About The Story

Maia Celine Zorales vowed to never cross paths with Finley Angelo Suarez again… which was hard considering that they are attending the same school. It was fine; she could just pretend that he does not exist–at least in her reality. 

Everything was going according to plan… until her world turned upside down when her parents told that they lost all their money. 

Suddenly, Maia felt helpless. 

But just because she is helpless does not mean that she will ask Finley for help… of all people… right?

Chapter 00

Chapter 00

“No…” I said, repeatedly shaking my head as Mommy explained to me what would happen in the next few months. No! Just no!

“Maia Celine—”

I harshly stood up. Nabigla sila Mommy. But so was I! What did they mean our bank accounts and properties were frozen?! Why?! Illegal ba ang businesses namin?! Oh, my god! Drug lords ba ang parents ko?!

I felt like I was getting lightheaded. Agad akong napa-balik sa inuupuan ko.

“Do you mean we have no money?” I asked, feeling fear creep into my system… Oh, my god… I was accustomed to a certain lifestyle! Hindi ako pwedeng maging mahirap! I needed to have the latest cloths and bags and shoes! Those things define me! Without them, I was just a nobody!

“I’m not sure yet, anak…” Mommy replied.

I looked at Daddy. “Dad…”

Agad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Oh, my god! Even my Daddy, who loves me the most, couldn’t assure me that we still had money?! Paano na ako niyan?! Do we need to live in a smaller house? With no maids? And no aircon? Oh, my god!

“Don’t panic, anak. We’re doing everything we can.”

“How can I not panic, Dad?” I asked, on the verge of crying.

“We need to leave first—”

“Saan tayo pupunta?”

“No, anak… Kami lang ng Mommy mo.”

My lips parted as my eyes widened. “What… do you mean? You’ll leave me here?! Are you serious?! 17 lang ako, Mommy! Iiwan niyo talaga ako?!”

I stood up once again and started to pace back and forth. Was I having a nightmare? Sinampal ko ang sarili ko para sanna magising ako, but all I felt was a sting on my cheek. Gosh! This wasn’t a dream! Totoo ngang nangyayari ’to!

I’m broke!

I’m poor!

I’m a nobody!

My parents tried to explain to me that they needed to go to some place to fix the mess that they got us all into. Kahit anong pilit ko ay ayaw nilang sabihin sa akin kung saan sila pupunta—it was for my own safety daw. As if living me all alone ni Manila was safe! Hindi ba nila naiisip na walang tutulong sa akin dito?! All our relatives despise us kasi simula raw nung yumaman sila Daddy, naging masama na ang ugali namin. As if! Sila nga ginawa kaming ATM kasi hingi nang hingi!

“If I die, just throw my body to the ocean,” I said as I watched them put their bags in the car. It was 2am! I felt like my parents were criminal na tumatakas ng madaling araw! Gosh!

Daddy chuckled. “We’ll be back before you even know it.”

“I really can’t even call?”

“No. It’s better this way, Maia. Ayaw ka naming idamay ng Mommy mo sa problema namin.”

“But I’m your daughter! Am I not automatically a part of this mess?”

Daddy sighed. “Just take care, okay? We left you enough money. You need to find a new place. I’m sorry hindi namin naasikaso ’to. Things happened quickly. But you’re a smart girl—you’ll figure it out… right?”

“How about my school?”

“Your tuition’s fully paid. Sa SCA ka pa rin mag-aaral.”

“Allowance?”

“Anak, the money we gave you is enough for a small apartment—”

“Apartment?! I’ll live in a condo, Daddy!”

“Anak—”

I looked at Daddy. Ngayon ko lang napansin na ang laki ng ipinayat niya. He’s really stressing out about this, huh? Why didn’t I notice it before? Was I really that self-involved that I failed to notice this very obvious fact?

“Okay, Dad…” I replied, not wanting to add to the burden.

“Thanks, anak.”

“How will you know if I’m okay?”

“We’ll know… Hindi mo lang kami pwedeng ma-contact,” he replied. Gosh, ang gulo! Parang kahapon lang nasa mall ako maghapon at kung anu-ano ang binibili! Tapos ngayon, poor as dirt na ako!

I stood there and watched as my parents’ car disappeared in the darkness of the night…

Now, what?

---

I thought I still had time to think about my life, but the following morning, some people from the bank or government or something came to the house and told me that I needed to leave! The audacity of these people! Ugh!

I was forced to pack a suitcase! And they didn’t even let me bring my bags! Isa lang ang nadala ko! My favorite LV!

I swear to the heavens, once na maibalik ang pera namin, I’d get back on these jerks!

“You all suck,” I mumbled to myself while I was walking out of the subdivision. I adjusted the facemask I was wearing. I knew that our kapitbahays probably already knew what was happening to my family. Duh. It’s good chismis! But I would never confirm it nor deny it! Bahala silang ma-curious!

Ugh! So annoying! Even my car, they took! Paano ako papasok sa school?! I’d ride Grab?! Ordinary person na lang ba talaga ako?!

This was so not a part of the 7-year plan.

I planned on staying pretty and finishing college and then marrying some cute and hella rich businessman. I was not that sold on the idea of love. It’s just a feeling—I needed to maintain my lifestyle more. I was pretty sure I’d learn to love whoever could give me what I wanted.

Daddy gave me money, so instead, I just checked in a hotel. I deserved this after all the shits my parents made me go through in a span of 24 hours! I deserved room-service meal and bubble bath! I shall think of my problems tomorrow na!

The next day, I decided to wake up early and go for a run. At least I managed to get my running shoes! I bought a pair of shoes and a pair of heels. Ugh! Thinking about my shoes in the house was making my head ache early in the morning!

What if I break into our house? Ikukulong kaya nila ako? I just needed one more pair of shoes! And my Chanel handbag!

While I was doing my morning run, I passed by a building.

Oh.

Maybe I’d live here! It’s near SCA! I could just probably walk to school—that would be a good explanation if my friends ask me bakit wala na iyong car ko. And also, the building looked nice!

I got inside.

“Excuse me,” I asked the guy who looked like he worked here. “I wanna live here. How much is the rent?”

The guy dragged his stare from my head down to my feet. Napa-atras ako. I was just wearing my pink Nike sports bra and leggings. So annoying.

“Let’s take a seat,” he said, and then ushered me to the lobby where the sofa was located. The place really looked nice! Maybe I’d live here na lang talaga… I’d just not eat much food. Mas important na sa safe place ako titira.

The guy was really good at sales talk, so I was convinced! There’s a gym here, so I wouldn’t need to renew my membership na sa gym, so that’s tipid na agad! And may pool din and other amenities! I was sold!

“I’m okay na. I’ll take a room.”

“Do you want to pay cash? There’s a discount if you pay upfront and in full,” he said.

“Oh, okay. But I need to go back to the hotel pa. What’s your name ba? I’ll just look for you when I get back,” I replied.

“Saan ba ang hotel mo? Sasamahan na lang kita.”

“Huh? Why? I’ll just go back here.”

“Marami kasing gustong kumuha ng unit dito. Mga nag-aaral d’yan sa Brent at SCA. Baka lang kasi maubusan ka.”

Oh, no! I needed to live here!

Pumayag na ako na samahan ako ni Kuya, but he just waited sa lobby. I told him na lang to send me the contract of lease. The price of the rent looked so reasonable! Hindi ko na pala kailangang magutom since I’d still have plenty left for food! Hopefully din, bumalik na ang parents ko bago ako mamatay sa gutom!

Pagbaba ko, I handed him the payment. We signed the contract na rin. 19th floor looked nice naman. At least nasa mataas na floor ako, but also not too high because what if magka-earthquake? Kailangan kong maka-baba agad!

“Is everything okay na?” I asked after her finished counting the money.

He nodded and smiled. “You can move in tomorrow.”

“Great. Thanks!” I said as I got the contract from him and got back to my room.

Because I saved money sa new place ko, I decided to order in. I spent the entire day just bumming around and watching sitcoms. I woke up early the next morning. I got my suitcase with me and went to the condo.

“Hi!” I said to the concierge.

“Good morning, Ma’am!” she greeted back. Oh, so polite! I really made a good choice na dito tumira!

“I just signed a contract yesterday and I’m moving in today,” I said. Wala kasing binigay na access card si Kuya kahapon, and I just learned today that may pass bago makapasok sa mismong lobby. And may card din for the elevator. So secured! My parents would be proud of me!

The lady’s forehead creased. “Yesterday, Ma’am?”

“Yes. I talked to Jerome?”

“Jerome?” she asked, still confused. “Ma’am, I’ll check first po, ha? But as of today, there’s no vacant room in the building since lahat po ay filled… And if you want to get a room, there’s actually a waiting list and you have to go to the building manager and talk to Mrs. Lim,” she continued as she typed. “Ma’am, sino po bang Jerome ang naka-usap niyo? Wala po sa file namin na Jerome ang nagta-trabaho dito.”

My eyes widened.

No…

Did I just get scammed?!

“No,” I said, vehemently shaking my head. “Look, oh! I just signed a contract! I have a 1-year lease sa room 1919!”

The lady looked like she pitied me. She typed something in her computer again. Oh, my gosh! I paid in full! That’s my budget for the condo! My parents would kill me if they knew I got scammed!

“Ma’am, may iba pong naka-occupy sa 1919…”

“Who?!”

“Ma’am, we’re not allowed to disclose personal information—”

“Oh, my god! Just tell me who lives in room 1919?!”

“I live there,” said a voice from behind me. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 03 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 01

Chapter 01

My eyes widened when I saw the face behind the voice. No… Why him of all people?! Why Finley Angelo Suarez?! He’s like literally the worst! He’s what my nightmares are made of! Behind that gorgeous face is a rotten personality! He’s such a first-class asshole!

“What’s the problem with my room?” he asked the concierge behind me. Ugh! So good at ignoring me! Kapal!

“Sir, ano po—”

“Nothing!” I interjected as I dragged my suitcase behind me. No way in freezing hell would I tell him my problem! I could still clearly remember how he turned me down back in the 7th grade. There was a formal dance in school and I needed a partner… Naturally, I wanted him to be my partner because he’s the most famous guy in our school—I mean, sila ng kambal niya, but Riley’s a huge nerd, so he’s not a match for the image I was trying to build.

So, I made sure I looked and smelled nice and asked him to be my date… and he very publicly told me that he wasn’t, in the slightest, interested. Sobrang humiliating!

He seriously told me that he’d rather go to the dance with a chair kaysa samahan ako! The nerve of that asshole!

I almost transferred school sa sobrang kahihiyan, but my parents didn’t allow me because they told me that I needed to graduate from SCA because of ‘connections.’ The stress Finley gave me! I had to memorize his sched yearly para lang hindi magtagpo ang landas namin sa school! I even had to go to ABM kahit na STEM iyong gusto ko!

I got out of the building.

And then the realization hit me…

I got freaking scammed.

My god… I wasn’t the smart girl my parents always told me I was…

Agad akong napa-upo sa gutter. I covered my face with my hands. Saan ako titira? I really wanted to live here! The school’s just around the area, so I could walk… If I like someplace else pa, I’d still have to find a way to get to school.

Oh, my god… I just wanted to be rich again! Hindi bagay sa akin iyong ganito!

I was still pondering about my life when I saw Finley walking towards my direction. I didn’t know if he could see me since he was talking to someone with his phone. I immediately stood up and walked away. Over my dead body bago niya malaman kung anong kamalasan ang nangyari sa ’kin!

While walking, I looked up vacant spaces near me… I still had money left, but it’s supposedly for food! Gosh, did I need to find work? But I was still studying!

So stressful this life!

“This… is it?” I asked when the landlady showed me the place that I was supposed to rent. I stepped in. That was it. Iyon na ’yun! Ni walang window!

“Ayaw mo ba? Kung hindi e nagsasayang lang ako ng oras,” she grumpily said.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay, fine… I’ll take it,” I said in complete and utter defeat. Itong place lang ang tumanggap sa akin even though minor pa ako and walang ID bukod sa school ID ko from SCA.

I had to pay 2 months advance and 1 month deposit for this small space. The only consolation I probably had was that it’s kinda near school. I couldn’t walk to the school, but maybe I could take public transpo and just walk to school. I’d just pretend na lang na sa condo ako naka-tira.

As they say, denial is the name of the game.

I was so tired na, but I still couldn’t sleep without sanitizing the place. I got out to buy bleach and alcohol. I mean, I was probably poor, but I still needed to be clean! Hindi ako pwedeng madumihan! If my parents wouldn’t be able to get past this, I needed my face to get a rich guy!

I still didn’t really know this place so I got my phone out to look for a convenience store near me. There’s one few hundred meters away. I just quietly followed the direction when suddenly—

“What the fucking shit!” I shouted so loudly when I just realized that someone snatched my phone! Oh, my god! When would the bad luck stop?!

I stood there, shouting expletives because I was honestly so fed up with everything! I was crying, too, because I was so frustrated! What the hell did my parents think would happen kapag iniwan nila ako rito?! Bakit hindi na lang nila ako sinama sa kung saan man sila pupunta?! Was graduating from SCA really that important that they’d leave their only child here in freaking Makati?!

“Are you done cursing?”

I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes. My lips parted when I saw Finley standing before me. He was wearing a white shirt and black running short. He was also sporting a black headband para suportahan ’yung kulot niyang buhok.

“What are you doing here?”

“I don’t know,” he said, shrugging.

“Ugh. Just get lost. You’re annoying,” I replied, still wiping the tears from my eyes. Of all people naman who could’ve seen me, why him? He’s still like literally the worst.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. “Don’t you live in some castle faraway?”

“Ha-ha,” I sarcastically laughed.

“Heard you got scammed.”

“Ugh! Get lost nga! Pangit mo!”

“Akala mo maganda ka?”

Lord God! Why did You bring him here?! Haven’t I suffered enough?!

“You’re the freaking worst, Finley!”

“Back to you, Maia,” he replied, smiling sarcastically.

I pulled my hair in utter frustration of him. I briefly closed my eyes and took deep breaths. So, okay… Wala na akong cellphone ngayon. That’s like bad. But maybe I wouldn’t need it much na rin… I still had my laptop with me… If I had school works, I could just do it in school. That’s what libraries are for, right? I’ll finally know.

I continued walking. I’d still buy that freaking bleach. At least kahit iyon man lang ay magawa ko nang tama.

---

“Are you okay?” Mandie asked when I arrived at our classroom.

“Yeah,” I replied with a small smile on my face. I wasn’t able to sleep properly because I was afraid that someone would break-in the room. I had to stack the bed and my things against the door because I was so scared…

Plus the neighbors were having noisy sex! I was so scarred for life!

I just busied myself with the school activity. I didn’t want to think about my big joke of a life. I never thought that school would actually feel… therapeutic. I just wanted to escape my reality for a while and just play the role of being a student.

“Maia, did you send your share na for the project?” Shy asked.

“I’ll send later,” I replied with a small smile on my face.

Freak.

Wala na akong money!

I used to love all our projects… but not now because they all cost money. And wala na akong money for that. If hindi sana ako na-scam, I’d still have some left para doon… Gosh… Ang stressful maging mahirap.

There was a free cut. My classmates were talking about where they plan on going sa school break, so I had to escape. I didn’t want to lie. I knew naman na dadating iyong time na malalaman nila. Hindi na lang ako magsasabi about my plans kasi sure ako na sa Pilipinas lang ako for the foreseeable future.

I went to the back of the building. There was a huge tree there. I sat under the shade and quietly cried for the money that I lost.

“I don’t want to sell you…” I told my LV. “But I need to pay for stuff… and I need to eat din… I don’t want this, as well…”

Oh, gosh…

This was so hard!

“Are you seriously talking to a bag?”

“Finley?!” I shouted because I was sure it was him! Bakit ba siya ang nakaka-kita sa akin palagi kapag ganito?! I successfully evaded his presence for the past years tapos biglang para siyang mushroom ngayon na sulput nang sulpot kung saan-saan!

He stood up. Nandun pala siya sa other side ng tree.

“Okay, fine! I’m poor na! Just don’t tell anybody!”

His forehead creased. “And why would I bother telling that to anybody?”

I groaned. “You’re still so annoying!”

“At least I don’t talk to my bags.”

Lord… why?!

Tumayo na rin ako.

“You know what? I paid money to stay in your unit!” I said.

“Yeah, I heard… Didn’t know you’re that stupid.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. “At least pay me back my money!”

He laughed. “Why?”

“Because!”

“Because? That’s your argument?”

“You’re so annoying!”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Okay, half na lang ibalik mo na money ko.”

“It’s not my fault that you’re gullible.”

Ugh! Still so annoying! Nasaan ba ’yung kambal nito? Siya na lang kaya ang singilin ko? Riley’s more considerate!

“You’re still rich naman. Just give me back my money! You heard naman na I’m poor na, so I need money! Are you that heartless? Hindi ako tutulungan? I’m literally the ‘less fortunate’ right now!”

Finley just stared at me like I was a big clown. Well, he’s a big jerk!

“You want your money?” he asked.

“Duh!”

“Work for it.”

Agad akong napa-yakap sa katawan ko. “You wouldn’t dare!”

Kumunot ang noo niya. “In your dreams,” he said, scoffing.

“So annoying,” I mumbled. “What work ba? Like tutor?” I asked.

“Tutor? My grades are way better than yours.”

“How would you know? You stalk me, no?”

He scoffed like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing from me. E paano niya kasi malalaman na pangit ang grades ko? Unless he’s stalking me! Kasi ako wala na talaga akong alam sa kanya after the 7th grade! Like I literally worked so hard para hindi kami magtagpo!

“I just know that you’re dumb. It shows.”

Oh, dear God.

He’s unbelievable.

“Know what? Never mind,” I said as I began walking away. I changed my mind. I’d just stay poor kaysa humingi ng tulong kay Finley. The moment I ask for his help, that would be the sign that I really sank so low.

After class, dumiretso ako sa house namin. I really couldn’t bear to part with my LV! It was my first ever LV! I’d just sell my other bags. Not my LV!

Good thing they didn’t close the small gate sa may likod. I snuck in there and climbed on the tree. I was desperate! Huminga ako nang malalim before I jumped the distance between the tree and the balcony in my room.

“Oh, dear Lord!” I shouted as I took the leap of faith. “Ouch!” I yelped in pain when I kinda twisted my ankle when I landed. But it’s no time for this! I did my best to ignore the stinging pain in my ankle. I used my card to swipe on the door. Naka-hinga ako nang maluwag nang bumukas iyon…

But my eyes widened even more when I heard an alarm blaring. Seriously! So annoying!

I just got in and grabbed whatever the heck I could grab. Baka may dumating na police! I couldn’t be arrested! I didn’t want a bad record! I just wanted some of my bags!

I grabbed like 3 bags and a small jewelry box before I went back to the balcony. Huminga ako nang malalim before I jumped. I seriously did hope that I wouldn’t crush my ankle! I still needed to walk and stuff!

I was running like I was a freaking thief in my own house! I wasn’t sure if I was paranoid or what, but it was as if I could hear the police siren blaring from a distance.

“Maia.”

My eyes widened.

I looked around in panic, tumitingin sa kung may makaka-kita ba sa akin. But I didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing when I saw that it was Finley Angelo aka the jerk who called my name.

“Oh, my god! Are you seriously stalking me?!”

“Had a thought that you’ll do something dumb,” he replied.

“I’m not dumb, you judgmental jerk!”

“You wanna get caught or you wanna ride in my car?”

“No, thank—” I said, but this time, I was sure that I wasn’t hallucinating and I was really hearing the blaring of the sirens. “Drive!” I shouted at him as I wore the seatbelt. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 04 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 02

Chapter 02

“Oh, my god, I missed you!” I said as I hugged my Chanel and Dior handbags! Ilang days lang kaming naghiwalay, but I really missed them so much! Mabuti na lang and nakuha ko ’yung jewelry box… I’d rather sell those kaysa sa bags ko. I have some sort of attachment sa kanila. I felt like they’re my kids!

When my eyes glanced at the rearview mirror, I saw Finley looking at me like I was some kind of weirdo. So judgmental of him! At least I just love my bags! Siya kaya may unhealthy attachment sa basketball! Like he’s literally just playing basketball all the time! When he rejected me kaya, the consolation I kept on telling myself was that Finley’s already married to basketball—that that was the reason and not because I was ugly kaya he’d rather date a freaking chair.

“Why were you following me?” I accused him.

“Told you. I had a feeling that you were going to do something dumb.”

“Stop calling me dumb!”

“Then why break in? You know that’s illegal, right?”

“That’s our house!”

“Why did I see a ‘foreclosed’ sign?”

I rolled my eyes so hard. “You know? Just drop me off. I’d rather walk in the dark kaysa kausapin ka.”

But this jerk, instead of pulling over to let me out, sped up! Kapal-kapal talaga ng mukha, my god! I instinctively held on to the seatbelt for my dear life while this Finley jerk floored the gas of his sports car! So annoying!

“Oh, my god. Why are you so annoying?” I asked him when he finally slowed down. “Just let me out! And stop pestering me! We’re not friends naman!”

“We’re here,” sabi niya.

I looked around and it was not the sketchy place that I was living in. My forehead creased when I saw that it was the building that I was supposed to live in.

“Why am I here?”

“You can stay in my place.”

My eyes widened. “What?”

“You’re not just dumb—are you also deaf?”

“Stop saying I’m dumb!”

“Then why do I always need to repeat myself?”

“Say that I’m dumb one more time and I’ll punch you,” I told him because I really would! Kapal ng face niya na sabihan ako ng dumb! Porke ba mababa ang grades ko sa acads, I am dumb na agad? Hindi ba pwede na I excel on other things?! Well, sorry if my life doesn’t revolve around school!

Finley the jerk just rolled his eyes. Tusukin ko ’yan, he’d see!

“You can stay in my place.”

“With you? You wish!” I said, scoffing.

“Idio—” he said, but stopped when he saw me glaring at him. I swear to God kahit mahal ko iyong bags ko, ihahampas ko ’tong Chanel sa mukha niya! “Of course I won’t stay there with you. Asa ka pa.”

“Baka ikaw umaasa!”

“Hindi ka maganda.”

“Mas hindi ka gwapo!”

“Ah… kaya pala gusto mo akong maging date dati.”

“Well, sabi mo nga idiot ako, so I probably made some stupid judgment from way before!”

I was already fuming with anger, but this jerk was just looking at me like I was some kind entertainment! I seriously couldn’t with him! I just wanted to strangle him!

“Maia,” he called. I glared at him. “Do you… do you sometimes realize how annoying you actually are?”

My lips parted.

Did… did he just tell me, right to my face, that I was annoying?!

I was pretty sure that my lips were parted at his audacity, pero siya ay mukhang tuwang-tuwa sa reaction ko. I was starting to believe that he’s some kinda devil who preys on people’s negative energy! Because he’s always making me mad and he always seemed so satisfied by it!

“Unlike you, I still have a house—”

“Why are you such an asshole?!”

“Well, I still have a house.”

“Well, it wasn’t my fault that our house got foreclosed!”

“Did I say that it was your fault?”

I shouted in frustration. “You’re seriously the one who’s going to kill me!” And this asshole just laughed! “Isang tawa pa, ihahampas ko na talaga ’tong bag ko sa ’yo! Don’t try me!”

He pursed his lips. Obvious naman na he was just trying to control his laughter, but he was still laughing at me! What kind of a jerk laughs at another person’s misfortune?!

“Just listen first,” he said.

“Listen to you humiliate me?”

He rolled his eyes. That’s it! Hinampas ko sa kanya iyong Chanel shoulder bag ko!

“What the—”

“Serves you right, you jerk!”

“I was about to offer you to live in my condo tapos hahampasin mo ako!” he shouted like he was pissed.

“Well, why on earth would I live in your condo with you?! Excuse me, ha, I’m too young for that kind of set-up! Hindi kita type! I’d marry a dirty old man rather than shack-up with you, you jerk!”

His forehead creased. “You done shouting? And assuming that I want to live with you?”

I pursed my lips. “Whatever.”

He rolled his eyes. “You can stay there. I’ll just go home.”

I arched my brow. “And why would you do that? Devil ka kaya.”

“Di ka lang pinapansin sa school, devil agad?”

My lips parted. “Excuse me! Ako ang hindi pumapansin sa ’yo! Let’s get that clear!”

He scoffed. “Sure.”

“Masyado mong sineryoso iyong 7th grade! I was literally a child back then!”

“Well, you’re still a child now.”

“You—” I said, but then stopped midway because I knew that there’s no way in hell that I’d win thsi argument… He’s just so freaking annoying! Parang nagpractice siya mula pagka-bata!

Finley arched his brow. “Can I continue now?” he asked. I just rolled my eyes. “You can stay there.”

“Yun na ’yun?”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

“Akala ko kung ano.”

“Akala mo sasabihin ko na dun din ako titira? Asa ka pa.”

“As if gusto kong tumira kasama mo. Gwapo ka?”

“Sa mata mo? Oo.”

“Kadiri.” He just laughed. Ass-face! “So, what’s in it for you? For sure hindi mo naman ako papagstay-in sa place mo without getting anything in return,” I asked. Mabuti na iyong clear! Mamaya he’s expecting something from me pala! In his freaking dreams! I’d only give it up sa asawa ko, noh!

He shrugged. “I just saw the place you’re staying at. Felt bad. End of story.”

“That’s it?”

“Yeah. As you’ve said—you’re the ‘less fortunate.’ I consider this as my act of charity for this year.”

I closed my eyes and drew deep breaths… God… How could a person be this annoying? Was being an asshole imprinted on his genes? Why was he so good at this?

“Good offer… but no, thanks,” I answered.

“Are you sure?”

“Did I stutter?”

He smirked. “Okay… but you’ll have to sell your bags. We have a field trip next month. Bayad ka na ba ’dun?”

My forehead creased a little… then my eyes widened when I realized na oo nga pala! We have field trip! I wasn’t sure where it was this year, but last year kasi we went to Washington, D.C.!

“Just stay in my condo. I’ll take that as my good deed for the year, so I can be a jerk without feeling bad.”

What was he even?! I heard from people na mabait iyong mga kapatid niya… Isa talaga siyang sumpa na pinadala ng langit!

---

I weighed the pros and the cons and I realized that he’s right… I was only in Grade 11, and I still had the rest of the year to finish. Who knew kung kailan matatapos ang problema ng family ko? And I was studying in an expensive school, so most probably, marami pang expenses ang biglang dadating…

This was the smart choice!

“I’m changing the locks,” I told him as we got inside his condo.

“Wag kang feeling,” he replied.

“You’re still a guy.”

“And you’re still not my type.”

“Excuse me—maganda ako. That’s a fact.”

“And you’re still annoying. It turns me off, and that’s a fact.”

I rolled my eyes so hard. Freaking annoying ass!

I looked around his condo and it was immaculate! I thought he’s a slob, but his place was really neat! Though puro black, white, and gray colors lang iyong nasa condo.

“Won’t your parents ask kung bakit ka uuwi?”

“I’ll handle that.”

“Are you seriously just letting me stay here?”

“Oo nga, ’di ba? Paulit-ulit? Tapos nagagalit ka kapag sinasabihan kang tanga.”

I closed my eyes and drew deep breaths… So freaking annoying!

“Fine. E ’di thank you na lang.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied with an annoying smile.

Finley got a duffel bag and threw some of his basketball things there. Two naman iyong rooms dito, pero mabuti na lang na he wouldn’t stay here kasi asa naman! Hindi pa ako nasisiraan ng ulo to stay in a place with him, noh! Hindi naman kami married! And, at the very least, hindi nga kami friendly!

“The ref and cupboard are full, pero kapag naubos, mahiya ka naman at ikaw na ang bumili,” he said while throwing some of his shoes inside.

“Duh?”

“Baka humingi ka pang pera sa ’kin.”

“I have my bags to sell.”

“Baka iyakan mo.”

“Di ka pa ba tapos? So you can leave na?”

“Condo mo?” he annoyingly replied.

I was already tempted to strangle him, so I just went outside to check the ref if true nga na puno ito… And he was right—puno nga iyong stocks niya… though parang puro ready to eat na. May nagvivisit ba sa kanya para magdala ng food?

Not my business anymore.

“Finally,” I said when lumabas na siya ng room.

“Saya ka?”

“Very,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “You sure your parents won’t mind, ha! Baka bigla silang pumunta dito and say stuff! Ikaw naman talaga iyong pumilit sa ’kin!”

Finley, being annoying, just rolled his eyes as if hindi legitimate iyong concern that I just raised! Jerk!

“Here are the keys and the pass,” he said, placing those on the table.

“Thanks,” I replied kasi he’s nice naman to let me stay here.

“Anything else?”

“Wifi password?”

He rolled his eyes. “CaptainFinley21.”

I laughed. “Wow… narcissist much?”

“Pa-tanggal ko ’yung wifi, gusto mo?”

I pursed my lips and just forcibly smiled. “Do I need to know anything else pa?”

Finley didn’t say anything else. He didn’t even mention how I’d pay the bills… baka siya na rin ang magbabayad? I mean, if ako iyong charity case niya for the year, sulitin niya na! He’s so mean kaya! Deserve ko ’tong condo!

After he left, umalis din ako to get my stuff from the apartment. I fought with the lady pa because ayaw niyang ibigay iyong deposit ko and the 1 month rent! If I didn’t threaten to bring police, hindi pa ibibigay! Gosh!

“Maia?”

My eyes widened. “Mandie…” I said with an awkward smile.

“You stay here na rin?” she asked.

I smiled as I nodded. “Uh… yeah,” I replied. I mean, I wasn’t lying naman since dito naman na talaga ako naka-stay…

“Really? I thought you didn’t want to leave your house—” she said, but when the elevator door opened, I immediately got out kahit hindi ko naman floor pa iyon. Bahala na nga!

“Bye! Talk to you soon!” I said as I watched the door closed. Ayoko na malaman niya kung saang floor talaga ako because I knew that she’d immediately figure it out. Huge crush ni Mandie si Finley! She’d put two and two together, and honestly, I had no energy for that. Sobrang chismis pa naman sa school. Baka bumalik na naman iyong issue from way before pa! Sobra kaya iyong stress level ko nung grade 7! My hair fell out because of the stress and humiliation!

I was panting for air when I finally reached my floor… Gosh! I needed to run more! Sobrang napagod na agad ako sa ganon?

The next day, I woke up extra early kasi ayoko na may maka-salubong ako sa elevator or whatever. I didn’t need the questioning right now. Maaga akong dumating sa school… but if swerte ka nga naman…

“Gosh, my luck…” I whispered to myself nang maabutan ko iyong basketball team na nagja-jogging. I really just wanted a day to myself without seeing Finley. I mean, I managed to avoid him for 3 years, but for the past week, I saw a lot of him! Quota na ako!

“Please don’t look this way,” I chanted habang dumadaan sila… but my luck definitely didn’t fail me because tumingin siya sa direction ko. I thought aasarin niya ako kasi he’s been so annoying! But what would you know…

The jerk just continued jogging like he didn’t know me at all.

“Feeling gwapo talaga!” I exclaimed as I was so pissed at him, but maybe I spoke a little too loud because the entire basketball team looked at me at the same time. Oh, just my luck, really!

**

This story is already at Chapter 05 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 03

Chapter 03

The entire basketball team was looking at me like I had lost my mind… and perhaps they’re right! I have officially lost my mind! It’s understandable naman! Because like the other day lang, ang problem ko lang ay kung anong color ng bag ang bibilhin ko or if makaka-hanap ba iyong personal shopper ko nung bag na gusto ko… Now, forced na ako to be an adult! I have to do adulting too early!

17 years old lang ako! I am a child!

“Fin, oh…” one of the basketball guys said. I refuse to learn his name. Saka sinabi niya pa ’yon like kawawa ako na kailangang pansinin ni Finley. As if! I blame my younger self talaga. Why did I have to ask Finley to the dance? Ayan tuloy. Years have passed pero part pa rin siya ng lore ko! Possible kaya na kapag nag reunion kami 30 years from now, they’ll tease me about that pa rin? My gosh!

Finley threw me a look. I thought talaga na may sasabihin siya sa akin, but the jerk just gave me a 3-second stare tapos ay binalik niya na iyong tingin niya sa mga basketball boys niya.

“Focus,” sabi niya sa kanila.

“Grabe, Captain, pansinin mo naman si Maia.”

My lips parted because he said that in such a way na para bang atensyon ni Finley iyong pinaka-dream ko sa life ko. How dare these basketball boys!

Finley just rolled his eyes as if that was such a ridiculous idea. He began jogging na ulit tapos ay sumunod na sa kanya iyong ibang mga players. They’re like mother duck and ducklings. Naka-sunod lang talaga sila sa kanya.

“Okay lang ’yan. Masungit talaga ’yon,” one of the basketball guys said as he was patting the top of my head like I was some kid.

I immediately swatted his hand away. “Ugh. As if!” I said as I walked away.

Dumaan ako sa cafeteria because I was hungry. Nagbreakfast naman ako, but gutom na ulit ako. Normally, I’d just get whatever looked good… but parang umatras iyong gutom ko nung nakita ko iyong presyo.

Was food always this expensive? Gosh… I remember all the times na hindi ko naubos iyong food ko tapos tinapon ko na lang. Tsk. Never mind. I’d think na lang na naka-one meal a day na diet ako. I mean, I could be poor, but I could still slay.

It’s all about the mindset.

Bakit ko ba iniisip na mahirap na ako? Wala namang sinabi na ganon ang parents ko. They’re just going through something at the moment. Sabi nga nila, this, too, shall pass. Alam naman siguro ni Lord na hindi ako ang strongest soldier niya! Hindi ako meant to be sa ganitong life.

I stayed muna sa likod ng building while waiting for the class to start. I didn’t want to go to the classroom muna kasi baka may magtanong sa akin if kumain na ako. Tapos baka samahan nila ako sa cafeteria and mapa-bili pa ako ng food. Dito muna ako. At least may fresh air saka sunlight.

I was quietly minding my own business when I heard footsteps approaching.

“What?” I asked.

I hated the fact na alam ko na agad na si Finley iyong nasa paligid ko. Bakit ba kasi alam ng ilong ko kung ano iyong pabango niya? Wala ba siyang balak magpalit ng pabango? Kasi whenever I’d smell that freaking Tom Ford Black Orchid, kahit nasa ibang lugar ako, siya agad ang naiisip ko. Na-condition na ata iyong brain ko.

“What are you doing?” he asked back.

“Soaking the air and sunshine,” I told him. “Obviously.”

Naka-kunot iyong noo niya. “Ano ka? Halaman?”

“What?” I asked. What was he yapping about again?

“Photosynthesis?” he said again. Photo-what?

He rolled his eyes at me like he was just so done with me. The gasp I gasped! Does he even have self-awareness? Between the two of us, mas nakaka-pagod kaya siya!

“Seriously… what do you even do at school?” he asked.

“Ugh. Why are you here ba? You’re disturbing my peace.”

Instead of leaving me in peace, Finley just stood on the opposite side of where I was seated. Naka-sandal siya sa may wall habang naka-tingin sa akin. I stared back at him and naka-kunot iyong noo ko, so he’d know that his presence’s definitely not welcomed.

