Cass' POV
That's when I began to pray:
Lord, show me how to say no to this
I don't know how to say no to this
But my God, she looks so helpless
And her body's saying, "hell, yes"
No, show me how to say no to this
I don't know how to say no to this
In my mind, I'm trynna go
Then her mouth is on mine, and I don't say...
"No, no, no," I hummed the tune in my head and ended up singing it. "Say no to this. Why am I even singing this sinful song?" I stopped on my tracks, making me scrunch my face as I became aware of what I was doing. Then it hit me, I saw Miss Peggy slash Miss-Seducer-in-her-other-life-after-her-first-character-portrayed-died, and I took a selfie with her. Goodbye, Golden Ticket for the privileged. I'm glad I stayed behind.
I continued walking to the parking lot, to call for my friends, and ended up noticing my horrendous state in that selfie. "I could have done better," I looked at my reflection on the car window, rubbing the residues of black make up under my eye. Then, the window rolled down. What are the odds? "I'm sorry for staring at your..." I eyed back at the car, "royal blue--"
"Hey, honey, are you okay?"
Honey? You're the one with a honey hair, "Thank you," I said. "I'm alright."
Oh, Lord, she is opening the door! Am I getting kidnapped?
"Come over, we have been there," she scooted to the side, looking over the compartment by the front seat. Lord, show me how to say no to this. I don't know how to say no to this. She grabbed a bottle and a cotton pad. Is that chloroform?
"What do you mean, 'we have'? This is the first time I met you," I smiled making sure there is room for me to unleash the Jackie Chan, right now. All those movies are not watched for nothing.
"I mean, sure it makes you feel terrible... Even hurt. But after letting it all out, the grief, the sadness, the anger, you should fix yourself, get back on your feet--," she looked at me and smiled, "what are you doing over there? Come here. Let me hel--"
"No!" I said.
"No?" she asked, looking confused. "Alright then, uhm, so here is the cotton and some make up remover," she smiled gesturing her fingers near her eye. Oh.
I laughed awkwardly and accepted the kindness of this stranger, "I mean, 'No, show me how to say no to this' was stuck in my head from the show a while ago. Were you there?"
"Yes I was! It was my third time watching it in theaters and it still gives me chills," she told me as I use the other window to see my reflection, rubbing it all off. I can feel my contacts moving. She handed me another cotton pad. Lucky, privileged, white people.
"It's a bad idea to use a handwashing soap to remove make up, isn't it?" I frown on my reflection realizing the mistakes that I have done.
"It is," she said in between soft giggles, "wait, you did what?"
"I did," I checked my face side to side. "Thank you by the way."
"No, problem. We girls have to look for each other," she smiled, checking me out. "What about your hair. You've gone through a lot."
"Oh, it's all natural, except for the color," I rubbed the top of my head.
"Silly," she laughed once again shaking her head. "I meant its all over the place."
"It's damaged after putting up with all my demands," I kid. Bentang-benta ang humor ko dito kay ate. "Well, it was nice to meet you, but I have to go."
**Ａ／Ｎ: ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: My humor is being sold out with sis. (Ate/ Sis is the common respectful way to address an older age even without blood relations.)**
"Nice to meet you," she reach out a hand and I shake it.
"Cass," I replied.
"Maddie," she said. "See you around."
"You too." Ano daw yun?
---
The socks underneath my boots are slipping off and it is making me uncomfortable. I leaned on a nearby tree, to fix it, squinting my eyes to check the cars around while I'm at it. Porsche Panamera? I saw the twin-tower leaning in the white car.
"Like I said, it is not a good idea. Since when does a new relationship helps in moving on." These two jocks had been in an argument that you can hear even from afar, about relationships and moving on and such. Talk to Maddie. She'll take care of you two. She might comb your hair, might even make you a cup of hot cocoa while sitting near the fireplace knitting scarves on a peaceful Christmas night. She gave that kind of vibe. I'm sorry.
