April 20th

V

CHAPTER 5

Arci Martin

Why does it have to be him?

“Come on, place your arm over my neck. I’ll carry you” he said. He was grinning at me. I stared at his face in awe. The shape of his face, his nose, his brows, all look similar to Jake. I shook my head, I must be missing him a lot.

He carried me towards the Food Court and placed me on one of the seats at the glass wall. “Please wait,” he said as he turned around and went inside the book store. He carried two plastics and a small paper bag. As he walked towards me, I checked him out. He was wearing a loose white shirt tucked in a semi-fit type of denim. His sling bag was thrown overhead. His arms weren’t overly large but still muscled. He’s tall, perhaps a good 6ft. I made my way up to his face. His hair was pitch black, sexy lips—upper lip was thin and a thicker lower lip. His brows weren’t that thick but his eyes—damn, they’re darker than his hair. Black orbs staring intently with mine.

A blush crept up to my face when the realization hit that he caught me staring.

“I caught you, you know. You liked what you see?” I reddened while he smirked.

“It’s not a crime to look at someone” I bit back.

“Then perhaps you don’t mind if I stare at you? Since it ain't a crime to look at something pleasing” he said as he takes the chair opposite to mine.

I felt speechless. I look pleasing! He gave me a damn compliment. I need to bite back. What should I say?

“As long as you don’t bite, you may.” He barked out a laugh. Damn, his laugh is contagious. I laughed as well.

Alexa Perez

I stood at the Department Store hesitating whether to look for Luke. He said something came up yet it really did bother me ever since I saw him at the entrance. Should I call him again and ask for his whereabouts? “Lord, I know shouldn’t get clingy. He isn’t mine, to begin with,” I internally called out. I continued shopping for dresses I could use for Sunday service. I’m a preacher’s only daughter. My Dad works on an institution teaching philosophy and my Mum is an Attorney. I truly missed them a lot—their bickering about their belief, and them explaining and expressing their stand early in the morning. Maybe that was the reason I never went back with Luke, my parents were always busy and our home back in Bohol was void of human presence.

I paid for my things and left the store. I roamed around in search of Luke. I just want to see him one last time before I leave. I checked my watch and it's 11 at noon. Maybe he went to the food court. I used the escalator, looking around not wanting to miss him. As I rounded the corner, I saw him laughing. I was about to call his name when I noticed his companion facing opposite to me. A “SHE”. Luke canceled his plans with me to meet up with her. Who is she anyway? Luke never mentioned a girl he’s dating. He tells me everything. I fanned my face trying to control my tears. I turned around and made my way towards the exit.

“What’s wrong with you, Lex? How many times do I have to tell you that you’re just his friend” I internally reminded myself. Enough is enough!

I dialed Dad’s phone number.

“Dad, where are you? I’m at the exit.” I said as he picked up.

“Okay, I’ll just find a U-turn spot.”

As we left the driveway, my eyes stings but at least the tears were long gone. I fiddled with my phone as I stared out onto the busy highway.

“Are you alright? You keep on fiddling with your phone, it makes me anxious.”

Composing myself, I smiled at him. “I’m fine, it’s just Luke came back from Bohol. I—”

“I was hoping to invite him to our home for supper this week, is it alright with you Dad?” I winced at how my words may sound to him.

“Rivas? That kid, of course. What a delight it would be for him to join us.”

Dad was smiling at the thought of Luke.

“Are you and him a thing? You know I don’t like relationships when you’re this young.”

“NO, DAD!” I exclaimed as a blush crept from my face. “We’re just friends. We just seem close since I usually mention him to you,” I explained.

Luke is someone I hold close dear to me. He was such a brother figure I looked up to during Junior High. He was always caring. Asking me if I had lunch at noon, or if I ever need a ride. Maybe that brotherly love was the catalyst of the reaction between us, sadly, he was just the spectating element. Just like how hydrogen triggers a reaction yet is always in excess.

Dad and I reached the house. I slowly made my way to my room. The room is bright with the white curtains widely opened. The walls are painted white as well. Under the window sill are different types and colors of succulents and cacti. I went over to my desk and opened my newly shopped goods which consist of a set of shoes, a floral dress, and a light-yellow dress for dates and other occasions. Changing into my floral dress, I took out my mirror and applied a little makeup. Draw my brows, blush on, and a lip balm. As I stared at my reflection, I had the sudden urge to give myself a compliment.

“I look pretty.” With sad eyes, I stood over to the wall mirror. “I really do look pretty.” But why do I feel so small and weak? Easily swayed, affected, and insulted. Why am I easily hurt? Or am I just oversensitive?

Recalling the side profile of the girl as she was laughing earlier, she looked so carefree and unseemingly unconscious to the public. She was just being herself with Luke, having a good time. On the other hand, I was full of nerves. I feel like if I make one mistake at all, people will judge me for it. And that a mistake can bring consequences that could affect my family as well.

“This is the burden I must carry as a Pastor’s child.” To be honest, I hope so.