Running from the Horizon (Secondary Series #2)

07

“I heard you are getting pretty cozy these days,”

There was a hint of teasing in Marley’s tone the moment I walked out of my bathroom. She just returned from Palawan yesterday after staying there for two weeks, spending new year there as well. Instead of resting, here she is in my room, ready to tease me again.

“What are you saying?” I questioned.

I know what she is talking about. I just don’t want to say it from my own mouth. My sister really is blunt. She just can’t keep what she knows for herself.

“Something about Noah Castro? I heard you two never skipped a night without talking since the beginning of the holiday.” She frankly said.

“We just happened to talk. Not a very big deal.” I defend before she can even say anything more.

She just nodded with my response but the way her lips purse shows she really wants to say more than she did. Marley is the only one among our friends that I managed to talk with for the rest of the holiday break. I just don’t have any news about the three except knowing they are out of the country. Vanessa is in Japan, Kendall is in New York while Camille is in London. It’s only me and Marley who stayed here in the Philippines.

“Have you heard anything about the three?” She asked as I shook my head.

“I haven’t talked to them since our Christmas party. All I know is they are still out of the country.” I answered.

“Those three are really something,” She whispered but enough for me to hear, considering that it’s just the two of us here anyway.

“Our classes will begin in two days but it looks like they don’t have any plan on coming back yet.” I pointed out.

They seemed to be having fun based on their i********: posts. They are very active on it actually with the amount of followers they have, surely they will keep posting photos.

“It’s okay. I like it better when it’s just the two of us.” I gave her a weird look before smiling, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Why do you always look so done to them? Is there something I don’t know?” I asked, taking a seat next to her on my bed now while she lays on it like it’s her own.

“I just find them annoying sometimes. Like they are bound to do something bad once everything turns out the opposite they expected it to be. They are high maintenance girls in the first place,” She explained without hesitation.

Marley has always been open about her opinion with each person we meet. It seems like in just one glance, she knows what kind of person they are already. We always argue about her judging someone based only on the physical appearance but she always ends up being the right one.

Though I feel bad that she talks like that behind Kendall, Camille, and Vanessa. I have this kind of feeling that I want to know whether what she describes them to be will really turn out like that. I am close with the three of them but there really are just moments when I felt like they really have their own world. Considering that they really have high standards. It’s somehow hard to keep up with them sometimes.

Our attention went to my door when a knock was heard. Meghan comes in with a tray of foods in hand leaving me confused.

“Mama told me to bring this here,”

She placed it on the table in front of my couch before greeting Marley and leaving my room. She looks like not in the mood today.

“Looks like someone got her monthly visit.” Marley teases as I throw a pillow on her immediately. She is lucky that my sister is not around anymore. Meghan hates being teased or annoyed whenever she has a visit.

“By the way, about tito, have you asked them already about what you heard?” She carefully asked, taking a bite of a piece of cake that Meghan brought.

“I don’t know how to ask them about it, Marley. I can’t just go straight up and tell them that hey I heard all of you talked about something, can you tell me about it?” I used an annoying tone which causes her to look at me weirdly.

“Never do that again or I swear!” She threatened as I laughed softly. “But for real, not even once? You never asked them about it?”

“I’m not as brave as you. I can’t just ask them to tell me things when they look like they don’t want to say it. If they really want to say it, they would have done it a long time ago now.” I pointed out in which she did not deny.

No matter how curious I am and worried about what is in store of that conversation I heard, respect is still I want to express. I have so much respect for my parents that I’m even careful whenever they try to ask me things and it’s already time for me to answer. I would even ask them if I can say something already!

“Still! Based on what you told me, I don’t think it’s something you can just set aside already. You said it yourself, they were pretty serious when they asked tito if they have already told the four of you about whatever that is they are talking about.” She said.

“I know and I’m aware of it. Maybe the reason I don’t have enough courage to step in and ask them about it is because I am afraid of myself as well.” I confessed. She immediately puts down her spoon and faces me.

