When The Clock Ticks

Chapter Three: 11:03

Nakita ko si Justine na nakatalikod at mukhang naghihintay sa labas ng simbahan kaya agad akong tumakbo papalapit sa kaniya. Akala ko siya lang mag-isa pero nakita ko si Tita na kausap siya sa labas. She's still wearing her wedding gown. Siguro kinausap niya muna si Justine saglit bago magpatuloy sa reception. Nakita kong nayuko lang si Justine habang kausap ang nanay niya kaya hindi muna ako lumapit.

"You're not answering my calls and my messages. You're also not receiving my packages for you. What's wrong, Justine? Don't you want to study in the States? Your step dad also has a son the same age as you. Don't you think you can get together? Anak, Come with me. Please? You can now stop leaving with your tita Stella." Tita stated and smiled. Umiling si Justine at tinanggal ang pagkakahawak ni Tita sa kamay niya.

"I prefer leaving with them. By the way, Best wishes." He replied. Tumalikod siya sa nanay niya at doon niya ako nakita na nakatayo sa may pader. I saw her mom cried as she watched Justine's back walking away from her. Lumapit siya sa akin at ngumiti. Naglakad na rin kami paalis at hindi na lumingon. Justine just decided to live in our house for good. I'm sure he's pretty uncomfortable to live at his mom's place.

"What took you so long?" Nakarating na kami sa labas ng simbahan. Kumain muna kami ng fishball sa gilid bago tuluyang umuwi.

"I met Blake." sagot ko. Napatigil siya sa pagkain at biglang natawa. Hindi ko alam kung ano na namang trip nito. Kanina umiiyak tapos ngayon tumatawa.

"Ayan, suotin mo pa ang dress na bigay niya. Oh, Anong nangyari?" He grinned. I gave him a glare and he stopped laughing.

"I don't know. Baka iniisip niya na gusto ko pa rin siya 'no. Duh, sa tingin mo pagkatapos ng ilang taon siya pa rin?" sabi ko at kinain ang fishball.

"Pst, Speaking of the devil." tumango si Justine at ngumisi. Pagtalikod ko ay natapon ang sauce ng kinakain ko dahil nakita ko siyang nasa likuran ko na agad. Napunta ang mantsa sa damit ko kaya agad lumapit si Blake sa akin at kinuha ang panyo niya. Pinunasan niya ang damit ko. Tinulak ako ni Justine kaya napahawak ako sa balikat ni Blake.

"Blake, I'm s-so sorry."putol-putol na sambit ko. Tinapakan ko ang paa ni Justine at umayos ng tayo. Tinawanan niya pa ako kaya sinamaan ko siya ulit ng tingin.

"Blake, I have to rest. I'm tired. Take me to the hotel you have booked." sabi ni Ghaele na girlfriend daw ng bestfriend niya. Binigay sa akin ni Blake ang panyo niya at sinamahan niya si Ghaele na pumara ng taxi. Nakatayo lang kami ni Justine habang pinapanood silang dalawa.

"May girlfriend na siya?" tanong ni Justine. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako. I don't think I can trust Blake's words. Paano kung nagbibiro lang siya? Besides, I heard Ghaele said that they're going to the same hotel. Argh, bakit ba ako nagpapa-apekto?

Huminga na lang ako ng malalim at tinapon ko ang pinagkainan ko sa basurahan kasabay ng panyo ni Zion. Umalis na kami ni Justine para umuwi. Nasa terminal na kami at nagulat na lang ako nang makita ko ulit si Blake. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at bigla na lang akong napahinto at napapikit.

It was beautiful, cozy and clean. Nasa silid ako ngayon na sobrang ganda at linis. Nakita ko si Blake pagpunta ko sa counter table. Nakahanda ang mga damit at nakangiti siyang sinalubong ako.

"Wash up. You can't go home like that, Regan."

I strolled towards him to take a look at those garments. He makes a stride back and with moderate pondering finds me and down. His examination appears to keep going for quite a long time, however it should require just seconds. The air between us snaps, and I need to push toward him, to close the hole between us once more. Yet, I stay frozen in place.

