The Beauty and the Inked

Sixteen: A Friend’s Story

I ended up telling Zack where I was going, hoping that my decision will rest this case. I was just staring out of the window; admiring the view, the structures, shops, and all. Philippines was once— and now my home, but there will always be a part of me that says New York is where I belong. But my Dad, wherever my Dad is, it's my home.

"Are you visiting someone?" he asked me, curiosity laced his voice.

"My dad."

"Oh," he seemed to be struggling for his next word which is good, because I don’t want to talk anymore.

. . . .

"Thanks for driving me here," I said. I opened the door before Zack could get out of his car. I crossed the street, never giving Zack a second glance. I guess that's the best thing to do, ignore him until I shake off this infatuation. I entered the hospital, the room was filled with the smell of sterilizing chemicals, which made me scrunched my nose. I walked directly to my Dad's room.

"Hey, Logan," I greeted. But I was taken aback to know that it wasn't him, I turned to confirm it. It was Zack. My eyebrows furrowed together, "What are you doing here?"

He gave me his most innocent look, and it almost knocked out all the air in my body. The way his eyes became softer, his lips turned a little down on one side, and his cheeks slightly turned pink made my insides turn. What is he doing in here?

"Would you want to go inside?" I asked, almost sounding so shy.

"If that's fine but I can wait outside," he assured me.

"I don't know how long I will stay inside," I sighed, "Let's go. You're driving me crazy."

I did not say that out loud, did I? Way to effing' ruin your reputation, Yssa. But I guess that's not news to him anymore. I acted like it didn't bother me that those words slipped out of my stupid mouth.

The same feeling like before flooded me, it's drowning me again. I'm in the edge of breaking down; just seeing my Dad... it hurts like hell. I felt the heaviness in my chest and I’m slowly tearing up.

Zack’s action caught me off guard; he slipped his hand with mine. Maybe I looked astonished, but that’s how I really feel inside. The guilt was slowly fading. I looked up at him. His hazel eyes were enough to assure me. Standing there beside him brought a small smile to my lips. Somehow I forgot about the pain; pain that is brought by the sight of my Dad.

"What?" he asked me. Maybe he was wondering why I was just staring at him. Should I tell him that I'm being grateful that he's here, in this hospital room with me? He's the reason why I'm not crying now?

"Thank you," I said.

"What's wrong, dear?" I'm not sure if my giggle was because of the pet name itself, or it was because I'm being giddy he called me dear. He sounds like a grandpa.

"Nothing," I said. Zack squeezed my hand a little, it send different electricity. It felt weird and comforting at the same time. His palms were different, so much different with other guys who have held my hand before.

"Thanking me for nothing?" he asked, pretty amused with me. I enjoy seeing this Zack in front of me, "I see, you thank me for nothing. But you didn't when you were ought to, yeah?" he was just kidding.

"I was pretty sure you were nice a while ago," I muttered sheepishly, letting go of his warm hand. My eyes were now on my Dad. He looks so peaceful. I stepped towards the side of the bed and kissed his forehead, "Hey daddy. I'm with a friend."

I heard Zack chuckled; I gave him a deadly glare. I should be mad, but I'm not. He's so adorable yet irritating. I want to shoo him away, but decided against it.

"Oh, hey Yssa," Logan entered the room. In his hands were medical equipments, "Nice to see you," he smiled warmly. His eyes were lit amusement. I almost forgot how vivacious he was.

"Hi, Logan," I greet, "This is Zack," I introduced the demigod beside me, "And this is Logan," I said to Zack. They exchanged small smiles, which I think was a little bit weird. They could have at least greeted each other.

"Do you want to have lunch?" Logan asked me, though his eyes were focused to my Dad. I'm amazed how his skilled fingers work with the needles and all.

"Actually, we're going to grab some later," Zack answered for me. I was surprised as his hand intertwined with mine again. My eyes were focused on him but he was avoiding it. What is he doing?

"Yeah, sure, Logan," I answered with a sly smile. There’s nothing wrong with Logan’s request, and he’s my friend.

Zack glared at me, and this time I glared back. Two can play this game. His hand tightened a little around mine, why was he even holding my hand?! I tried to pry it but he didn't let me. Oh, tell me what's running inside that mercurial mind, Zack.

"See you at the lobby," Logan exits with a smile on his lips. I'm sure he was completely oblivious with the discomfort I was in.

"You can now let go of my hand," I sternly said, but he was looking away.

"What did you do that for?" he asked, completely puzzled. What is he talking about?

"Do what?" my voice was as puzzled as his. I'm freakin' confused, "What the hell is wrong with you, Zack?"