“Afraid that it will turn out not what you expected it to be?” She asked as I nod. “Diana, let me tell you something.”

I look at her, sitting properly to listen to her.

“In our life, just because we expected something to be like that it doesn’t mean it will really be the outcome. Our life is full or surprises you know? One moment everything seems like it’s all good and there is nothing to be bothered about but seconds after, everything will suddenly just become messed up and we have nothing else to do but to face it.”

She reached for my hand and held it tightly. “It’s okay to be scared of what the outcome can be but you don’t always have to be scared of knowing something that you wished you would have known for a long time. You will only regret not knowing what you are curious about earlier.”

It’s what I somehow hate about life. The unexpected twists. Marley is right and I know what she wanted to convey. I already know what she just told me. It’s just me who does not want to accept every possible twist in my life that is bound to come. It may not come now but I know it will soon. It is not an unexpected twist if it came with me knowing about it since the beginning.

“You don’t really need to ask them about it now if you are still not ready to know what’s behind their conversation but I hope you will gather your courage to face whatever that is. I will be here beside you no matter what that be, okay?” She sincerely said as I gave her a small smile and nodded.

It is something I am most thankful to Marley. Since we have met, she really is the one who has always been there for me. She always stood up for me when I couldn't speak up myself. I prefer to be safe but she prefers the other way round. That is why whenever I have problems, I would talk it out with her more than to Russ. They are both my best friends but there is a part of me who knows that Marley can relate to me more since she is a girl. Whenever I talk to Russ, he would give me a different view of what Marley would tell me so it makes me open to a lot of things.

“Thank you Marley. You don’t know how glad I really am that you are beside me ever since.” I sincerely said as her eyes suddenly wandered around, pursing her lips to stop herself from smiling.

“I know that you are thankful but we can’t bring down the mood and make everything emotional. Come on! I just returned from a vacation!” She exclaimed as I laughed along with her.

With our situation right now, the two of us can really survive with just us two as friends. I feel so comfortable whenever it’s just us two. I don’t need to mind what others will view me as unlike when I’m with our other three friends.

“You got a message,” She said, pointing to my phone which screen lights up due to the notification. “Who is it?”

“I haven’t even taken my phone yet. Will you chill?” I jokingly said as she rolled her eyes playfully.

Noah Castro: hey r u busy?

“It’s Noah again isn’t it?” Marley butted in as let out a sigh and chuckled before nodding. “Seriously! I’m not even going to be shocked if you two suddenly start dating.”

“That won’t happen,” I said firmly as she pressed her lips together, forming a thin line, while nodding.

“You never know what is in store in the future Diana. You might have confidently denied it right now but remember, everything is unexpected.” She gave me a wink as she took a spoonful of cake once again to eat it.

I shook my head and put my focus back on my phone as Marley decided to open my television to watch.

Me: not really why?

He suddenly sent a total of three photos that looked like they were not adjusted even just a bit. I was confused as I waited for his reply.

Noah Castro: help me pick what to post in my instagram

I almost cursed at him when I read his reply. I thought it’s something big!

Me: okay wait

I look at each photo he sent. He is just wearing the same outfit, black loose dress shirt tucked in a black slacks with a pair of white shoes. His hair is a little messy but it looks great on him. The first photo is a full body with just him standing as he keeps his face expressionless. The second photo is cutted on his mid thigh as he looks away from the camera but one hand is on his pocket. The last photo is him leaning on a wall while looking in the camera with a small smile. He must have liked having his photo taken while his hands are in his pockets.

He looks good in all photos so it was hard to pick. I had to go back in each photo thrice just to pick the right photo for him.

Me: i think the second one is great.

Noah Castro: really? I thought the first one is the best

Me: you are so expressionless in the first photo that is why i picked the second one

Me: but it's your choice since it’s your ig anyway

I waited for his reply but he didn’t even seen my message yet. I put down my phone and just focused on the drama Marley is watching. I shook my head when I saw her focusing on her phone despite turning on the television herself earlier.