"Do you want to know what's running on my mind?" Blake says, head plunging lower as he attempts to get level with my eyes. "I feel that if the uni­verse were attempting to keep us separated, it's anything but a crappy work. Since else, we wouldn't be over here together."

"I wish we weren't!"

"No, you don't," he says solidly.

"Indeed, I do. I wish I'd never come with you. I wish I didn't let Justine to return home—"

All of a sudden, his mouth is on mine. He kisses me generally. Totally unexpected. His hands are on the rear of my head, holding me set up. Also, for a since a long time ago, suspended second, I'm frozen, uncertain of whether I need to drive him away.

"Yuck!" agad akong napabitaw sa kamay ni Blake at napahawak sa ulo ko. Inalalayan ako ni Justine at naghanap kami ng pinakamalapit na bench. Wait, was that our future? It's probably not our memory!

May tumawag kay Justine kaya lumayo muna siya sa amin. Nakaupo lang kami ni Blake sa bench at nakasandal. In fact, being awkward around an ex could be because of the circumstances encompassing the separation. With regards to continuing onward from a relationship, particularly the sort that hit truly hard and broke you, and left you truly hurt and harmed, there is significantly more included.

"Hey,"

"By," sabay naming sabi. Nagkatinginan kami sa isa't-isa at natawa. "You go first," sambit niya. Binuksan niya ang paper bag at binigay sa akin.

"About the dress, Don't worry about it. I bought you a new one." Binuksan ko nang bahagya ang paper bag at ibinalik 'yon sa kaniya pagkatapos.

"It must be expensive. Nag-abala ka pa. Look, Blake. I don't think I can accept this." I replied. Nilagay ko ang paper bag sa tabi niya at unang hinanap si Justine.

"Then, throw it. Hindi ko naman 'yan kailangan." mahinanong sabi niya at ngumiti sa 'kin. Bumalik na si Justine at tumayo na rin ako sa inuupuan ko.

"Tumawag si tita. Imbitahan mo raw si Blake sa bahay. Gusto niya makita." Agad napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi ng epal kong pinsan. Paano naman nalaman ni Mama na kasama ko si Zion? I saw him grinned. He freakin' grinned.

"At ikaw ang nagsabi kay mama na kasama ko siya?" I exclaimed. He must be kidding! Does my mother even know that Blake and I broke up? Kinurot ko ang pisngi ni Justine at pinisil ng matagal.

"You're the worst cousin, you moron." I smiled sarcastically.

"Hm. Should I come?" Blake shrugged. Napatingin ako sa kaniya at napahawak sa noo ko. Kapag pinapunta ko siya sa bahay malalaman niya na ang address namin. I try to hide from the letters and packages he was supposed to send to me. Tapos ngayon, dadalhin ko lang din pala siya sa bahay.

"You better be." nakangising sabi ni Justine at tinaasan ako ng kilay. Umiling ako at bumaling kay Blake. This wasn't right. Hindi siya pwedeng pumunta sa bahay. Nakasabit pa ang picture namin sa dingding at hindi ko pa naitatabi 'yon.

"No! Go home. Umuwi ka na. Sasabihin ko na lang kay Mama na may sakit ka." sabi ko at tinulak siya sa likod para tuluyan nang makapaglakad. Hawak ko ang balikat niya. Nakita ko muli si Alexis sa malayuan kaya natulak ko si Blake ng malakas. Napahawak ako sa dulo ng sleeves niya at napahawak ako sa dibdib ko dahil naramdaman ko ang pagsikip nito.

"Ezra, are you okay?" rinig kong sabi ni Blake. Lumingon ulit ako at nakita kong nakatingin sa Alexis akin. Napapikit ako at lalong napahawak sa

"Hindi kasalanan ang pagmamahal pero bakit ako naparusahan." Nakita ko ang sarili ko na nakaluhod habang suot-suot ang puting bistida. Walang humpay ang pagtulo ng luha sa aking mga mata habang nakatingin sa lalaking 'yon.

