Obsession and Possession (Boys Love)

Transfer "Baby..." I tried hard to ignore Mama calling me. I was still sulking. "Caius, please... I'm sorry for keeping it a secret. I just thought maybe you wouldn't accept it." I turned to face her, frowning. "Mom, I'm not mad because of that. I'm just annoyed that you didn't tell me you went to my school to talk to the principal and have me transferred?" My voice rose a bit. Mama looked down. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I thought you'd refuse, so I just did it." I scoffed. "You already knew I wouldn't agree, so why did you still do it, Mom?" I couldn't stop my voice from rising. "Y-You're shouting at Mommy?" She looked at me, her eyes and nose red. Guilt hit me instantly. I took a deep breath and looked down slightly. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to. But why do I have to transfer? Why do we have to move? You know I have lots of friends here, right?" I asked one question after another. Mama's a single mother. About my dad? Never mind. Last week, I found out that Mama already has a boyfriend—and they're engaged. Of course, I was shocked, but happy too because at least she wouldn't be lonely anymore. But one day, my teacher suddenly told me I was going to transfer. That's when I found out that Mama went to school and talked to the principal. I was mad and hurt—and it got worse when my friends got angry at me for not telling them. I can only explain everything tomorrow. "It's because your Tito Reighan lives in Manila, and his business is there. I don't want him to have a hard time traveling every day just to see me." Mama even blushed—I could only shake my head. "He's really busy, so he suggested we stay at his house in Manila instead. He said he can't stand not seeing me even for a day." She added. I couldn't help but smile at Mama's giddiness. Her cheeks were red, her eyes sparkling. She really loves Tito Reighan. "But Mom, I can just stay here, right?" "Well, you can, but I can't bear not having you with me. I don't want you to be alone here. Don't you want to be with Mommy?" She looked like she was begging again. "I didn't mean that." I sighed. "Okay, fine. I'll go with you." I said, exhaling heavily. Whatever happens, happens. "Yes! I love you, sweetheart!" She quickly kissed the top of my head, then grabbed her phone and walked to her room while dialing. She was probably calling Tito already. I just shook my head and went back to eating the chiffon cake on the table. I decided to message my friends, so I grabbed my phone and started typing: Me: Guys, let's meet up. I'll explain everything. I hit send. I hope they'll agree. I don't think I can handle being on bad terms with them—especially since I'm leaving soon. Chloe: I'm busy. Tomorrow instead. Nathaniel: I'm busy! I'm with Bebe Chloe! Casthaniel: Tomorrow. I sighed at their replies. Clearly, they were still mad. Anyway, I'd see them tomorrow at school, so I could explain everything then. Nathaniel and Casthaniel Castro are identical twins. Most people can't tell who's who. But once you really get to know them, it's easy. Nathan has a mole under his eye—he's happy-go-lucky but a bit bipolar. Casthan, on the other hand, is grumpy. Like, seriously grumpy. In our four years of friendship, I've never seen him smile. He's a cold guy, but there's always a hint of mischief in his eyes. They look identical, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Then there's Chloe Montefalco—bubbly and kind of bipolar too. She's Nathaniel's girlfriend. They've been together for almost two years—those two are like aliens. "Baby Caius!" Mama's cheerful voice snapped me out of thought. "Just a reminder, we're leaving this Sunday. Start packing your things." That fast?! Three days from now?! "Why so soon, Mom?" I frowned. "Classes there start the week after next, and you'll have a lot to process—especially since you're a transferee. Sorry, baby..." I just nodded. There's nothing I can do anyway. I'm such a mama's boy—obviously. "I'll go to my room now, Mom," I said, heading straight there. I closed the door and lay down on my bed. I looked at the pictures on my wall—it was me and my friends. I got up and took one of them. As I stared, I noticed something—Casthan was looking straight at me. I'd never noticed that before. We were at the park in that picture, arms over each other's shoulders—even though Casthan didn't like it. He was beside me while I smiled and made a peace sign. The couple held hands, forming a heart shape. And Casthan? He looked like a statue—just staring at me. I shook my head. Maybe it was just coincidence. I went to my closet, grabbed the important stuff, and packed them in my bag. I took my clothes and put them in the big suitcase. Packing didn't take long since my things were already organized. It took me about an hour to finish. I stretched, then lay back on my bed. I glanced at the clock—7 p.m. