geline," his gaze averted to me.
"Just the two of you? Why, what's up?"
"It's our day ... We are in a-"
"We are in a rush!" Before he could finish his sentence, I cut him off, "We're going to a feeding program today in an alley. It's almost five o'clock, waiting to make sure the other volunteers."
I definitely have a feeding program to attend. But next week more will happen.
This is a program of the school director. As a member, everyone is strongly encouraged to participate in such a plan.
I made that an excuse to halt Zi from spilling the truth. As stated earlier, this is not yet the right time for Martha to say goodbye to the world. She'll bid her last goodbye, but I never want to be the reason of it.
He will definitely not be able to accept the truth right now and may even be detrimental to his health.
Things that are prevented from happening.
Maybe you can just take it easy first. We will slowly make her realize something, without saying it directly. Perhaps in that way, he will gradually prepare himself for the severe pain that may come.
I am still sane enough to worry about her state. Some may call it stupidity, martyrdom, unjust distribution of kindness. Every harsh remarks are accepted. But that can never affect my view.
"Gee-"
I shot Zi a sharp look. Reason to be calm again.
I know he's just worried about how my brain might be running right now.

It can be thought that she is embarrassed so she is unable to admit the truth to Martha. I tend to get angry if he still has nothing to say until we leave here. That is if I can"t really understand the situation; if only oneself would think.
But I'm not that kind of person. No matter how involved Martha is, I would still prefer goodness for it. She deserves to know the truth, in a gentlest form.
If he was still doomed during those times, that's when I would take away the concern.
"Can I come along?"
Seriously ?!
"I can't," I replied directly. "The weak are not allowed there. There is still a chance to compete. "
Sorry for the words. But I had to say it loud and clear, so she'll leave us alone.
I know despite her health condition, she can still demonstrate things which a normal person can do.
If in other situations, there is no reason to ban it. But it's Zi and I today. Tomorrow we will lose, it is unlikely that we will be given the same opportunity again because we will face personal work.
"Are you saying I can't keep up with you?" he narrowed his eyes at me.
"Does it sound that way?" I asked back.
It looks like he"s really going to push along. Can I just beat it?
"I think you're trying me..."
"I'm just worried about your condition."
'Plastic to Geline Neilani!'
"She"s right Martha. It's not good for your condition to get worse, especially since the climate there is not good. "
'Where is that place Zi? We're just in the Philippines, aren't we? '
If only I could say that. But I don't want to destroy the reason he is fighting for.
"Where is it?"
That's Zion, answer ...
From her, his gaze went to me, wincing a bit. The cry for help is obvious to the eyes. It's also a difficult thing for me to solve, because I didn't expect the reason he would say.
Now it seems like I just want to retract what was said and admit it directly. It is very difficult to talk to someone who does not understand a word. I'm about to fill up, I'll tease it!
"Somewhere down the road," Zion said after a while.
Hala! I think this man is drunk. Just then, we got dressed right away.
"All right... I know you really don't want me to go with you today. I've been here all day. "
Does he have a guilty conscience?
If so, I'm sorry... Because that won't bother me. We are both desperate to be with Zi. Even though he cried blood and knelt in salt I had no mercy to express.
"Times up, I'm looking for you," I opened the phone screen, pretending to be reading a message from colleagues.
I already missed one. One says that the fun will continue. I said, this is also a ZiGee shipper...
I laughed to myself. Dementia really works again.
To be continued...