Just One Date

Chapter 10 - love chooses you

I can already smell Sem Break. We had tons of projects for completion the past weeks at ngayon naman, Final Exams. Mabuti na rin lang tapos na ang Feasibility Study ko, thanks to Kuya Brett's help.

"Ate, your ride is here!" Kirk hollered from the living room habang nagsusuklay pa ako fresh from the shower.

Galing sa isang Culinary Meeting si Kuya Brett pero ihahatid muna niya ako sa school dahil malakas ang ulan bago siya dumeretso sa isang convention sa Makati. Bawal raw akong magkasakit dahil panahon ng exams.

I took my time fixing myself in the mirror because it's still early, and also because kasama ang Business Ethics sa exams ko for today at siguradong makikita ko si Tyrone.

When I went downstairs, I can hear Ethan's voice from the study room while teaching Kirk with his homework. Suspended ang klase ng grade school at high school and that's the reason Kirk's home. Dumeretso naman ako sa kitchen para magpaalam kay Mama.

"Mabuti naman bumaba ka na, kanina pa naghihintay si Ethan sa iyo ah. Siya raw ang maghahatid sa iyo," she told me.

Kumunot ang noo ko at that statement.

"Bakit po Ma, nasaan si Kuya?"

"Umuna na. Noong nalaman kasi niyang papunta sa school ninyo si Ethan, ibinilin na lang niyang isabay ka. May congratulatory program yata ang Perpetual University para sa LET passers."

I frowned as I kissed her on the cheek. After that, I looked out of the window to see how bad the weather is and heaved a sigh of frustration. I guess I have no choice but to go with Ethan, unless of course gusto kong magmukhang basang sisiw sa harap ni Tyrone mamaya. Sayang naman ang pagpapaganda ko.

I peeked inside the study room and Ethan immediately got up when he saw me.

"Mamaya na lang ulit, Little Bro. Tatapusin natin iyan, promise," he said as he turned to Kirk. Nakipag-high five muna ito kay Ethan bago mag-wave goodbye sa akin.

Ethan grinned as he walked towards me na para bang hindi ko siya pinag-hintay ng matagal e ako pa itong makikisabay. He even hurried to the kitchen to say goodbye to Mama.

When he opened the door for me ay tsaka ko lamang naalala na wala nga pala akong payong.

"Teka lang, I forgot my umbrella."

I abruptly turned around and almost slipped on the wet floor if he hadn't quickly grabbed my waist.

"Muntik na ako dun," I told him with a nervous laugh, aware that his face is just a few inches away from mine.

"Sumukob ka na lang muna sa akin. I brought another umbrella for you, nasa kotse," he offered, still holding me close.

"Wow, boy scout. Laging handa," I joked, trying my best to ignore that weird feeling in my stomach as he looked straight into my eyes.

Why on earth is my heart pounding?

"Okay na, Ethan. Thanks. You can let go now," I said as I turned away from his gaze and tried to pull away from his grip.

Without a word, he took my bag and carried it for me before opening the umbrella to shield me from the rain. He also held the car's door for me and gently closed it after I got inside the passenger seat.

I closed my eyes shortly and shook my head to clear my thoughts as he made his way to the driver's seat.

"You want some music? I know you do," he said in a teasing voice as he leaned closer once again to fasten my seatbelt.

"May tissue ka ba?" I asked instead and looked down on my shoes to avoid his eyes.

"Oo, nasa compartment," he instructed as he straightened up and started the car.

I opened the compartment and took out the box of tissue. That's when I noticed another familiar box of asthma inhaler beside it.

"Bakit may inhaler ka rito? Sinong may asthma?" I asked out of curiosity.

He gave me a quick side glance before responding.

"Ikaw, diba? Naglalagay lang ako diyan in case of emergency. Baka bigla kang atakihin, at least I'm ready. Ayokong mangyari iyong nangyari sa iyo noong mga bata pa tayo," he replied seriously, reminding me of that incident during playtime when I couldn't breath and everybody thought I was going to die.

"For how long have you been keeping my emergency medicine on your compartment?" I couldn't help asking.

"Eversince that severe attack you had when we were kids. I know the medicine brand by heart dahil sabi ni Mommy that inhaler saved your life that time. Kaya noong bata pa tayo nagpapabili ako sa kanila ni Daddy, tapos pinapalitan na lang kapag expired na. Until now, obviously. Basta dito lang yang gamot sa kotse just in case kailanganin."