"Mali ang magmahal sa maling pagkakataon."

"Ezra." Dinilat ko ang mata ko at bumungad sa akin si Blake. I was laying on his lap and we're still on the bench.

"Justine went home." sabi niya. Agad akong bumangon at naupo ng tuwid. Napahawak ako sa ulo ko at huminga ng malalim.

"That jerk." Tumayo ako at ga'non din si Blake. Hinubad niya ang coat niya at pinatong sa balikat ko.

"I'll take you home. You can't go home with that condition. Tell me your address."sambit niya.

"I can manage," I insisted. Naglakad ako papalayo sa kaniya at pumara ng taxi. Sasakay na sana ako pero sumakay rin si Blake sa kabilang pintuan.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at nagkibit-balikat lamang siya. Dala-dala niya ang paper bag na ibibigay niya sa akin kanina.

"I'll accompany you."

Hindi ba siya makaintindi na ayaw ko nga siyang papuntahin sa bahay.

"Ma'am, saan po tayo?" tanong ng driver.

"Saan ka nakatira?" tanong ko.

"Why? Do you want to go to my place?" he asked back. "I'm staying in a hotel. Kakarating ko lang sa Chicago kahapon." he added.

"So, you and Ghaele stay in the same room?" tanong ko at umiling naman siya.

"I'm living by myself. I told you she's Basti's girlfriend." he replied. "Sinabihan lang ako ni Basti na samahan siya sa kasal. Nauna akong dumating dito. Kakarating lang ngayon ni Ghaele. I have no idea where she was staying. Let Basti handles that,"

It's kind of awkward if I go to his place.

"Look," I sighed.

"Ma'am, saan po kayo ni Sir?" pag-uulit ng driver. I don't know. Ayaw ko siyang dalhin sa bahay. Should I go to his place and leave him right after?

"Beatrice Hotel." Blake answered. Umandar na ang taxi at napatingin ako sa kaniya. It's not that I don't trust Blake. I do and he's really a gentleman. Pero parang ang weird lang na sa hotel kaming pupunta dalawa.

"Why did you ask for my place?" he asked.

"I'm just wondering. No strings attached." I replied.

"You must be right. You can't go home like that. You can wash up at my place." he stated. "Should I call your mom and tell her you're with me?"

"No," I replied. "I mean, no. Ako na lang." palusot ko. Hindi rin nagtagal ay tumigil na ang taxi at mukhang nakarating na kami sa hotel. Malapit lang pala siya sa simbahan. Si Blake ang nagbayad at una siyang bumaba ng kotse. Binuksan niya ang pinto kung saan ako lalabas.

Sumunod ako sa kaniya at pumasok kami sa loob. For sure, Every night stay was expensive.Napakaganda kasi. "Inaasikaso pa ang condo ko kaya dito muna ako for a week." he said and opened the door. "Feel like home."

Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa buong lugar. This was familiar. Umupo muna ako sa sofa at pumunta si Blake sa loob. It was beautiful, cozy and clean. Nakita ko si Blake nang pumunta ako sa counter table. Nakahanda ang mga damit at nakangiti siyang sinalubong ako.

"Wash up. You can't go home like that, Regan."

I strolled towards him to take a look at those garments. He makes a stride back and with moderate pondering finds me and down. His examination appears to keep going for quite a long time, however it should require just seconds. The air between us snaps, and I need to push toward him, to close the hole between us once more. Yet, I stay frozen in place.

"Do you want to know what's running on my mind?" Blake says, head plunging lower as he attempts to get level with my eyes.

"I feel that if the uni­verse were attempting to keep us separated, it's anything but a crappy work. Since otherwise, we wouldn't be over here together."

"I wish we weren't."

"No, you don't," he says firmly.

"Indeed, I do. I wish I'd never come with you. I wish I didn't let Justine to return home—"

All of a sudden, his mouth is on mine. He kisses me generally. Totally unexpected. His hands are on the rear of my head, holding me set up. Also, for a long time ago, suspended second, I'm frozen, uncertain of whether I need to drive him away.