“Noah posted a new photo on i********:,” She said, like announcing it to me.

“Yeah, I know. He asked for my help to choose what photo to post.” I said, sipping on my juice.

The drama is already on the c****x part. I know it because she continued watching the drama I didn’t finish last night. I was so immersed with the drama when Marley suddenly held my wrist tightly.

“You are the one who picked his photo to post right?” She asked with her eyes sparkling as I nod. “OMG! Diana!”

I looked at her weirdly as she handed me her phone in excitement. I took it despite wanting to push her because of acting too weirdly right now. My eyes narrowed when I read the caption.

@noah.castro not my first choice, but will certainly my last

“What about the photo?” I questioned Marley as she gave me a disbelief look.

“Girl! The caption! And James’ comment! Look!” She exclaimed, scrolling to the comment section.

Noah really does have a lot of admirers. He just posted his photo one minute ago but he has hundreds of likes already and tons of comments.

@james_ivs last = photo pocker :))

“You said yourself that you are the one who picked the photo! OMG!” Marley said, raising her voice.

“Will you keep it down if you don’t want mama to come up here,” I told her, shushing her up by putting a finger on top of my lips.

She put my arm down and kept her tight hold on my wrist. “You need to tell me now! What is going on between you and Noah Castro?”

“I already told you! Nothing is going on! He is just being playful around me and is just bored so we talked. James is just being playful that is why he commented that. You know how much he likes to tease his friend!” I explained but Marley did not even budge.

“Enough with playful things! You need to tell me, is Noah flirting with you?” She questioned.

I stayed silent because I didn't know what to respond to. Noah does say his flirty words sometimes but he is literally just playing around. I never for once took it seriously because I got used to it already. Right now, I can’t even differentiate if his words are flirty or not because of how long I talked to him since I met him.

“See! You can’t even answer!” Marley exclaimed again.

I was about to defend myself when a knock on my door was heard. The door opened, revealing mama with a confused expression.

“Is everything all right? I hear some shouting,” Mama worriedly asked as she eyed me and Marley.

“Tita! Diana ha-”

I immediately covered Marley’s mouth before she could even spill wrong information. The last thing I want is for papa to think that I actually have someone special in my life. He will definitely be mad considering that he does not want me to have a boyfriend yet.

“Everything’s good mama. Marley is just thrilled with the drama we are watching,” I said with a force smile and forcefully making Marley nod.

Mama eyed us suspiciously before looking at the television. It kind of cooperates with me because the scene currently showing is the female character crying on the floor. I almost gave the drama a big thanks for being on my side.

“Okay then. If you need something just come downstairs okay?” Mama reminded before closing the door.

Marley slapped my hand away from her mouth as she roughly inhaled and exhaled. “Are you planning to kill me out there?”

Did I press my hand that tight on her mouth?

I laughed awkwardly, showing her a peace sign. “It’s your fault anyway! I already told you that mama might come up here with how loud your voice is.”

“I can’t help it okay! James’ comment is just too much to handle right now!” She exclaimed as I shook my head.

I picked up my phone when the screen lit up once again. Marley is still left in awe as she stared over her phone. Her actions right now reminds me of Vanessa, Camille, and Kendall fangirling over Noah and James.

Noah Castro: just ignore james, he’s being an ass

I was about to reply when a new message popped up again. It was from James this time.

James Sanchez: my dear friend probably asked you to ignore me didn’t he?

I laughed loudly making Marley look at me. Are their minds connected or what?

“What’s so funny?” Marley asked.

“Noah messaged me to ignore James then James suddenly messaged me as well saying that Noah probably asked me to ignore him.” I said in between laughter.

She looks at me, amaze. I slowly calmed down when I felt her staring. Is there something in my face?

“Why are you staring at me like that?” I asked.

“Nothing. You just look so happy that it looks so unfamiliar. I think I haven’t heard you laugh so loud like that before.” She pointed out that made me fix my sitting position and cleared my throat. I avoided her eyes and just stared at my phone to reply to those two.

