When the Rain Stopped Falling (Published under Pop Fiction)

14: I'm Just Happy

At bed, I tried to think of an explanation on how Nikolas managed to do all of those stuff. I imagined that he whipped up an intricate formula, knowing that he's smart, to find the right combination to the lotto's number but I don't think it would be plausible. But could it be more realistic to what he had been saying about the future? I didn't realize that I fell asleep while thinking about it until Leslie wake me up from arriving home.

"Elois, sorry to wake you up,"

"What time is it?"

Leslie checked her watch. "It's 11:35,"

"Is there someone waiting for me?" I asked after I completely gain my attentiveness.

"No, well, are you expecting someone?"

I shook my head no. "Where have you been?"

"I took an instant audition,"

"Really? Audition to what?"

"A play. I can't say the title yet, but it's a play."

"Oh good for you."

"I'm not accepted yet though. They'll gladly chime in if I am."

"I hope you would, Jasper and I would surely watch you,"

"Oh yeah, I heard you and Jasper got stuck in flood. I'm sorry I couldn't come into your aid by that time,"

"No it's okay. We managed anyway,"

"So how's my brother?"

"What do you mean? I think he's just fine."

"Elois, you know what we're talking about. You and him? How's he?

"Leslie, have you eaten yet? Maybe I'll go outside and order some take-out,"

"You're avoiding the topic," briefly Leslie gasp then leaned closer to me "Come on, roomie, spill the beans?" she started to poke my belly rhythmically. "Did he just made his first move to you?" I tensely gave her my whooping what-the-what face, then she suddenly squealed and jump like a hungry mouse. "He did, doesn't he? That son of a gun!"

"Leslie, I should go outside first. We'll talk about this with my stomach full." Leslie pouted her lips.

"Promise me then."

"I promise." I rolled my eyes. Honestly, she doesn't seem to be girly on the outside with her intimidating aura and her clean and beautiful pixie cut of black shiny hair. But on the inside, she must be much "girlier" than me. I wonder how many knows that?

I let myself out of the house. By this time, at Bulacan, the streets were already as calm as it could ever be, and only the cicadas can be heard. But here in Manila, the streets were still full of people. The lights from different stores were spilling all over the place, it's almost a pollution. As my stomach continue to grumble, it reminded me to go to the coffeeshop Nikolas introduced to me- the POW bookstore. From my apartment, it's only a short walk after all. It took me just minutes before I got there even with a limp legs.

Because of my hunger, I didn't bother to look up some books. Instead, I went straight to the cashier and ordered some take-out. I ordered pasta. Instinctively, somehow, I felt like I was being watched so I spun around the building and saw him. He was looking at me while wearing a worried smile. I took a step forward to him then another until I was standing in front of him. Nikolas bowed into his knees and brought out something from his pocket. That's when I took a step backward. "Relax, honey. I mean Elois. It's only band-aids." It was a band-aid. He placed three of it to my wounds and oddly blew it gently. I didn't know why I didn't stop him because it's weird. Maybe because my brain is overloading now since all of this seems too real even though it shouldn't. He knew I was wounded and prepared for it. Even though I had forgotten about it.