"That is right!" Lou joined in the conversation, gently opening the door. "If you had to move on, you have to heal yourself first. Find yourself back. Put yourself piece by piece together until you--"
Andrew cut her off, closing her door. "What I am trying to say is--" But Lou rolled down her window. She loves this kind of argument.
"Exactly what she said," Bailey snapped his fingers in front of Andrew as Lou supported his answer. Lou nodded at the acknowledgement, let out her hand, and Bailey gave her a low five.
Andrew scratched his head, "But, jeez, man! I'm just..."
"Corndog," Andrew's concern turned into a frown after hearing Monica's only word in this conversation. Lou and Monica was inside the car with the heater.
"Alright," Lou sighed.
"Man, I'm starving as well," Andrew sighed. "Geez, what's taking her so long?"
"Already here," I made a small wave.
"Why were you not talking, girl? Let's go!" Andrew did a mini boom tarat tarat celebratory kind of dance, before getting in the passenger side.
"Because--"
"Get in," Bailey opened the door the door for me.
"Okay," I raised my hands as I get inside. Everyone's grungy when they are hungry. "So, where to, ladies?" He asked as everyone was on board.
"I'm fine anywhere," Lou replied.
"Corndog," Monica said, for the second time.
"Just let the lady have her corndog," Andrew set up his phone to the speaker for some Post Malone 's "Oh, oh, oh"s. Bailey slapped Andrew's hand as he keep on increasing the volume, not hearing what Lou had said. He adjusted it and asked Lou to repeat what she said.
"Just a place with corndog, and maybe cheap foods," Lou suggested.
"A'ight," Bailey responded as he began to drive. We had arrived at a food court. It was packed. There are lots of options, from burgers, tacos, ice creams, and all that in the food trucks parked around the area. There were outdoor chairs and tables to dine in.
"Welcome to fine dining, you dine finely," Andrew showed us around. "You have lots of varieties to chose from. Also, those corndogs there are delish!"
"Let's go and buy that... Anyone else want that," Everyone raised a hand. Monica counted, "Seven."
Andrew and Bailey were about to hand some money but Monica refused, "Don't worry about it. It's my treat, as a thanks for guiding us today."
"Should we get one of those, too?" Lou asked as they decided what else to buy.
I patted their shoulders, "Hatian ko nalang kayo sa bayad. Sakit lang ng sakong ko."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: I'll pay my half later. My heels are just aching. **
"Sige sige. Hanap ka nalang ng upuan."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Okay. Okay. You can just find a seat.**
"Bailey, Cass, I will be buying the drinks and some other stuffs," Andrew called out, giving Bailey a wink. Bailey just looked at him like a father-tired-of-their-child's-antics, before using his phone.
I furrowed my eyebrows to whatever that suspicious drink and other stuff was all about. "I'll get some pasta and 2 bacon sandwich. Do you want some as well?" Bailey replied, checking out if I wanted anything. So, extra foods are other stuffs?
"I'll take one bacon sandwich and about the drinks," I answered with caution. "What kind of drinks would you get?"
"Just some bottled waters. Do you prefer some flavored drink? Or soda? Oh, they have some fresh smoothies there. Do you want to try it?" Andrew suggested.
"Bottled water will do, thanks," I gave a small smile.
"Alright," Andrew gave a thumbs up to us, "Oh, and Bailey, keep Tony's guest entertained."
"Go. We're hungry," Bailey send him off with a glare.
It was an awkward silence between two strangers, except for the bustling sounds of people eating together and the rustling of leaves. I crossed my arms as I look around: most of the seats were taken. There was a tree nearby where I squat down, and I just can't bear the pain in my soles, and I need to pull my socks back.
Bailey comes along leaning on the tree. "Sorry, I forgot about it but... It's quite full, especially on lunch time."
"Oh, really?" Mr. Obvious.