Me: Noah just messaged me about it

Me: i didn’t know your minds are connected

James Sanchez: more like its typical noah

James Sanchez: he always say that whenever he gets shy and feels like he will be teased

I talked to the both of them while speaking to Marley. I was multitasking the whole time to the point that I even got the topics all mixed up already. I never talked to James for so long but I just noticed, he really is talkative. He knows how to entertain someone. A flirt indeed.

The following weeks just went the same. The routine goes with me waking up, getting ready, going to school, cheer practice, going home then talking with Noah while doing my homeworks. It became a habit to the point he became close with Meghan already.

Since Meghan likes staying in my room most of the time instead of hers, she witnessed me talking with Noah every other day. She got used to it as well after a few times and even joked around with Noah when she is in the mood. On top of that, she would ask Noah about her homeworks instead of asking me! Unbelievable!

“Is that what you are only going to eat for lunch?” Rocco asked when I took a seat next to him in the cafeteria.

Since the beginning of the year, Marley and I have been spending more time with Rocco and Axel than the girls since they are busy with their social media’s these days. I don’t know but it feels peaceful when it’s just the four of us since the three keep talking about other people and all so at the end we had to remain shut because we can’t relate to what they are talking about.

“I can’t eat much for a week. We have to maintain our weight for a cheer performance next week.” I said before taking a small bite of my food.

Next week will be the start of our intrams and then the following week will be the foundation day so we are a little busy. Not with academics but with the performances to perform. It was hectic because we had to attend cheer practices every single day. It was tiring as well but we have no choice anyway.

“How long is your practice today?” Axel asked.

“Just until 5pm. Coach wanted us to take a short rest for today and tomorrow since we already mastered the routine. We just need to do some finishing touches for it to be perfect by the performance day.” Marley answered as the two guys nodded.

They don’t have anything to do actually except to practice for basketball since they will compete in the intrams to represent their section. As for the dances, they won’t participate. Dancing is not really their thing. Not even a bit.

We continued eating until Marley and I had to head back to the gym where we do our practice. Vanessa, Kendall, and Camille are on the other side of the gym, taking pictures as usual, when we arrived.

“Don’t they get tired of taking pictures of themselves?” Marley exclaimed as I nudged her before letting out a small laugh.

“Just let them. At least they are not bothering you to take one with them.” I think I jinx it.

Vanessa suddenly came running to us when she noticed our presence in the bleachers. I already have a bad feeling while Marley was about to leave when Vanessa pulled her wrist to prevent her.

“Come on! Let’s take a picture!” She excitedly said before dragging the two of us by our wrist.

We don’t have any escape because they put the two of us in the middle. They even asked our cheermate to take a photo of us. It’s not just once but almost ten times or more. I already lost count to it.

“I think that’s already enough. Alexander needs to prepare for the practice again.” I said, giving Alexander, our cheermate, an apologetic smile.

He gave Vanessa’s phone back before leaving the five of us here. The girls then got busy with their own while Marley and I just did our stretchings again for another set of practice. I don’t really mind our three friends keeping themselves busy with their social medias but I’m just worried that they will get scolded.

“Don’t you want to stretch? We are about to start again in a few minutes.” I remind them as they look around to see our cheermates all stretching again.

Shortly after that, they followed us with the stretching and we proceeded with practice when our coach arrived. The practice was not really that hard as the first time we tried practicing the routine. It went smoothly now with just a few touches left to fix then we are good to go next week. It will be our last performance for this school year so it is kind of special for the seniors who will graduate next month already.

“As much as I love cheering, I’m already tired. I can’t feel my legs anymore,” Camille complained when we are given a 10 minute break after 2 hours straight practice with 2 minutes break in between if we manage to do the steps properly.

“We have been doing this for 3 years now but you are still not used?” I asked her, chuckling softly.