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. What will happen once we leave? ⸻ "Sweetheart..." I felt someone poking my cheek. I groaned and turned my face away. Still sleepy. "Sweetheart, eat dinner first," Mama said, tapping me again. "Mom..." I groaned, turning away. I really wanted to sleep. "Come on, sweetheart... you know I don't like it when you skip meals. I'll wait for you downstairs, okay? We'll eat together. If you don't come down, Mommy won't eat either." I heard her footsteps leaving the room. It even sounded like she sniffled—like she was crying—before I heard the door close. I shook my head. That's so like her. I forced myself to get up and went to the bathroom. After washing my face, I went downstairs. "Mom..." I called. She was staring blankly, looking kind of sad. So dramatic. When she turned to me, her face instantly lit up. "Caius!" she exclaimed, like we hadn't seen each other in years. I chuckled softly and sat across from her. "You're overreacting, Mom," I said. She pouted and started to serve food on my plate, but I stopped her. "Mom, I can do that. Don't treat me like a baby." She pouted even more. I almost laughed. "B-But you're my baby." I laughed. "I know, Mom. I mean, I can do this. You don't have to. I should be the one doing this for you. I'm a grown man now." I took the serving spoon and put food on her plate. She smiled as she watched me. "Oh, Caius... Mom loves you so much." I smiled. "I love you too, Mom." I sat down again and started eating. "Sweetheart..." Mama suddenly said. "Do you know how your Tito Reighan and I met?" I shook my head, smiling. Here we go. "I was in a restaurant in Manila," she began, her eyes twinkling. "I was waiting for my work partner. Then this man walked in—oh my, he was so handsome! He looked so neat in his suit! He really caught my attention. I think he noticed me staring, because he smiled." I laughed. Typical Mama—instantly lovestruck. "Oh, sweetheart! He was so handsome. I fell in love at first sight!" she squealed. "I kept watching him until he ordered at the counter. But then my partner sat down, and I lost sight of him." Mama frowned, gripping her spoon tightly. "Ugh, that guy was so annoying! Because your Tito Reighan was about to approach my table, but when he saw my partner, he thought he was my boyfriend—so he left the restaurant!" I burst out laughing. "So you made the first move? Wow, Mom!" "After my meeting with that annoying partner, I went out. And then..." she grinned, squealing again. "He was still there! He waited for me!" "Wow," I said, chuckling. "He came up to me and said he'd been waiting. Of course, I played hard to get. I asked, 'Why were you waiting for me?' You know what he said?" I shook my head, smiling. "He said it was love at first sight. He told me I was so beautiful, like an angel who came down from heaven! And you know me, I'm not shy at all, so I told him, 'Well, you're handsome too.'" I laughed out loud. "He asked if that annoying guy was my boyfriend. I said no. So he asked for my number, drove me home, and before I got out of the car, he said, 'I'll court you whether you like it or not.'" I shook my head, smiling. "Bold move, Tito Reighan." "Yes! But he meant it, sweetheart. He picked me up and dropped me off every day. He always brought food and sent me sweet messages. And when I finally said yes..." She touched her cheek, blushing. "...he cried! He said he was so happy." I shook my head again, smiling. "He's really head over heels for you, Mom." "Well, of course, Mommy's beautiful, right?" she teased, winking. "Of course, Mom. Super beautiful—out of this world." "Tsk, my son is so sweet." She laughed and kissed my forehead. After dinner, she told me to go up to my room since I still had school tomorrow. I just followed and went straight to bed. I lay down and sighed. I just really hope they'll listen to me tomorrow.