"Yeah. This place is quite close to the university so we mostly hang around here," he continues not getting a hint of my sarcasm.
"I can see the crowd, obviously." I glanced over the seat I was planning to take over and back at him. He looked at me for a while and look away. He seemed so tense. But also, I wasn't sure if it was the Instagram-like filter; the scattered light that filters through the tree, or its just I didn't notice before but he has some pretty good features. He might even be as pretty as the girls in the magazines. Another long silence. I look away and decided to pick on the zipper on the side of my boot, ready to take them off. Am I awkward? No. He is.
"Cass, would you like to..." I look back at him waiting for him to continue. "Would you like to... No, I mean... Ugh," Bailey scratches his head.
I waited patiently for him to speak again, pero na tongue tied na yata si dude.
"Uhh...hello?" I asked, waving my hand in front of him. We don't have all day, you know.
"Oh? Err...I meant...What are we talking about again?" he asked.
I gave up, letting out a sigh. As I look back to the side, a group of people were leaving, so I sprinted to save that spot. I was about to call Bailey but...
"Hey, girl! Isn't that Bailey?" I heard somewhere, the voice approaching from the opposite direction to where he was. "Your ex boyfriend."
"Look, Dom. Can you please stop it? There's no way he'd be in here at this time of the day," a feminine voice said with a sigh.
"Girl, look he is heading this way."
Bailey sat across me, "that was hella confusing, what you did a while ago." His voice became much softer, barely audible, "...I thought I creeped you out."
The drink offers creeped me out, to be honest. But since it is hopefully sealed in a bottle, I hope no funny business would ensue. Or else, you'll taste the fist of Jackie Chan.
"Hey, man!" Tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, that jawline, almost looking like the typical prince charming. Except Tony's jaw would be a better cheese grater.
"Sup, Dom?" Bailey greeted the man, on the other table. There were at least 3 other girls with him.
"All good," the guy--what did she call him? Rom? Com? Dom--said.
Bailey acknowledged one particular girl in their table, "Maddie..."
"Bailey..." She stared back at him, placing the fork back to the plate. I want some mac and cheese, right now as well. I watched the two as the air gets dry. So...what is my purpose here? Manonood lang talaga ng magiging eksena nila? Oh, wait. On a closer look... Maddie of the parking lot? What are the odds?"
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Am I really just supposed to watch what their next scene is going to be?**
"Who's this?" Mr. Prince Charming peaked at me and gave Bailey a sly smile.
Bailey responded, "This is Cass...err... Maier's friend," without escaping from stutter. Oh. That's right. I forgot that I'm friends with Tony. Wow.
I gave the best polite smile I could muster from hunger and pain.
"And?" Maddie asked, she used a tone I can't put my finger on.
"And...?" Bailey looked like a lost child. Call your daddy.
So, Bailey was Maddie's ex...? The one that carved out poetry out of his tongue! That explains the tension. Even the two girls are silently sipping their smoothie but waiting for the tea. Is this supposed to be like a soap opera when the guy turns and he sees the girl and they'll stare at each other and kiss and make up and... oh wait, what am I supposed to do in this situation? Just watch them till they get to the cheesy part? Gross. No one likes to see that. I want to see some nunchaku tricks.
Dom hurriedly picked up his trash, and telling the girls to come with him, "I think you two need to talk. Bye," leaving them when basically he was the one, who indirectly pushed this.
"Actually, we met at the parking lot," I tried to ease up the situation, but this was like a fracture injury that a simple band aid could fix so I shut up.
"And?" she looked at him then at me then back at him. And I felt like I was getting ignored.
I seriously don't understand why it feels like she's interrogating him as if she's alarmed that a new face is with her guy. "...and my gi--"
A loud Nokia rings. Who still has Nokia? My eyes widened, realizing it was mine. Don't ask about my ringtone. Well, it was a fun prank whenever someone calls me. But as of now, I guess it was not as funny as I thought it was. It's still ringing. I slide my thumb to the green button on my phone screen and answered, "Hello?"
