I Forgot That You Existed

Chapter 5

Resetting. I wonder if I'm still me while having the power to reset time from the very first moment I was born. Most people want that, but for me, it's more frightening than making a mistake from impulsive action, because for sure, I will never learn.

I opened my eyes. What a heavy and groggy nap, my mind enunciates while wondering what time is it. I saw the glimpse of fire outside so I crawl to fully unzip the tent. It's him. He already set the bonfire and clinging his hands around it.

I hastily grab my backpack and look for my furry and cozy duffle coat, it's freezing cold even though wintertime isn't starting.

"Oh, you're awake!" He exclaimed.

I look at him straight-face, "Who are you."

Tila hindi naman siya nagulat sa inasal ko at nagsalita, "Uhm, y-yes, I'm Maxine Georges Montgometry, please to meet you." He really knows how to anticipate the worst huh.

"Oh, George."  I uttered not even bothering of his hand that's waiting for me to shake it.

"Yes, Georges, silent 's' but please just call me Max."  He added absurdly.

"Okay, Geor- gorgeous."

"No. Max-"

"Anyway, I'm Avery Bluerichards,  and 'stubborn' is my middle name."  I said with my utmost authenticity.

Mukhang nauubusan na ako ng sasabihin kaya hindi na nag-atubili pa at dali-dali akong bumalik sa tent. Ok, sinong weirdo ang sumapi sa akin ngayong gabi. This is not weird. This is borderline.

Itinaas ko ng kaunti ang aking comforter at kinapa ang switch ng ilaw sa labas na nakakonekta sa taas nitong tent at sa silongan right near on the cliff. Good thing at gumagana pa, kasi kung hindi may dala din akong battery. 'Prepared' din ang second name ko, ay hindi pala bagay, 'wag nalang.

As I get out, I see him standing, crossed-arms and steadily staring at the bonfire with his hoodies on.

"I turned it on, to see if I'm really facing a gorgeous guy, but I should've contented with the light from the bonfire."  Pang-aasar ko habang patungo sa bonfire hawak ang cola at isang pack ng marshmallows on stick.

Agad niya naman itong napansin at nagsalita, "Woah, I'm craving for s'mores, thanks."

Now he's playing dumb with me. "Is that another term for, can-I-have-some-please?" Aniya ko at pagalit na iniabot sa kaniya ang mga ito.

Agad naman akong umupo at pinausukan ang apat na stick ng marshmallows. "It's good to feel like a kid sometimes." Bulong ko, tila nagsisimula na akong pakawalan ang sarili ko at tapusin ang mababaw na tensyon sa pagitan naming dalawa.

"Yup, I remember when me and my brother used to sneak in every midnight just to camp out on weekends without even bothering to attend class during Monday. That's why we hate Mondays-"

"Wait, may kapatid ka?" I interrupts his storytelling.

"Yeah, we're three. My eldest sister is living in New York, she's busy running her derma-business. Steve is about to graduate at Yale. I left with Dad here in Cal." Paliwanag ni Max.

"How about your mom?"

"I don't know. They've separated when I was ten and I'm thinking that it was my fault."

"No, it was their decision." I sympathize and take a gulp at my cola.

"I was born in Yorkshire, England, we live there till I'm eleven, since then madalas na silang nag-aaway, due to relatives matter. And this place is my father's hometown, we always go here for Christmas, but that year twenty-twenty was the last Christmas we're complete as a family. There was an incident when I'm about to get drowned and die, fortunately, someone saved me. But on the other side, that's when their arguments ended up. Siguro sinisi na naman ni Mom ang relatives ni Dad sa accident, but actually it was all my fault, kung bakit ako nalunod sa lake. Mas malapit ako sa family ni Dad, specially my Uncle Ben, so I decided to stay here."