Not Me

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

"Hi Xander! How's the university life treating you so far?" He asked. I can sense his wide smile just by hearing him and that made me miss him more.

"It's nice, dad. I'm doing good." I lied. I don't want him to think that I am not doing okay here because it only means one thing for me.

See you, UK.

And I don't want it. I made it clear that I don't want that kind of life. I don't want to follow their footsteps because I know that I can be a league of my own.

"By the way, thanks Dad. I appreciate this 'no bodyguard' life." I remembered. Ever since I talked to him about it, nawala na ang bodyguards sa paligid ko. Not even Jerome, which if I may say, is already acceptable for me.

"Basta if anything bad happens, I won't hesitate to bring them back." It sounded like a warning to me. "By the way, I've heard about the rally. Kumusta ka naman?"

"What rally? I must have missed it because I was in class." I lied again.

"Good to know that. It's better that you know nothing about it. Just be extra careful whenever you're out of your school premises." He said a few reminders for me which, I really don't bother at all since I always have Val with me. "Do you need anything?" Pahabol niyang tanong.

"Nothing. I'm still good. Thank you, Dad. I love you and I miss you so much." I made sure to say those words. Remembering our last talk, I was so mad to even say goodbye.

"I love you and I miss you too. Sige na. I have to go. Always take care of yourself, Xander. Goodbye!"

"Goodbye, Dad."

I will admit, I miss being called Xander. I'd prefer being called Xander anytime of the day. Sadly, that name will instantly remind everyone that I am my father's son.

After the call, I hurriedly followed Tonton and Val. Nakakahiyang ang tagal ko silang pinaghintay. Also, baka sa sobrang tagal kong nawala, madami na silang napagkwentuhan at hindi na naman ako makasunod kung may internal jokes na mabuo.

I am just glad na mabilis lang ding nakarating ang elevator sa floor namin unlike our usual battle-like situation every morning. To my surprise, Val was inside the elevator when it opened.

"Akala ko nasa lobby ka na." I told him before I entered. Galing kasing taas ang elevator so I know na ngayon pa lang din siya bababa.

"Nakalimutan ko. Nagpapakulo pala ako ng tubig kanina." He answered.

"Huh? Ang aga mo naman yatang magkape?" I curiously asked. Usually, he takes that before sleeping. Sabi kasi niya, it helps him sleep better. True enough, kapag nagkape na siya, hindi na siya nakakareply sa mga messages ko pagkatapos.

"Nagcrave lang ako. Iba pa 'yung pampatulog ko mamaya." He clarified and I just nodded. Sabagay. Why did I even ask as if hindi siya pwedeng magkape at this point in time.