Agad ko siyang natulak kaya napatingin din siya sa akin. Hindi ko rin namalayang nasampal ko si Blake.

"You jerk."

"Sorry, you must be startled," Napayuko ako at tinignan siya ng diretso. He must be kidding me. Ang kapal ng mukha niya.

"So that's our future?" I whispered. Napatingin ako sa kamay ko at lumayo ng bahagya sa kaniya. I haven't dreamt of this setting. Hindi ko naman 'to napanaginipan.

"Ezra, I'm sorry," he apologized. Napaupo ako at tumingin sa kaniya. "Was this supposed to happen?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" naguguluhang tanong niya.

"I mean no, I'm the one who asked you where you live," I murmured. "Blake, I think I have to go." I faced him.

"You just came here. Aren't you going to wash up? I also have something to say."

"Now, tell me. You, moron."

"Let's date again." he said seriously. Napatingin ako kay Blake at napayuko.

"Look, Blake. I saw this earlier. This setting, the moment that you held my hand. Nakita ko 'to kanina." I panicked. Doesn't it make sense?

"I'm sorry. I know it's not the right time for this." he stated.

"Wasn't this a coincidence?" I asked. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at hinawakan ulit. I closed my eyes and saw something unbelievable.

"I don't think it's a coincidence." Binuksan ko ang mata ko at tinignan kung magkakatugma ba ang nakita ko sa mangyayari. Hindi ko alam kung paano at kailan.

“Kiss me,” seryosong sabi ko. Napatingin si Blake sa akin at tumawa ng sartisko.

"Ezra, are you certain? Look, I'm so sorry. That wasn't my intentio—'' I don't know why I pulled his tie and kissed him first. We are kissing like crazy. Like our lives rely upon it. His tongue slips inside my mouth, delicate however requesting, and it's nothing similar to I've at any point experienced. My fingers hold his hair, pulling him closer. My veins throb and my heart explodes.

I parted our kiss and closed my eyes. It's true. I can now see the future by holding someone's hand.

Chapter 3

Nakita ko si Justine na nakatalikod at mukhang naghihintay sa labas ng simbahan kaya agad akong tumakbo papalapit sa kaniya. Akala ko siya lang mag-isa pero nakita ko si Tita na kausap siya sa labas. She's still wearing her wedding gown. Siguro kinausap niya muna si Justine saglit bago magpatuloy sa reception. Nakita kong nayuko lang si Justine habang kausap ang nanay niya kaya hindi muna ako lumapit.

"You're not answering my calls and my messages. You're also not receiving my packages for you. What's wrong, Justine? Don't you want to study in the States? Your step dad also has a son the same age as you. Don't you think you can get together? Anak, Come with me. Please? You can now stop leaving with your tita Stella." Tita stated and smiled. Umiling si Justine at tinanggal ang pagkakahawak ni Tita sa kamay niya.

"I prefer leaving with my cousin and aunt. By the way, Best wishes." He replied. Tumalikod siya sa nanay niya at doon niya ako nakita na nakatayo sa may pader. I saw her mom cried as she watched Justine's back walking away from her. Lumapit siya sa akin at ngumiti. Naglakad na rin kami paalis at hindi na lumingon. Justine just decided to live in our house for good. I'm sure he's pretty uncomfortable to live at his mom's place.

"What took you so long?" Nakarating na kami sa labas ng simbahan. Kumain muna kami ng fishball sa gilid bago tuluyang umuwi.

"I met Blake." sagot ko. Napatigil siya sa pagkain at biglang natawa. Hindi ko alam kung ano na namang trip nito. Kanina umiiyak tapos ngayon tumatawa.

"Ayan, suotin mo pa ang dress na bigay niya. Oh, Anong nangyari?" He grinned. I gave him a glare and he stopped laughing.

"I don't know. Baka iniisip niya na gusto ko pa rin siya 'no. Duh, sa tingin mo pagkatapos ng ilang taon siya pa rin?" sabi ko at kinain ang fishball.