"At bakit ang tagal mong sumagot?" that was my mum.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:What took you too long to answer?**
"Baka naman may ginagawa, ikaw kasi biglang tumatawag!" that was my dad.
ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:Maybe she was doing something. It is you who is calling out of a sudden.
Si mother ay nag roll eyes nalang. "O, ano? Di ka pa sumasagot sa tawag namin. Alalang-alala na kami dito."
ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: So? You weren't answering our call. We are all worried here.
I pointed on my phone, gesturing that I-have-to-go. Hopefully, he get that because all I did is point to the direction where I am heading.
"Sandaleeeee," I answered. I took a few steps, before going into a full turn to hear my parents properly. "Wala po kasi akong--"
ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Waaaait! I don't have---
"Woo! Sinungaleng!" That was Alonso, my kuya. Pinakamagaling mang-asar.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:"Woo! LIAR!" That was Alonso, my brother. The best in teasing.**
Kuya Lorenzo na napakasumbungero ever since, butted in, "Ma, hindi. Nakita ko kanina, 10 minutes ago yung post nya sa IG."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:Brother Lorenzo, the one obsessed with busting me ever since, butted in, "Ma, no. I saw her post 10 minutes ago in her IG.**
"Nakamute po ata ang messenger. Nakapag America lang, kala mo kung sino na, oh, ma," and of course, ung isa pa na magaling manggatong, Mikael.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:She probably muted her messenger. Look, ma. She just went to America and you can;t recognize her anymore," and of course, the one who is great at putting more coal to the fire, Mikael.**
Loko tong mga kapatid kong ito. Laglagan talaga?!
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: My brothers are all crazy. For real?! They are going to let me fall on the pit?!**
"Hay nako. Sinasabi ko sayo, Tala..."
**Ａ／Ｎ: ("Hay nako" is an expression indicating a disappointment to someone or something.)
ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: I'm telling you, Tala... **
"Where is Bailey?" Andrew appeared out of nowhere startling me. I covered the mic and pointed towards the what-seemed-to-be-a-heated-tele-drama. And in case you haven't noticed, love ni Mama ang mga dramarama sa TV. Mga kuyas are even named after those hunks of the teleserye sa TV: Sergio, Alonso, Mikael at Lorenzo. Andrew looked at me, probably thinking of something before heading towards the two, who seemed to be in a heated argument.
"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?" Even at a distance, I can still feel the chill of mom's powerful voice on my skin.
"Opo. Opo," I nodded at the same time.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Yes. Yes.**
"Ano bang ginagawa ng batang yan? Gabing-gabi na, a."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: What is that child even doing? It's vary late at night.**
I sighed. Taas-taas ng araw, o.
"Bakit ba naka-off ang camera mo? Buksan mo nga. Asan ka ba?" I sighed and opened the front camera, giving them a full 360 degree of the place. And of course, the sun being bright and sunny!
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:Why is your camera off? Open it. Where are you?**
"We're having lunch po dito sa food park."
"Asan na sina ano, ung mga kaibigan mo?" Mum asked, squinting her eyes to the screen.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Where are those... your friends?**
"Di na bati."
**A/N: ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Not on good terms anymore. (But this expression is used by children when they are having friendship issues and don't want to play with that friend anymore. It's temporary, because they will still play together at the end of the day.)**
"Iniwan ka na!!"
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ:They left you!!**
"Wag kayong ganyan, di yan makakauwi mag-isa," my stupid brothers and their childish jokes, as if I never grew up from those kind of taunting.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Don't be like that, she won't be able to go home alone.**
"Nabili pong pagkain," I tried showing them the food trucks having variety of foods.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: They are buying foods.**
"At bakit di ka nakain?" Mum asked. The brothers were picking up the dogs and showing them in the camera. Dad began to peak in as well.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: And why aren't you eating?**
"Nagpabili naman po ako," I assured.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: I asked them to buy some for me.**
"Pabili pabili ka jan. Pababy, yuck!"