He opened his mouth, but he seemed to doubt the words that he was about to produced, "I said we'll have lunch, and then you accepted his offer?" his grip tightened more, and I almost winced at his contact.

"Ouch, Zack, you're hurting me!"

He let go instantly, but his eyes were still drowned with fury. Why is he so mad? I didn't do anything wrong.

"We haven't agreed on having lunch, right?" I spit, rubbing my hand with the other. He almost crushed my fingers, "You know what? I'd rather have lunch with Logan than you. He's nice unlike you."

“What?"

"You heard me. I just don't know, Zack. Why are you so mad?!" I almost shout. This isn't the right time and place for an argument. Silence enveloped the two of us, both of us just glaring at each other.

"If you don't want to have lunch with us it's fine, I'm going alone," I left him in my Dad's room and made my way to the nurses' station.

I can't contain my anger, I want to shout, scream, or whatever!

Logan was already waiting for me with his warm smile and crystal blue eyes, "You seem pissed off," he said, concerned etched in his voice. He was wearing a blue nurses' scrubs but hell, he still looks glorious. He got this muscular built, unlike Zack's lean body. I shook my head, clearing the thought of Zack in my head.

"It's nothing, let's go," we walked out of the hospital, my pumps click-clacking on the pavement. I tried to look behind but there was no sign of Zack. Where is he? So he's not really coming, huh. It's fine. At least my lunch wouldn't be ruined with his obnoxious comments. Anyway, I need to distance myself to him. He’s making me mad.

"Did you hear me?" Logan was at my side. His eyes were on me, studying my expression, "I asked where your friend is," he smiled. Not a trace of judgment in his voice.

"Oh, I don't know," I answered woodenly. We were heading to the same cafe. I feel tired and drained. Why does Zack have to be confusing? I always ask myself, but clearly, I don't have the answer, and I wish I knew. That demigod always seems to make me mad, angry, and dang confused, but he can also make me feel fine, relaxed, and all. He can consume all of my emotions at the same time.

My lunch with Logan was more fun than I had expected, he made me laugh with his cool stories. He told me about his mum, his little sister, and his dad. I'm happy that he was very comfortable with opening up. Unlike me, I keep my stories light as possible; never letting my true story to slip. It's not that I'm making stories, just telling him the bright phase of my childhood.

"My mom never liked me dating. My sister as well," he said, digging on his pasta. He was sitting across me.

"Why is that so?" I asked. I'm interested to know the answer, but not that much. I took a sip from my iced tea.

"They believe that I always pick the wrong girl," he laughs lightly, "I've dated this girl, Emma. Remember her? We’re in the same class in fourth grade. Well, she's very nice, as much as I can recall. But my Mom doesn't like her, she had already dated half of the population in school we were in," he was shaking his head smiling, remembering. I can't see any trace of sadness in his tone. Good for him.

"I wouldn't like her either for my son," I said with my nose scrunched. Who would want her son to date a slut, right? But I'm in no place to make judgments.

"Then there was this girl, Dani. She was, uhm," he was very careful in choosing his words which made me laugh.

"She's what?"

"I don't know... aggressive?" he asked me. Oh god, I love to see him smiling like this. He looks very shy and innocent.

"Why are you asking me? I don't know her!" I squealed. He laughed with me, there was nothing comical in our conversation, but we were getting along, I guess that's why we don't feel too awkward towards each other anymore.

"The latest girl I've dated is Kirstie. She's very obnoxious. I must admit, and things didn't work out between us," he shrugged. The way he talks about his past relationships doesn't seem to bother him at all. This man deserves someone, someone better than those he had dated.

"How about you?"

"What about me?" I asked, sounding nonchalant. There's nothing to tell, I don't do boyfriend and girlfriend thing.

He was just staring at me, waiting for me to start. What will I tell him? I don't have any weird or awesome experiences in dating. Pity me.

"Well, I don't really date. Just a couple flings," I said, feeling a little shy. He laughed at me, throwing his head back, "What's so funny?!" I asked.

"Nothing. You look cute when you're being shy," he said then continued eating. I hope he didn't noticed my cheeks as it turns red, "Why haven't you dated anyone?"

Should I really tell him?

"Because," I said ending the conversation.

I never understood how people can love strangers; they tell people that they need them; they tell them they are important, it's just unbelievable. Too hard to grasp when the people you would thought that will love you unconditionally will be the one to hurt you big time. The people who you share flesh and blood will ruin you- your life. Of course I can’t tell him that.

I heard Logan shuffled uncomfortable from his seat, and then I felt his hand reached mine. I don't feel fine at all; being in this situation like this makes me sad in the very worst possible way. I wish Zack is here, to make me feel fine.