“Di ka magllunch?” he asked.

“Naglunch na ako.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Ano nga lunch sa cafeteria ngayon?” he asked like he was so confident that I was lying and that he’d eventually catch me in a life.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “I wasn’t that hungry, so I got a slice of pizza lang.”

“Ano’ng toppings?”

“Pineapple.”

“Yuck.”

“Hater.”

He rolled his eyes. “Walang ganon sa cafeteria ngayon,” he said.

I didn’t respond immediately kasi ano naman sasabihin ko sa kanya? Na nagtitipid ako kasi ang stupid ko at victim ako ng scam? That I’d been too sheltered all my life that I don’t know how the whole budgeting works? Like magkano ba dapat for food? Kasi may mga projects pa ako tapos I needed to pay bills pa. I was so confused! I was so stressed out na ’di na ako magugulat kung malagas iyong hair ko.

“Mind your own business na lang,” I told him kasi for the past years, ’yon din naman ang ginagawa namin—at least on his part. Hindi niya naman talaga ako pinapansin. I was the one who had to exert effort para hindi magcross iyong mga landas namin.

But instead of doing what I asked of him, he got something from his pocket. Bigla niya na lang hinagis papunta sa akin iyon. May reflex naman pala ako kahit konti because I quickly caught what he threw at my direction.

“Finley!” I said kasi nagulat ako na bigla na lang siyang naghahagis! What if tinamaan ako sa face ko? Hindi ba niya alam na ito ang plan Z ko? Mag-asawa ng mayaman?!

He just rolled his eyes on me tapos ay naglakad na siya paalis. How nice of him!

I was busy making faces at him nung mapa-tingin ako sa hawak ko. My lips parted when I saw that he gave me a protein bar. And as if my stomach knew that I was holding food, it began to make it known na nagugutom na ako.

“That jerk,” I mumbled to myself while I was eating my protein bar. At least hindi na ako gutom.

---

I really wanted to contact my parents, but I was pretty sure that they’re doing everything they can to fix the situation. I mean, I am their only daughter! As if naman talagang gusto lang nila ako pahirapan.

Instead of giving myself a headache, I decided to look for jobs na lang. I really felt bad for myself when I skipped lunch… Tapos Finley figured out pa na wala akong money for food. I knew he meant well, but still, nakaka-hiya. Na simpleng pambili lang ng food, wala ako.

I wanted to just sell my bags, but I remembered na may upcoming fieldtrip kami. I really wanted to join our class. That’s the one thing that I was always looking forward to every year. I didn’t want to skip that kaya I decided to find a job na lang. I mean, sa mga movies and series na na-watch ko, I could probably find a job in some convenience store like part-time or something.

That weekend, I went out early. I was so sleepy pa, but I didn’t want to accidentally bump into Mandie. That girl has so many questions pa naman! Mamaya i-ask niya na talaga ako kung saan iyong unit ko. Pretty sure alam niya kung saan iyong unit ni Finley tapos baka isipin niya pa na we’re living together. The horror!

While walking, I was thinking if maghahanap ba ako ng work sa malapit dito… but then baka malaman ng school na broke na ako! But if sa malayo naman, super hassle kasi paano ako pupunta don? I didn’t even know how to commute. Like what do I even say to the driver if bababa na ako? Like ‘manong, please stop the jeep na?’

Ugh! The problem never ends! I should probably just work sa place na sure ako na hindi pupuntahan ng mga schoolmates ko.

I kept on walking around the high street until I reached a place where I think hindi pinupuntahan ng schoolmates ko. There were some restaurants, but they needed someone to wash the dishes. I didn’t want to do that. I kept on walking until I saw this small resto slash bar. I asked the owner if they’re hiring. She’s an old lady. She asked me if I needed a job and I nodded a little too enthusiastically. She probably felt bad for me, so she agreed to hire me. She asked me for my age. I lied and told her na 18 na ako because I had a feeling na she wouldn’t hire me if malaman niya na minor pa ako. I mean, malapit naman na akong magbirthday! Naground up lang ako.

“Ang tagal mo.”

“Excuse me?” I asked when Finley stood up from the couch doon sa may lobby ng condo tapos ay naglakad siya palapit sa akin.

“San ka galing?” he asked.

“What?” I asked back, confused as to why he’s talking to me? I thought we agreed not to interact with each other?

Instead of answering, he rolled his eyes—very Finley of him.

“Were you waiting for me?” I asked, my brow arched a little.

“Obviously,” he replied, his hands in his pockets. “Baka pagbintangan mo pa ako kapag sa condo ako naghintay.”

“Talaga lang!” I told him.

Finley began walking. This weirdo. I remained standing kung nasaan ako kasi what? I didn’t understand what was happening. But Finley turned his head and saw that I wasn’t following him. He slightly cocked his head to the side as if motioning me to follow him.

“Bilis na,” he said like he’s slightly irritated pa. The nerve talaga.

Since I didn’t want to argue here in public dahil baka biglang may maka-kita sa amin, I just quietly followed him. He got inside the elevator. Pagpasok ko doon, napansin ko na naka-tingin siya sa akin.

“What?” I asked again.

Finley didn’t say a word. Ano kaya ang nasa isip nito? I mean, honestly, feel ko hindi siya masyado nag-iisip. Like basketball mostly consume his thoughts… tapos iyong ibang space ay for snarky remarks lang niya.

I was just following Finley. I had no energy to argue further kasi buong morning yata ako naglalakad to find a job na I know na walking distance. I was so hungry but also tired! I’ll probably sleep first muna pagbalik ko sa condo.

“This annoying prick,” I uttered to myself when I figured out na papunta kami sa basement parking. What? Did he just want me to walk him here tapos iiwanan niya ako? Because I knew he can totally do that! Si Finley pa ba? I expected nothing but the worst from him kaya I was a bit shocked nung binigyan niya ako ng protein bar.

But instead of going to the driver’s seat, he went to the back side of his car. He opened the trunk and my eyes widened a bit when I saw grocery items there.

“Wow, ako na nga bumili, ako pa magbubuhat lahat nito?” he asked, rolling his eyes at me habang kinukuha niya from the trunk iyong isang box na may laman na food.

I blinked my eyes. Super gutom na ba ako kaya naghahallucinate na ako na binilhan ako ni Finley ng food?

“Bilis na. Dami pa nito,” he said again, pointing at his trunk na puno ng food.

My lips were still slightly parted. I looked at him, my forehead creased.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked kasi knowing him, impossible talaga na he’s just doing this on the kindness of his heart. Impossible talaga! For sure may hidden motive ’to.

“I told you—”

“Charity act? Seriously? We both know that you’re not that charitable,” I told him.

He looked at me—just straight up looked at me but for some reason, that made my heart skip a beat. Ang seryoso niyang tignan. This was the very reason na nagka-crush ako sa kanya before. I once saw him taking an exam. He looked so focused and serious. So gwapo. Malay ko ba na nakaka-stress siya kapag nagsalita siya?!

“You know you can seriously just say thank you, “ sabi niya habang diretso lang na naka-tingin sa ’kin.

I pressed my lips together. He got two paper bags at saka pinahawak sa ’kin.

“I—” pero agad na natigilan ako nung sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. I scrunched up my nose. “Whatever,” I mumbled.

Naka-dalawang balik pa kami ni Finley sa basement kasi ang dami niyang binili na food. Hindi naman ako ganoon kalakas kumain. This would last me for a month or two. At least hindi na ako mamomroblema sa food ko.

“Finley,” I said nung natapos na kami sa pagdadala ng food sa unit. Tumigil siya sa paglalakad kasi paalis na siya sa condo dapat. He turned around and looked at me. “Thank you,” I said.

He arched his brow. “What?”

I glared at him. “You heard me.”

“I seriously didn’t,” he replied annoyingly with that smug grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever,” I said since it was obvious naman na he heard me and he just decided to be a pest once again.

He just shrugged and began walking again. Talagang nandito lang siya para bigyan ako ng food?

“Why… are you doing this?” I asked again. For some reason, hindi ko ma-accept na charitable lang talaga siya.

“Bakit ba ang dami mong tanong?” he asked back.

“Bakit ’di mo na lang sagutin?”

He rolled his eyes. “Because you won’t like my answer.”

“Bakit? Ano ba ’yung sagot mo?”

He looked directly into my eyes. “Because I feel bad for you,” he said and for some reason, my heart constricted a little. “Your parents left you to fend for yourself and as annoying as you are, you don’t deserve to suffer for your parents’ mistakes.”

**

This story is already at Chapter 06 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 04

Chapter 04

I probably looked super sketchy with the way I was walking. After ng class, agad akong umalis since I have a job pa na kailangan kong puntahan. It’s my second day. Late ako yesterday and pinagalitan ako. I was contemplating if I should quit na lang since hindi ko naman na problema iyong food kasi super daming binigay sa akin ni Finley, but I decided against it. Marami pa rin kasing project sa school, so extra money na lang kung anuman iyong kikitain ko sa may parttime job ko.

“Oh, thank god,” I uttered to myself when I saw na super sakto lang sa time iyong pagdating ko sa may resto. I immediately went inside. I greeted iyong mga kasama ko sa work tapos nagstart na akong magwork. They were nice to me naman, but iyong isang guy masyadong feeling close. Ayoko sana siyang pansinin but apo daw siya nung may-ari, so I was just trying my best to ignore him.

“Pauwi ka na?” he asked me.

“Yup,” I simply said.

“San ka? Hatid na kita.”

“No, thanks,” I quickly said tapos naglakad ako mabilis paalis. Mabuti na lang na kahit gabi na, marami pang tao sa paligid. I just walked as quickly as I could para maka-uwi na ako.

Even though I was super tired already, I still managed to do my skincare… but then I was reminded na mauubos na iyong moisturizer ko and I needed to do a restock na. I checked online kung magkano ba iyong skincare ko and parang nadagdagan na naman iyong problema ko nung makita ko iyong price. Hindi ba pwede maghilamos na lang ako?!

Ang mahal naman maging babae!

The next few days, kahit pagod na pagod na ako, pumupunta pa rin ako sa work kasi kailangan ko talaga ng money. Last resort ko talaga na ibenta iyong mga bags ko, but as much as possible, ayoko talaga kasi babies ko sila. I did a research na lang and I decided to buy local skin care kasi hindi ko talaga afford iyong brands na ginagamit ko dati. How I wish na maayos na ng parents ko kung anumang problema iyong napasukan nila kasi I cannot live like this!

“What?” I asked nang may gumising sa akin.

“Lunch time na,” sabi sa akin.

“You go ahead,” I just replied tapos ay bumalik ako sa pagkaka-tulog. I was so tired kasi bigla ako nag-overtime last night and wala pa ako halos tulog. Pag-uwi ko kasi, I still needed to do my homework pa. Tapos pagka-kita ko sa orasan, kailangan ko na magprepare for school.

I was so out of it today that I was a bit confused at first kung bakit papunta kami sa locker… then I was reminded na kasama nga pala ako sa may player for track and field. I needed to participate in a game sa intramurals and feel ko pinaka-madali na iyong pagtakbo kaysa magvolleyball ako or something.

“Why do we even need to practice?” I murmured pero narinig ata ako nung president ng room namin tapos tinignan ako nang masama. Tss. Bakit kasi big deal masyado ’to e intrams lang naman? Saka bakit ba ako nagpa-practice tumakbo?

“Go!” biglang sabi nung president namin. She was even timing me, so I had no choice but to comply. I began running but it was so hot and I was so hungry and tired and—

“What—” I said and then I looked around and saw that I was in the clinic.

“Kamusta ang pakiramdam mo?” the nurse asked me.

“I’m fine,” I replied tapos ay napa-hawak ako sa ulo ko kasi biglang sumakit ’yon. “Can I have some water?” I asked her and she nodded. While she was getting me some water, I grabbed my phone to check kung anong oras na… but napa-kunot iyong noo ko nang mapansin ko na ang daming notifs sa phone ko.

“What… the heck?”

My eyes widened when I clicked on a link that my friend sent me and napunta ako sa twitter. There were pictures of me and Finley na buhat-buhat niya ako. I looked like some damsel in distress being saved by the prince except he wasn’t a prince but a frog! Bakit ako buhat ni Finley at hinimatay ako kanina?!

I was scrolling through the reply section of the tweet at umiinit iyong ulo ko sa nabasa ko because they were accusing me na sinadya ko raw mahimatay para magpapansin kay Finley. Excuse me?! Ni hindi ko nga alam na nandon siya and besides, how could I plan na himatayin ako?!

“Sabi nung boyfriend mo na hintayin mo raw siya—”

“He’s not my boyfriend!”

Nabigla iyong nurse sa sinabi ko. I immediately pursed my lips and apologized. Natawa lang siya sa akin at napailing.

“Sabi nung schoolmate mo,” she said, “Hintayin mo raw siya. Babalik ata dito after dismissal.”

Napa-kunot iyong noo ko. Was she talking about Finley? Because it’s so weird and out of character of him to ask the nurse to tell me to wait for him. I mean, sure he was a bit nice nung binigyan niya ako nung grocery but as he said, naaawa lang siya sa akin…

And it’s been a few weeks na rin pala… Medyo nainis kasi ako sa kanya when he told me that my parents left me to fend for myself. I knew they kinda did, but they’re still my parents. Ako lang ang pwedeng magreklamo sa mga desisyon nila sa buhay. Finley can judge, but he should keep it to himself. Hindi ko naman jina-judge iyong family niya rin.

“I have a question,” I said to the nurse. “Is it… this guy?” I asked and showed him a picture of Finley galing sa may Instagram niya. Nakaka-inis kasi sa ibang guys, kailangan ko pang magdig sa profiles nila to get a decent picture but kay Finley ang daming options. Hindi siya iyong tipo ng guy na kailangan kong sabihin sa friends ko na ‘no, he actually looks really good in person!’

Tumango iyong nurse.

“Uh… did he say anything? Also do you know kung bakit siya iyong nagdala sa kin dito?” I asked again. Because may teacher naman ako… saka paano napunta si Finley doon? Pinapanood niya ba akong tumakbo? I have so many questions!

“Wala naman. Sinabi niya lang na hinimatay ka sa field.”

“Did he look worried?”

Natawa sa akin iyong nurse. “Mukha naman.”

“Did he—”

Agad akong natigilan nung marinig ko na bumukas iyong pinto sa clinic. Napa-balik ako sa pagkaka-higa tapos ay pinikit ko iyong mga mata ko. Narinig ko na natawa iyong nurse. How I wish lang na hindi niya ako ilaglag kay Finley and tell him na kanina pa ako gising!

I could hear them talking sa labas but hindi ko masyadong marinig. I was so tempted to eavesdrop, but before I could even move, I heard Finley’s footsteps coming nearer.

What the heck was he doing? I wasn’t sure since hindi ko naman siya nakikita but I could definitely feel that he’s watching me! So, as realistically as possible, I opened my eyes and yawned.

“What—”

“Para kang tanga.”

My lips parted. “Rude,” I said, frowning. “Why are you even here?” I asked kasi hindi naman niya alam na nagising na ako kanina and I already asked the nurse kung sino iyong nagdala sa ’kin.

“Naubos mo na ba ’yung grocery?” he asked instead of answering my question.

“No. Hindi naman ako ganon kalakas kumain.”

“Bakit hinimatay ka? Hindi ka kumakain?”

“I don’t know. It’s not like I planned it,” I replied, frowning, as I tried to get off the bed. Napa-tingin ulit ako sa phone ko. Nanlaki iyong mga mata ko when I realized na kailangan ko na umalis kasi male-late ulit ako sa work ko.

I tried to grab my things when I realized na nasa classroom pa pala iyong ibang gamit ko.

“Finley,” I said. Naka-tingin lang siya sa akin with that ever present smug look on his face. “Can I ask for a favor?” He shrugged. I rolled my eyes. So annoying. “Can you grab my bag sa room namin?” I asked.

“Bakit hindi ikaw kumuha?”

“I have to go somewhere,” I told him. Medyo malayo kasi ’yung classroom namin dito sa clinic and I really needed to go na. “Please? Iwan mo na lang sa lobby nung condo. Okay? Thank you so much!”

I sprinted palabas nung clinic tapos ay super bilis kong naglakad hanggang sa maka-rating ako sa may work ko. I was five minutes late. I was ready to receive an earful but iyong apo nung may-ari iyong naka-bantay nung dumating ako and he told me that it’s okay. Ugh. He’s so creepy.

It was Friday, so maraming tao sa may resto. I was super busy and also super annoyed because the guy kept on trying to help me. He’s just being super annoying. I kept on telling him that I was okay and that I didn’t need help, but he kept on offering.

“Maia.” I felt chills creep up my spine when he called my name. “Hatid na kita mamaya.”

“Uh… no, thank you,” I replied as I was wiping the table.

“Bakit? May boyfriend ka ba?”

Bakit kailangan kong magka-boyfriend to turn down his offer to walk me home? Hindi ba pwede na ayoko lang? Or that hindi ako comfortable kasi sino ba siya para ihatid ako?

Before I could answer him, I felt my phone vibrating. I saw a message from Finley. I immediately clicked on his name.

“Nasa lobby—”

“Can you come get me?” I asked as I looked at the guy who was still staring at me. I felt really uncomfortable with the way he was looking at me.

“Pauwi na ako,” he replied. “Gumala ka pa ba? Kahit hinimatay ka na kanina?” he asked na parang pinapagalitan pa ako.

“Please?” I asked.

I didn’t know if it was the sound of my voice, but Finley asked me, “Nasan ka?” The tone of his voice changed.

“Work,” I replied. Muli akong napa-tingin doon sa apo nung may-ari. “I’ll send you my location,” I said as I sent him my live location. The guy was still watching me like he was gauging kung boyfriend ko ba iyong kausap ko. Did he really think he has a chance with me?! Ni hindi nga ata kami same age bracket!

“May kasama ka ba d’yan?” he asked.

“There’s a guy here…” mahinang sabi ko.

“Okay. I’m on my way. ’Wag mong ibaba iyong tawag.”

Finley wasn’t saying anything habang naka-on iyong tawag. I tried to keep my cool and just continued wiping the tables clean. Bakit ba kasi ako ang naka-assign dito? Saka bakit kasama mo ’yung creepy na lalaki na ’to? Mas okay kung ako na lang mag-isa kaysa may audience ako dito.

“Maia.”

Halos mapa-talon ako sa kinatatayuan ko nang may tumawag na naman sa pangalan ko. I turned around and breathed with relief when I saw Finley standing on the entrance of the resto. He looked like kaka-galing niya lang sa practice ng varsity dahil sa suot niya.

“Let’s go,” he said. I saw how he threw the creepy guy a look like he was telling him that he’s watching him. I didn’t even know that Finley could be that scary! Most of the time he’s just annoying kasi.

I almost ran towards him. Sabay kaming naglakad palabas. I quickly got inside his car at saka napa-sandal ako doon sa upuan.

“What was that—”

“Thank you,” I quickly told him. Napa-tingin siya sa akin na bahagyang naka-kunot ang noo. “I really owe you one.”

“Dito ka nagta-trabaho?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He looked around. “Doesn’t look safe.”

“It’s okay…” I silently said. “Medyo creepy lang ’yung guy.”

Okay naman talaga ’yung work. Okay din iyong place. Okay din iyong ibang ka-work ko bukod sa creepy na lalaki na ’yon. Why did he have to ruin things for me? I was just trying to work para may pambili ako ng skin care!

“What did he do?” Finley asked.

As he was driving, I just told him how he’s always watching me and always offering to walk me home and stuff like that. I mean, he really didn’t do anything… He was just being so freaking annoying.

“Why are you still there?” he asked when I was finished talking.

“It’s fine.”

“How’s that fine? That’s basically harassment.”

“He’s all talk. Besides, he thinks you’re my boyfriend. I think he’ll leave me alone now,” I explained. Naka-tingin lang siya sa akin. “What?”

“You sound dumb.”

Napaawang iyong labi ko. “Wow.”

“Do you seriously think he’ll leave you alone dahil lang tingin niya may boyfriend ka?”

“Ye—”

“Dumb.”

“Hey!”

Umirap si Finley. Napa-kunot iyong noo ko nang may iabot siya sa akin na card galing sa wallet niya. Naka-tingin lang ako doon. I didn’t know why I felt so offended. He’s basically giving me his credit card—free money. Why was I so offended? It wasn’t like gusto ko magtrabaho at wala na halos oras matulog.

But I kept on remembering how he basically called me an orphan because my parents abandoned me.

The sting is still here.

“Just take it,” sabi niya nung hindi ko tinatanggap iyong card niya. “My parents won’t even notice.”

I tried to keep my voice calm. “I know you see me as charity, but can you at least let me keep some of my dignity?” I asked as I unbuckled my seatbelt dahil nasa harap na kami ng condo. “Thanks for the ride,” I told him as I quickly got out of his car before he could call me dumb again. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 07 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 05

Chapter 05

As if my life wasn’t already hard enough, nadagdagan pa ng gossip about me and Finley… and it’s not like they’re being discreet about it. They’d literally talk about me when I was around. Tsk. At least talk about me behind my back? Was that so hard?

“Maia.”

I looked at Cynthia. “What?” I asked. One look at me and I already knew what she wanted to ask me. I groaned. “Not you, too.”

“Can you blame me? Ang tagal mo na kayang crush si Finley!”

“Excuse me. Let’s be clear—I had a crush on him!”

She just rolled her eyes at me. “Fine, fine, but bakit ka nga niya binuhat? Like look at him!” sabi niya tapos ay may pinakita sa akin sa phone niya. She played a video. Agad na nanlaki iyong mga mata ko nang makita ko kung ano ’yon.

“Why is there a video?!”

“I think someone was filming a tiktok or something then they saw you faint and then they saw Finley rushing over instead of just ignoring you like usual,” she said while I my eyes were glued on the screen of her phone.

Totoo naman iyong sinabi niya… but what struck me the most was that Finley was watching me even before I fainted! Like ewan ko kung ma-a-amaze ba ako sa quality nung video o magtataka kung bakit niya ako pinapanood?! Did I look too weird while running na tipong papanoorin ako ni Finley? Kasi totoo naman iyong sinabi ni Cynthia na ang expected na reaction ni Finley ay ang hindi ako pansinin!

“So… what’s the tea?” sabi niya after kunin pabalik iyong phone niya.

“There’s no tea, okay? He just probably grew a conscience or something.”

“Finley? Conscience?” she said. See? Hindi lang ako ang may alam na evil si Finley! Kaya takang-taka ako kung bakit parang super nice niya sa akin lately.

Tsk.

Naalala ko na naman na ginawa niya akong charitable act for the year. Bakit ba hindi na lang si Riley ang naka-kita sa akin? That would’ve worked better for me… I think.

“Maia.”

Cynthia’s eyes widened kaya naman napa-tingin ako sa likuran ko. Finley was standing behind me. He was just wearing our uniform. It’s so annoying how good he looks! He really won the genetic lottery.

“Liar,” Cynthia mouthed.

Suddenly, I was aware na ang daming naka-tingin sa amin. Bakit ba kasi aware ata ang buong batch ko na once in my young life, nagka-crush ako kay Finley? Hindi ba pwede na mistake lang ’yon as a child?! Bakit lagi na lang nilang ipapa-alala sa akin?

I was contemplating kung dito na lang ba kami mag-usap kahit maraming naka-tingin sa amin or if I should just drag him elsewhere. Hindi naman ako normally nahihiya kapag center of attention ako, but now’s different. I felt like I was hiding this huge secret. Ayoko na nasa akin ang spotlight.

But if hatakin ko siya paalis, people will think na naman na something’s going on between us! This was so stressful!

“What?” I said while looking at him. I was really hoping na magbell na or something kasi feel na feel ko talaga iyong mga mata sa amin. Hindi na ako masu-surprise kung may nagvivideo na naman nito.

“What time?”

“What?”

“Kita susunduin?”

I heard Cynthia’s gasp. Agad na nanlaki iyong mga mata ko dahil bakit parang iniimply ni Finley na may something going on at boyfriend ko siya na susunduin ako?!

Agad akong tumayo kahit hindi pa ako tapos sa food ko. But bago ako tumayo, I turned to Cynthia once again. “Don’t misunderstand. Wala pa ring ‘tea,’” I told her before I almost ran paalis sa may cafeteria.

Dahil break ata ng buong school ngayon, hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta para makapag-usap kami ni Finley na walang audience. Bakit ba kasi sobrang sikat ng tao na ’to na kahit saan kami magpunta ay may napapa-tingin sa kanya? As if naman tourist siya sa school na ’to! Dito rin naman siya nag-aaral. Araw-araw naman siyang nakikita kaya bakit may nasa-star struck pa rin sa kanya?!

“What is this place…” naka-kunot ang noo na tanong ni Finley nung huminto kami sa harap nung old building dito sa school. Medyo naka-tago kami kasi naka-tayo kami sa ilalim nung hagdan.

“Bakit mo ba ako kinausap kanina?”

“I texted you first,” he said. Napa-tingin ako sa phone ko. May message nga siya. He was asking kung ano’ng oras iyong end nung trabaho ko.

“Sana hinintay mo akong magreply.”

Umirap siya. “It wasn’t as if I sought you out. Nakita lang kita sa cafeteria.”

“Sana hindi mo ako nilapitan.”

Napaawang iyong labi niya. “You talk as if I have some contagious disease.”

“Parang ganon na nga,” I replied with my brow arched. “Besides, bakit mo naman ako susunduin?” I asked him with my arms crossed against my chest. Iyong last time ay dahil lang makulit iyong creepy guy. Sinundo naman na ako ni Finley before and as far as he’s concerned, may boyfriend ako at alam niya na whatever happens to me, siya ang suspect numero uno.

“Seriously…” he uttered under his breath like he’s so done with me. “Why can’t it be just yes or no with you?”

I just stared at him with my forehead creased and my lips pressed into a thin line.

“I have a practice after school. I’ll pick you up after that and I’ll drive you home. No big deal.”

“It’s walking distance.”

“Just tell me what time.”

“Kaya kong maglakad.”

“May sinabi ba ako na wala kang paa?” I made a face. “Tell me what time. Ayokong pumunta nang maaga doon at maghintay.”

It seemed like he was serious na gusto niya talaga akong sunduin don sa may parttime job ko. Ano ba’ng nakain ng tao na ’to? Talaga bang sineryoso niya iyong pagiging charitable niya ngayong taon na ’to?

Or did he just feel too bad for me?

Because I was basically an abandoned child?

My chest felt tight. Ayoko ng kinakaawaan ako. Bakit ba ganyan siyang tumingin sa akin? I’d rather na hindi niya na lang ulit ako pinapansin kagaya nung dati.

“Fine. I’ll be there around 10,” sabi niya tapos ay mabilis akong tinalikuran.

I wanted to ask him again. Kung bakit. Baka kasi magbago iyong sagot niya. Ayaw tanggapin ng isip ko na naaawa siya sa ’kin.

But I knew that his answer remained the same… so I just let him walk away and watched him as he did so.

---

The remainder of the day was more annoying than usual. People were outright staring at me and I knew that they believe that something was going on between Finley and me. As if lang talaga! Hindi na ako nagdeny kasi mas mukha lang akong guilty. Magda-die down din ’yan kapag na-realize nila na wala naman talagang kami.

After school, dumiretso na ako sa parttime. Maraming tao kaya busy. Nandon din iyong ibang kasama ko sa work kaya okay naman ako. Wala naman kasi talagang problema kapag may ibang tao around me. Nagkaka-problem lang kapag kasama ko ’yung creepy na lalaki na ’yon.

“Thank you so much po!” sabi ko sa may-ari nung binigay niya ’yung salary ko. Natawa siya sa reaction ko. First time ko magkaroon ng money na talagang pinaghirapan ko. Ganito pala ’yung feeling?! Para tuloy ayokong gastusin…

I was busy counting my money na akala mo super dami nun nung mapansin ko na nasa labas na nga pala iyong car ni Finley… I thought talaga malilimutan niya or ayaw niya na dahil medyo inaway ko siya kanina…

Naglakad ako palapit sa car niya. I was about to knock on the window nung bigla niyang ibaba iyon. Ako pa tuloy iyong nagulat.

“Done?” he simply asked. I nodded. I heard him unlocking the door kaya naman pumunta na ako doon sa kabila at saka sumakay.

Finley was unusually quiet. I wanted to feel bad tuloy, but mean din naman siya sa akin madalas! Akala ko iyon talaga kaming dalawa na nagbbwisitan kaya bakit nagguilty ako bigla?!

“Finley,” I called.

“What?”

“Can we stop by a convenience store?”

Tipid na tumango lang si Finley. Nung huminto iyong sasakyan, lumabas ako. I didn’t know what he liked, so I bought a vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Iyong hindi niya gusto ang kakainin ko na lang.

“Here,” I said as I handed him the cone ice cream. Tumingin siya sa akin na naka-kunot ang noo. “I just got my salary. I’m trying to save money, so iyan lang ang kaya kong bilhin.”

Naka-tingin lang siya sa akin.

“If bawal kumain sa loob ng car mo, give me a few minutes. Kakainin ko sa labas—”

But before I could even say more words, bigla niyang kinuha iyong vanilla ice cream sa kamay ko. He unwrapped the top part at saka nagsimulang kainin iyong ice cream. He looked like a kid kasi dumikit iyong dulo ng ilong niya sa may ice cream.

“There’s something—”

Naka-kunot iyong noo niya. Instead of explaining, inabot ko iyong sa may ilong niya and wiped it wipe a tissue.

“Okay na,” I said when I was done. Finley immediately looked sa gilid niya. Napa-tingin din tuloy ako doon dahil sa bilis nung pagkaka-turn nung noo niya. Wala namang kung anuman doon as far as I was concerned.

For the next minutes, we just quietly ate our ice cream. Tapos ay nagdrive na si Finley papunta sa may condo. I unbuckled my seatbelt and made sure na wala akong kalat na maiiwan. Mukha kasing clean freak si Finley dahil kahit iyong condo niya ay super linis nung una akong pumunta.

“Thanks,” I told him. “But really, there’s no need na sunduin mo ako. It’s near lang naman. I can walk home.”

Finley didn’t say a word. Lumabas na ako sa may sasakyan niya. Pagpasok ko sa may building, napa-tingin ulit ako sa labas at saka ko lang nakita na umalis iyong sasakyan niya. That weirdo…  

**

This story is already at Chapter 08 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 06

Chapter 06

“Come on…” Cynthia groaned beside me. Napa-tingin ako sa kanya na naka-kunot ang noo. “There must be something going on!”

I rolled my eyes once again. Heto na naman siya! The past few weeks, she keeps on insisting na there’s something going on between Finley and me! Wala naman talaga. I mean, sure, was it weird that he’s picking me up from work? Sure! Minsan napapa-isip ba ako kung ano ang reason non? Definitely! But does that mean na may something going on between us?

Wala!

How badly I wanted to shout to everyone na iniisip na may something na at most, naaawa lang sa ’kin si Finley dahil forgotten and forsaken na ata ako ng family ko, but mas mahal ko iyong pride ko kaysa sa pagtuwid sa mga chismis. I digress.

‘Can you stop looking at me?’ message ko kay Finley. Kaya naman kasi ako kinukulit ni Cynthia because she saw Finley looking at my direction. Malapit ko na talaga ipagkalat na cross-eyed si Finley.

‘?’

Sinamaan ko ng tingin iyong reply niya. He’s so annoying! I told him before na na ayoko ng ? na reply, pero mas lalo niya lang atang ginawa. He’s so annoying!

‘!’ I replied.

For a whole minute, I was just arguing using punctuation marks with Finley. Gosh, he could be exhausting when he wants to! Natapos tuloy iyong break ko na wala akong ginagawa kundi iyon.

After dismissal, I did my usual routine. Pumunta ako sa may work ko. It was quite hectic kasi ang daming absent. It seemed like there’s a pandemic of some sort dahil may flu yata half nung staff. It’s fine, though. The owner said na since marami akong ginawa than usual, mas madadagdagan iyong salary ko—which was nice since I needed the extra money for my pocket money. Apparently, my parents were good parents dahil they already paid for my field trip before pa. That’s one last thing to worry about.

“Kayo ng bahala d’yan,” the owner told me. “May pupuntahan pa akong lamay.”

I just nodded. Konti na lang naman iyong lilinisin saka papunta naman na si Finley. He’s never late kapag susunduin ako—usually, he’s early pa. Wala namang pumipilit sa kanya na pumunta nang maaga, but he’ll arrive like 30 minutes early tapos he’ll frown at sasabihin na pinaghintay ko siya. Tsk. Ang sarap niyang kurutin minsan.

I was quietly minding my own business when suddenly, I felt someone watching me. I told myself to ignore him. Paparating naman na si Finley.

“Mukhang late boyfriend mo, ah,” he commented.

I ignored him. Why was he talking to me like we’re friends?

“Kinakausap kita,” he said.

I ignored him still.

But then my heart started to race when I felt his hand grabbing my arm, yanking me until I was facing him.

“Bastos na ’to. Kinakausap kita, e!” he said, shouting at me like he was mad at me kahit wala naman akong ginagawa sa kanya. Pasalamat nga siya hindi ko siya sinusumbong sa owner, e!

I tried to get my arm away from him, but the more I did that, the harder he pulled. I could already feel the bruise forming! May PE pa naman kami tapos naka-shirt lang ako!

“Gusto ka lang maging kaibigan!” he said as his hold tightened.

“Marami na akong friends!” I shouted back at him kasi sinisigawan niya na ako.

“Napaka-arte mo!” he said. “Narinig ko iniwan ka ng nanay at tatay mo kaya kailangan mong magtrabaho dito. Kawawa ka naman tapos napaka-taas pa rin ng tingin mo sa sarili mo. Para kang mga pusang niligaw sa kalsada!”

I knew that I shouldn’t be listening to someone like him, but I hated that every word he said felt like a stab in my chest… kasi tama naman siya. Iniwan lang talaga ako ng parents ko. But damn him, kailangan niya pa bang sabihin sa akin?! Para lang siyang si Finley, only mas pangit siya!

I could feel it in my eyes that I was close to crying because of everything he’s saying, so with all the strength that I still have in me, I pushed him away and immediately ran and grabbed my things with me. Isusumbong ko na talaga siya bukas!

Hindi ko alam na capable pala ako na tumakbo nang ganon kabilis. I just ran and ran and kept on running… because honestly, what else could I freaking do?!

---

“Gosh… I can’t catch a break,” I uttered to myself as I saw that the bruise already formed on my arm. Ang init-init, but I had no choice but to wear a jacket. Ano kaya activity namin later? Could I excuse myself? Hindi ko yata kaya magperform ng physical activity na naka-jacket. Baka magcollapse na naman ako sa field!

I should just tell them that I’m on my period… they wouldn’t ask naman na siguro about that. Ngayon ko lang naman gagamitin na excuse ’yon.

“Oh, my god!” sigaw ko nung makita ko si Finley sa labas ng unit. My heart was beating so quickly inside my chest. One of these days talaga ay magkaka-heart attack na ako! “Why are you standing there like a creep?!” sabi ko sa kanya kasi nagulat niya talaga ako!

Naka-tingin siya sa akin with that familiar scowl on his face.