Parang may kumurot sa puso at kunsensiya ko. He cares for me this much?

"Ganon? Sayang naman iyong gamot, ang mahal niyan diba? Tsaka hindi na rin naman talaga ako inaatake, sobrang tagal na."

It was his turn to frown.

"What do you mean sayang? Alam mo ba everytime I discard a bottle on it's expiry date, I thank God na hindi mo iyon nagamit?"

Hindi ako nakaimik. I never thought of it that way. Hindi naman gawa sa bakal ang puso ko, na-touch rin naman ako sa pagiging thoughtful niya.

"Sabay tayo mag-lunch ha, don't forget," he reminded as I fumbled through his car stereo to find a sentimental tune perfect for a rainy day.

"Lunch? Bakit? Hindi ba kayo papakainin sa program?"

"I'll leave some room for our lunch together, alam mo naman ang capacity ko. Tsaka ipinagbaon tayo ni Mama, share raw tayo," he replied with a wink.

Did he actually looked cute with that wink ?

I shook my head in panic.

Whoa, where did that come from? It must be the weather. It has to be the weather. I hate rainy days!

I stopped on a love tune and sang along with the radio. They play senti songs on Thursdays in this station and it works well with the kind of weather we have right now. But more important, it took my mind off the crazy things that were popping out of my mind.

When the car came into a halt, I immediately got out without waiting for Ethan to open the door for me like he always used to. But he still met me halfway to carry my bag.

"Watch your step. Come on, I'll walk you to class," yaya niya as he held by elbow to keep me from slipping again.

"Hindi ka ba napapagod?" I asked after a few minutes while we were climbing the stairs up to the third floor.

"Of carrying your bag? Ang gaan gaan nito, ni hindi nga nai-stretch ang muscles ko," he replied, flexing his arms up in exaggeration.

"No! Of following me!" I made a correction.

I took my bag from his shoulder as we reached the door of my classroom and waited for his answer.

"I told you a hundred times before and I'll say it again...I'll never get tired of loving you," he reminded me with a smile.

I sighed and bit my lip but didn't speak.

"Goodluck sa exams. I'll see you at lunch, my Lois!" he said before jogging down the hallway enthusiastically.

When I got inside, Tyrone was already there, reading his notes quietly in his seat at the front row. As I walked passed, he glanced up and smiled.

"Ready for the Finals?" he asked as some of my classmates turned to look with envy.

"I think so," I told him casually, returning his smile before I went to my seat at the back.

Tyrone has been extra friendly lately. He would sometimes transfer to the vacant seat beside me whenever our prof leaves the room. We would talk for a few minutes discussing just about anything until the prof comes in and he would sheepishly return to his seat, looking adorable while giving our teacher an apologetic look.

I took the exam with a smile on my face with that thought. The test on Business Ethics wasn't that hard because I made sure I prepared for it. It would be so humiliating to be at the bottom of the class while Tyrone remains on top.

"Excited ka na sa Sem Break?" I heard Tyrone's voice behind me as I made my way out of the classroom, using the back door.

"I'd be lying if I'd say no," I said nang sabayan niya ako sa paglalakad.

"I heard your family owns an ice cream shop inside your subdivision. Is that true?"

I nodded.

"Yeah, Frozen Dreams. You like ice cream?"

"Who doesn't? I'll drop by sometime if that's okay with you. Will I be able to see you there when I come?"

"It's Sem Break. So yes, most probably. We don't just serve ice cream, you should try my brother's seafood pasta, it's our best seller. And we have acoustic night session on weekends."

"You sing, too?" he asked, pleasantly surprised.

"Against my own will, yes," I said with a chuckle.

"Now I can't wait to check out Frozen dreams. Sa kabilang building ang sunod na exam ko. May klase ka pa ba? I can walk you to your next room," he offered politely.

"Vacant ako for an hour. I'm meeting someone sa cafeteria," I told him, remembering Mama's packed lunch for me and Ethan.

He looked so disappointed I want to hug and comfort him.

"That's too bad. Well then, pwede ba kitang ihatid pag-uwi later? Hanggang anong oras ang exams mo?"

"4pm," I simply replied kahit gusto kong magtatalon sa tuwa.