"Pst, Speaking of the devil." tumango si Justine at ngumisi. Pagtalikod ko ay natapon ang sauce ng kinakain ko dahil nakita ko siyang nasa likuran ko na agad. Napunta ang mantsa sa damit ko kaya agad lumapit si Blake sa akin at kinuha ang panyo niya. Pinunasan niya ang damit ko. Tinulak ako ni Justine kaya napahawak ako sa balikat ni Blake.

"Blake, I'm s-so sorry."putol-putol na sambit ko. Tinapakan ko ang paa ni Justine at umayos ng tayo. Tinawanan niya pa ako kaya sinamaan ko siya ulit ng tingin.

"Blake, I have to rest. I'm tired. Take me to the hotel you have booked." sabi ni Ghaele na girlfriend daw ng bestfriend niya. Binigay sa akin ni Blake ang panyo niya at sinamahan niya si Ghaele na pumara ng taxi. Nakatayo lang kami ni Justine habang pinapanood silang dalawa.

"May girlfriend na siya?" tanong ni Justine. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako. I don't think I can trust Blake's words. Paano kung nagbibiro lang siya? Besides, I heard Ghaele said that they're going to the same hotel. Argh, bakit ba ako nagpapa-apekto?

Huminga na lang ako ng malalim at tinapon ko ang pinagkainan ko sa basurahan kasabay ng panyo ni Zion. Umalis na kami ni Justine para umuwi. Nasa terminal na kami at nagulat na lang ako nang makita ko ulit si Blake. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at bigla na lang akong napahinto at napapikit.

It was beautiful, cozy and clean. Nasa silid ako ngayon na sobrang ganda at linis. Nakita ko si Blake pagpunta ko sa counter table. Nakahanda ang mga damit at nakangiti siyang sinalubong ako.

"Wash up. You can't go home like that, Regan."

I strolled towards him to take a look at those garments. He makes a stride back and with moderate pondering finds me and down. His examination appears to keep going for quite a long time, however it should require just seconds. The air between us snaps, and I need to push toward him, to close the hole between us once more. Yet, I stay frozen in place.

"Do you want to know what's running on my mind?" Blake says, head plunging lower as he attempts to get level with my eyes. "I feel that if the uni­verse were attempting to keep us separated, it's anything but a crappy work. Since otherwise, we wouldn't be over here together."

"I wish we weren't!"

"No, you don't," he says solidly.

"Indeed, I do. I wish I'd never come with you. I wish I didn't let Justine to return home—"

All of a sudden, his mouth is on mine. He kisses me generally. Totally unexpected. His hands are on the rear of my head, holding me set up. Also, for a long time ago, suspended second, I'm frozen, uncertain of whether I need to drive him away. Then, at that point, at the same time, heat spreads through me. I kiss him back.

"Yuck!" agad akong napabitaw sa kamay ni Blake at napahawak sa ulo ko. Inalalayan ako ni Justine at naghanap kami ng pinakamalapit na bench. Wait, was that our future? It's probably not our memory!

May tumawag kay Justine kaya lumayo muna siya sa amin. Nakaupo lang kami ni Blake sa bench at nakasandal.

In fact, being awkward around an ex could be because of the circumstances encompassing the separation. With regards to continuing onward from a relationship, particularly the sort that hit really hard and broke you, and left you truly hurt and harmed, there is significantly more included.

"Hey,"

"By," sabay naming sabi. Nagkatinginan kami sa isa't-isa at natawa. "You go first," sambit niya. Binuksan niya ang paper bag at binigay sa akin.

"About the dress, Don't worry about it. I bought you a new one." Binuksan ko nang bahagya ang paper bag at ibinalik 'yon sa kaniya pagkatapos.

"It must be expensive. Nag-abala ka pa. Look, Blake. I don't think I can accept this." I replied. Nilagay ko ang paper bag sa tabi niya at unang hinanap si Justine.

"Then, throw it. Hindi ko naman 'yan kailangan." mahinanong sabi niya at ngumiti sa 'kin. Bumalik na si Justine at tumayo na rin ako sa inuupuan ko.

