Reunited

Part 8

It was the following day, Irene wondered why Derrick didn't pick her up. Usually, they would go to school together. 

She went to his room and knocked, but no one opened. 

She assumed that he had an important presentation so she walked alone.

Things just got much weird though, Derrick wasn't at school. A frown appeared on her face, overthinking thoughts came at her.

"Okay ka lang?" she looked up, it was one of her friends, Mike.

She forced a smile, "okay lang ako, nakita mo ba si Derrick?" Mike shook his head no. She frowned again.

Mike rubbed her back, which lead a tear to fall. This wasn't Derrick at all. He wouldn't snob her.......right?

"Baka may pinuntahan lang syang importante, malay mo isusurprise ka pala nya kaya hindi mo sya nakita" Mike said, trying to comfort his friend. Irene bitterly smiled, "thank you Mike." Irene hugged Mike.

"Libre kita ng ice cream mamaya sa uwian para ma-cheer up ka ng unti, gusto mo?" Mike asked, Irene nodded and thanked him for his efforts. But inside, it made her remember Derrick more, they would usually go on ice cream dates some times and it would be like their escape from all the stress they encounter.

School was out, Mike took Irene to Dairy Queen and ordered two oreo blizzards. 

"So, di mo talaga alam kung saan pumunta si Derrick?" Mike asked, Irene took a slow shook of no.

Mike didn't want Irene to jump into conclusions, he knew how she overthinked and how she would make random what if's and scenarios in her head.

Fun fact, Mike has a crush on Irene since the first day of college, though, Derrick got her first. He was happy for her when he found out they were dating, but deep down, his heart shattered knowing the girl he loves, loves another guy.

Inside, Mike's dream was coming to life. But he didn't want to think ahead. 

"Mike?" Irene softly said. "Hmm?" replied Mike. "Hindi kaya...nakikipag-kita si Derrick sa ex nya?" Irene asked, hoping for a answer.

Mike looked at her confused, "bakit naman sya makikipag-kita sa ex nya? Di ba loyal naman sya sayo?" Irene shrugged, hoping her guts where wrong.

"Siguro...nagooverthink lang nanaman ako" Irene put her fingers through her hair, Mike held her hand and gave her a comforting look.

"Look, Irene, if Derrick really loves you and is really loyal to you, no matter what--no matter who, he wouldn't hurt you and would atleast make it up to you. If he dumps you for someone else or cheats on you, then he is not the one."

Irene smiled, she was lucky to have Mike around her.

"Thank you, Mike" Irene said holding his hand.

Mike took Irene home after they finished eating, Mike lived at the same apartment as Irene, only his room was on 110. 

"Thank you, Mike sa araw na eto," Irene said, smiling at him. "You're welcome" Mike replied smiling back.

A couple minutes later when Mike left, Irene couldn't help it but decide to check on Derrick's room. 

She leaned on his door, hoping to hear if he's with someone.

She heard her. He was with her.

"Derrick, hiwalayan mo na lang kasi yang bago mong girlfriend, di mo ba na-miss yung mga ginagawa mo dati?" Irene heard her say it in a kinda drunk tone.

Derrick's voice surprisingly didn't sound drunk. "Ayaw ko kasi sya saktan" Derrick replied.

"Hiwalayan mo na para malaya tayong nagsasama" Irene couldn't believe what she was hearing, she want back to her room and sobbed herself to sleep. It was a tough day for her. She just wished everything will be fine the next day and that her worst nightmare won't come true.