Arie

Chapter 1

Author's Note: The story's timeline is two years after my other story entitled 'Facets'. So, Arie's 26 here. There's no relevance if you read that story or not but i'd be thankful if you check it out.

Chapter One

There was moisture on the surface of the mirror, making my reflection blurred. It must be because of the temperature of the hot bath I just took. I sighed then went out, into my room.

As I wear my party dress, the whole room was quiet except for the cellphone that keeps on ringing. I was used to it. Because I was actually counting how many times should I let him call me before blocking him. Besides, no one else would be disturbed by it. Because I live alone.

My Mom lives in the province. I visit her every vacation. I don't know my Dad's whereabouts. He left even before I was born. There's not that much of drama there, I have my family to fill me with the love I need.

I grabbed my car keys then went downstairs, with my phone still ringing.

When I slipped behind the driver's seat, I lost my patience. I took the phone out of my bag then blocked the number. Too clingy.

I pulled out of the driveway then went my way towards the bar. My phone rang again but it was from an unregistered number. So, I answered it.

"Sa tingin mo ba gano'n kadali lang akong itapon?"

I sighed when I heard his angry voice. Why didn't it occur to me, that he could use another number? Guess i'm just gonna have to switch mine.

"Why the fuss? You're cool right?" I said nonchalantly.

"Baliw ka na ba? Isang linggo pa lang tayo. Tapos kung i-block mo 'ko parang ilang araw na akong nangungulit? Ano bang problema mo?" Sigaw niya ulit. Kaya naman minabuti ko nang ilayo sa tainga ko ang cellphone habang nagd-drive.

"One hundred," I said plainly.

"What?" he shouted, confused.

"Tinawagan mo 'ko ng isang daang beses," I said while stopping before a red traffic light. "Ah, mali," I smirked. "One hundred... and one."

"Because you won't answer your godd*mn phone!" he retorted. "At kung hindi pa pala ako magpapalit ng number wala ka talagang balak na sagutin ako?"

"Hindi ba halata?" I said sounding bored. "You're irritating."

I heard him laughed mirthlessly at my words.

"I'm irritating?" he repeated incredulously. "I am your boyfriend!" he emphasized.

"Then tell me," I said as I began to drove again. "Kilala mo ba 'ko?"

"Don't be silly, Arie," he said with a hint of sarcasm.

"That's right," I said as I reached the place and started parking. "I am Arie." I said as though that explains everything then ended the call.

Pinatay ko na ang cellphone ko bago ako tuluyang lumabas ng nakaparada ko ng sasakyan.

The truth is, hindi ko na maalala kung anong pangalan ng lalaking tumawag sa'kin na naging boyfriend ko for a week. Hindi tuloy ako makapaniwala na natagalan ko siya ng isang linggo. But I broke up with him because I think gusto niya ng isang jowang reporter. He's needy for information. Very needy.

There was a time na tinawagan niya ako habang nasa trabaho. Muntik na 'kong mapagalitan ng boss ko dahil doon. Mabuti na lang mabait siya. But ang nakakainis doon, he called me because he missed me. The hell, right? Sinong matinong boyfriend ang tatawag sa girlfriend niya sa gitna ng trabaho para lang sabihing 'I miss you'? Kamuntik-muntikan akong matanggal tapos 'I miss you'? I was kind of expecting an emergency because of the timing of the call.