DATE THY ENEMY | ES:1

35

Hello, you may also check my new published work, AND THE LIES BEGAN. Simula is already uploaded. Will work on that as I work on DTE too. Thank you for the support! Happy reading, enjoy!

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Chapter 35
''Hide''

We were in the library studying for our lessons when Solenn went out and came back after a few minutes. Sinabi niya naman na si Axel ang kakausapin niya sa labas. She noticed I was too focused on my book that's why she didn't ask me to come with her.

''Vernaise,'' tawag niya sa mahinang boses.

I lifted my eyes at her. ''Why?''

''Birthday ni Axel sa makalawa,'' panimula niya. Mahina pa rin ang boses at mukhang takot na mapagalitan ng librarian. ''Nagyayaya na jamming daw. Pero sa resort naman namin gagawin.''

''Sino mga kasama?''

''Yung usual, tayo-tayo lang naman. And maybe some of his friends and cousins. Si Jakob din siguro, kung makakasama siya. Nandito siya sa Pilipinas eh.''

I nodded at Solenn. ''I'll ask my bosses first.''

She grinned at me. ''Sige! Hindi pa ako um-oo, pag hindi ka pupunta, hindi din ako.''

I squinted my eyes at Solenn. Naisarado ko ang aklat na binabasa. Why would she even depend on my decision? Pero ano pa nga ba. Solenn's like my other half. Noong nakaraang buwan ay nag-absent ako ng dalawang araw dahil pumunta ng Maynila para sa anniversary nina Mommy. Aba't nag-absent din siya! Wala naman siyang ginawa at natulog lang daw siya. I really can't believe this woman sometimes.

''Tatawag ako sa'min.'' sabi ko na lamang.

''Yes!'' She then punched the air happily.

Marahas na tumunog nang tatlong beses ang bell ng librarian kaya napatingin ang mga tao sa gawi namin. Kami lang naman kasi yung nag-uusap dito. Solenn smiled apologetically to the people around. I told her to stay quiet, at baka mapaalis pa kami.

Pagkauwi ay agad akong humingi ng permiso kay Lolo. He said yes without hesitation and much question. Alright, that's one down.

Noong tumungo naman ako sa kwarto ay kay Daddy naman ako tumawag. Even though he's not here, lagi pa rin akong nagsasabi at nagpapaalam sa mga lakad ko.

Medyo matagal kong napapayag si Daddy dahil marami siyang naging tanong. Ngunit alam kong hindi niya naman ako pagbabawalan. Hindi niya ako pinagbabawalan kahit noong lumalabas ako kasama ang mga kaibigan sa Maynila. Marami nga lang siyang tanong. After probably an hour of talking to my father, na sumama na din si Mommy, pumayag naman sila.

I already got the permission of my bosses so I'm good to go. I was about to text Solenn about that, pero naligo at nagbihis muna ako. And while showering, I suddenly remember Javier. Kaya naman habang nagpapatuyo nang buhok ay tinawagan ko rin ito.

Javier declined the audio call I did. He then rang my phone, requesting for a video call.

Ngumiti ako at napanguso.

''You're still in the office? Hindi ka pumasok?'' bungad kong tanong nang makitang wala siya sa review at mukhang nasa opisina.

''Maraming kailangan tapusin.'' maikling sagot niya.

Two months from now it's already his board exam. The De Leons have been very busy for the election that will happen in that month too. Simula noong January ay madalang nang nakakauwi si Javier.

He told me about the reasons and I understand. His parents have been staying here in Santa Monica to help in the election. All of his father's work and responsibilities was handed down to him. There are days that he missed reviews and he makes up for that by staying super late at night. I know because he calls me on those days too.