LOVER 1 | Papers and Golds

13

Adi's POV

It took me another hour to finish up everything. I still need to reread the reports for typographical and grammatical errors but I'll just do it tomorrow. I'm mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted right now.

I smiled at the barista who assisted me the whole time as I headed for the door. This shop is really good because of their unconditional care and support not just to their customers but also to the employees. I should meet their boss sometime.

I started typing on my phone and contacting our family driver so that he could fetch me but to my surprise, I saw a familiar silhouette of some other jerk.

"I'll send you home." He said in a low voice. Now, it's rude to call him a jerk when he has this defeated expression on his face.

Should I decline or let him do what he pleases?

"I happen to have an important matter to discuss with Dad and Mom." He added.

I just massaged my temple out of stress and followed him to his car. He intended to help me get in when I told him that I could manage on my own. I feel disgusted with his gentlemanly act even though it is completely normal for him to act like that on everyone. I just... sort of... feel uncomfortable.

He opened that car's stereo as he drove our way home.

"Good evening, Pilipinas. This is Mother Rica, kasama niyo sa magdamag. Napapansin niyo ba na lumalamig ang gabi habang papalapit ang Pebrero? Don't worry dahil mas lalo pa 'yang lalamig para sa mga single na gaya niyo." Napangiwi ako sa sinabi ng host sa radyo.

"For now, let's play the most requested song of the month: Paper rings by Taylor swift"

Ano ba tadhana? Nananadya ka ba talaga? Sa dinami-rami ng kanta bakit ito pa? Sa dinami-rami ng pagkakataon bakit ngayon pa kung kailan kasama ko yung lalaking naaalala ko sa kantang 'to.

I just looked through the window as I waited for the time to pass by. It's almost 12 am, why does it feel like the ride is longer than usual even though there are only a couple of cars moving back and forth?

"Stop glancing and focus on the road." I told him with a cold voice.

"Sorry." He mumbled under his breath.

I thought he'll just let me be but after a minute passed, a box of tissue was shoved in front of my face. I glared back at his direction, I don't know why but I'm really pissed with his face.

"Wipe away those tears and snot." He said while looking at the road. I could feel my face heating up out of embarrassment. He's really annoying!

I didn't dare to talk to him after what he said, he's so annoying. I might smack his face if he talked to me again.

The road seems a little longer today.

***

"Thank you for sending me home." I said without looking at him and reached for the door.

A minute had passed but the door won't even budge. I checked if it's locked but I think it's not? Huh? Why does his car look like this? I don't understand it at all. How will I know if it's locked or not?

"Uhm, Gio." I said in a low voice.

"Yes?" Why does his tone sound a little playful?

"The door..."

"What's with the door?" Can't he see that I can't open the door? Sinasadya niya 'to.

"Ay... Ano... Ayaw niya bumukas."

"Hmm? May sinasabi ka ba Denise?" This is the first time he called me Denise. It hurts. I sound so distant, the lingering warmth whenever he calls me Adi is now gone.

"Let me out, Van." I tried to be cold as much as I could to mask the pain and tightness my chest is feeling right now.

"Adi, May nagawa ba kong mali sa'yo?" his voice sounds a little off so I looked at his face and saw a troubled expression.

"Palabasin mo ko." Steel yourself, Adi. May girlfriend na siya, huwag kang marupok.

"No! Let's clear things up now. Pakiramdam ko kapag pinalabas kita, hindi ka na babalik. Kapag binitiwan kita, hindi na kita ulit mahahawakan." I was shocked with what he said pero hindi mo ko madadaan sa drama mo.

"Let me go. Pagod na ko."