"Tumawag si tita. Imbitahan mo raw si Blake sa bahay. Gusto niya makita." Agad napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi ng epal kong pinsan. Paano naman nalaman ni Mama na kasama ko si Zion? I saw him grinned. He freakin' grinned.

"At ikaw ang nagsabi kay mama na kasama ko siya?" I exclaimed. He must be kidding! Does my mother even know that Blake and I broke up? Kinurot ko ang pisngi ni Justine at pinisil ng matagal.

"You're the worst cousin, you moron." I smiled sarcastically.

"Hm. Should I come?" Blake shrugged. Napatingin ako sa kaniya at napahawak sa noo ko. Kapag pinapunta ko siya sa bahay malalaman niya na ang address namin. I try to hide from the letters and packages he was supposed to send to me. Tapos ngayon, dadalhin ko lang din pala siya sa bahay.

"You better be." nakangising sabi ni Justine at tinaasan ako ng kilay. Umiling ako at bumaling kay Blake. This wasn't right. Hindi siya pwedeng pumunta sa bahay. Nakasabit pa ang picture namin sa dingding at hindi ko pa naitatabi 'yon.

"No! Go home. Umuwi ka na. Sasabihin ko na lang kay Mama na may sakit ka." sabi ko at tinulak siya sa likod para tuluyan nang makapaglakad. Hawak ko ang balikat niya. Nakita ko muli si Alexis sa malayuan kaya natulak ko si Blake ng malakas. Napahawak ako sa dulo ng sleeves niya at napahawak ako sa dibdib ko dahil naramdaman ko ang pagsikip nito.

"Ezra, are you okay?" rinig kong sabi ni Blake. Lumingon ulit ako at nakita kong nakatingin sa Alexis akin. Napapikit ako at lalong napahawak sa dibdib ko.

"Hindi kasalanan ang pagmamahal pero bakit ako naparusahan." Nakita ko ang sarili ko na nakaluhod habang suot-suot ang puting bistida. Walang humpay ang pagtulo ng luha sa aking mga mata habang nakatingin sa lalaking 'yon.

"Mali ang magmahal sa maling pagkakataon."

"Ezra." Dinilat ko ang mata ko at bumungad sa akin si Blake. I was laying on his lap and we're still on the bench.

"Justine went home." sabi niya. Agad akong bumangon at naupo ng tuwid. Napahawak ako sa ulo ko at huminga ng malalim.

"That jerk." Tumayo ako at ga'non din si Blake. Hinubad niya ang coat niya at pinatong sa balikat ko.

"I'll take you home. You can't go home with that condition. Tell me your address."sambit niya.

"I can manage," I insisted. Naglakad ako papalayo sa kaniya at pumara ng taxi. Sasakay na sana ako pero sumakay rin si Blake sa kabilang pintuan.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at nagkibit-balikat lamang siya. Dala-dala niya ang paper bag na ibibigay niya sa akin kanina.

"I'll accompany you."

Hindi ba siya makaintindi na ayaw ko nga siyang papuntahin sa bahay.

"Ma'am, saan po tayo?" tanong ng driver.

"Saan ka nakatira?" tanong ko.

"Why? Do you want to go to my place?" he asked back. "I'm staying in a hotel. Kakarating ko lang sa Chicago kahapon." he added.

"So, you and Ghaele stay in the same room?" tanong ko at umiling naman siya.

"I'm living by myself. I told you she's Basti's girlfriend." he replied. "Sinabihan lang ako ni Basti na samahan siya sa kasal. Nauna akong dumating dito. Kakarating lang ngayon ni Ghaele. I have no idea where she was staying. Let Basti handles that,"

It's kind of awkward if I go to his place.

"Look," I sighed.

"Ma'am, saan po kayo ni Sir?" pag-uulit ng driver. I don't know. Ayaw ko siyang dalhin sa bahay. Should I go to his place and leave him right after?

"Beatrice Hotel." Blake answered. Umandar na ang taxi at napatingin ako sa kaniya. It's not that I don't trust Blake. I do and he's really a gentleman. Pero parang ang weird lang na sa hotel kaming pupunta dalawa.

