When Life Sucks

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: No Trace

Inabala ko ang sarili ko sa tanawin habang nakikinig kina Rich and Arch na ngayon ay nag-uusap. Parang ang sarap matulog dito kapag gabi. Malamig at malakas ang hangin. Mula rin dito ay malamang na nakikita ang pagsikat at paglubog ng araw. Naalala ko rati. I would wake up early in the morning just to climb on a tree and watch the sunrise, even sunset.

"Kukuha lang ako ng pagkain natin," sabi bigla ni Rich na ikinalingon nito. Tumayo ito mula sa pagkakaupo sa pagitan namin ni Archeon. "Sandali lang ako. Maiwan ko muna kayo." Saka na ito bumaba.

Naiwan kami ni Archeon sa pahabang upuan. Nanatili ako sa gilid habang siya naman ay umusog para sakupin ang lahat ng pwesto. He even spread his legs just to occupy the rest. Hindi ko inalis ang tingin sa kanya, gano'n din siya.

"How was your stay here so far?" He suddenly interrogated.

I had to pinch myself just to remind myself not to be sarcastic.

Seriously? It should be easy but he didn't give me that.

"Rich made me feel at home," I simply answered.

Tumaas na naman ang kilay niya. "And how about me? Didn't I make you feel at home, too? If I didn't welcome you, I wouldn't probably be talking to you."

I just... smiled.

Ayoko nang away. I am here to feel at peace and not to make a commotion with someone. But I know it is impossible knowing a jerk like him is around. He will always tease the hell out of me and will make sure staying with them is not that simple.

Bigla itong umayos ng upo at humarap sa akin. "I forgot to formally introduce myself to you. I am Archeon Harden, 20. More handsome than Richeon and the most attractive person in this place. Aw." He frowned. "Hindi ko na dapat sinabi 'yon, I just stated what was obvious."

I... cringe.

"Have you met all the people in this place?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Why?"

Then how could you say you are the most attractive person here, self-proclaimed handsome?

Umiling na lang din ako. "I'm just curious. It feels like there are no other people around here than us."

Kaunti na lang talaga at iisipin ko nang bampira talaga sila.

"Why? You bored?" There was this kind of tone in his voice like... he is daring me to say something.

"Kind of," I said, honestly.

"Same." He softly laughed. "Hmmm. May ginagawa ako kapag gabi para hindi ako ma-bored. Do you want to know?"

I gulped. "Sex?"

He laughed hard and so I thought I exaggerated again.

"Yes. Damn it. I finally found someone who can say dirty things," he said, thrilled. "Rich is a boring ass. He doesn't even say sex or dick like saying those things are a sin. And here you are, saying it without even stuttering."

Out of all the things he said I only understood that... I was right with my guess.

"What do you mean sex every night?" I asked, curious.

He grinned mischievously.

Hindi pa man ito nakakasagot ay dumating na si Richeon. May dala itong tray na kung saan nakalagay ang mga prutas. There were slices of apples, peeled oranges and bananas, even green grapes on a separate bowl.

"Kain na," ani Rich.

Umupo silang dalawa ni Archeon sa sahig na gawa sa kahoy dahil wala namang lamesa rito.