"Masakit paa ko, kuya. Try mo magheels," I rolled my eyes.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: My feet hurts, bro. How about you try to wear heels!**
"Sino ba nagsabi sayong mag-heels ka--"
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Who even told you to wear heels--**
"Syempre baby-sis nyo yan," Mum hit Kuya Lorenzo's arm. "Edi pababy talaga yan."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: She is your baby-sister. Of course, she is acting like a baby.**
"Yuck, ma! Di na nga po ako baby," I complained.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: I'm not a baby anymore.**
"Anong tanghalian nyo?" Dad asked carrying the new puppy we had adopted, smiling at me from the camera.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: What do you have for lunch there?**
"Mga sandwich, burger, corndog... mga tinapay tinapay lang po," I want to squish him, "hi, Pilato~"
"Kumakain ka ng gulay? Wag puro street foods, ha," dagdag na naman ni mama. "Ay saka, ang mga buhok nyo ha, pag naliligo, itatapon sa basurahan."
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Are you eating vegetables? Don't eat too many street foods. And, your hairs, when bathing, throw it in the trash.
"Oo nga pala, bumisita dito si Thomas."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Thomas visited.**
"Ah. Opo." Sinong Thomas? Thomas and friends? Mang Thomas? Arte ha.
"Nagdala ng invitation sa reunion ng Summer Camp nyo dati," dad said showing the well-decorated yellow envelope.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: He brought an invitation. A reunion from your Summer Camp back then.**
"Ang laking bata na. Kakatuwa. Ang daming padalang delicacies."
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: A tall child. It made me happy. Brought a lot of delicacies.**
"Ubos na ito pag balik mo. Hohoho~" Kuya Lorenzo showed the basket, "Tingnan mo, puro si mama nakain." Buti nga, nabatukan ni mama.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: None will be left when you come back. Look. It was all eaten by mom.**
"Wala na, bunso," Kuya Alonso teased. "Bili ka nalang jan ng pasalubong ulit."
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: No more, youngest. Just buy some delicacies there, again.**
"Pinapabalik ko nalang sa pag uwi mo," Dad said, putting down the puppy.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: I asked him to come visit again when you go home.**
"Opo. Sige po." Sipain ko kayo diyan.
"Ingat kayo dyan, ha. Give Monica and Lou our regards, okay?"
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Take care/ Be careful.**
"Yes, ma'am."
"Okay. Love you."
"Love you, Tala."
"Ingat sila sayo."
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: They be careful of you.**
"Bye, panget."
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Bye, ugly.**
The call ended at di man lang ako pinasagot ng mga lokong un... I really miss rice to be honest. Imagine ulam without kanin...
I went back, noticing everyone was already there. Maddie was no longer in sight but Andrew and Bailey were sitting so quietly and I don't even know if they are enjoying the quiet time.
"Anong meron?" I sat beside Lou.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: What's up?**
"Sup?" Lou handed me my share of corndog and pulled the box of pizza to share as well. I noticed Monica having a large serving of fries as well.
"May ganap dito kanina..." I whispered to her. My arms managed to extend towards the fries container.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: There was something happening here a while ago...**
"Let me guess... the small letter x?" Lou asked.
"If we're thinking about the same variable, then yes." I replied.
"Hey you and your long arms!" Monica yelled.
I might or might not have taken a handful of her fries. The other two boys we are with were still silent. Baka may silent war na nagaganap?
"You obviously bought my share too. Stop being a kid and give it to me!" Bailey was the first one to break the silence.
"Obviously, I would have given it to you if you weren't being a princess." Andrew retorted, opening both the Monster drink in front oh him.