She looks at me and shakes her head before laying down on the floor. I, on the other hand, drank some water before massaging my calf. I can feel my muscle hard as I massage it. Probably due to too much jumping already.

“I think Noah sent you a message,” Marley whispered to me, handing my phone. How supportive huh?

Noah Castro: where r u?

Noah Castro: r u busy?

What does he want nwo?

Me: school, i have cheer practice why?

Noah Castro: i almost forgot u r a cheerleader

Me: u don’t need to remember it anyway

Noah Castro: but i would love to remember it every single time

A smile creeped on my lips unconsciously when I read this message. Noah Castro has not been healthy for me the past few weeks. He became even more playful. More than before! He would suddenly say some cheesy lines which is a little embarrassing but it somehow gave me chills and fluttered me.

Me: what do u want? just spill it

Noah Castro: impatient r u?

Noah Castro: until what time is your practice?

“It’s really Noah?” Marley whispered as I nodded at her. She pursues her lips to stop herself from smiling. She’s on it again.

Me: around 5pm why?

“Get in the middle now guys!” Our coach called, making me panic a little while typing a message for him.

Me: i have to go back to practice laters

We continued with our practice for the next two hours more until the coach dismissed us. We are a little worn out considering that he made us do the whole routine three times with every movement needs to be done as much as possible. I can feel my legs wombling like it will collapse anytime soon. She told us to get rest but before doing it, she worn us out. How unfair!

“We are going to the mall. Do you want to come?” Kendall asked while fixing ourselves in front of the mirror in the restroom.

I changed into a short and simple black shirt since the shirt I was wearing earlier is full of sweat. I wore my shoes once again before fixing my hair that is really messy now. It’s sticking out everywhere!

“Aren’t you tired?” I asked her.

“With cheer practice yes but going to the mall, I’m not.” she said with a big smile as if she did not complain earlier.

“So are you and Marley coming? You two have not been spending some time with us these days.” Vanessa complains with a pout as I look at Marley for response.

“I have to pass. I want to lay on my bed and sleep already once I get back home.” she said, shaking her head. “I really should have quitted earlier this school year.”

The four of us laugh at her complaints while fixing ourselves. I put on a powder just to keep myself fresh even just a little. I do feel sticky a little but I have to bear with it for a bit.

“What about you Diana? Are you coming?” Camille asked.

“I think I have to pass as well. I’m really worn out today. I’ll come next time.” I said as she sighed and just let it go.

They know once Marley and I said no, it’s already final. They left a few minutes after, leaving first before us since Marley is taking a long time in fixing herself.

“Are you going on a date or what? Why do you still need to put some lip tint on?” I teased her which earned me a glare.

“Just because I’m putting a lip tint doesn’t mean I’m going on a date Diana.” She said firmly as I chuckled.

We went out after she finished and continued walking in the hallway. There are just a few students left since it’s already late. The ones left are just practicing basketball and the people who are cleaning the school as well as the guards. It’s peaceful and quiet.

“Looks like I’m not the one who has a date today,” Marley said the moment we step in the parking lot. I gave her a confused look as she signalled me to look in front of us.

“What is he doing here?” I questioned myself when I saw Noah, in his SPU uniform, walking towards us.

“Look who do we have here! Noah Castro,” Marley exclaimed as she eyed me. I shook my head and rolled my eyes because of her teasing eyes.

“It’s nice seeing you again Marley,” Noah greeted before his eyes went to me. I avoided his eyes and suddenly became conscious with how I look.

“So, what are you doing here? I don’t think you have any business here in our school, unless…” Of course, she will start her engine. I lowkey glared at her to make her stop but my eyes went to Noah when he spoke up.

“I came here for Diana,” He said with no hesitation, giving me an innocent smile.

“Me?” I asked, pointing to myself as he nodded with a chuckle.

He glances at Marley before approaching me, leaving a few inches distance between the two of us. He leaned lower than his height to reach my ear and whisper something that made me frozen in my spot.

“I’m taking you out on a date.”