"Why did you ask for my place?" he asked.

"I'm just wondering. No strings attached." I replied.

"You must be right. You can't go home like that. You can wash up at my place." he stated. "Should I call your mom and tell her you're with me?"

"No," I replied. "I mean, no. Ako na lang." palusot ko. Hindi rin nagtagal ay tumigil na ang taxi at mukhang nakarating na kami sa hotel. Malapit lang pala siya sa simbahan. Si Blake ang nagbayad at una siyang bumaba ng kotse. Binuksan niya ang pinto kung saan ako lalabas.

Sumunod ako sa kaniya at pumasok kami sa loob. For sure, Every night stay was expensive. Napakaganda kasi. "Inaasikaso pa ang condo ko kaya dito muna ako for a week." he said and opened the door. "Feel like home."

Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa buong lugar. This was familiar. Umupo muna ako sa sofa at pumunta si Blake sa loob. It was beautiful, cozy and clean. Nakita ko si Blake nang pumunta ako sa counter table. Nakahanda ang mga damit at nakangiti siyang sinalubong ako.

"Wash up. You can't go home like that, Regan."

I strolled towards him to take a look at those garments. He makes a stride back and with moderate pondering finds me and down. His examination appears to keep going for quite a long time, however it should require just seconds. The air between us snaps, and I need to push toward him, to close the hole between us once more. Yet, I stay frozen in place.

"Do you want to know what's running on my mind?" Blake says, head plunging lower as he attempts to get level with my eyes.

"I feel that if the uni­verse were attempting to keep us separated, it's anything but a crappy work. Since otherwise, we wouldn't be over here together."

"I wish we weren't."

"No, you don't," he says firmly.

"Indeed, I do. I wish I'd never come with you. I wish I didn't let Justine to return home—"

All of a sudden, his mouth is on mine. He kisses me generally. Totally unexpected. His hands are on the rear of my head, holding me set up. Also, for a long time ago, suspended second, I'm frozen, uncertain of whether I need to drive him away. Then, at that point, at the same time, heat spreads through me. I kiss him back.

Agad ko siyang natulak kaya napatingin din siya sa akin. Hindi ko rin namalayang nasampal ko si Blake.

"You jerk."

"Sorry, you must be startled," Napayuko ako at tinignan siya ng diretso. He must be kidding me. Ang kapal ng mukha niya.

"So that's our future?" I whispered. Napatingin ako sa kamay ko at lumayo ng bahagya sa kaniya. I haven't dreamt of this setting. Hindi ko naman 'to napanaginipan.

"Ezra, I'm sorry," he apologized. Napaupo ako at tumingin sa kaniya. "Was this supposed to happen?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" naguguluhang tanong niya.

"I mean no, I'm the one who asked you where you live," I murmured. "Blake, I think I have to go." I faced him.

"You just came here. Aren't you going to wash up? I also have something to say."

"Now, tell me. You, moron."

"Let's date again." he said seriously. Napatingin ako kay Blake at napayuko.

"Look, Blake. I saw this earlier. This setting, the moment that you held my hand. Nakita ko 'to kanina." I panicked. Doesn't it make sense?

"I'm sorry. I know it's not the right time for this." he stated.

"Wasn't this a coincidence?" I asked. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at hinawakan ulit. I closed my eyes and saw something unbelievable. "I don't think it's a coincidence." Binuksan ko ang mata ko at tinignan kung magkakatugma ba ang nakita ko sa mangyayari. Hindi ko alam kung paano at kailan.

“Kiss me,” seryosong sabi ko. Napatingin si Blake sa akin at tumawa ng sartisko.

"Ezra, are you certain? Look, I'm so sorry. That wasn't my intentio—'' I don't know why I pulled his tie and kissed him first. We are kissing like crazy. Like our lives rely upon it. His tongue slips inside my mouth, delicate however requesting, and it's nothing similar to I've at any point experienced. My fingers hold his hair, pulling him closer. My veins throb and my heart explodes. I parted our kiss and closed my eyes.

It's true. I can now see the future by holding someone's hand.