“Buhay ka pa pala,” he said.

“Obvi,” I replied while my hand was still on my chest. Gosh, ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko!

“Di ka marunong magreply?” he asked.

Kumunot iyong noo ko. “What?”

“Akala ko nasaksak ka na saka tinapon sa gilid ng kalsada,” he said. Ang serious ng mukha niya, but parang nagjojoke naman iyong sinasabi niya.

I rolled my eyes at him because I was in no mood to exchange in pleasantries with him. I was still a bit pissed last night. Late kaya siya. Kung hindi siya late, hindi naman magkaka-lakas ng loob iyong epal na ’yon na kausapin ako. Ugh! Naiinis na naman ako!

“Wala akong load,” I told him while walking towards the elevator.

“Kailan pa kailangan ng load sa iMessage ?”

I rolled my eyes again as I pressed on the button repeatedly as if that would make the elevator go faster. Nakita ko na naka-tingin si Finley sa akin doon sa may reflection ko sa mirror. He was probably wondering why I was more pissy than usual.

But ayoko ring sabihin sa kanya kasi feel ko papagalitan niya ako! Ugh! Bakit ba ang hirap ng life ko?!

Pagdating sa ground floor nung elevator, lalabas na sana ako but then Finley quickly pressed the close button. I looked at him and frowned again.

“I’m not in the mood,” I told him as I pressed the open button.

“Sa school din naman ako pupunta,” he replied.

“Duh,” I said. “I’m not in the mood to issue denying statements again.”

I saw him roll his eyes. “Why do you care so much about what other people think?”

“Well, sorry that I don’t have your I don’t give a shit about what they think of me attitude.”

He shrugged annoyingly. “You should—it’s more fun that way.”

I pressed the open button again. “Whatever,” I said. Nung i-co-close niya ulit, I looked at him, seriously this time. “I’m really not in the mood,” I told him.

It seemed like he finally got the message kaya hinayaan niya ako na lumabas sa may elevator. Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nakarating sa may school. My mind was blank the entire time. Nag-give up na ata iyong brain ko sa akin.

Buong araw, naka-auto pilot lang yata ako. I had no idea how I managed to get through the entire day hanggang inevitably ay dumating na iyong PE.

“Thank you!” I said a little too enthusiastically nung pinayagan ako na mag-skip. Magaling ba akong magsinungaling?! I thought I wasn’t convincing, but mabilis akong pinayagan. Napa-kunot iyong noo ng teacher ko, so I quickly dialed back the enthusiasm.

All my classmates went to the gymnasium. Sucks to be them. Naiwan ako sa classroom. Tinanggal ko muna iyong jacket ko since naiinitan ako kahit naka-bukas naman iyong aircon. Doon ako naupo sa may direct na mapupuntahan nung cold air… which made me wonder kung paano kaya ako magsusurvive had it not been for Finley? What if kaya hindi niya nakita iyong stupid decisions ko? Saan kaya ako naka-stay ngayon? May aircon kaya don?

I was busy wondering about the what ifs of my life nung napa-tingin ako sa likuran ko kasi narinig ko na bumukas iyong pinto. I immediately frowned when I saw that it was Finley.

“Are you stalking me?” I asked because obviously, this wasn’t his room. Never ko pa nga siya nakitang dumaan sa classroom ko. If hindi niya lang ako sasabihan ng assuming, I’d tell him na all these years, he’s blatantly avoiding me! That’s it’s him avoiding me and not the other way around.

Finley was about to say something when his eyes went to my arm. Agad na kumunot iyong noo niya kaya napa-tingin din ako doon, wondering kung bakit ganon iyong itsura niya… when I realized kung ano ba iyong nasa braso ko.

Quickly, I grabbed my jacket and wore it.

“Bakit ka ba nandito?” I asked, trying to divert the impending conversation.

“Ano ’yan?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I replied. “Tumama iyong arm ko sa doorknob,” I continued. Gosh, magaling nga yata talaga akong magsinungaling! That came out way smoother than I intended!

But with the look on Finley’s face, it seemed like he wasn’t buying the lie that I was selling.

“Did that weirdo do that?” he asked.

“No—”

“Kaya ba ’di na kita naabutan don kagabi?” he asked again, cutting me off.

I wanted to just lie because I didn’t want to prolong this conversation. I mean, what for? Sasabihin ko naman na sa owner iyong nangyari. Fault ko rin naman for not saying anything before…

“It’s nothing,” I said, instead.

But my attempt to lighten the conversation seemed to have failed because the scowl on Finley’s face just got deeper.

“What did he do?” he asked, this time sounding more serious. Ang seryoso ng mukha niya na parang galit talaga siya. Why was he mad?! Was he mad at me?!

“Not—”

“I swear, if you say nothing again,” he said, sounding more pissed.

I pursed my lips because I felt like he’s a second away from wringing my neck. “It’s not a big deal,” I told him, making sure that I didn’t use the word nothing.

Finley was just standing there. It was quickly becoming weird for me kasi naka-tingin lang siya sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari until he got his phone from his pocket and called someone.

“Tito,” I heard him say. The phone was on his ear, but his eyes were firmly on mine. “Can I ask for a favor? My friend was harassed last night. Can you help us file a case?”

My eyes widened.

“What—” pero hindi ko natapos iyong sasabihin ko when he raised his hand and showed me his index finger like he was motioning me to stop whatever nonsense I was about to say.

So, I stood there with my mouth agape while he was talking to whoever his Tito was.

“Thank you, Tito,” he said. “Yes, we’re on our way.”

My eyes widened some more. “Hindi pa dismissal!” I told him when he ended the call… but my words fell on deaf ears because Finley just made me wear my jacket, grabbed my bag, and once again, I was walking outside with Finley while everyone was watching us like we’re some display in an aquarium.

Great! Another chismis na naman!

**

This story is already at Chapter 09 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 07

Chapter 07

Never in my life did I think na pupunta ako sa police station! I didn’t think that Finley was serious until we really did stop in front of the station. I thought maybe he just wanted to cut classes tapos dahil bored siya ay sinama niya ako. But we’re really here! Gosh, he’s stressing me out!

He unbuckled his seatbelt and then tumingin siya sa akin because I wasn’t moving.

“Tara na,” he said.

I looked at him. “Balik na tayong school.”

His forehead creased. “What?”

“Please? I don’t want to press any charges,” I told him. Naka-tingin pa rin siya sa akin na para bang I grew two extra heads and hindi niya maintindihan why I was acting this way. “Please?” I pleaded again. “Kahit sa condo mo na ako idaan. Wala na ako sa mood pumasok sa school.”

Finley’s stares were starving to unnerve me kaya naka-tingin na lang ako sa labas ng sasakyan kahit na feel na feel ko na naka-titig siya sa akin. He’s really shameless when he wanted to!

“Can we go—”

“Fine,” he said. “Tell me why first.”

Napa-tingin ako sa kanya and napa-kunot iyong noo ko. “What?”

“Tell me why you don’t want to press charges,” he replied. “We’re already here. There’s evidence right there on your arm. I don’t understand why you’re resisting.”

Hindi agad ako nagsalita. He just kept on staring at me.

“You really won’t let this go,” I said.

He shrugged. “You think?”

I drew another deep breath. Tumingin ulit ako sa labas. I hated talking about ‘serious’ conversation. It makes me feel so uncomfortable that I was seriously debating on just going out of his car and maglakad na lang ako pauwi. But I also knew that Finley would just drag me back to his car.

“Because,” I said and then paused for a while. Wala akong narinig na salita from his end. He’s really waiting for some semblance of explanation on my end. “Because it’s my fault,” I continued. I could barely hear my voice.

The silence from his end was making things feel real for me. Parang bumalik na naman ako sa kagabi na paulit-ulit kong iniisip iyong mga bagay na possibleng nangyari kung hindi ako naka-alis agad doon.

Na what if mas malala iyong nangyari?

What if—

No. I shouldn’t think about that anymore kasi mas lalala lang.

“Why do you think it’s your fault?” he asked after minutes of nothing but silence from me.

“Basta.”

Hindi siya nagsalita. Napa-tingin ako sa side niya. Wrong move. He was staring intently at me kahit kakatama pa lang ng mga mata namin.

“Are you seriously making excuses for that creep?” he asked.

I drew another deep breath. I held on to my bag tighter na para bang doon ako kumukuha ng emotional support.

“It’s just easier that way, okay? Because if I blame him, then I can as easily blame you because you were late kaya nangyari ’yon. But then again I can just blame my parents for putting me in this frustrating situation,” I continuously said. “Ang dami kong pwedeng sisihin, okay? But I just choose to blame myself because it’s easier.”

I looked at Finley, expecting him to roll his eyes at my messy explanation… instead, he just nodded at me and started the ignition of the car.

“Aalis na tayo?” I asked, a bit shocked.

He nodded. “But you’re not working there anymore.”

I sighed. “Yeah, I know…”

I was silent during the entire ride home. I didn’t know for sure if naka-tingin sa akin si Finley, but I did feel him staring at me. I ignored him, tho. I was not in the mood to bicker with him. Ewan ko ba. It felt like whatever happened last night was finally catching up to me. Did that mean na may adrenaline pa rin ako from all the running and fearing for my safety last night? Possible ba ’yon?

Sobrang lalim ata ng iniisip ko na hindi ko napansin na nasa basement parking na ulit kami.

“You could’ve just dropped me off,” I told him as I was unbuckling my seatbelt. I faced him to thank him for driving me here kahit basically, he kidnapped me from school. Pero hindi ako nakapagsalita because when I turned my head to look at him, he’s got that serious look on his face once again.

“It was my fault,” he said. “You can totally blame me for what happened last night.”

My lips parted.

What the heck was he on?

“And because it’s my fault,” he continued, “Before you say anything, this is not charity. You can pay me once your parents figure out their situation.”

I felt the crease on my forehead deepening as I listened to him say… words. Feel ko talaga nasa upside down ko dahil sa mga lumalabas sa bibig ni Finley. Was he pranking me?! Because I swear, just a few weeks ago, he was still treating me like I got some contagious disease!

But then he rolled his eyes.

There he is.

“Coach made me stay behind last night kaya na-late ako,” he explained kahit hindi naman ako nagtatanong. Finley averted his gaze for a second. He, then, cleared his throat tapos ay muling humarap sa akin. “Magkano ba allowance mo talaga?”

“I didn’t mean na sinisisi kita,” I said.

“It’s my fault, though.”

“I was just pissed.”

“And so am I,” he replied that made my lips part in surprise again. “Just send me your bank details. I’ll transfer the money. You can just pay me later. Don’t go back to work there again,” he said like it was an order that I had no choice but to comply with.

Hindi pa rin ako makapagsalita. So, we were just there, inside his car, doing some sort of staring competition. I so badly wanted to avert my gaze, but I wanted him to do it first! Why was he saying all these things?! He’s making it weird!

“Fine,” I huffed. “But I’ll pay. With interest.”

He rolled his eyes. “Sure, sure, whatever.”

Quickly, I unbuckled my seatbelt. Lumabas na agad ako bago pa kung ano na naman iyong sabihin niya. The moment I got inside the unit, napa-sandal ako sa may door.

What the heck did just happen?!

---

I didn’t tell Finley kung magkano talaga iyong allowance ko. I just made a computation on how much I needed to survive comfortably. Dito ko na-discover na may hiya naman pala ako kahit papaano. Kasi if wala? I’d ask kung magkano talaga iyong binibigay sa akin ng parents ko.

Sana talaga maayos na nila… Paano na kapag college na ako? Weird naman if dito pa rin ako sa condo ni Finley naka-stay! Magtataka na iyong parents niya. Ayokong dumating sa point na ma-meet ko iyong parents niya!

“I’m so excited! Have you chosen your OOTDs na?”

“What?” I asked, a bit confused.

“For our fieldtrip!” she excitedly replied.

My eyes widened. Oh, shocks! Oo nga pala! Iyong New York trip naman! Gosh, I completely forgot about that sa dami ng nangyari sa life ko!

Buong araw tuloy ay iyon lang ang iniisip ko. Malamig pa naman sa NYC ngayon… Lahat ng clothes ko na appropriate for the weather ay nasa bahay namin… Hindi na ako makaka-balik don kasi for sure, after the stunt I pulled before, mas mahigpit na iyong security.

Gosh.

Ano’ng gagawin ko?

Pag-uwi ko, iyon pa rin ang iniisip ko… hanggang mapa-tingin ako sa baby ko na nananahimik sa may dresser.

“Oh, no…” I whispered. “I can’t,” I added. “I should just skip the trip… but then it’s already paid for… But wala na akong money… Ang mahal pa naman ng food sa US… Hindi enough ’yung money na binigay ni Finley…”

Kung hindi ako mamamatay sa gutom, sa overthinking ata ako matutuluyan!

Ni hindi na ako naka-kain ng dinner dahil para akong baliw na kina-kausap iyong Classic Chanel bag ko. This was a gift from my dad! Ayokong ibenta ’to.

“Bakit ba ang hirap maging mahirap?!”

I kept on thinking kung ano ba ang dapat kong gawin… but then I decided that I could always buy another bag… Mas sayang if mafo-forfeit iyong sa New York trip.

‘Busy ka tomorrow?’

I didn’t expect na mababasa agad ni Finley iyong message ko.

‘Depends.’

‘Depends on what?’

‘Sa sasabihin mo.’

Bakit ba bawal manakal through text?!

‘Wag na nga.’

‘Arte nito. Bakit nga?’

‘I’m going somewhere.’

‘Feel mo personal driver mo ako?’

‘Sabi ko nga wag na.’

‘San ka pupunta?’

Ang hirap niyang kausap!

Hindi na ako nagreply sa kanya. I went to Google Maps instead and looked kung may malapit na bank doon sa pupuntahan ko para I’ll deposit na the money agad. Ayoko ngang maglakad na may hawak na money. Gusto ko sana magpasama kay Finley but if he’ll be annoying about it, ’wag na lang.

The next morning, maaga akong nagising. I decided to make use of the amenities in this building. I went to the gym. Medyo natagalan ako dahil hindi ko alam kung ano iyong ginagawa ko. I kept on checking Youtube. There was a guy who tried to help me. He looks cute naman, but after that creepy weirdo, ayoko muna makipag-usap sa kahit na sinong lalaki.

“What are you doing here again?” sabi ko nung makita ko si Finley na naka-tayo na naman sa labas ng unit ko.

“Magreply—” sagot niya tapos ay natigilan siya nung mapa-tingin siya sa akin. What? If any, I looked cute! I was wearing a light blue cycling shorts and sports bra. Dahil ba I was sweating? Well, sue me, I just exercised!

“What?” I asked again nung nalimutan ata niya iyong sasabihin sa ’kin.

I saw him gulping. “Sabi mo magpapasama ka.”

“Oh, that,” I said as I walked past him para buksan iyong unit. Pina-pasok ko na rin siya since unit niya naman talaga ’to. “No, it’s fine. I figured it out na.”

“San ka ba pupunta?” he asked.

“I’m gonna sell my bag,” I told him as I stood in front the ref to get myself cold water. “Will you join the fieldtrip?” I asked kasi last year, hindi naman siya sumama.

“Sasama ka?” he asked.

“Yup,” I replied. “My parents already paid for it. I just need money for pocket money.”

“I’ll give you—”

“No,” I said, cutting him off. “It’s fine,” I told him.

He’s already helping me survive. This fieldtrip was more of an unnecessary expense. Saka may Dior pa naman ako na bag… Hindi naman necessity iyong bags ko to survive.

Gosh, is this maturing?!

---

I told Finley to see himself out dahil maliligo na ako, but paglabas ko, nandon pa rin siya. He was actually sitting on the couch and it looked like he’s playing mobile games on his phone.

“Aalis na tayo?” he asked ng ni hindi man lang inaalis iyong mata niya sa phone niya.

“Why are you still here?”

“Sabihin mo kapag aalis na tayo,” he replied instead.

Ugh.

Pumasok na lang ulit ako sa room at saka tinapos iyong pag-a-ayos ko. I wore a mom jeans, white baby tee, white bucket hat, and chunky shoes. I applied a very light make-up since nagtitipid ako. Ang mahal ng foundation!

“Let’s go,” I said nung matapos ako after an hour.

“Wait. Patapos na,” he replied.

What’s it with boys and games?! Dahil mukhang ’di ko naman siya mahahatak paalis, I just went to the ref to get water again. Pagbukas ko, napa-kunot iyong noo ko nung may makita ako na paper bag from Denny’s.

“Is this your food?” I asked him.

He nodded. “Hindi na pala ako gutom,” he replied with his eyes still on his phone. “Sa ’yo na lang.”

I chewed on my lower lip. Did he see na wala akong food kaya nagdala siya? He’s so annoying sometimes!

Naka-tingin lang ako sa kanya hanggang sa matapos siya sa laro niya. It seemed like nanalo naman siya dahil sa itsura niya. He was sporting a grin when he finally peeled his eyes from his phone and looked at me.

Hindi ko talaga alam if it’s all in my mind, but I saw his eyes widened a little when he saw me. But why?! Araw-araw niya naman akong nakikita!

“What?” I asked because of his weird reaction.

He shook his head as he stood up. “Tara na,” he said instead and then walked out first. This weirdo. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 10 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 08

Chapter 08

“Para kang tanga,” Finley told me when he saw me hugging my baby tightly.

I looked at him and frowned. “This bag is my baby, okay?”

“It’s just a bag.”

“What if ibenta ko ’yung signed jersey mo ni Lebron?”

His forehead creased. “How did you know na meron ako non?”

I rolled my eyes. “Pinost mo sa IG.”

He smirked. “You’re stalking me.”

I made a face at him. “Ew,” sabi ko tapos inignore ko na siya at saka binalik iyong attention ko sa baby ko. I took a couple of selfies. Nakita ko si Finley sa rearview mirror na napapa-iling sa ginagawa ko. What? It’s my baby! As if hindi weird kapag nagte-take ng selfie with basketball shoes and jersey iyong mga boys gaya niya.

“Finally,” he uttered when I unlocked the door.

I looked at him and scowled again. He just rolled his eyes at me. Lumabas na ako at saka pumasok doon sa consignment store. I began talking to the lady and then I showed her my bag. I take great care of my babies, but I still use them, so there were minor scratches. It’s fine. Ayoko lang din kasi bumili ng bag tapos idi-display ko lang. I used them pa rin.

“Thank you,” I said when she told me the final price. It’s more than what my dad paid for—which was expected since mabilis magprice increase iyong Chanel.

When the lady went to the backroom to do something, I looked around for Finley and nakita ko siya na nasa isang gilid. He was sitting down tapos ay naglalaro na naman sa phone niya. What was he playing? Parang lagi niyang nilalaro ’yon.

I walked towards him.

“You done?” he asked without even bothering to look at my beautiful face.

“Not yet.”

He gave a small nod. “Okay.”

Ugh. Boring.

Bumalik na lang ako doon sa may harap. I opened my IG and saw my friends shopping for clothes to bring sa NYC trip namin… I knew I shouldn’t feel jealous. It wasn’t like my parents asked for trouble. It’s just life… but dang! I wanted to go on shopping trips! I wanted new OOTDs! I wanted new bags!

I just wanted my easy life back!

“What are you scowling about again?”

My heart almost jumped from my chest when I heard Finley talking behind me. He was almost peeking at my phone. Agad kong tinakpan ’yon.

“Ever heard of privacy?” I asked, my brow arched.

“Tumitingin ka rin sa phone ko.”

“You were just playing games.”

“Malay mo kung iba ginagawa ko?”

“What—” And then I made a face. “Ew!”

Kumunot iyong noo niya then made a disgusted face. “What the hell are you thinking?” sabi niya.

“I don’t know! You started it!”

“You seriously think I’d just browse porn on my phone in public?”

“Stop saying the p-word !”

“P-word?” sabi niya na natawa. “Are you a child?”

“Yes! Hindi pa ako nagbi-birthday!”

He rolled his eyes at me. “Ikaw ata pinaka-maarteng babaeng kilala ko.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” I said, smiling sarcastically at him. Akala niya ata insult ’yon. So, what if maarte ako? It’s not like I’m hurting anyone.

We were bickering like kids (Finley’s fault! He’s insufferable!) nung bumalik iyong lady attendant. She handed me cash. I thanked her.

“Hindi mo bibilangin?” Finley asked nung ilalagay ko na sa bag ko iyong money.

“Complete naman ’yan,” I replied, showing him that the money’s still bundled.

He rolled his eyes again. “Para sa taong laging nagrereklamo na walang pera, ang tamad mo,” he said as he got the money from my hand.

Finley began to manually count each bill. Naka-tayo lang ako doon habang pinapa-nood siya. I was a bit embarrassed dahil baka akala nung staff dito na wala akong tiwala sa kanila. Finley, on the other hand, didn’t really care about what other people think of him. Social anxiety’s really scared of him!

Ilang minutes din kami na naka-tayo doon habang binibilang niya iyong bills. He counted them twice tapos ay binigay niya sa akin nung matapos siya. Then he applied alcohol on his hands.

“Where to?” he asked nung nasa loob na kami ng sasakyan.

Hindi agad ako naka-sagot. I was debating kung uuwi na ba ako or pupunta ako sa mall… Should I shop? Kahit konting clothes lang? It didn’t have to be a huge splurge… I just need some new clothes. Hindi naman kailangan expensive. Maganda naman ako. Any clothes would fit me well.

Habang malalim iyong iniisip ko ay sinabi ni Finley na babalik lang siya dahil may naiwan daw siya sa loob. I absentmindedly nodded while I was doing an internal debate sa kung ano ang gagawin ko.

“To the mall,” I told him nung maka-balik siya.

“May bibilin ka?” he asked.

“Clothes.”

“Kulang pa damit mo?”

“I need new outfits for New York,” I told him. “I need to look cute.”

“Kanino ka magpapa-cute?” he asked as he wore his seatbelt.

I shrugged. “Who knows? I might meet the love of my life there,” I told him. Ang dami kayang cute guys sa New York! Maybe I can meet him while walking around, bump into him, and that’ll be the beginning of our love story! Anything is possible!

I was so busy daydreaming na buti napansin ko na instead na sa mall kami pumunta ay pauwi na pala kami. I made Finley turn around para sa mall kami pumunta.

“You sold your ‘baby’ para lang bumili ng damit?” he asked habang nasa loob kami ng store. I so badly wanted to go inside my favorite shops, but I knew that my money would be gone so quickly kapag doon kami pumunta.

“Ayaw mong gastusin ko ’yung pera ko?” I asked and then nilahad ko iyong kamay ko. “Be charitable now. Akin na ’yung credit card mo.”

He scoffed. “Asa ka pa.”

“See? So, respectfully, shup up. I need to concentrate.”

Ilang beses ko sinabihan si Finley na umalis muna. Ang dami namang pwedeng gawin dito sa mall. I told him that I’d just contact him kapag patapos na ako, but he’s such a pest that he just kept on following me around. At dahil sinusundan niya lang din naman ako, pina-hawak ko sa kanya iyong mga damit na susukatin ko. At least may silbi na siya kahit papaano.

Because I was on a budget, I tried different outfits. I needed to make sure na magagamit ko ng ilang beses iyong mga clothes na bibilhin ko—and, of course, na cute ako sa mga ’yon.

“Is this giving?” I asked as I got out of the fitting room.

“Giving what?” he asked, looking perpetually bored.

“Giving cute.”

“It’s giving hypothermia,” he replied. “You’ll wear mini skirt?”

“Of course I’ll be layering,” sabi ko sa kanya.

“Kahit na.”

“Fashion is sacrifice,” I told him as I got back inside the fitting room. Ilang outfit pa iyong sinukat ko, pero lahat ’yon ay may comment si Finley. Seriously! Bakit hindi niya na lang ako iwanan? May arcade naman dito sa mall. Doon siya maglabas ng aggression niya sa buhay.

We’ll be in New York City for five days, so I settled with 10 outfits. I’ll mix and match iyong mga bagong bili ko and my existing clothes.

“Yan ang bibilhin mo?” Finley asked when I grabbed a coat.

I nodded. “Yup.”

“Really?”

“I’ll layer,” sagot ko na lang sa kanya. I knew that this coat won’t really help with the cold, but what could I do? Ang mahal nung mga coat na wool talaga. Ang dami ko sanang coats sa house, but I really should think of them as gone. Mafu-frustrate lang ako kung constantly iisipin ko iyong mga gamit ko na hostage ng bahay namin.

After paying for my things, pina-buhat ko kay Finley lahat. Surprisingly, he wasn’t complaining. Like for once in his life!

“What do you want?” I asked.

“What?”

“Lunch,” I told him. “I’ll make libre.”

“Wag na.”

“Ang arte,” I said. “Do you want Italian? Japanese? Chinese?”

“Ramen,” he finally replied.

“Oh, okay!” I excitedly said. “It’s been a while since I had ramen.”

I ordered a small bowl lang dahil hindi naman ako malakas kumain. Finley got a big bowl of ramen with additional pork belly and egg and dumplings. It wasn’t surprising na malakas siyang kumain with all the sports he’s doing.

I saw his phone buzzing. Someone texted him. Tumingin lang siya doon, binasa, tapos ay hindi na ulit pinansin. He’s such a snob sometimes.

“Won’t you reply?” I asked. Umiling siya. “Rude,” I told him.

“That’s just Ri,” he said.

“See? Worse. Bakit hindi ka magrereply?”

“Ri won’t die kung hindi ako magreply.”

“Hindi ka rin mamamatay if magre-reply ka.”

“Wala kang kapatid, noh?”

“Yeah. My parents saw me and thought ‘she’s already perfect.’”

Napa-awang iyong labi niya sa sinabi ko. “Wow…”

I shrugged. “That’s just how it is.”

Napa-iling na lang siya sa akin. “You always say that I’m conceited, but wow…” he said, and I just scowled at him.

“What did Riley say ba kasi? Bakit ayaw mong magreply?” I asked, now genuinely curious kung bakit ayaw niyang magreply.

“He’s just asking kung anong oras ako uuwi,” he replied.

“Tell him na pauwi ka na,” I told him. Uuwi naman na kami after ng lunch.

“Wala ka ng pupuntahan?” he asked, looking at me with his forehead slightly creased. What? Magre-reklamo ba siya na ginagawa ko siyang personal driver ko?

Umiling ako. I needed to organize my things na for the trip. I needed to make sure na dala ko lahat ng kailangan ko dahil ayokong doon pa ako bibili. It’s expensive out there!

Finally, dumating na iyong food. I took a picture of our food nung mapa-tingin ako sa kanya kasi bahagyang naka-smile siya.

“Why are you smiling?” I asked, confused kasi iyong food lang naman iyong kukuhanan ko ng picture. Quickly, the smile was replaced with a scowl.

“Naka-ngiti ako?” he asked sarcastically.

Ugh. Hindi matatapos ang isang araw na hindi siya nagiging pilosopo.

After kong makuhanan ng picture iyong food, kumain na ako. Mas maraming food si Finley, but he devoured his food! San napupunta iyong kinain niya?!

“What?” he asked when he saw the slight judgment and worry on my face. Instead of saying anything, I just shook my head. He just rolled his eyes at me—like the usual.

We walked back to the parking. He put all my stuff in the backseat habang dumiretso na ako doon sa may passenger princess seat ko. I told myself na ipipikit ko lang sandali iyong eyes ko, but I just found Finley gently tapping my shoulder and telling me na nasa condo na kami.

“I fell asleep pala,” I said as I was still yawning. Ang dami na palang nangyari sa araw ko. Nakapag-exercise na ako, nagbenta ng baby ko, shopping, and lunch outside. Quite a productive day!

I unbuckled my seatbelt. Nakita ko na lalabas din dapat si Finley, but I stopped him.

“I’ll get them,” I told him kasi tutulungan yata niya ako magbuhat nung mga binili ko. Hinahanap na siya ni Riley kaya kailangan niya ng umuwi. “Thanks for today. Bye,” I continued nung makuha ko na iyong mga paper bags. Pumasok na agad ako sa may elevator.

I took a quick shower and then took a quick nap. Nung magising ako ay nag-ayos na ako ng mga gamit ko. Sinukat ko lahat nung damit ko and decided on which outfits I’d bring. When I finally decided on which clothes I’d bring, I took a quick photo of the mess and posted it on IG Stories.

‘Ready for NYC!!’

And because I was obsessed with myself, I checked kung sino na iyong nakaka-kita ng story ko. Some of my friends replied saying that they chose their OOTD na rin. I was super excited na! I promise myself na kakalimutan ko muna iyong problems ko and will enjoy our field trip to the fullest.

And then I saw finley viewing my story.

Seriously?

I checked and hindi naman siya nagfa-follow sa ’kin. Did he seriously search my account up para tignan iyong story ko? It’s giving stalker!

I wanted to see if he’s really stalking me, so I posted a photo na kinuha ko kaninang umaga. It was a mirror shot na suot ko ’yung workout fit ko. I looked super cute, if I may say so myself!

“Stalker!” I uttered when I saw na a few seconds after posting, na-view niya na agad iyong story ko!

I sent him a DM.

maiaceline: might as well follow me atp

My jaw fell when he just left me on seen?!

This jerk! I quickly blocked him on IG.

Then I received an iMessage from him.

‘Unblock me.’

I blocked him din sa iMessage.

Good thing may fieldtrip kami and hindi naman sumasama si Finley sa mga ganon. I’d have a few days of peace to myself—a much needed peace, if I may say so myself! Because these past few weeks, Finley has been confusing me! He’s sometimes mean, but then he’d do all these things like seriously?!

I seriously thought I have a few days to myself… but then I saw the jerk at the airport, holding his passport while looking at me and smirking like he’s so pleased with himself. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 11 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 09

Chapter 09

I glared at him before ignoring him because I was so painfully aware na may mga naka-tingin sa amin. I told myself pa naman that I’d enjoy this fieldtrip fully tapos ni hindi pa ako nakaka-alis sa Pilipinas, may stress na agad na sumalubong sa akin.

Couldn’t catch a break!

Lumapit ako sa friends ko… which didn’t seem like a bad idea at first, but then they started talking about all the shopping that they’ll do. I immediately felt jealous. I wanted to do that, too. I wanted to shop without worrying about money.

Gosh.

Was I that materialistic?

Kaysa mas lalo lang sumama iyong loob ko, I excused myself na lang. It wasn’t their fault naman. It’s all on me. I asked my teacher if pwede na mag-ikot muna ako since hindi pa naman complete kami dito. Sabay-sabay kasi kaming magche-checkin. She told me not to wander too far. Saan naman ako makakarating? As if ang daming options dito sa NAIA.

I was dragging my luggage with me, thinking kung saan ako pupunta, nang makita ko si Finley na naglalakad sa gilid ko.

“Why are you even here?” I asked.

“Bawal?”

“Hindi ka naman sumasama sa ganito,” I told him.

He shrugged. “Pano mo nalaman?” he asked back. “Are you monitoring my every activity?”

Ugh!

Was this flirting?!

How would I know?! Never pa naman ako nagka-boyfriend much less flirted with a guy! Si Finley ata iyong naging first serious crush ko, so when he avoided me like a plague before, nagka-fear na ata ako magka-crush dahil sa ginawa niya. For a moment, I thought I was repulsive until I convinced myself that I was not. Ang ganda-ganda ko kaya. So, I concluded na bulag lang talaga si Finley.

“In your delusions,” I just replied.

I continued walking and he continued to follow me. Tuwing titingin ako sa kanya, he’d act as if this was a public place and that he’s free to walk wherever he wanted. He also insinuated na ako ang sumusunod sa kanya. I really couldn’t with him!

When we got to the escalator, I tried na ilagay sa may step iyong luggage ko, but it was too big, so it was quite a hassle. I was trying to find an angle para mailagay ko siya nang maayos when Finley grabbed the handle from me. Agad na napa-tingin ako sa kanya with my forehead creased.

“Ako na dito,” he said.

“What?” I asked, confused again.

“Go ahead,” he said.

I wanted to argue some more, but then napa-tingin ako sa likuran niya and may ibang mga tao na doon. Nauna na ako sa may escalator. Naka-lingon ako para tignan siya. Ano ba’ng balak niyang gawin?!

Unang nilagay ni Finley iyong luggage ko, then siya, tapos iyong luggage niya. He was holding them easily as compared sa akin kanina na nagstruggle. Bakit nga ba ako nagulat? Finley’s basically a giant! Ano kaya ang pinapa-kain sa kanila sa bahay?

“You’re welcome,” he sarcastically said nung iabot niya sa akin iyong luggage ko.

I made a face. “I didn’t ask you to do it.”

He just rolled his eyes at me and began walking. And for reasons unknown even to myself, sumunod ako sa kanya. What the heck was happening?! Kanina, siya ang naka-sunod sa akin. Why was I following him now?!

Finley stopped in front of a café. Pumasok siya roon tapos ay huminto siya sa harap ng vacant table.

“What do you want?” he asked. “Coffee,” he added like he foresaw the impending what that I’d reply.

“Iced macchiato,” I said. “Decaf,” I added because I wanted to sleep in the plane.

“You’re gonna sleep?”

I nodded. “That’s the plan,” I replied. “I don’t like plane food.”

It’s just not hitting. At most, I’d just eat the dessert they provide or request for cup noodles. Ewan ko. Ayoko talaga sa food sa plane.

“Aren’t you in first class?” Finley asked like he was genuinely confused.

I just shrugged. I didn’t even want to think about it. I really thought that I’d, at the very least, would be in business class dahil usually nandon naman ako. It seemed like my parents have been facing financial difficulties for quite some time now… Made me think sa lahat ng mga pinabili ko sa kanila dati. Were they hurting already back then? Why didn’t they just tell me? I feel like I’d understand naman kung pinaliwanag nila sa ’kin… instead of just one day springing it on me.

“Won’t your friends ask kung bakit ka nasa economy?”

I didn’t know if Finley was making fun of me or something. I just shrugged. I plan to just tell them na naubusan ako ng seat. Whatever. Ayokong isipin pa.

Finley went to the counter habang binabantayan ko iyong bags namin. He got me my order plus a slice of brownie. I thanked him because that was nice of him kahit minsan ang sarap niyang sakalin talaga.

We didn’t stay longer dahil nagtext na sa akin na kailangan ko ng bumaba. Finley asked me kung saan ako pupunta. I told him na sa escalator siya tapos ay sa elevator ako dadaan. I really didn’t need any more gossips surrounding me.

My friends didn’t even ask me dahil naka-pila na sila doon sa may line for business class. I was quietly minding my own business don sa may line for economy. Hindi naman ako mag-isa dito since kasama ko iyong mga chaperone plus ibang mga students na hindi rin naka-business or first class.

“Good morning,” I greeted the lady in the check-in counter. I gave her my passport, ticket, and ID. I waited while she was processing my things.

“Hi, ma’am,” she said. I readied to receive my passport and boarding pass. “You got a free upgrade to first class.”

My eyes widened. “What?” I asked, a bit confused. I asked her again kung tama ba iyong narinig ko. Seriously? Did the heavens hear my complaints kaya binigyan ako ng free upgrade?!

