s i Ni s t e r

Untitled Part 10

HEY."

Sean looked up, "Hey."

Tinabihan ito ni Amber sa bench na nasa water station ng gym. Katatapos lang mag-workout ni Sean, kamuntik na itong hindi abutan ni Amber doon.

"Can we talk?"

He simply shrugged.

"Are we still friends, Sean?"

"Ha? O-Oo, naman."

Tumango si Amber, "Great. So, it's okay to say what's on my mind? About Paige."

"What about her?"

"I know you like her. I like her too. Probably for the same reason. We both miss my sister. But Paige is not Darby, kahit magkahawig sila. Before you do anything, I want you to think about it really hard, Sean. Ayoko naman makasakit ka. Paano kung biglang umuwi si Darby?"

She sighed and looked up, "Paige is so...naïve. She's too trusting, I don't want her to get hurt naman, Sean."

Nakayuko si Sean, his elbows on his knees and when he looked at her from that position, her heart just melted. It was his best angle. He was perfect.

And shirtless.

It took all her willpower to refrain from touching him.

"You're saying I should stay away?" He said.

"For now. Until you're sure of your intention."

Sean chuckled, "What? Seryoso ka? I wasn't even sure about Darby." Itinuro siya nito, "You of all people should know that. I don't understand why you're giving me this talk . Darby and I had an open relationship. I know she sleeps around and I don't care." Tumuwid ito ng upo, "And you're talking as if I'm hurting and looking for a replacement." Tumayo na ito, "Weird mo, man." Isinampay nito sa balikat ang kandong na tuwalya, "Shower na 'ko. Gusto mo sumabay?"

"Don't be silly." Uminit ang pisngi niya. Hindi niya maintindihan , why it was so easy for her sister to play around and manipulate men...well, not just men. Everybody. Samantalang siya, I'm just weird.

Yumuko si Sean sa harap niya, halos magkadikit na ang mukha nila, "I like Paige cos she's hot, not because she looks like Darbs."

That hurt.

She's been in love with him for...ages.

Damn.

"Well, then, good luck." Tumayo na rin siya, "I heard she's meeting Ty for coffee." Ka-chat niya si Paige kanina lang. Tinawagan raw ito ni Ty, nag-aaya mag-coffee.

"Thanks for the info." Sabi ni Sean. "But you're still weird." Iniwan na siya nito.

Isinahod na niya sa water fountain ang tumbler niya. Weird naman talaga siya. Dahil wala naman talagang purpose ang mga sinabi niya kay Sean.

She just wanted to see him and talk to him. Weird Amber had to make up problems just to do that.

Tinakpan niya ang tumbler at nagtungo sa gym proper. Ano'ng araw ba ngayon? Was it arms day or legs day? Core? Who cares? Maski ano ang gawin niya, hindi siya magiging kasing hot ni Darby. O ni Paige.

Sa stationary bike siya sumakay. Isinuksok sa teynga ang air pods, kinuha sa arm band pocket ang cell phone.

"Hello."

She looked up. Napangiti ng maluwang, "Ollie!" Tumayo siya para yakapin ang lalaki. Si Oliver. Tall, dark and handsome. Model, actor at fitness blogger.

"How are you?" Gumanti ito ng yakap. Hinalikan pa si Amber sa pisngi, "You look awesome!"

"Lalo ka na."

He grinned. Lumitaw ang malalim na dimples, "So, what's up?"

Bumulong siya dito, "You're supposed to keep a low profile not showing yourself around."