"Hindi ba magagalit si Ethan?" he asked afterwards, suddenly with hesitation.

"Si Ethan?"ulit ko, making sure I heard him right.

"Oo. I saw you at the grocery a few weeks ago. Tapos nakita kong ihinatid ka niya kanina. Pero sabi kasi ni Kuya Tyler hindi naman daw kayo diba?"

"Yes. No. I mean yes, Tyler is right. And no, hindi kami ni Ethan," tarantang paliwanag ko.

"Yung sa grocery sinamahan lang niya ako kasi mabigat yung mga bibilhin at wala si Kuya. Tapos yung hatid kanina, nagkataon lang na may program sila, tribute sa LET passers kaya isinabay na niya ako papunta rito."

Wow, nag-explain talaga ako.

He heaved a an obvious sigh of relief after hearing that and gave me a gorgeous smile.

"Good to hear that straight from you."

I smiled back at him.

"My exam is until 3pm. But I'll be waiting for you," he stated before heading to the other building, leaving me all giddy and breathless as I made my way to the cafeteria.

Ethan waved at me as I entered the foodcourt. He was on a table for two at the left side, with two plates ready and a pitcher of red iced tea.

"How was your exam?" he asked immediately as I sat across him.

"Okay naman."

He put rice on my plate, followed by some beef broccoli. Next, he poured some iced tea on my glass before handing me spoon and fork wrapped in a printed table napkin. After he's done giving me all that I need to eat, that's the only time he started getting some food for himself.

I could feel envious glances being thrown at me while we were eating. After all, Ethan is still popular. He just graduated last year at kilala pa rin siya ng maraming estudyante, being a Soccer varsity player and some probably remembered him being a member of the Drama Club lalo na at madalas siyang lead actor noon.

"Do you realize how many girls are dying to eat with you? Kung gaano karami ang willing maging girlfriend mo? There are many of them who thinks you're gorgeous," I told him with my mouth full.

"I know," he replied casually and shrugged his shoulder.

May kayabangan rin talaga ang taong ito minsan.

"So?" I prompted when I realized he's not going to explain further.

"So what?" he asked back.

"Bakit hindi mo sila bigyan ng chance? Bakit sinasayang mo ang oras mo sa akin?"

He leaned back on his chair and looked at me na para bang ako itong hindi maka-intindi sa mga nangyayari.

"I only have my eyes for you. It's you that I want to eat with. I don't care if they think gwapo ako. Although of course it will count kung ikaw na ang na-gwapuhan sa akin. Ibang usapan na iyon.," he explained and grinned at me.

I put down my spoon and met his gaze while leaning on the table.

"Ethan, kung maiinlove ako sa iyo, dapat matagal na. It's been how many years? If love would blossom, it should have happened a long time ago. Pero hindi pa rin."

He shook his head and concentrated on eating, doing his best to ignore me.

"Paulit-ulit na lang tayo, Ethan. Parang kapatid na kasi kita. Wala talagang spark. You deserve someone who can return the love you can give. Just look around you, maraming iba diyan na mas magaganda kesa sa akin. What are you waiting for? Ang dami namang nagkaka-crush sa iyo. So why don't you just choose among your admirers already para parehong matahimik ang buhay natin?"

With that, he suddenly stopped eating.

"Ang sakit naman noon," he said when he put down his own spoon.

"I'm just stating a fact, Ethan. Let's face it."

"Hindi pala tahimik ang buhay mo dahil sa akin?"

Hindi ako umimik.

"Alam mo ba na kahit hindi ko kasama ang parents ko, nawawala ang lungkot ko dahil sa iyo? Nagkaka-direksyon ang buhay ko at natututo akong mangarap because of you. Loving you makes me feel alive because you mean the world to me. Pero ako pala, pampagulo lang sa mundo mo?"

He looked at me with painful eyes. I want to regret what I said earlier but it's too late to take it all back now. After all, he's really better off with someone else.

"You could mean the world to someone else, Ethan. But not to me."

He let out a humorless laugh and shook his head.

"You think I have a choice? Contrary to your belief, you don't get to choose who you will love. Love chooses for you. Nararamdaman na lang iyon, hindi pinag-paplanuhan. And in my case, love chose you."

I could no longer hold his gaze. I'm afraid his stare is starting to pierce not just my eyes but my heart as well, I had to turn away.