I was still confused kahit nabigay na sa akin iyong boarding pass ko at may naka-lagay na first class nga doon. Hanggang maglakad ako sa may first class lounge ay iniisip ko pa rin kung ganoon ba ako ka-swerte? I mean, I was kinda dreading the economy seat already. I’d be flying for nearly a whole freaking day! I was ready to have my whole body ache.

This must be the break that I’d been wanting to catch for a while!

When I got in the lounge, I immediately spotted Finley. Napa-tingin din siya sa gawi ko, so I had no option to but acknowledge his existence.

“Aren’t you trespassing?” he asked with his arched brow. “Don sa labas ’yung economy.”

I glared at him. This jerk. “I got an upgrade, okay?” sabi ko tapos iniwan ko ’yung gamit ko doon sa table niya. I was hungry, so I looked for a sandwich. Medyo mamaya pa ’yung boarding.

Kami lang ’yung tiga SCA na nandito since majority of them were in business lounge. Hindi ko muna kailangang layuan si Finley. I mean, there was no need since he was, as expected, playing his mobile games again. Seriously, ganoon ba ka-enjoyable ’yon kasi sa more than an hour na nasa lounge kami, nagla-laro lang siya.

“Don’t wake me up,” biglang sabi ni Finley nung nasa plane na kami. Binigyan na lang din ako ng first class suite, hindi pa tinodo. Bakit kailangang nasa tabi ako ni Finley? I couldn’t have complete peace!

“Bakit naman kita gigisingin?”

“Don’t take photos while I’m asleep.”

“Mamaya magka-virus pa ’yung phone ko,” I said. “Also, there’s a do not disturb button for a reason.”

He just shrugged as a response. I honestly didn’t know if I should be worried or impressed dahil tulog lang talaga siya majority of the flight. Naka-bed mode lang iyong suite niya at natulog lang talaga siya. I didn’t even hear him order food. Tsk. What a waste of money—but it’s probably just nothing for him since he’s stinking rich.

“Oh, god,” I said when the pilot mentioned kung ano iyong degree sa New York. I mean, alam ko naman na malamig, but still!

I was dreading the cold hanggang maglanding kami. I wanted to go to the bathroom para maglayer na, but I told myself na wala naman kaming itinerary today. I just have to brave the cold for a while dahil sa hotel naman na iyong diretso namin.

I was mentally preparing myself habang hinihintay namin iyong mga schoolmate namin. Nauna na kasi naming nakuha iyong luggage namin.

“Maia.”

Napa-tingin ako nung tawagin ako ni Finley. Kumunot ang noo ko nang may makita ako na iabot siya sa akin.

“May kamay ka naman,” I said nung ipapa-hawak niya sa akin iyong coat. Bakit kailangan ako pa ang maghawak? Personal assistant niya ba ako?

He rolled his eyes again. “Bilis na,” he continued.

“Ipatong mo na lang—”

“God, why can’t you just say thank you and leave it at that?” he said, cutting me off.

Hindi agad ako nakapagsalita. My lips were parted. Finley grabbed my hands and put the coat on them tapos ay iniwanan ako.

Did… he bring this coat specifically for me?

Dahil alam niya na wala akong matinong coat na dala?

What the heck’s happening?!

Mabuti na lang at hindi kami magkasama doon sa may shuttle papunta sa hotel. Dumiretso ako sa hotel room after ng checkin. My assigned roommate told me good night dahil matutulog na raw siya.

I took a bath and changed into my pajamas. Hindi pa ako inaantok dahil naka-tulog naman ako nang maayos sa plane, but I felt like tulog ata lahat ng kasama ko ngayon. I’d just stay in. Ayoko ring umalis mag-isa. New York’s nice, but it isn’t very safe lalo na sa medyo walang street smarts na kagaya ko.

I was browsing through Pinterest when I received an e-mail.

I was so confused because I thought I saw Finley’s name, so I quickly clicked on it…

‘Gising ka?’

Did he seriously e-mail me para lang i-ask ’yon?

‘Yes. Why are you emailing me? And where did you get my email add?’

‘Samahan mo ako. Nagugutom ako.’

Did he purposely ignore the question I asked?!

‘I’m tired. And nasan na friends mo?’

‘Sleeping. Also, I drive you around even when I’m tired.’

‘I didn’t ask you to?’

‘Great. See you sa lobby in 15.’

Was he serious?!

I didn’t know if he’s being for real, but I had a feeling na if hindi ko siya puntahan sa lobby, for some reason, malalaman niya kung anong room ako assigned and pupuntahan niya ako rito. I didn’t want to risk my roommate asking kung bakit kumakatok sa amin si Finley Angelo Suarez.

And because I was already in my pajamas and hindi kasama iyong ngayong araw sa planned outfit ko, I was just wearing a light grey jogger, fitted white shirt, black baseball cap, and iyong coat na pinahiram niya sa ’kin.

Agad na nakita ko si Finley. He was standing with his eyes on his phone. He was wearing black pants, gray sweater, light brown coat, and gray beanie. Why did he have to look so good?! When he obviously didn’t have to try?!

“You see me every day. Why are you still always in awe?” he said after he walked towards me… and just like that, the mood was freaking ruined. He’s such an obnoxious jerk. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 12 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

“Dito ka nga,” he said. I looked at him with a confused face. Ano na naman ba kasi ang sinasabi niya? Half the time, ayoko na lang makinig sa kanya kasi I was like certain na maiinis lang ako sa kung anuman ang sasabihin niya sa akin.

And in true Finley fashion, instead of answering my question, he just rolled his eyes and then pulled me until I was walking beside him.

“What the—”

He just put back his hands inside his pockets and walked like he didn’t just grab me! Nakaka-stress talaga siya minsan!

We were walking—scratch that, I was half-running dahil isang hakbang yata ni Finley ay dalawa sa akin. Why was he so freaking tall?! Like I have tall classmates, but Finley’s still taller than them. Ano ba ang pinakain dito nung bata pa siya? Nakaka-tangkad ba ’yon? Side effect din ba nun ’yung attitude niya?

I tried to catch a breath. Finley looked back and saw me just standing in the middle of Time Square. He was looking at me with a confused look like he didn’t understand that while he’s been walking all this time, kanina pa ako tumatakbo alongside him.

“Pagod ka na agad?” he asked like he was taunting me.

I glared at him. “Well, sorry my legs aren’t as long as yours.”

Umirap na naman siya. “Masakit talaga paa mo?”

Hindi naman masakit iyong paa ko… but for some reason, I wanted to tell him na masakit iyong paa ko. I just wanted to see kung ano ang gagawin niya—if iiwan niya ba ako sa gitna ng Time Square or if he’d be gentleman enough to wait for me until I feel a bit better.

I looked at him and nodded—I even batted my lashes! After I did, I felt cringe because what the heck, Maia?! Why did you do that?! I was bracing myself na for Finley to tease me and to tell me na ang pangit ko or something like hindi bagay sa akin magpa-cute kasi hindi naman ako cute.

“What… are you doing?” I asked when I saw him kneeling with his back turned on me… like he was offering to give me a piggyback ride.

“Bilis na,” he replied, still holding that position.

“No.”

Lumingon siya. Why is his nose so perfect?! Nagpa-rhino ba siya?! Why was everything about his, at least physically, perfect?

“We’re in New York. No one gives a shit,” he said like ang concern ko ay may makaka-kita sa aming dalawa. “Come on. My knee will freeze.”

Napa-tingin ako sa isang knee niya na nasa sahig. Ugh. Why was he being like this?! So confusing! I was torn na sabihin sa kanya na hindi naman talaga masakit iyong paa ko, but I felt like my lie was too deep na. I drew a deep breath as I got on his back.

“Ouch—” he said when I pulled his hair. He adjusted my position on his back kasi kanina tapos hindi siya nagsabi kaya nagulat ako. Knowing him, the possibility of him just casually dropping me on the ground, while low, was never zero!

“Don’t do that kasi—” I said and the I was cut off half-way and my words were replaced with me shrieking because he acted like he’s gonna drop me again. “Finley!” I shouted and he was just laughing. He was laughing so hard that I could feel his laughter.

Natigilan ako.

This… was the first time I heard him laughing.

Like… possible pala na tumawa siya?!

Finley probably felt my surprise. He quickly stopped laughing, cleared his throat, and then continued walking.

What the heck was that?!

---

We kept on walking around Times Square—I mean, he was walking and I was enjoying the ride.

“I thought you’re hungry?” I asked because we’ve been walking for almost an hour na, but wala pa kaming nabibili na food.

“Wala akong maisip,” he replied. “May gusto ka bang kainin?”

“Hmm… The crumbl cookie, but I’m not sure if meron dito and if open pa,” I told him.

He was holding my legs with both hands tapos ay biglang isang kamay na lang iyong gamit niya para hawakan iyong legs ko. He got his phone from his pocket. Grabe… I knew he’s rich-rich but wasn’t he afraid of his phone being stolen?

Finley unlocked his phone. Right in front of my eyes. I’d admit na curious ako! I knew that the right thing to do was to avert my gaze, but why would he do that to me? It’s like he knew I was starving, and he’d dangle a donut right in front of me! Of course I’d take a bite!

His wallpaper was just plain black. I thought it’d be something related to basketball. Hindi naman pala completely doon umiikot ang buhay niya.

He quickly went to Google kaya mabilis ko lang nakita iyong homescreen niya. He’s got a lot of unread messages—it was something in the thousands! Kanino kaya galing iyong texts na ’yon? Marami din siyang gaming related apps—nothing surprising about that. Meron din siyang meditation app… which he needed because there were probably lots of evil thoughts roaming in that head of his.

Finley typed Crumbl and then looked at the maps.

“It’s still open,” he said. “Do you want to go?”

“Ang layo,” I told him when I saw that it’s like 20 minutes walk.

“Ikaw ba naglalakad?” pilosopo na sabi niya.

“What? You’ll carry me all the way?” Instead of answering, he just gave me his phone. I arched a brow. “Ikaw na magnavigate. Mahiya ka naman sa ’kin.”

“Fine. Whatever,” I said as I held his phone.

I was tempted to go check his phone but I stopped myself because that’s like dipping in the creepy territory.

“Are you friend-less?” I asked because there’s no notification whatsoever in his phone.

“What?”

“No notifs.”

“I turned them off.”

“Psycho.”

“At least I’m not chronically online,” he said like he’s accusing me of being one!

“Excuse me, I am not!”

“You are,” he replied. “Sometimes, you say shit I don’t understand. I always need to Google the terms you use.”

I rolled my eyes. “Well, sorry, grandpa, that I have friends my age.”

“We’re the same age,” sagot niya. “Kahit pang senior citizen na yata ’yang tuhod mo,” he said. “Seriously, what do you even do in the gym? Take selfies and call it a day?”

I gasped. “Excuse me!”

“What? Bakit pagod ka na agad? We walked a few blocks.”

Ugh. I shouldn’t have lied about my feet hurting. I was being accused of not exercising. Could I just take it back? But no! Finley wouldn’t let me live! He’d forever tease me and probably come to the conclusion that I lied about my feet hurting, so I could score a piggyback ride from him. As if!

“I’m not arguing about this,” I told him. “Turn left.”

We continued walking. I mean, it was like half-walking and half-bickering. Sobrang nag-away lang kami na hindi ko napansin na nakarating na pala kami doon sa may place. I thought Finley would put me down pero pumasok kami sa loob with me still on his back.

What was this?!

I was so close to asking him what are we ?!

“What do you want?” he asked habang naka-tayo siya roon sa may iPad where you’d put in the order.

“Everything,” I told him… just because. I just wanted to see if he’d buy the cookies just because I told him to.

I chewed on my lips when Finley held my legs again with one hand and used his free hand to select all cookies. Then he got his wallet and got his black credit card. Ugh. So jealous!

“Stop showing me your card. I’ll memorize your details,” I said, joking.

“I did offer this before,” he said, waving it in front of my face.

“Ugh. So annoying.”

I felt him laughing. “Seriously, my parents won’t notice.”

We were standing while waiting for the order to be prepared. Finley was casually carrying me like I weighed nothing. Magaan lang ba ako or malakas lang si Finley?

“Aren’t you tired?” I asked him. “I can walk naman.”

“It’s fine,” he simply replied.

I didn’t know what got into me, but I rested my head on that cozy space between his neck and shoulder. I felt Finley freeze. I ignored that.

Ugh, Maia?! What the heck?!

“Order for Finley,” the staff called.

Para kaming sabay na binuhusan ng cold water ni Finley. Inalis ko iyong ulo ko roon while Finley walked towards the counter like his feet were on fire. Mabilis na kinuha niya iyong order namin.

I didn’t know what happened exactly… but the whole walk back to the hotel was awfully quiet. At one point, I wanted to apologize to him because maybe he was just being nice… tapos biglang ginawa ko ’yon? He probably felt awkward with me. He probably thought that I was still that girl who has a crush on him… He probably felt like he was leading me on.

I wanted to just fall asleep to escape these horrible, horrible thoughts.

“I can walk from here,” I told him when we’re two blocks away from the hotel. Thankfully, he did as I ask. Inabot ko rin sa kanya iyong phone niya.

I looked at him. I drew a deep breath.

“Thanks,” I just said because really, what was there to be said? We continued walking—this time, I was walking ahead of him. But even if I was ahead of him, it was like I could feel him boring a hole on the back of my head.

Gosh… did I really just make things more awkward between us? Because we were already doing so good!

“Uh…” I trailed when we were finally back in the hotel. “Next time you wanna break curfew, just ask one of your friends. I don’t wanna get in trouble,” I just said because this was a bad, bad idea. I really didn’t know how I’d face him again.

Finley said something but I was so embarrassed that I almost ran towards the elevator, quickly pressed close, and prayed for everything that has happened tonight to be forgotten. I wish him temporary amnesia! 

**

This story is already at Chapter 13 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

My roommate was asking me kung saan ko nakuha iyong Crumbl cookies. Against my will, I had to bribe her with a piece dahil isusumbong niya ako sa teacher namin kapag nalaman niya na lumabas pa ako—and kasama ko pa si Finley!

Ugh!

Naalala ko na naman.

I really couldn’t have a moment of peace, could I?

Whatever. I should just focus on preparing for today. Pina-una na ako ng roommate ko na maligo since alam niya—rather alam yata ng buong school na marami akong rituals. What? This beauty doesn’t come naturally! I mean, sure maganda naman talaga ako, but it takes effort, okay! So I really took offense when Finley said na nagse-selfie lang ako sa gym. How I wish! I am not the kind of person who actually enjoys going to the gym—I only go because I have to.

After strategically layering my lotion and perfume so I actually smell good the whole day, I began to dry my hair. Personally, hair is more important that makeup. I put a lot of effort into making sure that my hair’s always nice kahit naka-ponytail lang ako minsan.

I looked at myself on the mirror after I was done. I looked really cute. I was wearing cream colored tennis skirt, white sweater, white faux fur coat, sheer white tights, and white knee-high boots. I accessorized din with faux fur headband. Of course I layered din! Naiinisip ko na agad na sasabihan ako ni Finley na hypothermia-inspired iyong outfit ko.

Ugh.

Finley again!

I was almost tempted to skip breakfast, but I decided that I’d be stupid to do so. Didikit na lang ako sa mga friends ko… I mean, makapal iyong mukha ni Finley but hindi naman yata to the point wherein he’d just what? Drag me away from my friends?

‘But he did that before already!’ an annoying part of my brain said.

Gosh, I just needed a break from Finley and my overthinking brain.

I got my phone and checked it. No message from Finley. That’s good, right? I mean, what was I expecting him to say ba? Na ang weirdo ko for doing what I did last night? Pwede ko kayang sabihin sa kanya na napagod lang iyong leeg ko and I was just resting it kaya ginawa ko ’yon? But then again, wouldn’t it be weirder if I’d voluntarily offer that explanation?

I should just act like nothing happened. Right. Iyon ang dapat kong gawin.

With that thought in my mind, lumabas na ako sa room. Hindi pa kasi tapos iyong roommate ko and nagtext na sa akin iyong friends ko na nasa may breakfast area na sila.

‘Seriously?!’ I shouted inside my brain nung bumukas iyong elevator and surprise, surprise! Finley Angelo Freaking Suarez was there, looking at me while he was leaning against the elevator. I hated how good he looked with that outfit of his. May theme din ba siya like me? Because so far, it’s like his theme was off duty model.

I bit the inside of my lips bago ako pumasok sa elevator. Mas weird naman if hindi ako papasok. It was already weird—I didn’t need to make it weirder.

The whole ride was silent, but at the same time, I could feel Finley staring at me. I didn’t even want to look at the door kasi makikita ko iyong reflection ng mukha niya. I didn’t need to see the expression on his face because that would just contribute to whatever overthinking that’s already happening inside my brain.

‘Finally,’ I said to myself nung bumukas na iyong elevator. I quickly got out and walked papunta sa area kung nasaan iyong breakfast. I saw my friends. They all said how cute I looked; I returned the compliment because they look cute din!

I just ate toast and some eggs while they were talking about what we’d do today. Hindi naman ito iyong first time namin sa New York, so we weren’t really excited na magpunta sa touristy places. They were talking about hitting the boutiques. I already made a plan na I’d go there, but act like wala akong nagustuhan. What would they do? Force me to buy bags?

Today’s gonna be good.

After a while, natapos na rin lahat magbreakfast. We were ushered towards a coaster. The ride was super fun. We were chitchatting and taking lots of photos. I took a selfie and sent it to my mom. I had no idea what they’re doing, but I know they love me, and they worry about me. At least they’d know na I was doing fine. One less thing for them to worry about.

We went to a museum. We took photos. I looked at the artworks. They look good, but if I were being honest, sometimes, I just pretend that I understand them. Feel ko kasi maja-judge ako kapag hindi.

I was standing in front of a painting. I felt a dark force looming. I didn’t even need to look kung sino iyon. I turned the other way and pretended that I was done admiring this artwork tapos ay pumunta ako sa other side nung exhibit.

Gosh, was he following me?!

The whole day kasi I could feel him looking at me—or at least looking my way. Like he wasn’t even being subtle about it! I was half-afraid that he’d tell someone about what I did tapos ano? Magiging center of gossip na naman ako?

Bakit ba kasi ako sumama sa kanya that night? Sapat ba na price iyong Crumbl cookies sa stress na nafi-feel ko?

At around afternoon, we were in some café. It would’ve been nice to chill by the park. Sino ba kasi ang naka-isip na magandang idea magfieldtrip sa New York kapag ganitong malamig?

“Maia,” I was called. I looked at her and she showed me her phone. “Should I?” she asked after I read a message on her phone. Someone was asking about me. Nakita yata ako from a photo she posted online.

“Is he cute?” I asked because priorities first!

“Super!” she said. “He’s from Brent lang.”

“Really?” I asked, now intrigued. “Bakit hindi ko siya kilala?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know,” she replied. “Probably because focused ka sa crush mo,” she continued and threw Finley a look. I hated na kahit hindi ako naka-tingin kay Finley, alam ko kung nasaang part ng room siya.

I groaned. “Stop nga,” sabi ko bago pa kung saan makarating iyong panunukso niya.

She laughed. “So? Ano? I’ll give him your details?”

“Hmm… okay,” I replied. It’s just my number, anyway. Wala namang mawawala. Saka sabi nga nila, keep your options open. Wala naman akong boyfriend.

The rest of the day continued. At around 5PM, I was so tired that I was actually looking forward to going back to the hotel so I can take a nap. Kaya nung inask ako ng friends ko to join them sa shopping, I honestly told them na pagod na ako. It’s been a whole day of walking and stuff! I needed my nap.

The other teachers were chaperone nung mga may side quests. May teachers din kaming kasama sa mga nagdecide na bumalik na sa hotel. I stayed in the lobby first. I was thinking what to eat for dinner. Kapag kasi umakyat na ako sa room, wala na akong balak bumaba since magtatanggal na ako ng makeup. Wala rin akong gustong food from room service. Ayoko ring kainin iyong cookies. Baka magka-sugar rush ako.

So, I was there, minding my own business when I received a text. It just said hi pero for some reason, alam ko na agad na ito iyong nanghingi ng number ko. I ignored his text. Wala ako sa mood magreply.

I continued checking the food near me when I received an email. Seriously? What’s up with today and why were people bothering me?

I quickly averted my gaze before ko pa mabasa kung ano iyong nasa email. Isa lang naman ang weirdo na magse-send sa akin ng email.

It was like there was a dark force whispering in my ear kaya napa-tingin ako sa may entrance nung hotel. Finley walked in. He was holding a shopping bag from Schiaparelli. Did he shop? I mean, he’s got the money. Good for him, I guess.

But then napa-tingin siya sa gawi ko. I quickly went back to checking my phone. Na-feel ko agad na nagla-lakad siya papunta sa akin. Gosh naman?! I couldn’t even have one day to myself?!

“Di ka sumama sa kanila?” he asked.

Hindi ako tumingin sa kanya. “What?”

“Never mind,” he said instead. See? Sometimes he just asks questions for the heck of it.

I felt him looking at my phone. Tinago ko ’yon. Baka i-invite niya iyong sarili niya na samahan ako magdinner. I didn’t want to spend my dinner with him. Magkaka-indigestion ako sa anxiety.

“What did you get?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me. I love that brand, but I felt like it’s not yet age appropriate for me—style and all. I thought I’d delve into that when I’m a bit older. I wish afford ko na ulit siya by that time.

He shrugged tapos pinatong niya sa may tabi ko iyong paperbag. I took a peek.

“For your mom?” I asked. He looked at me like I was insane. What? Malay ko ba if mahilig siya sa bag na pambabae? No judgment! Fashion is fluid. “Just asking,” I continued. “Did your mom ask you to buy this?”

Alam ko kasi na hindi siya aalis. I mean, we’ve been here before. Finley didn’t know the words ‘leave Maia alone.’ Might as well try to make things as less awkward as possible.

“Sure,” he simply said. “You’ll order dinner?” he asked.

Ugh. Ito na. Paano ko ba sasabihin sa kanya na ayokong magdinner with him? I felt like normal naman ako, but last night really was a glitch. What was I thinking?!

“Yup,” I said, short and simple.

Finley sat down. Nasa gitna namin iyong paper bag. Why was this so freaking awkward? It wasn’t like this was the first time na nagtabi kaming maupo.

“It’s peak hour. Mamaya pa dadating kung oorder ka,” he said, volunteering information I literally didn’t ask for.

“It’s fine,” I replied.

He stared at me.

I felt unnerved.

“Can you stop?” I asked because he was so unashamed!

“Are you avoiding me?”

I probably looked like a fool because I started laughing like a freaking maniac. My laugh sounded fake because it was fake! Bakit naman niya kasi ako tatanungin ng ganon? Like either way, ang awkward if sumagot ako.

Finley was still just staring at me, his brow slightly arched like he was making fun of me for acting like a lunatic. Immediately, I straightened my back. Get a grip, Maia!

“No,” I said, trying to play it cool.

“Cool,” he replied. Bigla siyang tumayo. “Let’s go.”

Kumunot ang noo ko. “What?”

“Dinner,” he said and then began walking. Naka-tayo lang ako roon habang naka-kunot pa rin ang noo. I was watching him leave… until I realized that he left his paper bag. I quickly grabbed it tapos ay tumakbo papunta sa kanya. Why was he so fast kahit nagla-lakad lang?!

“You forgot this,” sabi ko tapos inabot sa kanya iyong paper bag.

Tumingin lang siya doon. “Right,” he replied tapos ay kinuha iyon mula sa akin.

“You owe me,” I said. “Ano’ng sasabihin mo sa Mama mo if naiwan mo ’yan?”

He shrugged. “Buy another one,” he replied. “Why does she have to know?”

I looked at him, bewildered. Did I sound like this? When I still have money? Because right now, I could definitely hear the privilege. It… didn’t sound good.

Hindi pa kami nakaka-layo sa may hotel, but I kept on thinking na maho-holdap kami or something. New York’s nice, but at the same time, lots of bad people—just like everywhere else.

“Can we just go back?” I told him.

Tumingin lang siya sa akin. Medyo naka-kunot iyong noo niya like he wasn’t pleased. Maybe this was just all in my head but… did he really want to have dinner with me? What?

“I’m tired,” I said, instead. “There’s a rooftop resto sa hotel.”

I didn’t think anyone we know was there… but at the same time, what was I doing? Was I checking if okay lang sa kanya na may maka-kita sa amin together, if ever?

“Okay,” he simply said and turned and walked back to the hotel.

What was wrong with him?!

---

Inunahan ko siya na pumunta sa may rooftop. I scoped kung meron bang ibang tao roon. Seriously? I was the one who said na dito kami… Minsan talaga iniisip ko na ako lang ang gumagawa ng problema ko.

“Dito na lang tayo,” I said, pointing at that one lonely spot sa isang gilid. Baka kasi biglang may teachers kami or schoolmates na maisip na pumunta rito.

Finley threw one look at the direction I pointed at and decided to walk the other direction. Doon siya naupo sa may isang gilid kung saan kita iyong view ng New York skyline especially iyong Empire State Building.

We were given a menu. I repeatedly reminded myself not to look at him, but it was so freaking hard when I could feel him stealing glances. Ugh. He’s so annoying.

“What?” I asked nung hindi na ako makapagpigil kasi tingin siya nang tingin.

“What?” he replied back.

I scowled at him. “Stop staring.”

“I’m not.”

“I literally can see you.”

“Then you’re the one staring at me,” he said.

My lips parted. This annoying jerk. I made face at him and he snickered. I tried to ignore him again, but he was really staring at me! I was praying na lang na sana dumating na iyong food para maka-kain na kami and I could run back to my room.

He got his phone out. Tinapat niya sa akin. Nanlaki iyong mga mata ko. I quickly covered my face with my hands.

“Feeling nito,” he said.

“What? Naka-tapat sa mukha ko ’yung phone mo.”

“I was taking a pic of the view.”

“Ako ba ’yung view?”

He rolled his eyes. He turned his phone and showed me na iyong skyline sa likuran ko iyong kinuhanan niya. I was so tempted to swipe kaya lang what if kinuhanan niya talaga ko ng picture?! What if ma-shock na talaga ako?! Like… if he did, there’s no other explanation!

Inignore ko na lang ulit siya. Nung dumating ’yung food, I ate like I was starving. I basically inhaled everything. Naka-tingin lang sa akin si Finley like I had finally lost my freaking mind—and I probably did. Because in my head, it didn’t make sense na kuhanan niya ng picture iyong skyline from where he was sitting. He could just stand up and get a better angle.

And his phone was literally at my face!

After eating, he paid for the food. Dapat lang. Grabe iyong stress na binibigay niya sa ’kin. I told him na magccr muna ako, but really, dumiretso na ako sa room ko. Dapat hindi ko na sasabihin sa kanya kaya lang I decided na hindi naman ako jerk like him. I did send an email and told him na dumiretso na ako sa room.

I told myself din na matulog na… but I kept on thinking about the photo. I mean, if he did take one, impossible naman na ipo-post niya… right? Right!?

I kept on tossing and turning until I freaking decided to just unblock him sa may Instagram. I saw na may story siya. I stared at it like it was a life and death situation if iche-check ko siya.

After a while, I gave in.

My eyes widened upon realization that he did post a photo of the view from earlier… pero kita iyong hair ko and headband ko. Kapag nakita ng classmates namin ’to, iisipin nila agad na ako ’yon. And this… freaking felt like a soft launch photo.

But why the heck was he soft launching me?!

**

This story is already at Chapter 14 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

It had already started—I literally had to put my phone in do not disturb mode because my friends were already flooding me with questions regarding Finley’s ‘soft launch’ post! I didn’t even try to deny that it was me because duh?! We’re in New York right now and I was literally just wearing that very headband earlier today. Ugh! It was like Finley intentionally did it… for some unknown reason.

Hindi talaga matanggap ng brain ko na may gusto siya sa akin or something. Did I offend him before? May ginawa ba ako na nagalit siya sa akin? Was this his way of getting back at me?! I mean, there must be a reason why he’s torturing me this way! He probably realized na hindi enough na iniiwasan niya ako sa school before—mas maganda if gawin niya akong target ng lahat ng chismis and target ng hate ng mga fangirls niya.

Oh, god.

Paano kapag bumalik na kami sa school?! Ang daming fans ni Finley both from school because he’s the captain of the basketball team and also outside school!

I was doomed!

Feel ko magkaka-sakit ako dahil sa mga naiisip ko. If mas maraming maka-pansin sa akin because of Finley, then it means all eyes will be on me… Baka mas malaman nila agad iyong family situation ko.

Great.

Nagka-headache for real na ako.

I asked my roommate to ask our teachers for a medicine. I didn’t want to miss today. Sandali lang kami dito, e. Who knows kung kailan ulit ako magkakaroon ng chance to travel?

Instead na bigyan lang ako ng meds, pumunta iyong teacher ko sa room. She checked my temperature. I was told to stay in my room. I tried to argue, but she was adamant na dito lang ako. I tried to pout my way out of it to no avail!

“Maia.”

“Hmm?” I replied. Paalis na iyong roommate ko. Ako lang talaga maiiwan here and kung sinumang teacher ang naka-assign sa akin. Kawawa naman kaming dalawa.

“Ikaw ’yung nasa IG ni Finley, right?”

“No,” I quickly replied. “Inalis ko ’yung headband ko last night. Someone took it. Probably wore it. Weirdo behavior,” I continued. I was a bit proud of myself. I sounded convincing… I think?

I groaned and complained about my headache para hindi na ako i-ask. Ayoko na kasing magsinungaling pa. Ang dami ko ng jina-juggle na lies! Hindi na ako maka-keep up. Mabuti na lang at nakuha ng roommate ko iyong clue dahil narinig ko na magsara na iyong pinto.

Around 11AM, my teacher checked in on me. Binigyan niya ako ng food. I told her thanks and na hindi ako lalabas ng room so she could freely roam around. It’s her first time in New York. I kinda felt guilty that she had to stay back because of me. I promised her that I wouldn’t tell on her and dito lang ako sa room ko.

After a bit of back and forth, she agreed na. Nagstay na lang ako sa room. I watched some random movie that’s playing in the TV. I ate din iyong binigay sa akin na food and pati iyong Crumbl cookies na binili ni Finley—

Ugh! I couldn’t have a day to myself na hindi ko siya naiisip!

Then I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door thinking that it was my teacher na na-guilty dahil iniwan niya ako dito sa hotel. I was ready to tell her once again to go and have a great time nang mapa-tigil ako dahil instead na teacher, iyong mukha na pinaka-ayokong makita ngayon ang nasa harapan ko.

“What—” I said nung hinarang niya iyong kamay niya. I was about to shut the door at his face. I really had a headache! I didn’t want to deal with his nonsense today.

“May sakit ka?” he asked, ignoring the very obvious fact na ayoko siya maka-usap today. Duh? I was literally closing the door in front of him!

“Yes,” I replied, hoping that he’d leave me alone because I was a sick girl and I need rest. “Wait—” I continued. “How did you know?” I asked.

I didn’t broadcast it… Teachers lang iyong nakaka-alam… Iyong roommate ko rin… Nasa magkaibang coasters kami. Did he ask—

No!

I shouldn’t think too much. Mamaya dahil sa mga naiisip ko na ganito, bumalik na naman ako sa era na may crush ako kay Finley. That was like a dark time in my life! Imagine having a crush on someone and that specific crush kept on running away from you?!

“Kaka-mini skirt mo ’yan,” he said.

I frowned at him. “Leave my mini skirt alone,” I told him. Bakit ba ang laki ng problema niya sa skirt ko? It wasn’t as if I wore it na skirt lang. Naka-stockings naman ako and coat!

“Did you drink meds?” he asked.

“Yeah…” I replied kahit gusto ko na lang siya itulak paalis. Why was he so… unlike Finley?!

“What meds?”

“I don’t know. Meds.”

He rolled his eyes at me na para bang wala akong sakit?! Nilahad niya iyong kamay niya. I arched my brow at him. He told me na ipakita ko sa kanya iyong meds na ininom ko. I really was in no mood to argue, so I marched back inside the room, grabbed the medicine, and inabot iyon kay Finley. I didn’t know what he wanted from me. Naka-tayo lang ako roon sa may door frame habang nasa labas pa rin siya. At least if may balak siyang masama sa akin, may CCTV naman sa hallway ng hotel.

My forehead creased when I saw him calling someone on his phone.

“Hi,” sabi niya sa kung sinuman ang kausap niya. “I’m sorry. I know it’s late there already. My friend’s sick—”

My eyes immediately widened. Was he consulting with a doctor?! Just because I was sick?!

I immediately grabbed the phone from him. I did a quick apology to the doctor and told him that I was fine. Ibinalik ko kay Finley iyong phone niya.

“Nagpapanggap ka lang na may sakit?” he asked, unable to read the room. Did he seriously think that I was pretending to be sick? For what? Did he think I like being stranded in this room?

I wasn’t able to answer immediately. If I say that I was really sick, I figured Finley would stay with me kasi may sakit ako… It sounded silly in my head, but then again, Finley’s been doing silly things lately! If sinabi ko naman na nagsinungaling nga ako, I figured he’d drag me out with him kahit na sabihin ko na nagpromise ako sa teacher na magsstay lang ako.

What do I say?!

“Uh… I was really sick earlier. I’m feeling a bit better na. I just want to sleep,” I told him. I did say na na inaantok ako. Hopefully, he’d leave me alone.

Finley was staring at my face. Was he trying to read if I was lying? I mean, even if I were lying, so what naman? Ugh. Bakit ba siya ganyan tumingin?!

“Okay,” he said after a full minute that embarrassingly felt like a lifetime. “Dito ka lang sa room?”

I nodded. “I promised Ms. Cruz na dito lang ako,” I told him.

He gave me a short nod. Akala ko aalis na siya, but he did give me a ‘stare’ bago siya umalis. And finally, after he left, that was when I felt my knee buckling. As in literally napa-sandal ako sa likod ng pintuan. Gosh! So embarrassing!

---

I continued to rot in bed. Ms. Cruz kept on checkin in on me. I repeatedly told her to enjoy New York and that if she really felt guilty, to bring me a burger on her way back.

In the middle of me watching, may nagdoorbell na naman. I drew a deep breath because I thought it was Finley. I opened the door and saw that it was the room service. I immediately told her na wala akong order kasi ayoko nga magbayad ng room charge. I was quickly informed that it would be charged to another room.

‘Anong gagawin ko dito? Ang daming food,’ I told him via email. I even added a photo of the food! It felt silly to talk via email.

‘Titigan mo,’ he replied sa may DM sa Instagram. This stalker! Was he checking my account? Because why did he know na naka-unblock na siya?

‘May kasama na meds dyan. One tablet every four hours. Do not drink with an empty stomach.’

Kinuha ko iyong maliit na brown paper bag. May laman nga na meds doon. Did he continue to bother his family doctor dahil lang may little headache ako?!

I was so tempted to ask him ‘what are we’ kaya lang ibabaon ko muna ang sarili ko sa lupa bago ko gawin ’yon. I swear I would never! If may crush nga talaga si Finley sa akin (ang weird isipin!), he’d have to confess himself! Nagconfess na ako dati (kinda). It’s his turn now!

Instead of replying, I just gave a thumbs up doon sa may message niya. I continued watching. I felt my phone vibrating again. I rolled my eyes. Gosh, at this point, he’s obsessed with me.

