Withering Love

Cold War

Kaila’s POV

I am alone. It’s good to just focus on my study first rather than busy myself with people who don’t know how to pay back what you did to them. It is better this way. No worries! Smooth life as a student. I am already in my first year of high school, I think I can do more without anyone bothering me. Mom was right. I have to be serious in my study and don’t put too much attention on the baby-like love story. I know this will create discomfort on my part while seeing him from afar.

“Ate, why are you too early today?” My brother asks me.

“Kyle, I just have many tasks to do.”

“Task to do, or you fought with Kuya Geo?” Now he is questioning like my dad.

“Maybe, it’s better to help mom in the kitchen.”

“Yeah, I will.”

My brother started to wonder already. What if it will become very obvious the next time. I don’t want them to know what had happened. I don’t my mother and father to worry about me as well.

“Kaila, the moment you finish your assignment, come and help us as well.”

“Yes, Mom!” I pretend to be jovial just to cover my emotion.

I actually didn’t do my assignment. I wait for fifteen minutes to pass so that I can help mom and Kyle. Later, I realized that I am already wasting my time. I started to scan my f*******: and I scroll it down and saw pictures of Geo together with Ella hugging him and Giselle looking at the two of them. So, I’m right! I’m right! I can’t be wrong!

I can’t believe that truth speaks itself. You can’t fool me anymore, Geo! I am like a crazy girl already. The person is not here, why should I complain? That’s his life, he can do what he wants to do. I should not force him to love me back if he doesn’t have any feelings for me.

I can’t breathe. My tears are already running. But why? He does not love me anymore, right? I am like a fool talking to myself but nobody answers the question I utter. Mom is indeed right. Next time I will follow her strictly. I am already sobbing. Geo! I can’t believe you can do it to me. I did everything!

I wanted to shout just to express myself, but it didn’t happen. Someone is knocking on my door.

“Kaila?”

“Mom?”

“Are you crying?”

“Nope, just practicing for tomorrow's drama class.”

“Alright, you can come out now. Food is ready! I cook spaghetti for you.”

“Thanks, Mom! Love you!”

“Love you always, my darling!”

I spent five minutes relaxing and just to remove the redness in my eyes. As I go out to the kitchen, I saw them waiting. They’re all staring at me.

“Come, darling!” My dad beckons me.

“Dad, why are you staring like that?”

“Why, is it so bad?”

“Kaila, are you okay?” My mom started to question me. She comes forward and holds my left hand then she check the pulse. Nothing. Then she checks also my forehead as if I have a fever.

“Am okay, Mom!” She looks at me for a while, then she proceeds with her smile enchanting my father.

“Okay, everybody! Let us now eat.”

We pray the grace before a meal. Everybody closes their eyes, and I am the only one who does not do it. I am observing if anyone knows because of the manner they look. No one? Because I’m already nervous!

After the prayer, my brother looks at me intently.

“What is wrong with you, Kyle?”

“I’m just concerned, Ate because I am thinking that you have an illness, you just hide it. Ya know, you’re used to it."

Night came, and here again, the sun comes up showing a new day. Time to face my phobia, my ex-boyfriend. Let’s see if you can bear this situation! Last night during sleeping time, I wore the new gown my mother brought for me. I took a selfie and posted it online with the hashtag “NO TALKING CHALLENGE!” When I checked it around two, I saw many reactions and comments. Then I saw someone unknown who reacted with the use of emoticon sad, KINGBLOGGER. The name was written in all CAPS. Who is he? I checked the comment: “You’re beautiful when you always wear a smile.

I didn’t mind him anymore. 

I am in school now, KINGBLOGGER has started to text me. I wonder how and where did he get my number.

Who are you? I texted him back.

KingBlogger! He responded with the emoticon haha.

Where did you get my number and how?

From friends.

Who’s that friend of yours? He didn’t answer me. Conversation cut off.

I waited for five minutes. Maybe, he will still text.

“Who was that you’re chatting with?”

“Huh?”

“The one on the phone?”

“It’s Jimmy.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

I didn’t notice that Geo has been watching me from afar. He wanted to approach but I always find alibi, like talking to my friends, acting someone is calling.

“Kaila?” He calls me, but I increase my pride. I totally ignore his words and presence.

“Hey, let’s talk.” He taps my shoulder.

“Hey, Gemma, how are you?” I pretended not to hear him and turn to Gemma as if we’re long friends.

When I turn to face him. He wasn’t there anymore. He didn’t stay long. He left with his moody but handsome face. See? Then I turn to Gemma giggling.

“Why what happened?” She asks me.

“Just my trip.”

“Owww…really. You’re practicing that now?”

“Yes.” We both laugh.

The class has ended at 4: 30. I am about to go home, and I saw him walking alone to the station. He turns to me but didn’t put any expression on his face. I ignore him and I look at my shoes pretending to fix them. When I lift my head, he’s nowhere to be found. Is he the flash? Very fast!