That's right. Bailey was acting like this because Andrew doesn't want to hand over his drink. Why am I not surprised?
"You know what, fine! You're being ridiculous. I'll just go buy another." Bailey stormed off to the drinks section.
"That kid..." Andrew sighed, "Cass, did Bailey mention a date?"
"No. Why?" I asked, utterly confused of him asking. "Friday?"
"I see. I guess that Bailey still wants to date Maddie. Honestly, what do I do with him?" Andrew shoved the rest of his sandwich to his mouth and sipped rather loud from his cup. "The girl honestly don't want him back. You've met her, right? She was all like," I can hear Pilato's crying voice in the Andrew's imitation of a girl's voice. I swear. " 'I'm glad you moved on.' And Bailey was like, 'Have you moved on?'"
"We kind of met at the parking, and yeah a while ago, too. Bailey introduced me to her. Really nice, until she's angry. What did he do?"
"--Bailey did what?" Lou asked, whipping her head.
I was confused, asking her question back, "He did what?"
"Lou, we both heard her. Calm yourself down." Monica said something in ages. She has been satisfying herself with fries in peace. Bailey came back with a large cup on one hand.
"I already told you to move the hell on." Andrew started again immediately as Bailey came back. It was being interesting. I began to eat, watching the drama unfold in front of me.
"You have no idea how many times I have tried to," Bailey replied.
"Just forget about the past and focus on the present. Can't you do that?" Andrew said. "You'll just self-sabotage, yet again. We barely pull you out of your misery... and yet here you are again, jumping back into the dumps without even completely being healed. What if you--"
"Why do you keep talking about this?" I can see the veins popping out of his forehead, trying his best to calm down. This must be a sensitive topic for him, and yet... Secure the foods.
Andrew looked at me and pointed at Bailey, "Cass, talk to him."
"Wait, why me?"
"Don't tell me you're gay for me, Drew."
"I will be if you stop being a girl and man up for once."
"Seryoso ba ang mga to?" that was from me to Lou.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Are they serious?**
"Feeling ko oo, di lang sa gay part. It's like more of a provocative statement. Tingin mo, Monica?" from Lou to Monica.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: I think so. Well, maybe not the gay part. What do you think, Monica?**
I can see it working, no doubt. They are ready to throw fist and I can't go catch every food that would fly.
"Ubos na pala ang fries ko," at doon na natapos. Walang napabalik sa'kin.
**ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: "My fries are gone," and that is where it ended. Nothing returned to me.**
"Okay, who wants some cold deserts?" I stood up, closing the pizza box. "My treat."
"In this cold?" Monica asked.
I looked at her, "Yeah, why not?"
"Well," Lou shrugged, standing up as well. "It's good way to cool off."
"Let's go. Pakibitbit ng mga sakit sa ulo," I went on ahead, expecting them to follow. When I looked back, I saw Lou pushing the two as well.
** ᴱⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ ᵀʳᵃⁿˢˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ: Bring the headaches.**
"How about we talk about something that the two of you love? Like... Football," Monica suggested. It was silent.
"Oh. About the upcoming game... Have they announced who the visitors will be?" Smooth. Sabay biglang ganoon.
"Indeed they have. They're a team I haven't heard of, but our coach told me that they used to play lacrosse." Andrew looks serious now.
"They must be buff. I used to play Lacrosse too, but the sport just had to be so aggressive it always felt like the whole field was a kill zone," Bailey responded.
"Kill zone sounds quite familiar to me..." I talked by myself reaching the soft ice cream food truck that had lesser people.
"Is there anyone in particular we should be wary about? Like a deadly weapon?" Bailey asked, fear was dominant in his words.
"Actually, there is. I think the guy is called Fist or something like that. Coach told me to tell everyone that if we ever to spot anyone with a ripped sleeves, be ready to up your defense."
"Okay, order up," I paved the way as I was enjoying my cup of almond chocolate, with extra marshmallows.