‘Nainom mo na?’

Thumbs up react again.

The movie was still playing in the background. I was staring at the chat box. Ano kaya ang gagawin ni Finley? Knowing him, maigsi lang ang pasensya niya. He’s probably pissed right now dahil hindi ako nagrereply and puro react lang ang ginagawa ko. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d march down—

“So freaky,” I said when I heard a knock on my door. I felt goosebumps all over my body. Did he seriously march down here dahil lang hindi ako nagreply?!

I drew deep breaths as I walked towards the door. I peeped into the peephole. I saw Finley standing outside. He changed his clothes na. He was wearing white kinda loose shirt, gray joggers, black sliders, and I hate that I was saying this but he looked so good with his black rimmed reading glasses. As if naman malabo iyong eyes niya! Papansin lang talaga siya.

I opened the door. My arms were crossed.

“What?” I asked, my brow arched.

“What?” he replied.

“Stop bothering me. I’m resting.”

“Di ka sumasagot. Malay ko kung patay ka na.”

I rolled my eyes. So dramatic. “I replied.”

“Iyong thumbs up?”

“Yes.”

“Reply ’yon?”

“Yes. It means nabasa ko ’yung message mo.”

He looked like he wanted to strangle me. He took a step forward and then it was like there was a self-policing that was happening because he quickly took a step back.

“Bakit ka ba nandito?” I asked, consciously pissing him off now because now, alam ko na na hindi siya papasok sa room ko. There’s like a line that Finley wouldn’t cross.

Hindi siya nagsalita.

Why?

Afraid to say na miss niya na ako?

Sige nga, if crush niya talaga ako, I’d just piss him off hanggang siya na mismo ang umamin sa akin. If hindi naman, okay lang. As if may pride pa ako when it came to him. Nothing to lose, I say.

“You know, if you wanna hangout with me, just say it,” I continued taunting him.

He was just staring at me. I was staring back. There was some staring competition happening. I was starting to feel intimidated with the way he’s staring, but I would never back down!

But my phone vibrated.

I looked at it and saw that that boy from Brent replied. I quickly waved my phone in Finley’s face.

“Oh, look. My fan from Brent messaged asking me out pagbalik ko sa Manila,” I said, looking straight into his eyes and even smiling at him.

Finley was just standing there. What was going on in that head of his? I didn’t know for sure what he’s thinking, but he definitely wasn’t pleased.

“You’re dating?” he asked after seconds of uncomfortable silence.

I shrugged. “Why not? I’m single,” I told him. “Besides, if my family’s situation doesn’t get better, I will marry rich.”

I knew that I was not doing myself any favor by saying these things to him. But whatever. Mas mabuti na na alam niya upfront iyong mga nasa isip ko. Besides, wala talaga akong balak maging mahirap. Never! I’d probably get judged for this, but I’d rather marry someone who I don’t really love-love but can provide the life that I want. Period. Whatever love I feel for someone will soon disappear kapag wala akong pera.

“What’s his name?” he asked.

I arched a brow. “Bakit ka interested?”

“Name.”

“No.”

He took a step forward. He was standing so close to the line… and so close to me, as well. Hindi na ata gumagana iyong pandinig ko kasi iyong malakas na tibok na lang ng puso ko iyong naririnig ko.

“If you really plan to marry rich,” he said. I probably stopped breathing for a second. He was literally taller than me. He was staring down at me as he says these words. “I’m the richest man you know, Maia Celine.”

**

This story is already at Chapter 15 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

The difference on our reaction was very evident—I was pretty sure na pulang-pula na iyong buong face ko dahil sa sinabi niya habang si Finley ay seryoso lang na naka-tingin sa akin.

So, I did what I have to do—I laughed at his face. Because what did he expect me to do?! Melt into a puddle?! I mean, he’s probably right na mayaman siya… but is he really the richest? Because I know a lot of people kaya! And he’s basically my age. Richest my ass.

“Pfft,” I said, making a face at him. “Leave me alone. I seriously need to rest. Gusto kong gumala bukas.”

I tried to close the door because I needed a minute to process—because I just told him that I will marry a rich man and then he told me that he’s rich?! I mean… what did he even mean?!

But hindi ko ma-close iyong door kasi bigla na naman niyang hinarang iyong kamay niya. Seriously, he’s overestimating my patience, ha! Feel niya ba talaga hindi ko ibabagsak ’tong door at maipit na siya kung maiipit?

I groaned. “What do you want?”

Instead of answering, he just stared at me. He stared at me. He wasn’t even moving! I wanted to check if he was even breathing at thsi point, but with the way he was looking at me, even I was afraid to move!

“I’m just—”

“Maia.”

I gulped.

Why did he have to sound so serious?!

And why was I panicking over the fact na kaming dalawa lang iyong from SCA na nasa hotel? Because literally everyone’s outside?! I mean, Finley won’t harm me naman but still! Kaming dalawa lang dito!

I was looking at Finley. Suddenly, I felt faint again. Kailangan ko na ata talagang maupo. I felt my knees buckling, my throat drying up. I so badly wanted to say what kaya lang natatakot ako na sabihin niya talaga sa akin why he’s acting up. I mean, was I ready for that?! Baka talagang pagsarhan ko siya ng door kapag ginulat niya ako sa kung anuman ang sasabihin niya!

So, I did what I have to do…

I yawned.

“I’m sleepy.”

“It’s 4PM.”

“I’m still in Manila time—it’s 4AM there.”

Oh, I was smooth!

Finley looked at me, brow arched and all that. He was looking at me like he was deciding if today’s the day he’d turn my entire world upside down. Ano ba kasi ang gusto niya? If pinagti-tripan niya lang ako, haven’t I had enough on my plate?!

“So… good night,” I said and then tried to close the door again, but once again, he wouldn’t let me. I furrowed my brow at him.

“One question,” he said.

“What?”

“Are you really dating whoever that is?” serious na tanong niya sa akin.

“Maybe. I don’t know,” sagot ko sa kanya. “I haven’t even talked to him in person, so how would I know?”

“Kakausapin mo pagbalik sa Manila?”

“I guess.”

His lips were pressed together. Ugh! Crush ba niya ako?! Why was he acting like this? Why were we doing this in the lobby of the hotel? This was so weird and awkward and it was making me feel things!

“Can I sleep na?” I asked kasi a full minute passed na and wala pa rin siyang sinasabi. Since hindi pa rin nagsasalita si Finley, I once again tried to close the door… but he once again stopped me from doing so.

I glared at him. I was about to give him a piece of my mind nung mapa-hinto ako kasi nagsalita na siya.

“No,” he said.

“What?” I asked, confused because he was silent for like so long tapos biglang no lang ang lalabasa sa bibig niya?

“No,” he repeated. I was about to ask him to go clarify himself. Instead, he pushed the door kasi isasara ko na talaga siya. I gulped. Why was that so hot?! He had no business to be hot?!

“Fin—”

“God, Maia,” he said, sounded so frustrated.

“What?!” I replied, frustrated na rin because all he said were no, Maia tapos ako naman ay what. Like nagkaka-intindihan ba kami at all?!

“Could you be more oblivious, and could I be more obvious?”

My heart.

It’s beating so loudly in my chest.

My hands.

They were trembling.

“I like you, you dummy.”

My eyes widened.

I kinda expected na may crush siya sa akin, but hearing this coming from him, why did I think that he’s pranking me?! My brain couldn’t comprehend! My mind refuses to process this information!

So, I did what I had to do… I stepped outside and looked for hidden cameras because surely, Finley must be pranking me! Siguro vini-videohan niya ’to tapos gagawin niyang reels and ipo-post sa Instagram. There must be an explanation because there’s no way that Finley just told me that he likes me?!

“What are you doing?” he asked, his forehead creased as he watched me look for the hidden cameras.

“Looking for the cameras.”

“What?”

“You’re pranking me.” Napa-tingin ako sa kanya. “Did you just roll your eyes at me?” I asked, my lips parted at the audacity.

“Yes,” he replied. “Ganyan ba kataas ang tingin mo sa ’kin that you think the only reason why I’ll tell you I like you is because I’m pranking you?”

My jaw dropped at the conclusion he chose to arrive at.

Finley took a step forward.

Just one step, but that was enough to send my heart racing. He was much taller than me. Napa-tingala na naman ako sa kanya… but I was quickly distracted because of how good he smelled.

“You think I’m joking?” he asked.

I wanted to say yes.

I wanted to use words.

But words were currently failing me.

So, I settled with nodding while I was looking up to him.

“You need me to list the instances where I was, in my opinion, quite obvious?” he asked, staring down at me.

God, why did he have to look so good from this angle?!

“One, I got you groceries.”

“You said you were just pitying me.”

He rolled his eyes. “I could’ve given you money to buy your own food,” he said. “I literally went to the grocery for you.”

I bit the inside of my lips.

Bakit kinikilig na ako?!

“Two,” he continued. “I drive you around. Even after practice. Do you know how tiring the practice is? Tapos pupuntahan pa kita?”

“Did I ask—”

“Exactly. You didn’t. I just wanted to.”

Ugh!

He’s so annoying!

Kinikilig na ako?!

Biglang kumunot iyong noo niya. “Kinikilig ka?”

Mabilis akong umiling. “Hindi, ah.”

“Your whole face is red,” he said.

Napa-hawak ako sa cheeks ko. They felt hot! I tried to cover my face with my hands, but Finley tried to pull my hands away from my face. Para kaming idiots dito sa hallway ng hotel na naghahatakan ng kamay. Hindi ko alam kung gaano katagal na nangyari ’yon kasi a minute later, may lumapit sa amin na staff.

“Is everything okay?” the staff asked.

Oh, gosh.

Mukha sigurong may assault na nangyayari dahil sa paghahatakan namin ni Finley. I didn’t want to further the misunderstanding, so I quickly told him that everything’s fine.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Yes,” I replied. Baka kasi mapahamak pa kaming dalawa. “We’re just… talking.”

“Talking?”

Gosh, bakit ang daming tanong?

“Yes,” I said once again, but it seemed like hindi siya convinced. “Just couple stuff, you know? But we’re fine… right?” sabi ko tapos ay tinignan si Finley. He was just looking at me with his forehead creased. Siya na nga ’tong nililigtas ko! Hindi ba niya alam kung ano’ng trouble ang papasukan namin if mapanood nila ’yung CCTV footage? Mukha yata talaga kaming nag-aaway doon dahil naghahatakan kami. Tapos he was standing so close to me pa and was looking down on me. It must’ve looked bad from an outsider’s perspective.

“Couple,” Finley said. I glared at him. There was an amused reaction on his face. Tumingin siya doon sa may staff. “Yes, we’re fine,” he told him. Ugh. Bakit nung si Finley iyong nagsabi na okay lang kami, na-convince na iyong staff? Tsk.

I was watching as the staff walked towards the elevator. I tried to ignore the fact that Finley was staring at my face—like unabashedly staring. So unashamed!

“Kainis—”

“I thought I’ll have to court you, but this works, too.”

My eyes widened because of what he said. “What?”

He shrugged as he put his hands inside his pockets. “Honestly didn’t think that today’s gonna be the day that I’ll finally have a girlfriend.”

My eyes widened even more. My jaw was on the floor upon the realization sa kung ano iyong lumalabas sa bibig niya.

“Excuse me?”

I didn’t know what was going on inside his head. He patted my head with his right hand.

“Sige na. Matulog ka na ulit.”

Naglakad siya papunta sa elevator. What the heck?! This was a misunderstanding! Kanina ko pa siya pinapaalis tapos ngayon na kailangan naming pag-usapan iyong misunderstanding, saka siya aalis?!

With his long legs, mabilis na makakarating agad siya sa may elevator. I panicked, so I just grabbed my jacket and quickly put on my boots. Mabilis na sumunod ako sa kanya nung ma-realize ko na na naiwan ko sa room both iyong phone ko and keycard. Great!

“What?” he asked when he saw me frowning so hard.

“I left my phone and keycard.”

Natawa siya. I glared at him. “At least you have your jacket.”

“Tingin mo funny ’to?”

He shrugged. “So, what do you want for dinner?”

Oh, my god. Hindi ko siya maintindihan?!

Huminto iyong elevator sa may floor niya. He stepped out of the elevator. I stayed there. Naka-tayo siya sa labas. He was holding the door open.

“I’ll just get my jacket,” he said.

I just stared at him, frowning still. “What kind of girlfriend are you? Gusto mong lamigin ako sa labas?”

“I am not your girlfriend.”

“Really,” he said, staring at me with his right brow slightly arched like he was taunting me to insist that we’re not together talaga.

“Ugh! You’re so annoying!” sabi ko tapos ay natawa lang siya sa akin. My heart skipped a beat when he grabbed my left hand and gently pulled me out of the elevator. Tapos ay naglakad siya papunta sa room niya. He literally was holding my hand?! Hindi niya binitawan iyong kamay ko.

What?!

What was happenning?!

Schoolmates lang kami kanina na nagpanggap na couple tapos naging couple for real and now we’re holding hands?!

What the heck?!

“Stay here,” sabi niya nung nasa harap na kami ng room niya. “I don’t think we’re at the stage na papasok ka na sa kwarto ko.”

“Ang kapal.”

“Why? You wanna go in?”

I scoffed. “No.”

“Good. Dito ka lang,” he said and then pumasok na siya sa loob nung room niya na mukhang suite. I just stood there. Wala pang isang minuto, lumabas siya. May suot na siya na jacket tapos ay may inabot siya sa aking puffer jacket. “Wear this,” he said.

“I have a jacket.”

“It’s cold,” he said. “Bilis na. Baka magka-sakit ka lalo.”

Was he still pranking me? Kasi bakit siya ganito? I really thought sobrang sungit niya and pilosopo and stuff?! Why was he acting so nice? Nakakapagduda!

Begrudgingly, I wore the jacket he gave me. Tapos ay napa-tingin ako sa kanya. He was grinning and then he tousled my hair kaya nagulo ’yon.

“I swear, Finley, if this is a prank, you are a psychopath.”

He just rolled his eyes at me. “Number three, I went to New York and braved a long flight even though I hate flying,” he continued his list of the instances na obvious na may gusto siya sa akin. He’s unbearable!

**

This story is already at Chapter 16 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I felt like I was in some sort of… simulation.

Because how on earth was I in the middle of New York city, walking at night while holding Finley’s hand?! He literally hasn’t let go of my hand yet! I felt like I was gonna die earlier nung nasa hotel pa kami and he was holding my hand habang nagla-lakad kami sa may lobby. Mabuti na lang at wala pa iyong schoolmates namin. Like imagine what would’ve happened if nakita nila kami na holding hands?!

“What do you want? Kanina pa tayo nagla-lakad,” he said.

“I’m not hungry,” I replied. Kapag talaga marami akong iniisip, hindi ako nakakaramdam ng gutom. Come to think of it, I lost a lot of weight recently because of my family situation.

“Pano mo iniinom ’yung gamot mo?” he asked, looking at me with his forehead a bit creased. “Di mo iniinom?”

“I’m fine—”

Before pa ako matapos sa answer ko, I felt his hand on my forehead again. I tried to slap his hand away, but he was much stronger than I was. Naka-tayo lang siya roon for a few seconds like he was trying to figure out if may sakit pa rin ako.

“You don’t want to eat anything?” he asked.

“No.”

“Fine. I’ll decide.”

For a minute, we were just standing in the middle of the street. I thought it was a bit rude of him na guma-gamit siya ng phone habang naka-tayo lang ako at naka-tingin sa kanya.

I hated that my heart did a little flip when he reached for my hand and grabbed it. He was getting too comfortable with it and it hasn’t even been a day nung naging kami?!

It’s so crazy?

Boyfriend ko na ba talaga siya?

If prank talaga ’to, I swear… Kakalbuhin ko si Finley even if that’s the last thing I’ll do in my life!

“Let’s go,” he said as we stopped in front of a car.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Queens,” he said.

“Wait, what?” I asked, confused, kung bakit pupunta pa kami sa Queens. Baka atakihin sa puso iyong teacher ko dahil wala ako sa hotel!

“Was looking for porridge. Lots of Filipino resto there,” he said as he gently nudged me papasok sa may car. He put his hand on the top of my head as I was going in. Ugh. Bakit kinikilig ako sa ganon?

Also, why was Finley already so good at this? Didn’t he say na first girlfriend niya ako? Bakit ang galing-galing niya na agad?

And bakit parang naiinis ako?

“What is your problem again?” he asked.

Napa-tingin ako sa kanya. “What?”

“Your forehead,” he said as he pointed at said forehead. “Are you pissed or is it just your default expression?” he asked. Ugh. As if hindi perpetually bored ang default expression niya.

I crossed my arms and huffed. “I’m not pissed,” I told him although I was perfectly aware na for some reason, naiinis ako… but paano ko naman sasabihin sa kanya ’yon? Na naiinis ako kasi bakit parang alam niya na how to act like a boyfriend? Kahit according to him, first girlfriend ako? Like ano? Nagpractice ba siya elsewhere?! I thought basketball practice ang pinu-puntahan niya!

Bakit ba naiinis ako?!

I felt Finley watching me like a hawk. I tried my best to not look his way kasi no way na sasabihin ko sa kanya iyong reason behind the crease on my forehead. Nakaka-hiya.

“Bahala ka mamatay sa sama ng loob,” he said. Sumandal na rin siya tapos naka-tingin pa rin siya sa akin but this time, hindi na directly. Naka-tingin siya sa akin through the rearview mirror.

“Talaga.”

“Ano nga kasi problema mo?” he asked.

“Wala nga.”

“Preview ba ’to ng mga susunod na buwan?”

“Buwan? So what? You’ll dump me after a few months?!”

Naka-tingin siya sa akin na naka-kunot na rin ang noo. “What is happening? I just want to get you porridge.”

I paused. Mukhang kailangan ko na rin ng meditation apps kagaya ni Finley. I always thought na masungit siya, but based on our interactions the past few months, weirdly enough… mahaba ang pasensya niya? Like sure may sungit moments siya here and there, but generally speaking, mahaba ang pasensya niya.

Anong app ba ’yan?

“Nothing, I’m fine,” I told him. Mamayang gabi ko na iisipin ’to habang naka-tingin ako sa ceiling.

“Just tell me,” he insisted.

“No.”

“Tell me.”

“No.”

“Fine,” he said. He got his phone. I took a peek and saw that he was trying to change the destination of the Uber ride.

“What are you doing?”

“Going back to the hotel,” he replied. Napa-awang iyong labi ko. He turned and looked at me. “I don’t like silent treatment and the guessing game,” he continued. Ang serious ng face niya. “If you have a problem, tell me. We’ll talk. You’re 17, not a toddler. Use words.”

See?! And he’ll tell me na first girlfriend niya ako, but why did it feel that he already figured things out?!

I looked at him, pretty sure that my nostrils were flaring because I was pissed. I didn’t want to be pissed, but I sure was! I raised my hands and acted like I wanted to pull his hair and strangle him. Finley was just watching me like I have lost my freaking mind already.

“Use words,” he said, annoyingly.

“Fine,” I said, huffing. “I’m your first girlfriend? Really?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m not. Why would I lie about that?”

“Billie?”

“No,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Really?”

“Really,” he replied. “You’re my first girlfriend. Unless I dated while I’m asleep, I’m certain that you’re my first relationship—and might I add, I didn’t know it’s gonna be this stressful.”

“Sinasabi mo ba na nakaka-stress ako?”

“Right now? Yes.”

“Kasalanan mo.”

“Why? Do tell.”

I looked at him. I kept on biting my tongue because I didn’t want to reveal the reason why I was being like this kasi feel ko ay tutuksuhin ako ni Finley for all eternity dahil dito. But he’s right—mababaliw ako sa kaka-isip tungkol dito. Buti na lang din na hindi nakaka-intindi ng Tagalog iyong driver, so he wouldn’t be able to understand my insanity in all its glory.

“Because,” I said, drawing a deep breath. “You said…” I paused. Deep breathing, Maia. Paano ko ba ’to sasabihin na hindi ako parang baliw? “You said I’m your first girlfriend but why are you acting like you’re experienced already? Like alam mo na ’yung gagawin? So, are you lying? May girlfriend ka na before? Or may finlirt ka na before and you did all these things before with her na?”

I didn’t even think that I breathed for the whole duration of my rant. I just wanted to get it all out. I didn’t want to think na. And I figured na walang magandang way to say these things, so might as well just say them all out loud.

“Stop smiling!” I said when I saw a small smile appearing on his face.

“Can’t,” he replied, grinning this time.

“Ugh! I didn’t want to tell you! Bakit mo kasi ako pinilit na sabihin?!”

Instead of being his usual annoying self, Finley reached for my hand. I tried to yank it away, but he just held on tighter. He even intertwined our fingers. This experienced jerk—

“I’m not lying,” he said. His thumb was caressing the top of my hand. “You’re the first girl I was ever interested in—”

“First? So magkakaron ng second?”

Natawa na naman siya. I frowned at him.

“Fine,” he said. “You’re the only girl I was ever interested in,” he said. I rolled my eyes at him again. “I didn’t practice with anyone else. I guess… I just grew up around people with healthy relationship. I honestly just treat you the way I see my dad treat my mom, my kuya treat ate Nari, kuya Saint treat my sister and so on and so forth. You get the gist.”

Is he honestly just a year older than me? Why was he so… eloquent?

I guess he’s not all height and basketball skills.

I pressed my lips together. I had no retort. His answer made sense.

“What else?” he asked.

Hindi ako nagsalita.

“See? Now we can enjoy lugaw in peace,” sabi niya tapos ay nasa destination na pala kami. Ni hindi ko man lang namalayan dahil naka-simangot lang ata ako buong ride.

---

We got in the restaurant. Finley asked me kung may gusto ba ako. I told him to go order for me. He got the lugaw that he kept on telling me about tapos he also ordered sinigang para may soup daw. We seriously went to Queens para sa lugar na ’to.

After eating, we got back na sa Uber. I thought babalik na kami sa hotel, but we stopped sa park kung saan kita sa view iyong Brooklyn bridge and New York skyline. It’s so pretty here. This is my favorite spot in New York.

Naka-tayo kami roon sa may parang railings. I took a video of the skyline.

“Wag kang magsalita,” I said because he was talking and maririnig siya sa video.

“Bawal?” he asked.

I glared at him. “Fine. I’ll mute the video.”

“Are you embarrassed of me?” he asked like he was shocked.

I rolled my eyes at him. “No.”

“Then why are you asking me to shut up?”

“Gosh, I just wanted to take a video?!”

Nakaka-stress naman ’yung araw na ’to? Ilang beses na kaming nag-argue and nagbati?!

“Tss. Fine,” he said tapos ay nilabas niya rin iyong phone niya tapos ay kumuha ng pictures. Nung mapunta sa face ko iyong phone niya, I covered my face with both hands. Then I peeked in between my fingers. I saw him looking at me, his face serious this time.

Why did I feel guilty?

“I’m not embarrassed, okay?” I said before pa kung ano ang isipin niya. Finley didn’t say a word, nor moved. Gosh, he’s scary talaga kapag naka-serious mode siya. He could honestly just throw me in the Hudson river and call it a day. “Just that… you’re pretty popular. A lot of eyes on you.” I drew an even deeper breath because I knew I wasn’t making my point. “If they find out that we’re… you know… kind of together.”

“Kind of? We’re together.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Fine. That we’re together,” I said. Ang serious pa rin ng face niya. “They’re gonna be so curious, okay? And I’m sure they’ll find out about my family and honestly, I don’t need that right now.”

After ko masabi lahat ’yon, tumingin ulit ako sa may New York skyline. I just wanted a few seconds of peace. Ramdam ko na naka-tingin sa akin si Finley. I just let him.

“Fine,” he said. Naka-tingin din siya sa may skyline. We were standing side by side. “I’ll be your secret boyfriend.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like I’m hiding you. I just don’t want to post your face.”

“Ouch.”

Ugh.

He’s so cute sometimes?!

“But I understand,” he said.

Napa-tingin ako sa kanya. “You do?” I asked because I thought that it was kind of a huge ask… being na first relationship namin ’to both. I honestly felt a little bad… Of course I wanted to be so annoyingly loud about us din… But my parents didn’t ask to be put in this situation. I just have to make do of what’s here.

“You don’t have to post my face. But if you’ll post something that’s… related to me,” he said. He put his hands inside his pockets. Was this one of his tells? Na if he’s shy, he’s gonna put his hands inside his pockets for some semblance of comfort?

“Just put a blue heart somewhere in the photo. They won’t know, but I will,” he continued. “I’ll know that it’s for me.”

**

This story is already at Chapter 17 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

We were in the lobby of the hotel. We’re just waiting for the teachers to finish the checking out process. I was sitting with my friends, but I felt so conscious because I could feel Finley staring at me. Like literally. That guy has no shame! I felt like sinadya niya na doon siya maupo sa may couch opposite me para naka-tingin talaga siya sa akin.

“Maia.”

“What?” I asked, a bit alarmed. May nakapansin ba sa nangyayari? How Finley was staring at me and how I was avoiding his stares by looking at literally anything else? Kabisado ko na ata iyong patterns sa may ceiling ng lobby.

“Troy said that he messaged you, but you weren’t replying.”

“Who?” I asked.

“The guy from Brent?”

“Ah.”

For some reason, napa-tingin ako sa gawi ni Finley. I saw how his whole forehead was creased. Gosh. Was he pissed? Kasi I remember tanong din siya nang tanong sa akin about that guy from Brent na apparently ay Troy pala ang name. I totally forgot about that. Ang dami naman kasing nangyari—like overnight nagkaroon ako ng boyfriend bigla!

“So? Did you receive the text? But feel ko naman tamang number ’yung nabigay ko sa kanya…”

“Uh… yes, I got the message.”

“But… you didn’t reply?” she asked. She was looking at me, waiting for my response. “I mean… I did ask you first before I gave the number, right?”

Shucks, oo nga, noh? Would it appear rude? Like that Troy guy didn’t just have my number out of nowhere. He asked for my permission pa rin naman to text me.

“Oh, I just forgot,” sabi ko na lang. I would just text him that I wasn’t interested. Hopefully, he wouldn’t ask me pa kung bakit. Ayokong sabihin sa kanya na off the market na ako. Mamaya biglang kumalat pa sa school and biglang ma-put two and two together nila iyong sinabi ko and iyong super weird na soft launch photo na pinost ni Finley sa IG.

“Oh, okay, cool! He was kinda bugging me about it, eh. He thinks you’re really pretty.”

I just smiled because at least he got that part right. Pretty naman talaga ako, but I was aware that I have some attitude… kaya medyo iniisip ko rin at what point nagka-gusto sa akin si Finley? Because I clearly remembered him making fun of me kasi maarte and what not daw ako.

I guess eventually, he still fell for my charms kasi charming kaya ako.

Finally, natapos na rin iyong sa pagcheckout. We got in the coaster. Nauna ako sa may pila sa pagpasok. I felt Finley boring a hole on the back of my neck.

‘What’s your problem?’ I sent a DM to him sa may Instagram. My lips parted at his audacity to leave me on read?!

I turned my head to look at him. Nakita ko na hawak niya naman iyong phone niya.

‘What happened to your little speech? Tell me the problem so we can talk about it?’

My forehead was creased and my lips were pursed as I sent him that message. Bakit I felt a little guilty kahit alam ko naman na wala akong fault? I mean, he’s acting this way because of the guy from Brent, right? But how was that my fault?! That happened before we became boyfriend-girlfriend!

‘Later. I’m playing.’

My head automatically snapped towards his direction. Naka-tingin nga lang siya sa phone niya. May suot din siya na headphones. Ugh. So annoying! Bahala siya d’yan!

Nagsuot na lang din ako ng airpods and listened to music while we’re on our way to the airport. Pagdating namin sa airport, I went to the comfort room first para last ako sa may pila for check-in. I decided to just finish this school year. If hindi pa rin okay iyong family situation ko by next year, I’d have no choice but to come clean. I mean… if they’re my friends, they’d understand, right? Like hindi naman siguro qualification sa friendship iyong money? Kasi personally I never really cared about their money naman. Never asked them for anything. They’re my friends lang kasi we clicked.

I was there for a while. I changed into more comfortable clothes and nilagay ko na iyong jacket sa may carry-on luggage ko. I fixed my make-up lang din. Mamaya na ako sa plane magtatanggal ng make-up since matutulog lang naman ako the whole flight… and that reminds me that I need to eat here first para hindi ako magutom sa plane.

Paglabas ko sa may CR, I was planning to look for food muna. I stopped on my tracks when I saw Finley leaning against the wall doon sa isang gilid.

“What?” I asked. Kanina ko pa siya gustong kausapin. Ngayon, wala na ako sa mood. I just wanted to look for food.

“Let’s go check-in,” he said.

“Later na. Mahaba pa ’yung line,” I replied.

“Wala na,” he said.

Tumingin ako sa line. “Are you blind?” I asked him, sarcastically, kasi ang haba kaya ng line sa may economy.

“Bulag ka rin ba?” he replied, pointing at the empty line in the first class.

I looked at him and frowned. “Stop flexing your ticket.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go check-in,” he continued.

“Mahaba pa nga ’yung line.”

“Hindi na nga.”

“Magkaiba kasi tayo—”

“You’re in first class, too.”

“I just got a free upgrade—” I paused upon realization. “You… did that?”

“Duh. Did you think you were just really lucky?”

“Well, yeah!”

“Well, lucky enough because you’re my girlfriend,” he said.

“Sshh!” sabi ko kasi baka may makarinig sa kanya.

He rolled his eyes. “Come on,” he said tapos he tried to get my luggage from me para siya na ang maghahatak, but I quickly pulled it away from his grasp. He’s really so makulit! Sinabi na ngang we got to be lowkey tapos siya naman laging sinasabi na girlfriend niya ako every chance he gets.

We got in line. Finley got in line first because he said that he’s got to check first kung may slot pa sa first class. I asked him paano kung wala? He’d downgrade to business class or economy with me? He just rolled his eyes but… he definitely would.

Ugh.

So down bad for me.

“Do you want to eat here or we can eat in the lounge?” Finley asked.

I looked around. I knew that some people from our school were still around kasi they’ll still do some shopping sa Duty Free. I told Finley na sa may lounge na kami dumiretso.

I sat on some two-seater couch. “Why are you here?” I asked. Finley sat beside me kahit ang dami-daming vacant seats around us.

“Will you reply?” he asked back.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“The guy from Brent.”

“Oh, that,” sabi ko. I got a sanitizer from my bag and then applied some on my hands. “Yeah, probably.” Napa-tingin ako sa kanya. Naka-kunot iyong noo niya. “Why? Ang rude kasi if hindi.”

“And it’s not rude to me? Your boyfriend?”

I immediately felt the end of my ears heating up dahil sinabi na naman ni Finley na boyfriend ko siya. “It’s not like I’m gonna flirt with the guy, okay? I’ll tell him I’m not interested.”

“That will just make him try harder.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Block him.”

“You’re insane.”

I wanted to end this conversation quickly. I had friends who had boyfriends like him. I hated kaya kapag iyong boyfriend masyadong controlled iyong ginagawa ng girlfriends nila. Kahit hindi naman ako iyong girlfriend ay nasasakal ako for them. Like you’re just in a relationship, you didn’t merge into one person! Give her some space, gosh!

“Bakit ayaw mo?”

“Because.”

“Because?”

“I don’t like you telling me what I can and can’t do,” I told him. I mean, he did tell me to tell him if may problem ako. I was just practicing it.

He just stared at me for a while. It was like some… evil plan was formulating inside that evil head of his.

“Fine,” he said. “You won’t mind if I text girls my friends introduce to me, too.”

I rolled my eyes. “You literally just told me that I’m the only girl you’re ever interested in.”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t text them. Do I need to be interested to exchange messages with some girl?”

“Why are you trying to pick a fight with me?”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

Hindi agad siya nakapagsalita. Naka-tingin lang ako sa kanya. What was his problem ba? Because we’re gonna be next to each other sa flight and it’s gonna be a long flight. I didn’t want it to be awkward.

“Because,” he said.

“Because what?”

“I’m just worried,” he replied. There was a hint of slight confusion on my face. “You’re too trusting.”

“Too trusting?”

“Yes,” he said. “You got scammed. Then that weirdo from your previous work,” he continued. “Can you blame me for being worried?”

Finley said the words that I couldn’t help but feel the worry and sincerity in his voice. I thought he was just being a strict boyfriend who wanted to cut off my access to the world. But… he was just worried. And he had reasons to. Every time I got scammed by a man, he was there to help me.

I bit my tongue.

Ugh.

Ako na naman nag-give in.

“Besides, between Troy and me? Trust me, you already got the better end of the deal.” I looked at him, frowned, and he smiled as he tousled my hair. “So… are we good again?”

I wrinkled my nose. “I guess,” I said. “You still want me to block him?”

“Yes.”

Inabot ko sa kanya iyong phone ko. “Do it yourself,” I told him kasi nakaka-guilty kaya mamblock ng tao na wala namang ginagawa sa ’yo. But judging on my record lately… it’s better to avoid the male population for the time being.

Finley only happily obliged. He quickly hit that block button tapos ay inabot niya pabalik sa akin iyong phone ko.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Wala ba akong iba-block sa phone mo?” I asked, my brows arched. I was just kidding. Wala naman akong balak mamblock sa phone niya. Ang sungit kaya ni Finley—I bet he’ll do the blocking himself.

“I don’t really save numbers,” he said.

“So, hindi rin naka-save number ko?!”

“It’s saved,” he replied and showed me his phone. My whole face heated up when I saw how my number was saved as M.

It was just one letter but… why did I feel so kilig?

I bit the insides of my cheeks para hindi masyadong obvious na I was kilig.

“So… should I save your number as F? “

He shrugged. “Sure.”

I quickly edited his name. Naka-save kasi talaga siya because before, he’d call. Minsan ayaw ko siyang kausap, so I learned to save his number para alam ko when to ignore the call.

After that, Finley went on to play games on his phone while I ate food. Tapos boarding na. Nung nasa plane na kami, I was just trying to sleep tapos minsan, magigising ako. It’s like Finley has some spider sense because he’d know kung kailan gising ako. He’d go to my suite. I didn’t even know that this guy’s so clingy!

“You’re so clingy,” I said because we’re literally cuddling.

“Ayaw mo ba?” he asked as he nuzzled his head closer to the nook on my neck.

I rolled my eyes. I didn’t want to say na ayaw ko kasi baka umalis siya. “Kapag tayo napagalitan ng flight attendant, I’ll throw you under the bus.”

Finley was just sleeping while hugging me kahit mas comfortable naman sa may suite niya. I was just watching a movie. Doon lang natapos iyong buong flight namin.

“Finley,” I said, gently waking him up nung nasa Manila na kami. “We’re here na.”

He slowly opened his eyes. Gosh, so gwapo naman ng boyfriend ko even though he looked a bit disoriented pa.

We were the first ones to get off the plane. Naka-labas din agad kami and a car was already waiting for him outside.

“Let’s go,” he said.

“Is it okay?” I asked. Alam ba ng family niya na umalis lang si Finley pa-New York tapos may girlfriend na siya pagbalik niya?