We finished the rest of the meal quietly after that. He never uttered a word again and neither did I. When we were done, he just walked me to my classroom quietly and told me he'd be waiting for me until I'm done with my exams.

I tried my best to take that hurt look in Ethan's eyes at the back of my mind as I took my last two exams for the Finals. It wasn't as easy as Business Ethics because I'm less prepared but I think I did well as I got up to say goodbye to some of my classmates.

"Ready to go?" Tyrone's voice startled me as I went out the door. Oo nga pala, ihahatid niya ako pauwi.

"Yup. Sem Break, here we come!" I gladly replied.

"You want to grab a bite first before I take you home?"

Is he asking me out?

"Sure, that'll be nice," I said.

Di man lang nagpakipot?

"Great! There's a newly-opened burger house along the way, you want to try it?" he asked eagerly with another knee-weakening smile and I nodded, trying hard to contain my own excitement.

We spent the next hour over some burger, fries and root beer float. He told me things about his family and their business and although I'm still a bit shy, at times I'd put in some information about myself as well.

He took me home around 6:30pm when it was almost getting dark outside.

"So, I'll see you when I see you? It's the last day of class and I'm not sure kung magiging classmates pa rin tayo next Sem," I said as I closed the passenger door.

"Oo nga, last day ng Sem. But this will not be the last time we'll see each other, I'll make sure of that," paniniguro niya, smiling at me from the driver's seat before finally leaving.

I was about to call Bethany to brag about what happened when I saw Ethan's car approaching. When it finally stopped right beside me ay noon ko lamang naalala na hindi ko nga pala siya natawagan para sabihing hindi ako sasabay sa kanya.

"I was waiting for you at school," he said in his usual kind and patient voice as he rolled down the window.

I'm well aware na ilang oras ko siyang pinaghintay. Two hours lamang ang program nila. And to think na kumain pa kami sa labas ni Tyrone bago ako ihinatid, matagal tagal talaga iyon.

"I'm sorry Ethan, nawala sa isip ko," I apologized, not knowing how to explain na si Tyrone ang laman ng isip ko kaya hindi ko na siya naalala.

He got out of the driver's seat and turned to look at the blue car speeding away.

"I see why you forgot," he concluded knowingly as he leaned his back on his car, looking defeated.

I bit my lip with guilt.

"Sorry, Ethan. I really didn't mean it. It just slipped my mind, honest."

He looked down and put both hands in his pocket, obviously avoiding my eyes.

"I've been thinking about what you said earlier," he finally said softly after a while.

"I'm sorry if I made your life awful. Kung masyado akong naging sagabal sa iyo o pampagulo-" he started as I cut in.

"Ethan, hindi ko sinadyang-"

"But now I realized it's really not fair for you kung pipilitin kitang magkagusto sa akin," he went on, ignoring my attempt to explain.

"Anong sinasabi mo?" I asked, confused where all these are coming from.

"I'm not sorry for pursuing you. Like I told you, it's my pleasure loving you. At least I tried. But I'm willing to give up now if that's what you want, if that's what will make you happy."

I couldn't believe what I heard.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"But I have one condition," he said and finally looked up.

"I'm all ears."

He took a deep breath before meeting my eye.

"Just one date."

Napakunot ang noo ko.

"What?"

"Go out on a date with me. After that, I'll be gone for good. Hindi na kita guguluhin. I'll be totally out of your life."

"Teka, may taning na ba ang buhay mo?" I attempted a joke.

"I'm serious, Fenella. Work with me here," he insisted.

I was looking for any sign that he's kidding. I've known him since birth and I know that if I'd see a little mischievous twitching in the corner of his eyes and lips, that would mean he's just letting me on.

But there was none. He's dead serious.

"I want to believe that love chose you for me. But I have come to realize that love didn't choose me for you. So now I'm willing to set you free - after that one date, of course."

I want to laugh it off but his expression is telling me that this is not a laughing matter.

Natigilan ako.

I asked for this. I've been pushing him away for the longest time. I want him out of my life.

And now this is my chance of a lifetime. He's finally giving up on me. I just have to spend one date with him and this will all be over. How bad could that be?

I wanted this, right?

I've waited my whole life for this to happen.

But how come all of a sudden...I'm no longer sure?