Always, In All Ways (Change Series #4)

Chapter 20

"Bad recit?"

I opened my arms to Gio when I saw him outside Addie's house. He looked sad and he said that he wanted to see me. It's already 8:00 PM, kakauwi ko lang from my shift. Since 1 week ako rito kina Addie, dito lang din pumupunta si Gio kapag gusto niya akong makita.

He nodded and quickly wrapped his arms around me. "It wasn't usually how I answer in my recits." he said in a low voice.

I caressed his back. "Aw, it's okay, baby. You'll do good next time."

I let him hug me for a few minutes. Nakasiksik ang mukha niya sa balikat ko kahit pakiramdam ko ay nahihirapan siya dahil ang tangkad niya. Gio is usually like this whenever he gets bad recits, although, once in a blue moon lang 'yon. I just really know when his face is like this... he looked disappointed in himself.

"Do you want ice cream, hmm?" I asked, still hugging him.

He released himself from his hug and nodded aggressively. Natawa ako, he's such a baby sometimes.

I held his arm and intertwined it with mine. "Let's go? We have an ice cream inside."

Lalakad na sana ako pero hinila niya 'yung kamay ko kaya napabalik ako sa kaniya then he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay nang makaharap na ako sa kaniya.

"Let's go to the convenience store?"

Napakunot ang noo ko. "Why?"

He planted a kiss on my lips. "Gusto kitang masolo? Nahihiya kasi ako kina Addie, eh." he chuckled and brushed his nape.

Natawa ako. "Okay. I'll just change." I said because I am now wearing my pink silk pajamas.

Gio nodded. "I'll just wait for you here."

I went inside and quickly changed. I wore a black loose shorts and cream top. I also wore my cardigan with me dahil sigurado akong ibubukas ni Gio ang bubong niya at malamig sa daan.

"Aalis ka?" Elly asked me when I went outside Addie's room, kakalabas lang din niya ng kwarto niya. Nasa kitchen si Addie ngayon at mukhang nagluluto na.

I nodded and smiled at her. "Saglit lang ako."

Tumango siya at ngumiti bago pumunta kay Addie. Lumabas na ako at nakita ko na si Gio na nakasandal sa kotse niya habang nakatingin sa mga bituin sa langit.

I smiled and walked towards him. He didn't notice me so I hugged his waist, napatingin kaagad siya sa akin.

"My baby likes stars?" I asked him.

"Yes." he leaned in and brushed his nose to mine. "But, I like you more."

Natawa ako bago pisilin ang ilong niya. Pumasok na kami parehas sa kotse at binukas nga ni Gio ang bubong niya. Whenever we go for a night drive, he will open the roof of his car. Maybe, he'll like the vibe kasi ako rin naman. It's more relaxing.

"Can I play a song?" I asked while Gio is driving.

"Of course, love."

I looked at him. "Why are you calling me with different endearment?"

"Ikaw lang naman kasi lahat 'yon," he said while turning the steering wheel. "I never called anyone anything... ikaw lang." he threw me a glance. "You're my babe, my baby, my love, and all that."

Napangiti ako. He really makes me smile by calling me with different endearment. I thought trip niya lang 'yon, I never thought that was the reason behind that.

I played a song in his car. I connected my phone so I could pick a song. I was enjoying the song, kumakanta pa nga ako.

"I want you to..." pagkanta ko. "Take me home, I'm fallin'... love me long, I'm rollin'..."