“Yes, of course,” he replied.

The guard—yes, he has a freaking guard—put our suitcases sa trunk. We got on the backseat of the car. Finley made me put the seatbelt.

“You wanna go home or do you wanna grab dinner somewhere?”

“Go home,” I said. “I’m so tired.”

He nodded and told the driver na pumunta na sa condo. I leaned in and whispered in Finley’s ear, “Hindi ba magagalit parents mo?”

“Why?”

“Because… I’m staying sa condo mo?”

“No,” he said like he’s certain.

“Really?”

He nodded. He even grabbed my hand and held it! In front of his driver and guard! Shame is afraid of this guy!

“My mom’s already learned her lesson,” he began. “To never meddle with her children’s love life,” he continued as he intertwined our fingers again. This must be his favorite move… and it was starting to be mine, too. “So, stop thinking about what other people think and just focus on me and only me.”

**

This story is already at Chapter 18 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Suddenly, I didn’t know how to act! I mean, how did I act before ba? I should just go to school… right? Paano ba ako before? I was so confused!

I almost had a heart attack when I heard a knock on the door. I knew naman na pupunta si Finley dito. He said na sabay kaming papasok sa school. I reminded him na ‘private’ lang kami. Yes, private because I hated him calling himself my ‘secret boyfriend.’ He made it sound like we’re doing something wrong!

I checked my reflection on the mirror. I woke up earlier than usual para mag-ayos. Nag-aayos naman ako before. I make sure na maganda ako palagi, but I didn’t know… I just wanted to be extra-cute today. Kasi… fine. Sabay kaming papasok sa school ng boyfriend ko. What a dream!

The negative part of my brain was starting to form negative thoughts, but I quickly quashed them. Hindi naman ginusto ng parents ko na malagay sa financial scuffle. Surely, hindi din nila gusto na maging ganito ang first romantic relationship ko. No one wanted this! But at the same time, were it not for this, I seriously did wonder…

“Umagang-umaga,” Finley said when I opened the door.

I was frowning at him as he handed me a cup of iced coffee. Ugh. Bakit alam niya na agad iyong order ko? So thoughtful.

“Ano na naman ginawa ko sa imagination mo?” he asked. My lips parted. How?! He could even read my mind now?!

Finley scoffed. “What? I was right? You’re frowning, first thing in the morning, dahil may ginawa ako sa imagination mo?”

I locked the door behind me and rolled my eyes at him. “You make me sound insane.”

“Hindi ba?”

I frowned even harder. “If I’m insane, then why are you with me?”

“Because you’re cute,” he said as he pinched my cheek.

I hated that he could make me blush just by calling me cute! Kainis! Ano kaya ang pwede kong sabihin para pwede din siya magblush? Unfair naman if it’s always me!

But I couldn’t come up with anything, so I just settled with wrinkling my nose. Finley looked like he was about to tousle my hair, but stopped midway like he just realized that I put a lot of effort sa hair ko. He settled with two little pats on the top of my head.

“So, do I ignore you in school?” he asked.

“It’s not like I’m asking you to pretend that I don’t exist.”

“Paano kapag nakita kita sa hallway?”

“We’re literally in different buildings,” I told him. Magkaiba kaya kami ng strand. Thankfully! I couldn’t imagine like what if classmates kami? Sobrang shameful pa naman ni Finley. He’d definitely stare at me. Tapos I’ll feel conscious.

“We do cross paths sometimes.”

“Hmm… you’re right.”

“So, you want me to ignore you?” he asked.

My imagination ran wild again. Bigla kong na-imagine na nagka-salubong kami ni Finley tapos he ignored me. I didn’t like that one bit. I had the urge to frown again. Bakit ba pinapa-sama ko ang loob ko?

“Yan na naman—”

I quickly pushed him away nung biglang bumukas iyong elevator. Finley was looking at me like he was so shocked. I was shocked, too! Hindi ko alam na ganoon pala kabilis ang reflex ko. I was amazed!

‘Oh, gosh,’ I said inside my head nung makita ko na si Mandie iyong pumasok sa may elevator. Imagine the gossip that would circulate in school if she saw Finley pinching my cheek or something!

“Morning,” I said.

“Good morning,” she replied tapos iyong tingin niya ay pabalik-balik sa aming dalawa ni Finley. She was probably trying to decipher if something was fishy…

“It’s so annoying, noh?” I said because my mind told me that I had to intervene! Like had to! Bago pa kung ano ang story na magformulate sa loob ng brain niya. “Dapat no classes for a few days muna. Nakaka-pagod kaya ’yung New York trip. I’m still so jetlagged pa.”

I saw Finley looking at me through the mirror. There was a small grin on his face, and something was telling me that that was because he was quite proud of me for being to think on my feet. May talent yata talaga ako magdivert ng topic! Future politician ba ako?

“Right…” Mandie said, and thankfully, the crisis was averted. Mandie kept on talking about the stuff she bought in New York. I couldn’t leave her, so instead of the original plan na sabay kaming papasok sa school ni Finley, I was forced to ride with Mandie.

I almost laughed out loud when I received a message from Finley tapos ang naka-lagay lang doon ay emoji ng thumbs down. He’s so adorable sometimes! Ganito na ba siya dati pa? Natabunan lang ng sungit?

“What?” I asked nung makita ko na naka-tingin sa akin si Mandie with that suspicious look on her face.

“Who you texting?” she asked.

“No one,” I replied, immediately tossing my phone inside my bag. “Just saw some memes.”

She just nodded, but I knew that she was suspisious na. Tsk. Tapos nakita niya pa kami ni Finley kanina sa elevator. But then again, so what? Communal space naman ’yung elevator. Pwede naman talaga na nagkataon lang na sabay kaming nandon ni Finley.

Tama, tama.

I shouldn’t overthink kaya dumiretso na ako sa class ko. I didn’t even know if it was a class talaga because everyone was in no mood to study. Bakit ba kasi may class today? We should be resting! Wala pa ata ako sa tamang timezone! This was child abuse!

After class, I immediately went out para pumunta sa cafeteria. I was starving! Hindi kasi ako nakapagbreakfast kanina. I thought sabay kami ni Finley. Binigyan niya naman ako ng coffee, but still, I was hungry.

I was literally about to pay for the food when I got a text from F.

‘Where are you?’

‘Caf.’

‘Old Science building. Room 109.’

Naka-tingin lang ako sa phone ko, confused.

Did he just… summon me?

---

I was torn between following his ‘order’ kasi gusto ko rin naman siyang makita and ignoring his text. I chose the former. We already kinda argued earlier. Ayoko naman na lagi lang kaming nagtatalo. It could be draining.

I didn’t get to eat the food I got—my chicken sandwich and iced coffee. Hawak-hawak ko lang siya habang naglalakad. I kept on looking around na para bang crime iyong ginagawa ko. But wouldn’t people wonder kung may makakita sa akin dito? Like ano ang ginagawa ko sa old Science building? Na may dalang chicken sandwich?

‘Finally,’ I thought to myself nung makita ko na iyong sinasabi ni Finley na room 109. My survival instincts—wow, meron pala ako non?—told me to go take a look muna doon sa window bago ako basta pumasok sa loob. I did. And I saw Finley sitting on one of the chairs, with his phone on hand. I’d bet good money that he’s playing games again sa phone niya!

And then there were food on the chair beside him.

He got me food?!

Did he realize din na hindi pa ako nakapagbreakfast dahil sa impromptu na kidnapping na nangyari kanina?

Ugh. I felt bad tuloy dahil nainis pa ako nung pinatawag niya ako dito. Gusto lang naman akong bigyan ng food ng boyfriend ko!

Before knocking, I checked my face again. After making sure na cute pa rin ako, I knocked on the door tapos ay binuksan ko iyong pinto. The phone was now nowhere to be seen. Well, at least he knew to give me his attention dahil nandito na ako.

“What?” I asked, kunwari hindi ko alam na binilhan niya ako ng food.

Instead of using his words, he pointed at the food beside him.

“For me?”

“May ibang tao pa ba dito?” nakaka-inis na sagot niya.

Ugh! He’s so annoying sometimes!

Finley looked pleased with himself kasi na-bwisit niya na naman ako ngayon. I marched towards him. I saw na iyong chair na nasa tabi niya ay malinis—I mean as compared doon sa ibang chairs dito na may dust na. Did he clean this for me?

But Finley didn’t mention anything about cleaning the chair. Instead, he just got some of the food tapos ay nilagay niya sa desk sa harapan ko.

“Where did you get this?” I asked kasi wala naman ’to sa food option sa caf ngayon. Instead of answering, tinuro niya iyong pangalan nung resto na naka-lagay sa may paper bag. Ugh! I swear, isang araw, sasakalin ko na talaga siya sa sobrang pilosopo niya!

“Captain Obvious,” I replied, frowning at him.

His eyes slanted for a second. He seemed proud of himself. “Got them before I went to school,” he replied.

I just gave him a small nod. I was about to begin eating when I remembered to take a photo of the food. I managed to get one shot tapos I tried to get another one, but Finley, the ever so annoying Finley, placed his index and middle finger on the side kaya kita siya sa picture.

I turned to glare at him. He just laughed at me. Mission niya ata talaga na inisin ako.

After taking photos, I began eating. The food was so good! Napa-tingin ako kay Finley. He wasn’t eating.

“Hindi ka bumili ng food mo?” I asked.

“Already ate,” he replied.

“Wow. Thanks.”

“PE iyong unang class ko kanina. Gusto mong himatayin ako sa gym?”

“Hindi lang nagbreakfast, hihimatayin ka na?”

“Have you noticed how tall I am? This body requires a lot of calories.”

I rolled my eyes at him. Inabot ko sa kanya iyong dala ko na chicken sandwich. “Here,” I said. “Baka magfaint ka dahil kulang ka sa calories,” I continued.

I seriously thought that Finley would say something annoying like hindi siya kumakain ng ganyan or that he didn’t know kung saan ko nabili iyong food—or literally just anything to piss me off… Instead, he accepted the food.

“What are you doing?” I asked when he was obviously taking a photo of the sandwich.

“Captain Obvious,” he replied, mimicking my answer from earlier.

I frowned. “But why are you taking a photo of that?”

“Same reason why you took photos of your food.”

“And that is?” I asked because I honestly just did it for the memories… Wala naman akong balak ipost ’yon or something. Tapos background pa is iyong old classroom. Our schoolmates would definitely know kung saan kinuha iyong picture.

“Documentation of things my girlfriend got me.”

Oh, my god.

This was probably record-breaking—iyong bilis ng pagpula ng mukha ko. I felt my cheeks heating up because of what Finley told me! Why was he so good at this?! Why was he so good at being a boyfriend— my boyfriend?!

But then I saw that little smirk on his little annoying face.

“Kilig ka na naman?”

I playfully pushed his face away kahit hindi naman malapit sa akin ’yon. “Shut up,” I told him, but I just felt him laughing as he grabbed my hand away from his face, held it, and once again, intertwined our fingers together.

It was so hard to eat using just one hand, but it’s fine… I kinda liked holding his hand. His hands were much bigger than mine. Finley’s barely a year older than me, but, for some reason, he made me feel safe—like he’d really protect me.

I mean, he did! He saved me quite a few times na rin.

“We have to go,” I told him nung makita ko na almost over na ’yung break namin. I tried to yank my hand away, but Finley held on to it. Kainis. Kilig ako. He didn’t want to let go of my hand.

Still, I pretend to groan. “May class pa,” I said.

“Dinner after my practice,” he replied, instead.

“That’s 8PM pa.”

“So?”

I wrinkled my nose. “Fine…”

“Think about where you want to eat,” he said. “Or I can decide.”

I wanted to say my favorite resto, but pakalat-kalat pa naman ’yung mga schoolmates namin… Mamaya kung sino pa ang makita namin. Kahit nga sa condo lang, kung sino na ang nakikita namin.

“We can just order. It’s school night. I don’t wanna go out,” I told him instead. I felt like I’d be somehow cruel if I keep on reminding him na ayoko may maka-kita sa amin sa labas.

He gave me a small nod. Akala ko iyon na ’yon, instead, he got his wallet and handed me his card.

“For the food,” he said.

“No—”

Instead of answering, he just grabbed my hand and placed the card on my palm. “You said you want to marry rich, right? Now, practice by using your boyfriend’s credit card.”

**

This story is already at Chapter 19 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

I was staring at Finley’s credit card…

On one hand, I really didn’t want to use it… but on the other hand, ayoko ring gamitin iyong money ko, noh! I was being so matipid kaya. Ayokong maubos iyong pinagbentahan ko ng bags ko saka iyong salary na nakuha ko back during my working era.

But whatever.

Kakain din naman si Finley ng bibilhin ko, so hindi dapat ako ma-guilty na gagamitin ko iyong card niya.

Right.

Since medyo matagal pa naman si Finley bago makarating dito, I decided to go to the gym muna. I needed to stay toned! As annoying as Finley is, he’s super attractive. Alam ko na maraming nagkaka-crush sa kanya dahil isa rin ako sa kanila—ang difference lang namin ay ako ang nanalo. Kaya dapat kapag nalaman na girlfriend ako ni Finley, ang maiisip nila ay ‘ang pretty nga niya…’ hindi ‘baka mabait…’

I went to the gym with that goal in mind. I put my headphones on and focused on upper body exercise for today. I ignored all the other people in the gym kahit iyong mga nagta-try na kausapin ako, I blatantly ignored them and pretended that I didn’t hear them dahil naka-headphones ako.

When I was done, tinanggal ko na iyong headphones ko. Papaalis na sana ako, but some guy stopped me and asked me for my socials.

“Sorry, I have a boyfriend,” I said and then walked away with a grin on my face because at least here, I can openly say na may boyfriend ako.

Haaaay. I couldn’t wait for the day na pwede na namin sabihin ni Finley na together kami. Sa college kaya? Siguro naman kami pa rin non, right? We could go to the same uni together and then go on cute dates! Gosh, so exciting!

Pagbalik ko sa unit, I took a quick bath and wore my cute PJs. I dried my hair na rin and applied lotion and perfume. Gusto ko lagi akong mabango kasi laging naka-dikit sa akin si Finley. Super surprising pa rin talaga na clingy siya… Totoo talaga na don’t judge a book by its cover.

After a while, dumating na iyong food. I was about to order pizza lang sana, but then I remembered Finley saying na he requires calories. Napa-search tuloy ako. Google said that since athlete si Finley, he needs protein. I wanted to order steak sana but I figured hindi siya for delivery kind of food. I ordered ribs na lang and some sides. Maybe I’d learn how to make steak para kapag may date nights kami, I could just make it for him since ako rin naman ang ayaw na lumalabas kami… at least for now.

Finley said that he’d be here around 8PM, so I already set up the table. I wanted to lighten up some candles, pero wala palang candles dito. I should buy some… using Finley’s card since para sa kanya din naman iyong candles.

I didn’t know why I was so excited when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it when I saw that it was Finley outside. He was wearing gray joggers, white shirt, and white sliders. His hair’s kinda damp. Did he take a shower before siya pumunta dito?

I was about to ask him about that, pero napa-tigil ako when I saw him looking at the table. His lips were slightly parted like he was surprised. Then I felt my cheeks heating up. I didn’t know why I was blushing!

I thought Finley’s gonna tease me for making a big deal of the dinner, instead, I felt his arms wrapping around me. His chin was resting on the top of my head. My boyfriend’s a giant! He could wrap my entire body with his talaga!

“You cooked for me?” he asked.

“Not at all,” I replied. “I ordered… but I did prepare the table.”

I felt him chuckling at my response. “Good.”

I looked up and glared at him. “What?”

“I have a game tomorrow. Can’t risk getting food poisoned.”

My lips parted as my brows furrowed. I tried to push him away, but he just laughed and tried to hug me even tighter. Tumatawa lang siya habang sinusubukan ko na itulak siya.

“I have a game tomorrow,” he said.

“Good for you,” I replied.

He rolled his eyes. “We’re still from the same school. Hindi naman siguro weird kung manonood ka ng game.”

I arched my brow. “Say please first,” sabi ko sa kanya.

“What?”

“If you say please, I’ll watch the game.”

Finley’s brows were furrowed. “Why do I have to say please ?” he asked. “You’re my girlfriend. You should watch my games.”

“Why? If I go shopping, will you watch me, too?”

“Haven’t I already?” he answered. “I’ll watch you shop and pay for your things.”

My cheeks heated up again. Why was he so good at this?! Ganoon ba kaganda iyong relationship ng mga tao around him na alam na alam niya na kung ano ang sasabihin and gagawin?

“Fine…” I said, taking the L and letting him win.

I saw him grinning as he went back to eating.

“Make sure you’ll win,” I told him.

“We’ll win,” he replied. “I’ll even dedicate a dunk for you.”

“Ugh. Show-off.”

“Nah. I’m just good.”

“We’ll see.”

He looked at me, his forehead creased. “You’ve never seen me play?”

I shook my head. I mean, I think I saw him play before… but that was before pa, so I didn’t think it should be considered. Tapos after nung pag-basted niya sa akin before, I avoided him religiously. I had no idea kung paano siya maglaro. I mean, I heard he’s good, but that’s just about it.

“Wow. Disappointing.”

“What? Not everyone’s interested in basketball,” I told him.

“Yes, but I’m your boyfriend—you should be interested in me.”

Ugh! Bakit ba lagi niya sinasabi iyong boyfriend ? Nakaka-kilig pa rin kaya!

“Bakit? Alam mo rin ba interests ko?”

“Shopping and going to the gym,” he said. “Speaking of gym, can’t we go to the gym together?”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “Why not?”

“Wala lang. I just so stuff there.”

“I do stuff there din,” he said, mimicking the way I spoke.

I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed. “Mandie’s living here kaya.”

“Who?”

“Mandie.”

“I don’t know any Mandie.”

“She’s our schoolmate!” I said, but Finley was looking at me like he had no idea kung ano ang sinasabi ko. Seriously? Sino lang ang kilala niya sa school? Teammates niya at ako?

“Anyways, she’s living here din. And she has a big mouth. Baka makita niya tayo together,” I said, but as I was explaining, I saw the disappointment on his face. I quickly felt bad. Baka gusto lang naman niya na magspend time together kami sa gym.

Why was I so worried about what people will think about me? So what if malaman nila iyong sa family ko? It’s done. It happened already. Mas mahalaga ba ’yon kaysa sa feelings ni Finley? When all he’s ever really did was be good to me?

“But whatever. Who cares? Let’s go to the gym together,” I said as casually as I could because I just realized that I didn’t like seeing Finley sad.

And seeing that grin on his face? It’s so worth it.

Bahala na if makita kami ni Mandie.

---

After we finished our dinner, I thought aalis na si Finley since it’s still a school night. He said na 11PM pa iyong curfew niya, so he could still stay here. I told him that I needed to do my homework. He said it’s fine. So, I did my homework while he played games in his phone. So unfair. Wala ba siyang homework?

Around 10PM, I finished everything na. I walked towards him sa may couch tapos naupo ako sa tabi niya. I watched him play. He has earphones on tapos parang may kausap siya. Hindi ko pala siya naririnig kasi naka-headphones ako kanina.

Napa-kunot iyong noo ko when Finley laughed. Why was he laughing? Ano ang funny sa sinabi ng kausap niya? Naka-kunot na and everything iyong forehead ko, pero hindi ako pinapansin ni Finley. Nilapit ko iyong ears ko para marinig kung sino iyong kausap niya.

It’s a girl!

He’s playing with a girl!

I quickly stood up and pumunta ako sa room ko. I locked the door din. Kung gusto niya pala makipaglaro sa kung sinuman ’yon, e ’di don siya. Matutulog na ako. Bahala siya d’yan.

After like twenty minutes, I heard Finley knocking. I pretended not to hear him. After a while, umalis na rin ata siya because I received a text from him saying na umalis na siya and he thought na naka-tulog na ako. He seriously didn’t notice na naupo ako sa tabi niya kanina?

Wow.

WOW!

Hanggang paggising ko, iyon pa rin ang nasa isip ko. I woke up with a huge frown on my face. I was probably frowning the whole day to the point na my classmates were asking if okay lang ba ako.

Nung dismissal na, I was so tempted na umuwi na lang… but I did make a promise to Finley na manonood ako ng game. Ugh. Manonood din kaya kung sinuman iyong kalaro niya? Did he invite her, too?

Sino ba ’yon?

Bakit magka-laro sila?

I can learn the game and play with him, too!

Ano ba ’yan! Umiinit na naman ang ulo ko!

Pagdating ko sa gym, instead na magcheer ako sa school namin ay baka magcheer pa ako sa kalaban na team. I was sitting on the bleachers with my classmates. Manonood din talaga sila ng game and sakto na sumama ako. Weird naman kasi if ako lang manonood dito.

“Who’s that?” I asked nung may makita ako na cheerleader na kausap ni Finley. She was laughing habang umiinom lang ng gatorade si Finley. Ano’ng nakakatawa? Was she laughing at her own joke kasi mukhang hindi naman nagsasalita si Finley?

“Janine.”

“Who?”

“Head cheerleader,” she replied. “Like you, she has the biggest crush on Finley.”

I rolled my eyes. We’re not the same—crush niya lang si Finley; boyfriend ko siya.

“Remember when Finley turned you down para maging partner sa dance? Si Janine ’yung partner niya.”

Oh, wow.

WOW.

Why was I even here?

Siya rin ba iyong kalaro ni Finley sa game?

I had so many questions going on inside my head and I didn’t feel very good, so before Finley could even see me, I decided to leave and just go home.

‘Where are you?’

I stared at his message and decided to just ignore it. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 21 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

I knew I shouldn’t do this because duh? Girlfriend na ako, so bakit ko ico-compare ang sarili ko sa non-girlfriend? But I kept on thinking about that scene in the court. Bakit ba siya tumatawa? I mean, unless she’s insane, ibig sabihin close sila ni Finley, right? Kasi if not, bakit naman siya tatawa? Is she crazy?

But my annoying fingers have a mind of their own.

I clicked on her profile.

Ugh.

Fine.

She’s pretty and she seems cool… but pretty and cool din naman ako! Saka based sa sinabi sa akin, naging partners na sila sa dance dati pa… If type siya ni Finley, e ’di sana siya ang girlfriend ngayon.

Right.

Right!

Finley was right—mamamatay ako sa sama ng loob.

I was already planning my apology na kay Finley. Parang first time niya lang kasi mag-ask sa akin ng anything tapos hindi ko pa nagawa. He literally just asked me to take an interest in him and the things that he liked…

But as I was drafting my apology in my head, bigla kong nakita na nagkaroon ng IG Story iyong account ni Janine. I knew I shouldn’t look at it. I was just fueling the crazy in my head! Yet I just found myself viewing her story anonymously. Bakit kasi hindi siya naka-private?! Ayan tuloy, nakita ko!

I knew I shouldn’t have looked at it.

She posted a selfie of her and Finley with a caption Congrats, Captain! Finley was just looking at the camera. He looked kinda pissed for whatever reason. Well, at least same kami ni pissed.

Tsk.

Selfie pa sila d’yan.

Kaya ko rin naman magselfie with Finley.

Ugh!

Why did I keep on making myself feel bad?!

---

I forced myself to sleep early because I really couldn’t stay awake for any more second. I knew I would just be thinking about Janine against my will. I even turned off my phone and just wore my airpods kahit wala namang tunog doon. I was thinking na baka biglang pumunta si Finley dito. I knew he has keys since this was still his place, but hindi naman siya pumapasok dito without knocking.

I knew na if he knocks, I’ll definitely open the door for him.

And I really wasn’t in the right headspace to talk. I knew I was in the wrong here. Ayoko lang magmukhang super immature sa harapan niya. We could talk tomorrow when my mind’s cooled down a bit. For now, I’d freaking sleep.

When I woke up, I immediately grabbed my phone. I didn’t know what I was expecting, but I saw no new message from Finley. I stared at our message thread. The last message was from him—the one that I left on read.

Oh, god.

I screwed up.

I remember he told me in New York that he wanted ‘communication.’ Na ayaw niya ng pinapa-hula siya kung ano iyong problema. I mean, sasabihin ko naman sa kanya! Not last night lang kasi masama iyong loob ko sa Janine na ’yon pati sa selfie nila!

Ugh!

Ako naman may gusto nito. Ako naman nagsabi sa kanya na lowkey kami. If it were for Finley, for sure alam na ng buong school na kaming dalawa.

I chewed on my lower lips as I kept on typing and erasing the messages. Ano ba kasi ang sasabihin ko sa kanya? Should I just apologize… or should I lie and sabihin ko na may headache ako yesterday kaya hindi ako naka-nood? But I didn’t want to lie!

‘Sorry :(’

I stared at my phone. I waited until ma-read niya iyong message. Minutes passed. I felt my heart sinking. Lagi kaya hawak ni Finley iyong phone niya. Impossible na hindi niya nakita iyong message ko…

Hanggang makarating ako sa school, hindi pa rin siya nagre-reply.

Yeah. He was ignoring me.

After the first period, I wanted to ask my friends kung paano sila nagsosorry. Nagka-boyfriend or may boyfriend naman sila ngayon so for sure alam nila ang gagawin… but hindi naman nila alam na may boyfriend ako, so I was stuck with asking help online.

The people of the Internet said that I should just apologize if ako naman talaga ang may fault. Fine. Sinabi rin na pwede ako magbigay ng gift like food or whatever. Fine.

I went to the cafeteria. I stood there for quite a while… and then I realized na hindi ko alam kung ano ang gusto na food ni Finley.

That… was quite the realization.

I knew for sure na mayroong mga alam si Finley tungkol sa akin. Kasi kapag magkasama kami, it’s always about what I wanted. He’s always asking me kung ano ang gusto kong kainin or gusto kong gawin. Sa mobile games and basketball na nga lang siya masaya tapos nainis pa ako doon.

Gosh.

I am a bad girlfriend.

---

Finley really didn’t reply to me the whole day.

Rightfully so.

Nung dismissal na, pumunta ako sa gym. Maraming tao doon. Nakita ko iyong mga basketball players pati iyong cheerleaders. Nakita ko si Janine, but I ignored her. Hindi naman ako pumunta dito for her.

“Hi,” sabi sa akin nung isang lalaki. “Walang game ngayon. Practice lang.”

“I know,” I replied. I know na walang game kasi yesterday iyong game na dapat papanoorin ko. “Where is Finley?” I asked.

There was this… look on his face. Na parang inisip niya na ‘great. Another Finley fan girl.’

“Wala pa. Papunta pa lang,” he replied.

“Thanks.”

Lumabas agad ako sa court. I stood on one side as I waited for Finley. After a while, I saw him walking. He was still wearing our uniform but this time, instead na school bag, gym bag iyong hawak niya. He was also wearing headphones and hawak niya iyong phone niya.

I sent him a message and alam ko na mababasa niya unless he blocked me.

‘To your right.’

I watched as his forehead creased upon reading the message. Automatic na napa-tingin siya sa right niya. Nakita niya ako na naka-tayo sa isang gilid. He stopped for a while—like he was trying to decide kung ano ang gagawin niya—if he’d ignore me or what.

I looked at him and pouted. I practiced this face! I knew I looked cute and adorable and if he really likes me, he’d fine me cute, too!

I pouted harder.

Finley rolled his eyes, but nonetheless, he walked towards my direction. Napa-tingin ako sa gilid ko kasi I heard some people na papa-labas din ata. Naglakad ako papunta doon na talaga sa gilid ng gym.

“What?” Finley said nung maka-lapit siya sa akin.

Naka-sandal ako sa gilid nung gym. Instead of answering, I handed him a gumamela flower that I picked. Hindi ko kasi alam kung anong food ang bibilhin for him… I thought flowers would be nice, too…

Instead of accepting my peace offering, he just looked at the flower and then at me. He arched his brow.

“Sorry,” I said with a pout again.

“For what, exactly?” he asked.

“I ignored your message yesterday.”

“Why?”

“Kasi…” I chewed on my lower lips again. “It’s gonna sound insane.”

“Nothing surprising,” he quickly replied.

I glared at him. He just arched his brow again.

“So… it began last, last night. You were playing a game while I was doing my homework. After I was done, I sat beside you but you ignored me the whole time. Tapos may kausap ka sa game na babae…” I said. I paused. He just arched his brow even more like he was making me continue. Ugh. This was so embarrassing. “Then nung sa game. I was actually there yesterday… Tapos nakita ko may kausap ka na girl… And some laughter involved… Tapos someone told me na nung ni-reject mo ako before sa dance, iyong girl na kasama mo yesterday, siya iyong partner mo non.”

I averted my gaze.

I felt so embarrassed.

My cheeks felt so hot at this point.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ni Finley… or if may sasabihin ba siya. I was just waiting for whatever will happen next nung bigla niyang kunin iyong gumamela from my hand. He quickly snatched it away.

“Are you sure you’re not imaging things again?” he asked as he tried to smell the gumamela and frowned kasi wala namang amoy ’yon. “Because I don’t remember laughing yesterday.”

I frowned. “Well… she was laughing, and you were just standing there.”

“Exactly,” he said.

My forehead creased. “What?”

“I only laugh with my family, friends, and with you,” he said. My lips parted. Finley looked at me. “I don’t just laugh with anyone. My laughter is exclusive.”

“Ugh. You’re insufferable.”

He grinned. “But good to know that you’re jealous.”

It was my turn to roll my eyes. “I wasn’t.”

“You aren’t? Then why am I holding your apology flower?”

I tried to snatch the flower from him, but he held it above my head. Ugh. His freaking long legs. So unfair na matangkad siya talaga.

“Also…” I trailed.

He looked at me.

“She posted a selfie niyong dalawa,” I continued and then averted my gaze because at this point, I really felt like I was down on my knees! Super embarrassing!

Finley wasn’t saying anything kaya napa-tingin na rin ako sa kanya to check the expression on his face. There was a grin on his annoying face.

“You want me to stop taking selfies with other girls?” he said using a very annoying tone. “I will. Just say please. “

I glared at him. “Ugh. You’re annoying.”

He just grinned harder. I thought he was going to annoy me even more, instead, he stood beside me, put the gumamela flower sa may left ear ko, wrapped his left arm around my shoulders, and then placed his phone in front of us.

Everything happened so quickly na ni hindi ako naka-smile. My lips were slightly parted and my eyes were slightly wide open kasi hindi ko naman alam na magtatake pala siya ng selfie namin together! He didn’t even give me time to check if maayos pa iyong itsura ko. It’s been a whole day of me stressing out!

But Finley was looking at our photo. There was a grin on his face. I saw that he clicked the little heart button sa may ilalim para maging favorite photo iyon.

“I’d post this, but you know, lowkey and everything,” he said and then a notification appeared on his phone asking kung nasaan na siya kasi magsstart na ’yung practice.

Finley looked at me. He paused for a while and then settled with ruffling the top of my head, so I frowned at him kasi ginulo niya ’yung hair ko.

“Dinner later,” he said and then he walked towards the gym but then bumalik siya just to snatch the gumamela from my ear. “This is mine,” he said again tapos ay umalis. So annoying. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 22 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

I didn’t think that Finley’s mad at me. I actually think that I did pretty well considering that—wow… first time ko lang talaga magsorry? Kasi even with my parents, I couldn’t even remember an instance na nagsorry ako sa kanila. Wala naman kasi akong maisip na nagawa kong mali—

Because they’re always giving me what I want.

Oh, wow.

This day’s full of realization.

I planned on going to the grocery to buy some food. I wanted to cook for Finley. I felt bad for ditching him sa may basketball game niya. But before going out, I decided to call my parents first.

Then I realized that I didn’t have their number.

Wow…

Kamusta na kaya sila?

I hope they’re not having a hard time…

And I hope they know that I’m doing relatively fine and that they shouldn’t worry that much about me… if they’re worried about me.

I didn’t want to bum myself even more. Yesterday had been shitty already as well as almost the entire day today. I just wanted to have a good dinner with my boyfriend in hopes of salvaging the day.

So, I forced myself to get out of the unit and go run some errands. I got some protein for Finley since it seemed like sabay naman kaming magdidinner palagi. I also got some snacks for him as well as ’yung lagi kong nakikita na iniinom niya na protein shake. Ang dami kong nabili for him! Ang hirap palang maging girlfriend ng athlete. Ang daming nutritional considerations.

Since marami pala akong nabili, I kinda asked the kuya guards sa may lobby to help me carry them. I was already thinking of where I’d put them sa cupboard nung biglang bumukas iyong elevator door ulit and—

“Hey,” Mandie said.

“Hey,” I replied, smiling awkwardly. Living in this condo would be perfect talaga if not for her! Lagi ko na lang siyang nakikita. I couldn’t be at peace.

“You did shopping?” she asked and then took a quick peek sa may shopping bags ko. I saw how her forehead creased kaya napa-tingin din ako sa laman nung shopping bag ko.

“Oh… I just started lifting and my trainer said I should consume more protein,” I quickly said kasi nakita niya iyong mga binili ko kay Finley.

Mandie just nodded, but I knew that look on her face. I knew she’s suspecting that I’m hiding a boyfriend. Whatever. It’s not like I’m hiding Finley. If malaman sa school, fine. I won’t deny it. Ayoko lang talaga i-announce because what for?

Nung dumating sa floor ko, I just said a quick goodbye and umalis na ako. I forced myself not to think about my jealousy, my parents, and Mandie. I really just wanted this night to end well kasi if not, sobrang stressful naman! And I believe I deserve to have a good part of the day! Grabe kaya iyong stress ko yesterday and earlier today.

I changed clothes lang. Mamaya na ako magsshower since magluluto pa naman ako ng dinner namin ni Finley. I was wearing Finley’s PE shirt na naiwan niya here for some reason and black dolphin shorts. I also tied my hair in a messy bun.

I pat-dried the steak muna and then tinabi ko siya sa isang side. I cleaned up one side of the cupboard and nilagay ko doon lahat nung binili ko for Finley. I wanted to buy supplements for him din nga kaya lang I realized na baka may iba na siya na tine-take. I should ask him.

I was in the middle of cooking when I heard a knock on the door. I quickly opened it. I saw Finley’s forehead creased, but I didn’t have time to think about why because ma-o-overcook iyong steak ko.

“Stop staring,” I told him kasi naka-upo na siya doon sa may dining area, but I could still feel him watching me.

“Saan ako titingin?”

“Go play your games.”

“Tapos magse-selos ka na naman?”

I threw him a quick glare. “Shut up.”

I heard him laughing. This evil guy.

When I finished with my steak, I placed it on the stone board and let it rest muna. I started frying the buttered veggies since okay naman na ’yung mashed potatoes.

I turned my head to look at Finley since he’s been suspiciously quiet for a minute… when I saw that he was holding his phone and it looked like he was taking photos of me.

“What are you doing?” I asked kasi baka feeling ko lang ’yon.

“Taking photos,” he replied, unashamed.

“Okay… but why?” I asked, a bit confused since I was just cooking? Baka pangit pa iyong angle ko don!

“Why not?” he asked, super unashamed! Like dapat ako pa iyong ma-ashame na nagtanong ako sa kanya kung bakit niya ako kinukuhanan ng picture.

“Ugh. Baka I look ugly. Erase that.”

“You look great,” he said as he was looking at his phone. “Especially since you’re wearing my shirt.”

Hindi ko alam if it’s because I was near the stove so mainit talaga… but I felt my cheeks heating up because of what he said!

This guy! Super kapal ng mukha!

“Bakit mo kasi iniwan dito?” I replied, trying to keep it cool.

“I left it on purpose,” he said.

“What?” I asked, looking at him because his answer kinda confused me.

“So that you’ll wear it,” he replied. My eyes widened because of what he said. Oh, my whole face definitely looked red now!

“W-whatever,” I said because what was I supposed to say after he said that he purposely left his shirt lying around here kasi gusto niya ako makita na suot ’yon?!

I continued with my cooking kahit hindi ako maka-concentrate halos because I knew that Finley was watching me. He’s so unashamed talaga! I finished with my buttered veggies. I began cutting the steak when I felt Finley standing behind me.

“What?” I asked because I couldn’t concentrate when he’s so near. I could smell his cologne. It makes me want to be a koala and just hug him and hang on his limbs.

But then I felt his arms wrap around me.

I froze.

And then my heart began to race inside my chest.

Oh, my god.

This guy’s gonna be my cause of death!

I didn’t know what to do. Should I ask him to stop that kasi hindi ako maka-concentrate? And didn’t he notice that I was literally holding a knife?!

But then again… why would I ask him to stop?

When this feels so good?

“I need to finish this,” I told him when three minutes passed and he was still hugging me from behind.

“Finish it,” he replied as he nuzzled his head against the space between my neck and shoulder. How was that even possible with his height?

“Alis ka muna d’yan.”

“It’s too comfortable here.”

“Can’t be,” I told him because of the position of his legs.

“It is comfortable,” he said as he nuzzled his nose against my neck like he’s trying to breathe me in. My eyes widened because of what he did. Ang lakas na talaga ng tibok ng heart ko. Ganito ba ang feeling ng may cardiac arrest?!

I panicked so I quickly pushed me kasi feel ko aatakihin na ako sa puso. Nung mapa-tingin ako kay Finley, I saw na bahagyang naka-kunot iyong noo niya. I faked a laugh.

“Almost done,” I told him. “Also… uh, I got you these. I just don’t know if you’ll like them. I guess I should’ve asked you first before I got them. I’m not sure if I can take them back sa store and if pwede siyang palitan,” I said as I showed him the content of the cupboard.

I looked at Finley’s face. His lips were slightly parted. Bahagya rin na naka-kunot iyong noo niya.

“Uh… you don’t have to use them naman—”

“Did you get these for me?” he asked, now looking at me.

I nodded. “Yes. I mean, since you have dinner here and also you pick me up sometimes. I thought lang na—”

But I didn’t get to finish what I was saying when Finley quickly kissed me.

“What—”

“I knew I should’ve asked you first but,” he said as he took a step forward. I felt the cold marble countertop against my back as I took a step back. “I couldn’t help it anymore.”

Finley placed his two hands on both my sides—holding me hostage… but was I really a hostage? When all I could feel was this… rush inside my chest?

“Maia,” he called my name. I… really like it when he calls my name.

“W-what?” I replied. I didn’t even know that I could still talk given the way he was making me lose my vocabulary whenever he’d do something like this.

“I know you worked hard for this dinner but,” he said as he tucked a portion of my hair behind my ear. “Can we kiss first?”

I felt my throat drying. “Uh… h-how long are we going to—”

I couldn’t even finish my sentence! How long did he plan to kiss for him to tell me that? Na parang masasayang iyong effort ko to make us dinner?

“Until our lips feel sore,” he said as he was straight into my eyes like he really meant what he just said. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 23 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

“W-what?” I asked. I was sure na naka-open naman iyong aircon. Centralized naman iyong buong unit, but why did I suddenly feel so hot?! And it wasn’t helping pa na Finley’s literally standing right in front of me. I knew that I could try to push him away… but I kinda didn’t want to?

Masama ba ’yon? Why? Boyfriend ko naman siya! It’s not as if I plan to kiss someone else’s boyfriend! This is my boyfriend!

“Kiss,” he said.

I didn’t know what came into mind, but I stood on my tippy toes and planted a quick kiss on his lips.

“There,” I said as I averted my gaze. Why was I so shy?! Nauna naman siya na i-kiss ako! If any, gumaganti lang kaya ako!

Finley wasn’t saying anything, so I was kinda forced to look at him. And the moment our eyes met, I regretted it! He was looking down on me because he was taller than me. His left brow was slightly arched like he was kinda mocking me for giving him a peck on the lips. Why?! That was literally my second kiss kaya!

“W-what?” I asked. Why was I stuttering?!

“I said until our lips feel sore,” he said.

My god.

How could he say things like this to me?! My face felt so hot!

“The dinner—”

“I did say sorry about the dinner,” he said, cutting me off.

I tilted my head, so I was looking up at him. Big mistake! He was staring at me still. He’s so, so, so shameless!

I told myself to reign it in. First girlfriend ako ni Finley… for sure, ako rin ang first kiss niya. I was like 99% sure. Finley didn’t seem like the type of guy who’d kiss random girls.

And since first kiss niya rin ako, for sure he’s just teasing me! I mean, it’s both our first kiss! He didn’t mean it for real that we’ll kiss until our lips feel sore… right?

“Yeah, right,” I said, mustering all the courage I could find.

“What?” he asked.

“You’re all talk,” I replied.

He arched his brow like he’s amused. “You think?”

“Yes,” I said, fighting back as I stared at him, too. He was just probably teasing me or getting back at me since I ditched him sa game niya! Bakit naman niya ako i-ki-kiss kasi ngayon? Ni hindi man lang ako naka-ayos unlike kapag nasa school kami or wherever where I took time talaga to look cute for him.

But all my words and thoughts were forgotten when he held my chin up with his right index finger. Nasa gilid ko pa rin iyong left hand niya. I was like a hostage!

“You don’t think I’d do it?” he asked.

“N-no,” I replied.

“Why the hell not?”

“Because.”

“Because what?”

“Because…” I said and then paused kasi bakit biglang wala na akong maisip? Gosh! Of all the times that my brain would give up on me, why ngayon pa?!

“Because?”

“I don’t look cute right now,” I said na lang kasi wala na akong maisip.

“Are you kidding me?” he asked, his forehead creased like he was even offended with my answer. He placed his hands on both my sides again, rendering me trapped. He was looking down on me… and gosh, why was this so hot?! Why did I feel like we’re some characters in a movie?!

“You’re wearing my shirt, you cooked us dinner, and you bought protein drink and supplements for me,” he said as I felt his left hand go from the countertop to my arm to my shoulder blade and to the side of my neck. His hand stayed there. I felt his thumb caressing the skin of my neck. “Please?”

I blinked.

Was he… trying to seduce me?!

Why did the word please sound so seductive?!

“O-okay,” I said… voluntarily falling in Finley’s trap.

---

I couldn’t freaking sleep, my gosh!

I really thought that Finley was just kidding when he said that we’d kiss until our lips felt sore—apparently, he wasn’t!

We kissed.

As in kissed .

It was like those kissing scenes in the movies na kapag napapa-nood ko nung bata ako, tatakpan ng parents ko iyong eyes ko kasi it’s too much for my young eyes. I mean kahit ngayon na teenager na ako, it still felt weird. I don’t watch kissing scenes sa mga shows because it kinda felt like I was intruding in their private moment kahit palabas lang naman ’yon.

Kissing just always felt personal to me.

I knew I’d never kiss anyone unless I really, really like him.

And… I guess I really like Finley.

We kissed.

Gosh.

Just thinking about it was enough to make my cheeks feel so hot!

I didn’t know how we got from us standing doon sa may cupboard to us on the couch. I mean, Finley was sitting on the couch while I was straddling him. I didn’t know how I got there! It just happened!

I really couldn’t sleep.

I posted an IG story of the song that I was listening to.

And like on clockwork, Finley sent me a DM.

‘Can’t sleep?’

Ugh.

As if hindi niya alam na siya ang reason why hindi ako maka-tulog.

‘I’m actually sleepy na.’

‘Oh. Ako hindi maka-tulog.’

I wrinkled my nose. This annoying brat.

‘Count sheep.’

‘I’d rather replay what happened earlier in my mind.’

‘You perv.’

‘I am? Who did this then?’ he sent tapos may biglang dumating na photo. It was a photo of his lower lip. There was a cut on the side. My eyes widened. As in napa-upo ako sa may bed. Oh, my gosh! I did that?!

Hindi ako maka-reply.

Like ano naman ang sasabihin ko?! That I was so into the kiss na hindi ko namalayan na nakagat ko na pala iyong lips niya?!

‘Umabsent ka bukas.’

‘What? No.’

‘People would ask!’

‘Let them.’

‘Finley!!!!!’

‘Haha maia.’

‘You’re so annoying!!!’

‘I’ll wear this like a badge of honor.’

I really didn’t want to call him because hindi ako lalo makaka-tulog, but for what pa? I was already on full panic mode! Ang chismosa pa naman ng people sa school. For sure may mga gossip na kakalat if papasok si Finley sa school na may cut sa lips niya. Nagstart pa naman na ’yung gossip na may girlfriend si Finley dahil sa New York soft launch post na ginawa niya.

“What?” he asked as he answered my call. Didn’t even finish the first ring before niya sagutin.

“You’re so annoying.”

“You called to tell me that?” he asked. His tone sounded like he was so pleased with himself.

“If someone asks, tell them nakipag-away ka.”

“Sino naman kaaway ko?”

“Si Riley? I don’t know. Make up an imaginary enemy.”

I heard him chuckling. “Can’t I just say that I made out with someone?”

“Finley!”

He chuckled again. “Fine… but I can’t say that I fought with someone. I’d be grounded.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t think your parents are strict…” I told him. I mean, I could live in this condo! “Oh… do they know that I’m staying here?”

“Yeah.”

My eyes widened. “They do?!”

“Yeah,” he repeated. “Although they don’t know that my girlfriend’s living there. I told them before that someone from school needed help.”

“That’s it? They agreed?”

“Yeah,” he replied like it was no big deal…

Okay, now, color me intrigued. I knew that Finley’s rich, but curious na talaga ako how rich this person is… to think na he got me first class tickets, lets me stay sa condo niya, and even gave me his credit card! Tapos mukhang hindi pa nag-a-ask iyong parents niya.

“Why? Curious? You wanna meet my parents?”

My eyes widened. “No!” I said. “I mean… no?” pagbawi ko kasi baka ma-offend siya. Not that ayoko ma-meet iyong parents niya, but it’s way too early, you know?

“Just… if anyone asks, tell them you have dry lips,” I said, trying to steer back the conversation to what’s important.

“As if anyone would believe that, but sure,” Finley said.

I groaned because he’s right. Who the heck would believe that? This guy has soft lips! Much softer than mine, mind you! So offensive!

“Just tell them to mind their own freaking business,” I said. “I mean, if anyone asks. Since usually rude ka naman talaga.”

It was as if I could see him smirking. Masyado na ba kaming magkasama ni Finley na tipong alam ko na iyong facial expression niya at this very moment?

“I can do that,” he said.

“Okay. It’s settled then.”

“But you do know that that would only make them think that I do, indeed, have a girlfriend?”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I said we’re private, not a secret,” I told him. “If… anyone finds out, I’m not gonna deny that I’m your girlfriend.”

I heard a noise kaya napa-tingin ako sa phone. I saw that Finley’s requesting to open my camera for a video call. I rolled my eyes. So clingy, this one.

“What?” I asked as I accepted his request.

Wrong move to accept this… because tell me, why did he look so hot kahit madilim naman from his end and basically face niya lang iyong nakikita ko?!

Ito rin pala iyong downside kapag super gwapo and hot ng boyfriend mo… it’s like torture to see him every day.

“Maia,” he said.

There’s something about Finley… in the dark… saying my name in a low tone…

He’s driving me insane.

Yup.

That’s it.

This boy’s on a mission to ruin me.

“W-what?” I asked, feeling my heart doing somersaults inside my chest.

“I miss you,” he said.

“Shut up,” I replied, feeling my cheeks heating up again. “You just saw me earlier.”

“I know. But I miss you already.”

I chewed on the insides of my lower lip. “You’ll see me tomorrow,” I told him na lang.

“I have a 5AM practice,” he said. “Can I go there before I go to my practice?”

“That’s too early.”

“I know,” he replied. “I’m just gonna swing by to get a quick kiss then I’ll go to the practice.”

“Quick kiss… why does that feel like a lie?”

He chuckled again. Why was he so cute?!

“I mean, I have a practice. I can’t be late. Your boyfriend’s the captain of the basketball team, remember?” he said. “Also, I’m gonna get my protein shake there.”

My lips parted. “Really? You’ll use the ones I got?” I asked kasi no big deal naman if hindi niya gagamitin. It was my fault kasi I didn’t ask him.

He nodded. “So, it’s settled—I’m gonna be there tomorrow for two things—my drink and my kiss.”

I groaned. “You’re so annoying,” I said.

He grinned. “I’ll see you later. Good night,” he said. And I didn’t know for sure, but I felt like I heard him say baby before ending the call.

Baby?!

I’m someone’s baby?!

**

This story is already at Chapter 24 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

It was probably a bad routine.

At least nakaka-disrupt siya ng body clock.

For about a week already, Finley would go here sa condo ng 4AM. It began with 4:30AM talaga since super near lang naman nito sa school… but he said na super bitin daw kapag 4:30 so naging 4AM na siya! I knew naman na meron din siya sa house nila nung protein shake, but he acts like dito lang meron non. Tsk. Ang aga ko tuloy nagigising lagi!

And as if naman makaka-tulog pa ulit ako after niya umalis…

How could I?! When we’d literally make out the whole time he’s here! Tapos I always had to remind myself not to bite his lips… because apparently… I’m a biter.

Oh, gosh, the realizations!

“You okay?”

I nodded and smiled. “Yup,” I replied with a smile kahit sa totoo lang, I wanted to take a nap na. Super sleepy pa ako! Late na ako naka-tulog yesterday because I had to do some school works tapos super aga ko rin nagising.

Both recess and lunch break, I didn’t go out. My sleepiness won over my hunger. I decided to sleep na lang kasi antok na antok talaga ako super. Nagtext pala si Finley nung lunch asking na magkita kami doon sa old building but I was sleeping nga so, hindi ako naka-reply.

‘Sorry. I was sleeping,’ I said kasi baka isipin niya na naman na iniignore ko siya. So far, so good. One week na kaming hindi nagtatalo. Akalain mo ’yon?! Possible pala!

‘Buong lunch?’

‘Yup,’ I replied.

‘Dinner later. Somewhere far,’ he said like alam niya na para kaming criminals na nagtatago dito sa Manila.

I stared at his text. I wanted to sleep agad pag-uwi ko. I was so looking forward to the dismissal… but I wanted to go on a date with Finley din! Hindi na kami nakapagdinner together this week because may training siya until 10PM. Nakaka-miss din pala siyang kasama magdinner kahit wala naman siyang tinutulong sa akin.

When dismissal came, it was like I was on autopilot. Diretso lang ako na naglakad papunta sa condo. I told Finley na mauuna na ako. I planned to take a power nap! Kahit 15 minutes lang!

Pero napa-haba yata iyong tulog ko…

“Omg, sorry,” I said nung buksan ko iyong pinto tapos nakita ko na nandon si Finley. I had to stop for a second to breathe in the view. Gosh, he’s so gwapo talaga! Naka-suot lang naman siya ng plain white t-shirt and dark jeans… but I guess kapag gwapo ka, gwapo ka talaga no matter the outfit.

Finley looked at me, his forehead creased. “Kaka-gising mo lang?” he asked. Napa-hawak ako sa hair ko. May bedhead pa ba ako?! Gosh! Nagiging complacent na ba ako? I told myself na kahit mag-one year na kami ni Finley, dapat lagi akong maganda sa harapan niya!

I nodded. “Yes, power nap lang dapat but I guess I slept through my alarm,” I told him. “But I’ll be fast…ish,” I continued. I couldn’t sacrifice looking ugly in front of him! Kahit matagalan pa ako!

I was about to turn around na para magtake ng quick shower sana when napa-tigil ako kasi hinawakan ni Finley iyong wrist ko.

“What?” I asked because he was just looking at me. He looked like he was in deep thought—like pinag-iisipan niya talaga kung anuman iyong next na mga salita na lalabas sa bibig niya.

“Let’s just stay in,” he said.

“What? Grabe naman! I’ll be super fast!” I said. Ica-cancel niya agad dahil lang naka-tulog ako? I mean, fine, fault ko naman talaga, but grabe naman! It’s been a week since nagdinner kami together. I was tired, but I was looking forward to it kaya.

“No,” he said. “We can go out to have dinner some other time.”

I chewed on my lower lip.

Ganon ba niya kaayaw maghintay?

Finley looked at me. His forehead turned into a deeper crease. He cupped my face with both his hands and made me look at him.

“Why are you pouty?” he asked. “I’m giving you a chance to sleep.”

“What?”

He pinched both my cheeks, so I frowned at him. “My fault—hindi ka nga pala sanay na 4AM gumi-gising,” he said as he pulled me close tapos ay bigla niya akong niyakap.

Why… was this so nice?! It should be criminal how nice hugs could be!

“Fault mo talaga…” I said against his chest.

“I know. I’m sorry,” he said. “What can I do to apologize?”

I wanted to tell him na okay na ako sa kiss, but why was I suddenly so shy?! Like wala kaming makeout session every madaling araw this week!

“No, it’s fine,” I said na lang. Honestly, wala rin akong maisip na hingin from him. Para kasing before ko pa isipin, binibigay niya na agad… so ano pa ang iaask ko?

---

We did stay in.

Nandon kami sa couch. Finley was sitting. He was playing whatever game he was playing (he tried to recruit me but I was just really not a fan of the game! I try my best na lang not to get jealous sa kung sinuman ang nakaka-laro niya doon). I, on the other hand, naka-higa iyong head ko sa may legs niya. I was taking a nap. Finley wore airpods so hindi ko naririnig iyong ingay niya. Sometimes, I’d feel him caressing my arm. It was so… comforting.

But at the same time, kinda scary.

Parang it happened so fast.

One day, we’re just schoolmates.

Now, I couldn’t imagine life without him—I mean, I could, but it sounded so painfully boring.

Like Finley brought colors into my life.

Ugh.

Ang corny ko na!

After a while, nagising na rin ako from my power nap. It’s so annoying that even from this cursed angle, ang pogi pa rin ni Finley. I raised my left hand and I poked his cheek kaya napa-tingin siya sa akin.

“Snow White is finally awake,” sabi niya sa akin.

“Didn’t you know? Magigising lang si Snow White if may true love’s kiss?”

I saw how the expression on Finley’s face went from confusion to shock to happiness. He placed his phone on the side, used both his hands to cup my face, and then leaned down to kiss me on the lips.

It was just a peck this time, but gosh, that was enough to send my heart racing!

“You hungry?” he asked with his lips just less than an inch from mine. Peck lang ba talaga?!

I nodded.

“For food, just to clarify,” he continued in a teasing tone.

I glared at him. He was laughing. I pushed him away tapos ay naupo na rin ako. Ugh. He’s still super annoying!

“Little kiss monster,” he said.

“Sino kaya ’yung pumupunta dito ng 4AM?”

“Sanay ako na gising ng 4AM. Sino ’yung nag-adjust ng body clock?”

I pushed him. He laughed as he grabbed my hands and placed it against his chest. So annoying!

“Fine, I’ll stop,” he said. “For now.” I glared at him.

Finley convinced me na lumabas kami. We were wearing hoodies na naka-suot iyong hoodie sa head namin and sunglass kahit gabi na. We looked even more suspicious dahil sa ginagawa namin.

It was a Friday night. I didn’t know kung saan kami pupunta. I didn’t even care to ask—I knew naman na kahit saan ako ayain ni Finley, I’d go with him.

I was already so comfortable with him.

It’s both nice and scary.

We went to a drive thru. We got burgers, fries, nuggets, and cola. Surprisingly. Medyo healthy eating kasi siya kaya nagtaka lang ako. He said na okay lang naman if minsan.

Akala ko babalik na kami sa unit, but Finley parked in front of what looked like a private basketball court.

“You’ll play?” I asked.

I mean… sure. Okay naman ako kahit manood lang ako sa kanya. Actually, okay na ako basta nakikita ko siya.

“No,” he replied. “It’s just nice and quiet here,” he continued. “And this is one of my favorite places. I wanted to bring you here.”

And on cue, I felt my cheeks heating up.

Ugh! He just knew what words to say talaga!

We got inside the court. Finley was the one holding all the food. I asked him kung bakit may ganito pa e may court naman sa school. He said that this one’s private. I asked pa and eventually, he did tell me na sa kanya lang ’tong court na ’to.

“This is yours?” I asked.

He nodded. “Technically, yeah,” he replied as he placed the food doon sa table sa isang gilid. It was a half-court lang but meron naman nung ring kung saan shinu-shoot iyong ball. Mukha ngang for private use lang.

“Seriously… are you like… a son of a drug lord?” I asked. I had to! Now, he’s suspiciously rich na!

He laughed—like as in laughed—that I was kinda weirded out kasi ngayon ko lang siya narinig tumawa. I frowned at him. I was curious lang naman! Kaya nga nag-ask ako!

“Sorry,” he said as he wiped the tears kasi naiyak na siya sa kaka-tawa. “It was just funny. You should meet my dad. He’s the farthest thing from a drug lord.”

Still, I glared at him.

“No, but seriously, I don’t think my parents do anything illegal. They’re just good at investing, I guess,” he said. “Our parents all got us buildings when we were born, so you can say that I’ve been earning since the day I was born.”

My eyes widened.

And then I tried to reign my reaction kasi parang ang gold digger ko naman! Na-shock lang ako because who gives buildings as a gift dahil lang pinanganak ka?!

“Cool,” I said.

Finley was looking at me, a grin appearing on his face like he was making fun of me dahil sa earlier reaction ko.

“I’m not a gold digger, okay,” defensive na sabi ko. “I mean, sure, I did say that I’ll marry rich but like—” napa-tigil ako sa sinasabi ko because Finley was just grinning at me and he’s so annoying and I wanted to wipe that grin off his stupid face!

“What?” I asked, super annoyed.

“Nothing,” he replied. He took a step forward. I felt my heart skip a beat dahil lang don. “Maia,” he called my name and I literally stopped breathing. “I know you—both the good and the bad. I’m still here, right?” Then he pulled me close and enveloped me in his arms. “So, don’t worry. I’m here. You have me.”

**

This story is already at Chapter 25 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The pessimistic part of me was whispering na soon, something bad will happen… I mean, that only makes sense, right? Things have been going well for me lately— really well. So, the universe has to balance it out…

But then again, I’d argue na sobra naman na ’yung nangyari sa family ko! Imagine being 17 and being left alone in Manila! Kung anuman iyong good things na nangyayari sa akin ngayon, well-deserved sila.

I just needed to tune out the negativities in my head. Ayoko makipag-argue kay Finley. The past few weeks have been very good between us! Tapos malapit na iyong birthday ko. Finley’s playing dumb, but knowing him? He’s a secret romantic! I knew na he’d do something special for my birthday and honestly? I couldn’t wait!

“What’s my gift nga? Wala bang clue?” I asked him nung hindi ko na ma-contain iyong curiosity ko.

He just got to the condo after the practice. Tapos na ako sa lahat ng homeworks ko. I really try talaga to finish everything kasi gusto ko na pagdating ni Finley, we can just… bond. I knew myself na, noh! I knew na kapag hindi ko tinapos iyong schoolworks ko, there’s no freaking way na I would be able to finish them! Kasi kahit umalis na si Finley, my traitor mind would just keep on replaying what happened.

So, yeah. I needed to be strict with how I manage my time. I didn’t want my relationship to negatively affect my grades, noh. I didn’t want to be one of those teenagers na na-in love lang—

Oh, my god.

Anong in love ka d’yan, Maia Celine?!

Like lang! Like!

“How dare you daydream when I’m right in front of you?” Finley playfully asked as he poked my forehead with his index finger.

I wrinkled my nose as I slapped his hand away. “I was just thinking about your gift,” I said na lang. “Clue? Is it cute? Is it pink?” I asked again.

Finley rolled his eyes. “Why are you so convinced na may regalo ako sa ’yo?”

If he said this before, I’d frown at him and maybe even pick a fight with him. But sanay na kaya ako sa kanya. He’d just say dumb things like this… but he’d really give me a gift! I was so sure!

“Why? Are you saying na wala?” I replied, arching my brow.

He shrugged.

I grinned.

“I’m so excited!”

Finley just rolled his eyes at me… the funny thing was, before, I’d think na he’s irritated with me whenever he’d roll his eyes… now? I see it as a sign na he finds me adorable. Tsk. Beyond saving na ata ako. Kahit eyeroll lang, ni-ro-romanticize ko na.

After eating, we just stayed on the couch. We were watching a series. Kailan kaya namin matatapos ’to? Kasi we made a pact na papanoorin lang namin together. Ilang seasons ’to and ilang episodes! Minsan, super tempted ko ng panoorin kahit wala si Finley… but I must resist since I made a promise.

Right after finishing two episodes, Finley got up from the couch. We were so comfy. Since lagi kami sa couch, Finley got a new couch—’yung nagiging bed din. But we don’t do anything other than make out! We just really like to cuddle. Ang sarap kaya yakapin ni Finley.

“What?” he asked nung tumingin siya sa likuran niya and he saw me frowning.

I shook my head. Kasi ano naman sasabihin ko? Na I was sad na uuwi na siya sa bahay nila? Hindi pa naman ako nababaliw to ask him to sleep over!

Tsk. I always call Finley clingy, pero mas clingy pa ata ako sa kanya… Malapit na rin ako magselos sa basketball kasi anong oras na siya nakakarating sa condo because of practice. More Maia time sana kung walang basketball practice.

Finley stood up and grabbed his things. I walked behind him. Nung nasa may door na kami, he turned around.

“What?” he asked again. “You’re being weird,” sabi niya kasi hindi ko naman siya sinusundan usually kapag aalis na siya… For some reason… I just felt particularly clingy tonight…

“Nothing,” I replied with a small pout.

“Okay.”

Tss. Hindi man lang ako inask again why.

“Call me,” I said.

“Okay.”

“Not when you get home. Call me from the car.”

“Okay…?”

“Actually, call me paglabas mo pa lang sa door.”

Finley’s face showed confusion for a few seconds before he finally realized what was happening. He arched his brow, and then there was that annoying grin on his face again.

“You miss me already even though I’m still here?” he asked in a teasing tone.

I rolled my eyes. “Ugh. You’re being a pest. Thanks for making this easier,” I said as I pushed him palabas sa door. Finley was just laughing, but as soon as he got outside, my phone began to ring.

F lang naman iyong name niya sa phone ko, but bakit kini-kilig na agad ako kapag nakikita ko ’yon? How can one letter hold such power over me?

We talked while he was driving hanggang pagdating niya sa house nila. I even heard Riley sa background. Finley was so shameless when he told him na kausap niya ako sa phone!

But… I kinda like that he tells his family about me.

I will tell my parents about him din kapag nagkita na kami ulit.

He deserves to be shown off.

---

The next few days were equally great.

I love that for me.

It was like a great way to lead up to my birthday!

My birthday falls on a Saturday. Friday pa lang, hindi ko na ma-contain iyong excitement ko. Finley hasn’t told me anything yet, but I already prepared my birthday dress. It was a powder pink tube dress with feathers at the bottom. Hanggang mid-thigh ko ’yung dress. I also paired it with powder pink stilettos and mini pink clutch. I bought these using Finley’s card, but I just really wanted to look cute for my birthday! I promise to pay this kapag okay na iyong finances ng parents ko. And hindi naman siya super mahal compared sa mga binibili ko before.

“You wanna go out later?”

“Nope,” I said to my friend who asked me. They didn’t even know na birthday ko tomorrow. It’s fine. As long as Finley knows, I’m good.

The whole day, I tried my best to focus on the class. Nung dismissal na, I was about to text Finley. He probably has some spidey sense kasi he called me just as I was about to hit send.

“I was about to text you,” I said.

“I’ll pick you up at 7PM.”

“I knew it.”

It was as if I could see him rolling his eyes. “It’s so hard to surprise you.”

I chuckled. “I still don’t know what you got me!”

We just talked while I was walking home. I didn’t mind since malapit lang naman talaga iyong condo. And for sure if sumabay ako pauwi kay Finley, may makaka-kita sa amin sa parking lot.

Pagdating ko sa condo, I immediately began my beauty ritual. I took an everything shower. I made sure I smelled great. I fixed my makeup and hair to perfection—but made sure na I didn’t look like I tried so hard kahit sa totoo lang, ang hirap kaya! It’s so hard being a girl, but at the same time, kinda fun.

After like two hours, I was finally done! I was wearing my birthday fit and my hair was in a loose-high pony tapos I curled the ends din. I took my OOTD photos and some selfies. I couldn’t post sa IG because my boyfriend’s such a stalker. Naka-on notif niya for me, sure ako. Ang bilis niya ma-view, e. One of these days, I would test this theory… I’d post habang nasa tabi ko siya para makita ko if may notif.

When I heard the knock on the door, for some reason, my heart began to race. It was so stupid. Literally, kasama ko si Finley every day. Why was I suddenly acting nervous?

I wanted to take a peek sa may peephole but decided against it. Finley deserves to see his girlfriend fawn over how good looking he is.

I thought I was prepared. I knew he’d look good… but goddamn! My boyfriend’s so hot?!

“Why are you frowning again?” he casually asked like he didn’t look like he walked out of a fashion magazine?! He was wearing black dress trouser, charcoal short-sleeved shirt with vertical ribbing texture and a mandarin-style collar. His shirt was loosely tucked in and he was wearing a black belt and silver watch on his right arm.

Gosh, he looks so good!

He’ll turn so many heads tonight.

Tss. I wanted a hot boyfriend, but ang hirap pala na potential kaagaw ko lahat. Kapag nasa labas kami, gusto kong tusukin iyong mga mata nung mga tumitingin sa kanya. Like gusto ko na lang lagyan ng sign iyong noo niya na ‘Maia’s property—back off.’

“Nothing,” I said and then forced myself to smile. I should think about that. Tonight’s gonna be so good!

---

Everything aligned perfectly that night. Finley got us a reservation in really good restaurant. We were seated sa may pinaka-gilid. I didn’t know for sure if it was because Finley knew that I didn’t want to be disturbed by our schoolmates or if it was because of the view. Glass iyong buong wall, so we were having dinner with the view of the city lights of Manila.

It was… perfect.

The dinner lasted for three hours. Usually, I didn’t like dinners like this kasi ang tagal because isa-isa sine-serve iyong food. But with Finley, it’s like the concept of time doesn’t exist. We literally talk about the most useless things yet it was still fun.

“What?” he asked when he caught me grinning. I knew he was trying to lengthen the time kasi gusto niya na mag birthday salubong kami together. He’s so cute!

“Nothing,” I said, deciding to be cooperative.

I even ignored the fact that Finley threw a subtle look doon sa assigned na waiter sa amin when it was around 11:50PM na.

Then two minutes before it was officially my birthday, the waiter returned with a small pink cake with sparklers on top. He placed it on the table. May flowers din. It was a bouquet of pink tulips!

“Hindi ko pa naman birthday,” I said as I took a quick snap. Because of the sparklers, hindi naman kita iyong face ni Finley sa background but it was so obvious na may tao sa background nung cake tapos kita rin iyong flowers sa gilid. It was such a nice photo!

“Okay na. Greet me,” I told him.

He rolled his eyes so lovingly. But then he got something from his pocket. What?! How was that even possible? I checked kaya kanina—Finley even teased me that I was groping him. As if!

“Happy birthday,” he said as he slid the pink velvet box. Pink ba talaga ’to or did Finley have it customized because so far, pink yata ang theme ng birthday ko?

“You know, I was honestly just teasing you—the dinner’s enough.”

“Really,” he said. “I have a feeling you would’ve frowned kung wala kang regalo.”

I frowned. “Hindi kaya.”

“Disagreed.”

I pouted at him as I opened the box. It was a rose gold tennis bracelet. “Are these real diamonds?” I asked him as I was still staring at his gift.

“Do I look like I’ll give you fake ones?”

I frowned. “Show off,” I said as I got the bracelet and handed it to him so he can put it around my wrist. I was so kilig as Finley was putting the bracelet around my wrist. I couldn’t even wipe the grin off my face even if I tried to!

“Thank you,” I said with a small voice. I was just so… overwhelmed. Because who knew? Who would freaking knew na from celebrating my birthday last year with friends who didn’t even remember na same date lang naman ang birthday every year! Now, I am celebrating it with someone who cares a lot about me na alam niya iyong mga likes and wants ko.

It wasn’t even about the material things… It was the small things that Finley does for me without even me asking. I appreciate them a lot. I hope I can show Finley how much I care about him. I will work so hard to become someone who deserves him because honestly, sometimes, I feel like he’s too good for me… And I didn’t want to wallow in that thought. Instead, I’ll work hard to deserve him.

We got back to the condo. Finley was holding the box of cake and I was holding the flowers.

“Finley…” I said because I knew na any second now, he’ll go home na.

“Can… can you tell your family that you’re sleeping over in one of your friend’s house?”

Kumunot ang noo niya. “Bakit ako makikitulog sa kanila?” he asked, a bit confused. I just couldn’t ask him directly that I wanted him to sleep over. I was shy!

“No,” I said. “I mean…” I chewed on my lower lip, drew a deep breath, and looked at him. “Sleep here. I want to spend my birthday with you,” I said. “The entire day,” I continued because at this point, I felt like I needed to make myself clear that he wouldn’t leave my side the entire time.

Finley’s lips were slightly parted.

“But sleep lang!” I said because it was as if I could see the thoughts in his head.

“In the same bed?” he asked, being so annoying.

“Yes, but like may pillow wall in between!”

There was that annoying grin on his face again. “Fine, but can we kiss?” he asked. I knew he was teasing lang naman, but I felt my entire face heating up.

“Yes,” I whispered. “Basta kiss lang!” I said and then he laughed as he pulled me close to him as he grabbed his phone and texted his parents that he’s sleeping over sa friend niya. I promise, Finley’s parents, no monkey-business happening tonight!

**

This story is already at Chapter 26 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

It was such a good way to end and begin another day!

Finley and I slept—like sleep lang talaga. We didn’t even hug or cuddle hanggang maka-tulog. I barely remembered what we were talking about when I fell asleep. Basta we were talking about something hanggang sa maka-tulog na ako.

Finley woke up earlier than me, pero nagising din ako agad when he flushed the toilet. Naka-upo na ako sa may bed and I was rubbing my eyes nung lumabas siya sa CR. And could I just say that… damn, this boy’s attractive! Kahit medyo magulo pa iyong hair niya! But so unfair kasi usually puffy ang face pagka-gising, but apparently, not in Finley’s case.

“What?” he asked.

I quickly shook my head. “Nothing,” I replied. “So… do I get a breakfast in bed?” I asked, teasing him.

Come to think of it, never ko pa nakita magluto si Finley! His condo is complete naman sa gamit, but baka display niya lang ’yon? But for someone who eats healthily, paano ’yon? Food deliveries? Or does he have a personal chef? I mean… to be honest, it isn’t far from the realm of possibility at this point. This boy has buildings.

“Sure,” he said. “But it will take some time. And I have a whole day planned.”

My eyes widened. “Really? Hindi ’yung last night ’yung gift mo sa ’kin?” I asked, really surprised! Kasi super okay na for me ’yung last night. It was a really nice dinner and I really love the flowers and ’yung bracelet… but most importantly, I loved that I got to spend time with him. Lagi kasi siya mag practice for basketball. I thought talaga magkasama lang kami sa unit the whole day. Like him playing his mobile games while I do my school works. That would be super okay with me already.

“You’re such a jerk,” sabi ko sa kanya.

I thought kung ano iyong plan na sinasabi niya! Nandito kami sa gym ngayon. He also has a private gym pala don sa may court na pinuntahan namin. So spoiled.

Finley lifted some weights habang nandon lang ako sa treadmill. After a while, na-bore na din ako kaya naglift na rin ako ng weights. We stayed there for like two hours.

“Ano’ng next? We’ll join a marathon naman?” I sarcastically asked. Bakit ako nagwoworkout sa birthday ko? I should be relaxing!

Tinawanan lang ako ni Finley na akala niya cute iyong ginagawa niya. Bumalik kami sa condo. May kinuha si Finley from the back of his car na bag.

“What’s that?”

“Bag.”

I frowned at him. “Why are you being so annoying today?”

Tinawanan niya lang ako. “Bilis mo kasing mainis.”

“Nakaka-inis ka kasi.”

“How come? Sinagot ko naman ’yung tanong mo.”

“Well, I have eyes. Obviously, alam ko na bag iyong hawak mo.”

“So, bakit ka pa nagtanong?”

I gritted my teeth. Tinawanan lang ulit ako ni Finley.

Pagdating namin sa loob ng unit, binaba niya iyong bag niya sa may couch.

“We have lunch reservation at 11:30,” sabi niya. “AM,” he continued, being super annoying like iniisip niya na iaask ko if AM or PM e sinabi na nga niyang lunch. I frowned so hard at him.

“Sorry,” he said, pressing his lips together pero obvious na he’s having the time of his life habang iniinis niya ako. “You have two hours to get ready. That’s enough? If hindi, I can call to push back the reservation.”

“No, that’s fine,” I simply said na lang kahit naiinis talaga ako sa kanya.

Habang nasa shower ako, I kept on reminding myself na birthday ko at may tomorrow naman para mainis ako. Besides, daily naman talaga nag-e-exercise si Finley. Baka sinama niya lang talaga ako since wish ko rin naman na magkasama kami the whole day. Talagang he took it literally.

After I showered, I proceeded to drying my hair. Nasa labas kasi si Finley. Ginamit niya iyong bathroom sa labas. Nung dry na ’yung hair ko, nagsuot muna ako ng pambahay na clothes. Kahit naman in a relationship kami ni Finley, we’re still super young, noh! We do kiss a lot, but we’re very much aware na may mga things na hindi pa naman dapat gawin. So, wala akong balak lumabas ng room while wearing bathrobe lang.

“Dress code?” I asked him. “Casual?” I asked again when I saw na he’s done na and he’s wearing white denim pants and black polo. May naka-sabit din na shades sa may polo niya.

“Yeah. And wear comfortable footwear.”

I frowned. “Kapag talaga ako pina-takbo mo.”

Tumawa siya at saka binaba iyong phone niya. He was playing games. “Promise, no marathon involved,” he said. I glared at him. “I swear.”

I glared at him one more time bago ako pumasok ulit sa room ko. I decided to wear white mini skirt, black baby tee, and white sneakers. My hair’s in a tight bun. Gusto ko rin sana magdala ng sunglass, but wala ako. I’ll probably borrow Finley’s na lang.

“I’m ready,” I said paglabas ko sa room.

Finley looked at me habang hawak pa rin niya iyong phone niya. He looked at me from my head down to my toes. What? I looked cute kaya! I know so kasi I took a few photos. I knew I looked good.

“What? May problem ka ba talaga sa mini-skirt ko?” I asked kasi ito rin ’yung same skirt na sinuot ko sa New York. Iyong sinabi niya na dahilan bakit ako may sakit.

“Did you purposely match with me?”

My forehead creased… and then my eyes widened upon realization.

“Oh, no, I didn’t—” But I knew that any explanation wouldn’t matter to him. That smirk on his face told me that he’d always bring this up! Like I really planned na matchy-matchy kami!

I couldn’t even ask Finley kung saan kami pupunta! The whole way to wherever, I just kept on repeatedly telling him na hindi ko naman talaga sinadya na match kami ng outfit.

“So, are you saying that it’s destiny?”

I made a face. “Ew. Don’t say things like that.”

He laughed. Ugh. Why was he so gwapo when he’s laughing while his right hand’s on the wheel and his left elbow propped against the closed window?

After a while, we arrived at a restaurant. We had a really nice lunch—although I wasn’t sure if nice was a good word to describe the lunch because Finley was just teasing me the entire time.

“So, what’s next?” I asked him.

We were just walking around. We got gelato. Mine’s stracciatella while he got the pistachio flavor. It was nice to just walk around with him. I mean, it’s still the weekend. There’s a chance na may maka-salubong kami from school… but it’s my birthday. I was giving myself a chance not to give too much damn.

Besides, I did tell Finley na if malaman sa school, I won’t deny it.

Finley’s my boyfriend—deal with it.

“Why did you stop?” I asked him.

“I wanted to get you one, but I know you don’t trust my taste,” he said.

My forehead creased. “What are you talking about?” I asked, confused… and then I looked around and realized that we were in the area of the mall na puro luxury stores. I snapped my head back to be able to look at Finley. “Are you buying me a bag?” I asked, still confused.

I mean, this guy did get me first class tickets! I knew he’s absurdly rich, but this still didn’t feel right!

He nodded like it was no big deal.

“You already got me this,” I said and then looked at my bracelet.

“And I’m getting you another gift.”

I looked at him and shook my head. “Nah. It’s fine,” I told him as I began walking. I took two steps before I had to stop because I felt Finley’s hand on my arm. “What?” I asked.

“I told you to wear comfortable shoes because I thought you’d be walking around trying to decide which bag to buy,” he said.

I wanted to appreciate Finley for this… but for some reason, I kinda felt bad…

So, was this how he saw me?

As someone materialistic?

Because we had dinner in a five-star restaurant, he got me diamond bracelet, and now he’s buying me a designer bag…

I knew this wasn’t even a dent in his pocket but in all honesty, I just wanted to spend the whole day with him. I knew I was teasing him about what gift he’ll give me, but even if flowers lang ang ibigay niya sa akin, I’d be super grateful for that.

Finley’s forehead creased.

“Why are you crying?” he asked, his voice a bit panicked. “You can buy more bags,” he continued like he would give me whatever just to make me stop crying.

But that only made me cry even harder.

I was that materialistic in his eyes!

And it’s my fault, too!

We were attracting attention. Finley grabbed me and we stood on some hallway. My back was against the wall while Finley’s standing in front of me. I wanted to stop crying, but I couldn’t! I felt so bad. I didn’t want him to see me this way! Did he really think na I was just in this for the money? I mean, I did tell him that I’d marry rich…

But that was all talk! I said that before I fell for him…

Before he made me feel all these things.

Now, I couldn’t imagine marrying for anything but love.

I now know how love feels like.

I want that.

For the rest of my life.

“What?” he asked when like a child, I pulled the edge of his shirt.

I looked at him through my tear-stained vision. “I don’t want the bag…” I said, not really knowing what to say or how to explain how I feel.

“What do you want?” he asked like he’d really give me anything if I ask him to.

“Nothing,” I told him.

“Are you… mad at me?” he asked.

“No,” I said.

“Why did you cry?”

I looked up to him. I bit my tongue for a while. I drew a deep breath.

“Because,” I began as I drew another breath. I felt like I was one word away from crying yet again. Why did I suddenly become a cry-baby?! “Because… I realize you see me as someone materialistic.”

“You are,” he said.

I cried again.

Finley’s face was filled with confusion as he cupped my face. “What? I thought it’s common knowledge,” he said as he wiped the tears with his thumb. “You love material things, and it’s fine. I like that it’s easy to make you happy. Why are you crying about this?”

“I don’t like this,” I said in between sobs.

“Don’t like what?”

“That my boyfriend thinks I’m materialistic.”

“But you are.”

I cried harder.

This time, he’s laughing at me while wiping the tears. Why was he such a jerk?

“Maia, it’s fine, really. You love bags; I love basketball. We love some things the unhealthy amount. So, what?”

I just kept on crying because I knew that I would never win this argument with him. He probably didn’t even care about buying me things because he could easily afford them. I was probably just so sensitive about this because I felt insecure.

Or maybe because I love him, and I didn’t want to feel like I was using him.

I should probably tell him this…

But I couldn’t.

“Besides, it’s your birthday. I’m allowed to spoil you today of all days.”

Damn this jerk.

Alam na alam niya kung ano ang sasabihin.

Finley kept on trying to convince me to buy something, but I was adamant na ayokong bumili ng bag. I mean, sure, before, I acted like a brat na parang I’ll die kapag wala akong bags. But it’s been months. Buhay pa naman ako. Clearly, I overreacted.

To try to cheer me up, Finley got me a slice of cake in a café. And then he excused himself. I busied myself with Instagram while waiting for him.

“What—” I said when I saw him walking towards me. He was carrying a Chanel paper bag. He placed it on the table. “I told you—”

“Look at it first,” he said.

I was glaring at him, but I did as he said. I looked at the content of the paper bag. I got the box and opened it.

“I told you I don’t want this—” I paused when I saw his reaction. “What?”

“You called that your baby. You can’t recognize it?”

“What are you—” My eyes widened. “Wait—” I looked at the bag and then I looked at Finley. It was like a movie playing inside my head. He was with me when I sold this! I specifically remember him going bag inside the store. I thought naki-CR lang siya or whatever. “Did you buy this back?!”

He nodded casually like it was no big deal.

“Why—what—”

Both my thoughts and my words were failing me.

“Happy birthday, Maia,” he said, looking at me. “I wish you’ll care about me like you care about your bags,” he continued, teasing this time.

I glared at him, but he just laughed at me. This jerk will die kapag hindi niya ako nainis at least once a day!

I knew Finley would shut me down kapag sinabi ko sa kanya na I’ll pay for this… but I will… hindi ko pa sure how and gaano katagal, but I’ll pay for this bag back.

It’s so weird na kung kailan boyfriend ko na siya, saka pa ayoko na he spends things for me. I was constantly worried na he’ll think I was just using him.

How can I show him na I like him for him? That just spending time with him was enough for me na?

But I guess that was the least of my problems because I woke up the next day with an anonymous blog popping out calling me a gold digger and materialistic bitch who seduced the Finley Angelo Suarez. 

**

This story is already at Chapter 27 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Before I could even scroll through the blog, Finley’s name appeared on my screen. He’s calling. He normally calls me, but I knew that this wasn’t a just because call. He probably read the blog. He probably agrees with it. I mean, didn’t he call me materialistic yesterday? He said it wasn’t exactly a bad thing… but others would disagree. They didn’t like me like how Finley likes me.

I wanted to answer Finley’s call, but I knew that the moment I hear his voice, the moment he asks me a question and I answer, that will be the moment that my voice will break.

And I didn’t want to cry because of this.

Because they’re wrong.

And even if they’re right, only a fraction of it was right…

But I guess that that fraction was far more interesting than my truth. And they wouldn’t care about my boring, uninteresting truth.

‘On my way,’ Finley messaged when his call got dropped. ‘I know you read that stupid blog. Don’t mind them.’

I stared at Finley’s text.

I didn’t know if my own brain was trying to sabotage me by nitpicking Finley’s text… but didn’t he say that they’re wrong? Couldn’t he have included that in his message?

Did he think they’re right?

After all, he did call me materialistic…

I knew it.

I was too happy yesterday.

And I couldn’t be too happy.

I was quietly waiting sa pagdating ni Finley sa condo. I told myself not to cry in front of him. I knew he’s probably already worried about me… I didn’t want to add to that.

My phone vibrated. There was an unregistered number calling me. I was hesitant to answer it kasi what if this was the person who posted that blog? I didn’t want to talk to this person… I didn’t even want to know what this person wants from me because I was sure that it can never be good.

‘Anak, answer the phone.’

My eyes widened.

I didn’t even want to second-guess myself nor wait for the number to call again. I called it myself.

“Maia.”

My heart throbbed when I heard Mama’s voice. It’s been so long since I heard her voice! Ang dami kong gustong sabihin—mostly panunumbat because how dare they just leave me here? But I stopped myself. I didn’t know if it was because I didn’t want to argue or because I was already spent…

“Where are you?” I asked.

“Hindi pa rin namin mahanap iyong mga nanloko sa Daddy mo.”

I remained silent because what was I supposed to say to that?

“Totoo ba iyong sinabi sa ’min?”

“What?”

“Boyfriend mo iyong anak ng mga Suarez?”

My lips parted. “How… did you even know that?” I asked. Wow. Ang layo naman ng reach ng blog na ’yon na tipong nakarating din sa parents ko na ni hindi ko nga alam kung nasaan sila!

“May nakapagsabi lang sa amin. Totoo ba ’yon?”

“Yeah,” I replied because why should I even lie to my parents about this? But alam ba nila because they’re still keeping tabs on me? So… they’re still worried about me, right? They didn’t just completely abandon me out of the blue?

“Anak,” she began. “Can we ask for a favor?”

I remained silent. Wala pa siyang nasasabi, but I had this inkling that I would not exactly like kung anuman ang sasabihin niya sa akin.

“If you can ask your boyfriend to ask his dad to set up a meeting with your dad.”

I bit my tongue and remained silent.

“Okay, Maia?” she asked, but it didn’t seem like she’s really asking me. “We have to help your dad.”

Hindi pa rin ako nagsalita. Because how would I even ask Finley that? I haven’t even met his parents yet tapos mag-a-ask na ako ng ganitong favor?

“Ayaw mo ba kaming bumalik na sa Manila?” she asked. That’s so unfair. Of course gusto ko na silang bumalik sa Manila. I like this whole set-up with Finley, but I miss my parents. I miss my family. Of course I want them back. Why did she even have to ask me this?

But then I heard someone knocking. I knew it’s Finley. I wanted to thank him for giving me the chance to escape this uncomfortable conversation. I wished to talk to my parents, but not about something like this.

“I have to go,” I told my mom.

“Okay,” she said. I knew her enough to know that she was displeased with my lack of concrete answer. “Maghihintay kami ng dad mo.”

Hindi na ako sumagot pa roon. I heard Finley knocking again. I drew a deep breath before I stood up and opened the door.

“Wala pang masyadong bukas na coffee shop,” he said as he showed me box containing a cupcake.

I just said na I won’t cry in front of him! Did he really go to a coffee shop to buy me a cupcake pa? Was this his way of trying to cheer me up?

I snatched the box from him and uttered a small thanks. He followed me inside. I placed the box on the table. Kahit naka-talikod ako, I felt watching’s eyes following my every move. I really thought he’d go straight to asking me about the blog… I guess he’s just really worried about me. It’s like he’s in his tippytoes around me.

“Maia,” he finally said when minutes passed and walang nagsasalita sa aming dalawa.

I just turned my head to look at him. I didn’t know what to say. That blog heavily implied that I was just using Finley for money… Tapos ngayon, gusto pa nila Mommy na i-ask ko iyong parents ni Finley to help us out financially…

I didn’t know it was possible to feel this small.

“Did you read that trash?”

“You didn’t?”

“No,” he replied.

“I mean, it’s about us…”

“More so,” he said. “Why should I have to read about us from other people? Kasama ba natin sila?”

I chewed on my lower lip. He’s right… but the urge to just dive in the negativity was just so strong.

“Besides, whoever wrote that’s a freaking weirdo. What? They’re just following us around? Weirdo,” he said with his forehead in deep crease. But when he looked at me, his face softened. He reached for me and tapped my head as if I were some child. “You haven’t read that, right?” he asked. I nodded. “Good. Promise me hindi mo babasahin ’yon.”

Hindi ako nagsalita.

“They’re all lies.”

“I mean… they’re probably not all lies.”

“What? That you ‘seduced’ me?” he asked, using air quotes. “When did this alleged seduction happen?”

I looked at him. “You know that’s not what I mean.”

Finley rolled his eyes. “What? The gifts? So fucking what?” he asked. It was the first time I heard him curse. Even before kahit naiinis siya, he’s always been in control of his words… I guess he’s more pissed than he’s letting on. “My own family doesn’t mind. So why do these other people care so much?”

Shit.

His family.

Why was I in this position? I didn’t want to ask Finley for help! But I knew that my own mother would just make me feel bad kapag hindi ko ginawa iyong gusto niya…

“Maia,” he called once again nung hindi ako nagsasalita. “It’s just photos of us shopping.”

“So you did look.”

“Fine,” he said. “But I only looked because the lawyer was asking—”

My lips parted. “What? Lawyer?”

“Yes,” he said.

“You called a lawyer?”

“Yes,” he replied again. “Did you honestly think I’d let some weirdo lie about us on the internet and get away with it?”

Oh, god.

Why was a lawyer involved na?! This was getting out of hand!

“They’re already looking at the IP address. I think he said they’ll look if they can file cyber libel,” he said. “I’ll update you if there’s anything you need to know, but I don’t want to worry you about this, too.”

My mind was aching from everything that was happening. Then I felt Finley reaching for my hand and holding it tightly as if he was telling me that everything will be fine.

“Do you want to go to school together on Monday?” he asked after minutes of nothing but silence around us.

“I think I’ll be skipping school for a few days,” I told him.

Hindi nagsalita si Finley. I knew he wanted to tell me to just go ignore them. I wish I could. I could tell him that I’d do exactly that, but I also knew that I would feel exactly the opposite of that.

I’d care.

A lot.

And I’d get hurt.

Because at one point, they’re right…

And it will probably be right again if I did ask his family for help…

Finley stayed with me the whole day. He was just on the couch. I was trying my hardest to sleep in the room. I just wanted to sleep because the thoughts were too much.

And when Finley finally left, I let out the tears that I’d been holding for so long.

Why was it so hard to just be happy? 

**

This story is already at Chapter 28 patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

I was starting to believe that I never really had any friends.

I did receive texts…

But they were all just asking about Finley. Not once did they ask about me— or if okay lang ba ako… kung may balak pa ba akong pumasok sa school…

Or at least kung totoo ba iyong mga naka-lagay sa blog na ’yon.

What?

Was it just accepted as the truth?

So, on the third day, I forced myself to get out of bed and to stop moping around. I dragged myself to take a bath. Then made sure that I look pretty… because I knew that once I step foot inside that school, it’s tantamount to being put under the microscope. Alam ko na titinignan nila bawat galaw ko. And I shouldn’t give them any ammunition against me.

“Hey,” Finley said when he answered the call.

“Where are you?” I asked.

“House. But on my way to school,” he replied. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I replied and even nodded kahit wala naman siya sa harap ko. Maybe I just needed some more convincing na okay ako. Maybe I could convince myself, too. “Wanna go to school together?”

There was a lull for a few seconds.

“On my way,” he, then, said.

The past few days, hindi kami nag-uusap ni Finley masyado. I’d reply kapag may text siya, but my replies were short. Wala kasi talaga ako sa mood. Every time I’d see his name, I was reminded doon sa mga gossip about us… And I knew that it’s unfair kasi wala namang ginawa si Finley.

Still, since when were feelings ever rational?

You just feel what you feel.

Finley probably missed me—or he probably was just worried. He didn’t end the call all while he’s driving para sunduin ako. Nung sinabi niya na malapit na siya, I told him to just pull over in front of the building.

“You sure?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I replied. I mean, what’s the sense? Alam naman na sa buong school iyong tungkol sa amin. Might as well just give them something more to talk about.

Was it karma? Kasi pagbukas nung elevator, agad na nakita ko si Mandie. I drew a deep breath before I stepped in. She was looking at me through the reflection on the elevator door. I stared back. I was seriously tired of feeling bad for myself.

Finley’s my boyfriend.

Yes, he gave me gifts.

Why was that anyone’s business?!

“Got something to say?” I asked with my brow arched.

Mandie just looked at me and gave me a very fake smile. Suffice to say, the rest of the way down was very awkward.

Pagbukas ng elevator, naglakad na ako palabas. I didn’t look back to check kung pinapanood ni Mandie kung saan ako papunta. For sure, kakalat naman agad sa grapevines kapag nakita na sabay kaming pumasok sa school ni Finley.

“Good morning,” I said when I got inside Finley’s car. “What?” I asked when I saw Finley just looking at me. His forehead’s slightly creased.

“You don’t have to pretend in front of me,” he said.

“I’m not pretending,” I replied as I wore the seatbelt.

Hindi siya nagsalita.

The ride was awfully quiet—so quiet that I turned on the radio because the lull was driving me crazy. Ayoko pala ng tahimik. Bigla kong naisip kung ano iyong mangyayari pagdating namin sa school. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I should’ve skipped school for the whole week instead. Maybe I should—

“Maia.”

Agad na napa-tingin ako kay Finley.

“Oh… We’re here already,” I managed to say upon realizing na nasa school na kami. I was in my head too much na hindi ko napansin na nandito na kami.

God, I’d been overthinking a lot the past few days. I was so tired. I just wanted to have a break. Pero kahit yata saan ako pumunta, hahabulin pa rin ako ng mga bagay na iniisip ko.

“Are you sure you’re good?” Finley asked.

“Yup,” I replied with a smile on my face.

Baka ito iyong sinasabi nila na sometimes, you just have to fake it until you make it.

Finley didn’t say a word, but the look on his face told me that there was no way he believed my lie. Instead, I unbuckled the seatbelt. I checked my appearance on the mirror once again. After I made sure that I looked good, tumingin ako kay Finley.

“I’m fine,” I assured him.

I mean, I really wasn’t, but I will be fine.

It wasn’t like I have a choice.

When we got out of the car, may mga naka-tingin sa amin. Of course. I already expected it. Napa-tingin ako kay Finley. Naka-tingin na pala siya sa akin.

“I’ll walk you to class,” he said.

“Okay,” I replied.

We were walking side by side. I could hear the beating of my own heart. I walked this path a thousand of times before, but now? It was like this was my first time treading this path and I felt like I’d trip at any given moment.

I also ignored Finley’s glances. I knew he’s just worried about me, but it wasn’t like he could stay with me for the whole day. Hindi naman kami same ng strand. Nasa ibang building pa nga siya.

“What?” I asked when he held my arm nung malapit na kami sa building ko. I turned and looked at Finley.

“Text me,” he said. “If anything happens.”

“Sure,” I replied. “But I’ll be fine. I’m going to class, not to war.”

But my attempt at humor didn’t fly. He was just staring at me with that small crease on his forehead. I looked at him and smiled—this time, my smile was real… I hoped it was convincing. I just didn’t want him to worry too much about me.

“I promise I’ll text you if something happens,” I told him.

“Let’s just skip class.”

“Three days na akong wala sa school,” I said. “Besides, I doubt if they’ll do anything to me. I’m your girlfriend, duh. They know how vindictive you are,” I continued, kidding.

“You’re right,” he said.

“That you’re vindictive?”

“Yes,” he replied. “But also, that you’re my girlfriend,” he continued and tucked a portion of my hair behind my ear. I could see eyes watching us. I didn’t know if Finley was intentionally doing this so everyone can see us.

It was probably weird for them.

We all knew Finley—we all practically grew up together. We all knew Finley as this… arrogant person who doesn’t really care about anyone or anything except basketball. I knew it was weird for them to see him act like this towards me.

That’s why they probably believed that I ‘seduced’ him.

“Just ignore them,” he said. “They’re just jealous because you got me.” I frowned at him. He chuckled. “But seriously, just ignore those losers. They probably have very boring lives, so they’re very interested in ours.”

“Right.”

I gave him a tightlipped smile. Finley looked at me like he wanted to give me some more peptalk, but decided against it. We just quietly resumed walking. I gave him a small wave bago ako pumasok sa classroom. I quietly walked towards my seat. I was very much aware na naka-tingin sa akin iyong mga tao sa classroom. I was so tempted to ask them ‘what are you looking at’ but I didn’t want to aggravate the situation even more.

Ilang buwan pa iyong natitira sa schoolyear. Ayoko namang magdrop. I just needed to tough it out. I’d go to my classes and then I’d go home. Just do those things hanggang maka-graduate. Siguro naman kapag college na ako, wala ng ganitong issue.

I pretended not to notice the stares and focused on writing down notes sa kung anuman ang sinasabi ng teacher namin. Once it was announced na breaktime na, mabilis akong lumabas sa classroom.

I felt so suffocated.

I wanted to cry.

I had no tears anymore.

So, I was just left with this hollow feeling inside my chest.

---

I survived Thursday.

But then Friday came.

Finley told me na sabay kaming magla-lunch. Hindi kasi kami sabay kahapon. I spent the lunchbreak on the rooftop. Finley was horrified nung nalaman niya. I quickly told him that I was just there to get some air. He didn’t believe me.

We were supposed to play volleyball. I was assigned to a team. Habang nagme-meeting sila, nandon lang ako. I told myself I’ll just get out of their way. I didn’t want any trouble. I just wanted to get through this day. Weekend naman na bukas.

“Oh, my god. Sorry, sir!” she said kahit na ako iyong natamaan nung bola nung nagspike siya. Why was she apologizing to our teacher?

“Are you okay?” tanong sa akin.

“Yup,” I replied as I held my right arm. I felt the sting. But I didn’t want to make an even bigger deal out of this.

It happened two more times before our teacher understood what was really happening. I was excused from the game and was sent to the clinic. I didn’t even say anything and just quietly walked away.

But as I was walking, I felt the tears running down my face.

Nang mapa-tingin ako sa harapan ko, I saw some students watching me. When they saw me looking, they just stared back at me but didn’t say anything.

Why couldn’t they just say what they want to my face? I’d rather have that than to be treated like an outcast. Or for them to pretend that I wasn’t even here.

It hasn’t even been a week…

How do I survive this?

**

This story is already Chapter 29 at patreon.com/beeyotch. Subscription starts at 100php per month for all stories. You can also join the patreon facebook group. You can email beeyotchpatreon@gmail.com for assistance :) Thank you!

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

The nurse told me to just put cold compress don sa part na tinamaan nung bola. It wasn’t anything major—nothing that would really require na bigyan ako ng pass para umuwi… but I guess the fact that my eyes were all sore from crying was a glaring clue. The nurse gave me a slip na nag-e-excuse sa akin sa remaining class.

I debated kung uuwi na ba ako kasi ilang subjects na lang naman… Tapos ilang araw na akong absent. Besides, pag-uusapan na naman nila kapag nagskip class ako.

At this point, I felt like there’s no winning—na kahit ano ang gawin ko, may sasabihin at sasabihin sila sa akin. And I knew that I should just ignore them. Because that’s the right thing to do…

But just because it’s right doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Bumalik din ako sa class. I ignored their looks nung makita nila na namumula iyong sa may braso ko. I just focused on the teacher. Nung dismissal na, umuwi agad ako. I knew that Finley would notice my arm. Pagdating ko sa condo, I took a quick bath tapos nagsuot ako ng sweatshirt. I blasted the aircon para hindi masyadong halata.

‘Where are you?’

‘Condo.’

And then I saw his name on the screen on my phone.

“Hi,” I said. Ang hirap pala na magpanggap na okay lang ang lahat kapag alam mo na hindi naman. Simpleng hi lang naman iyong sinabi ko kay Finley, but why do I feel like tearing up already?

“Bakit nauna ka?” he asked. It was a simple question, yet alam ko iyong gusto niya talagang itanong.

What happened?

Did anyone do anything?

Sino’ng aawayin ko?

But he probably wouldn’t say those words kasi alam niya na ayokong gawing mas big deal.

“Ang tagal mo kasi,” I simply replied.

Hindi niya siguro alam iyong nangyari nung PE class. They wouldn’t tell Finley kasi alam nila na magagalit siya. But what? Were they just banking on me keeping quiet?

Ang they’re probably right.

Hindi naman kasi kami classmates ni Finley.

He couldn’t protect me all day.

He couldn’t protect me from my own destructive thoughts.

“I wasn’t—” He paused. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

My lips parted.

Did he just apologize?

I was only kidding.

Ganito na ba ako sa paningin niya?

That I was so… broken down and beaten that he’d have to tread lightly around me? Apologizing even when he knew damn well na wala naman siyang ginawang masama?

This was making me feel even worse.

I quickly made an excuse just to end the call.

I told myself not to dwell on the negative thoughts, but it was of no use. I just felt even worse nung nanoood ako ng sitcom but I was just crying while eating ice cream.

I felt so bad for myself.

---

That weekend, hindi ko rin nakita si Finley. He did tell me na may family gathering siya na kailangang attend-an. I didn’t ask more. Mas okay na sa akin na mag-isa muna ako the whole weekend.

Come Monday, pumasok ako sa school. I tried to ignore the looks they’re giving me. Sinabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na boring kasi iyong buhay nila kaya mas interested sila sa akin.

“Just breathe, Maia,” I told myself as I hugged my books tighter to my chest.

“I told you, she’s like malas.”

Napa-tingin ako sa kanila. It wasn’t like they were even trying to hide the fact that they’re talking about me. I knew I should get even more pissed, but I didn’t think that was possible at this point. Nung nagka-problem sa business ang parents ko, I thought that was my lowest point—as it turned out, I was currently in the basement of my lowest point.

“What?” I asked them directly. At least now they’re talking—unlike before when they’d just whisper around me or ignore me. Mas okay na ’to.

Tumingin sila sa akin. All the while, I thought this school was actually good… Maayos lang pala siya nung may pera pa kami. Akala ko walang bully dito—or at least they just exist in fiction. I was wrong. Malalaman mo talaga ang ugali nila kapag hindi kayo magkapantay.

“Your family’s bankrupt. And now, Finley got into a fight because of you.”

My lips parted.

What?

Finley got into a fight?

Kaya ba hindi siya nagpakita sa akin this weekend?

I quickly turned my back and ignored the hurtful things that they said about me. Mabilis na naglakad ako papunta sa building nila Finley. I ignored all the looks that I was getting again.

“Where’s Finley?” I asked his classmates.

This was my first time in this building. I avoided this religiously before dahil ayokong magtagpo iyong landas naming dalawa. Nung naging kami na ni Finley, I did think about going here… Na pupunta ako rito para sunduin iyong boyfriend ko. That I’d ask his classmates kung nasaan ang boyfriend ko.

It did happen.

Not just in the way I wanted.

I hate the universe and its twisted sense of humor.

Unlike sa classroom namin na ramdam na ramdam ko iyong pagka-ayaw nila sa akin, sa classroom nila Finley ay mas ramdam ko na ayaw nila akong maka-usap. Probably because Finley would make their lives hell kapag may ginawa sila sa akin.

Finley’s classmate just quietly pointed at a direction. Mabilis na tumingin ako doon. Finley was sitting on a corner. He looked like he’s taking a nap dahil nasa may desk niya iyong ulo niya.

“Can you call him for me?” I asked.

Mabilis na umiling iyong kausap ko. “Ikaw na lang,” mabilis niyang sagot.

“Plea—”

“Just go in,” he said. “No one will dare wake him up.”

Seriously?

What did Finley do na parang takot sa kanya iyong mga classmates niya?

I looked around and that was when I realized that everyone’s looking at me. I drew a deep breath. Might as well I go inside the classroom since everyone’s already looking at me anyway.

I tried to ignore everyone and just kept my eyes on Finley’s sleeping form. I gently tapped his shoulder. It was not working, so I tapped him harder.

“What—” he said as he looked at me with his forehead creased and with that look on his face that said that he’d elbow the person who dared to wake him up.

But he stopped midway.

Tumingin siya sa akin.

“Maia?” he asked, confusion was evident on his face… as well as the bruise on his cheek and cut on the side of his lip.

“Let’s talk outside,” I said because I knew that everyone was listening to whatever word we’d say.

I didn’t give Finley the chance to argue. Naglakad na ako palabas. I continued to walk hanggang makarating kami sa rooftop.

“Seriously?” he said, already sounding pissed. “What’s with you and rooftops?”

I stood in front of him.

“You got into a fight?” I asked.

He shrugged. This jerk.

“Why?” I asked. “Because of me?” I asked again. There was a reason why they’re talking about it in front of my face. And Finley told me that he never got into trouble before…

Tama ba sila?

Malas ba talaga ako?

Na kahit si Finley, nadadamay?

“What? No,” he quickly said.

“Stop lying,” I said.

“I’m not.”

“Why did you get into a fight?” I asked again.

He looked at me. He gave out a heavy sigh. He ran his fingers through his hair. I could feel his frustration.

“It’s not because of you,” he said once again. “That asshole was just really trying to get into my nerves.”

“Who?”

“The asshole you were supposed to go on a date with.”

“What?” I asked again. What the heck was he talking about?

“He said that the reason you ditched him for me was because I have more money. He said that—”

He paused.

I looked at him.

“What? That I’m a gold digger?” I said, finishing his sentence for him. I felt my chest tightening once again. “Weren’t you the one who said to ignore them?” I asked. “What? You got mad because it’s true?”

He looked at me. The crease on his forehead deepened.

“What?” he asked. “Are you seriously trying to pick a fight with me? Pumunta ka dito para awayin ako?”

I didn’t even know why I was getting mad at him. He got into a fight to probably defend me. Kaya bakit ako nagagalit sa kanya?

Kasi totoo nga iyong sinabi nila.

Malas ako sa pamilya ko.

Malas din ako kay Finley.

He only gave me good things… tapos ganito ang ibibigay ko sa kanya?

“Don’t do that again,” I said as I looked on my shoes. I needed not to look at Finley’s face. I was so tired of crying. Pakiramdam ko ay wala na akong luhang ilalabas.

“Do what? Deck a guy who’s clearly asking for it?”

“Yes. Just ignore them.”

He took a step forward.

I took a step backward.

I felt him stiffening as I did that.

“Maia…” he called my name. For some reason, I felt fear in his voice. I looked at him. He turned his head to the side. I saw his jaw clenching. “Seriously… if the next words that come out of your mouth are let’s break up… “

I looked at him.

And stayed silent.

“We’re not breaking up because of this. It’s dumb,” he said. “Maia, you’re my girlfriend and he talked shit about you in front of me. Do you seriously think I’d just stand there and do nothing?” he asked. I could feel the frustration in his voice. “I won’t apologize for that and I’ll do that again if someone tries me again.”

“Finley—”

He cupped my face. “Everything’s going to be fine again soon, okay?”

“I know—” I stopped midway when I saw the expression on his face. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“Your parents called—”

I felt my body freezing.

“What?” I asked.

“It’s no big deal,” he told me. “My dad makes investments, anyways. I already asked my dad to set up and meeting with your dad. Everything will be fine once your dad figures everything out, right?”

Finley was looking at me so softly…

But right at that moment was when I realized that I probably could never love him right because I will always feel indebted to him.

**

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