Cousins

It is Sunday.

It is my routine to go to my favorite hangout-- bookstore.

There is a small old bookstore located near my apartment. I really love the atmosphere there because it is so ancient-looking and there are some antiques too. You could also find some old dusty books in there. I find it very interesting and nostalgic.

After eating my lunch, I take my time first to stroll in the neighborhood. It is a quiet and peaceful village-type community. I choose this place since there are only a few people you could see roaming around and some are even busy to look at you. Most of the people who live here are working or studying nearby so there are few chances to meet each of them. We are all much the same. We are minding our own businesses.

I am finally standing in front of the old bookstore. I look up at the signage-- 'Around The Books'. It is kind of cute and fun. Literally, you could go around the books inside. I push the door and hear that wind chime again. It is hard to explain but whenever I hear it, I feel at home. Maybe because it reminds me of being home. We had that wind chime as well at the door.

I go straight to the Science and Technology section. This time, I want to look for books about rock formations and elements. There was a time that I actually wanted to be a geologist. I am fascinated by volcanoes, rocks, crystals, gems, and the likes. But of course, it is not that easy in reality, since it is a requirement that you should start to study in Science schools at the elementary level. And I had more things to worry about than to study when I was just a child.

I pick a hardbound book about volcanoes. While flipping several pages, I spotted some pictures on them. I begin to read.

"Excuse me..."

I look up and a pair of brown eyes meet mine.

"I just need to-- hey... I know you... Ms. None-of-your-business, right?" His face brightens up and smiles. That annoying smile and dimples of Sean Dela Fuente, again.

Great.

He takes his earphones off his ears and gives his full attention to me.

He is wearing a casual blue shirt and jeans. But he already looks like a model in a magazine with just that simple clothes. Perks of being a handsome guy.

How in the world did he end up here, anyway? At my favorite place?

I close the book and put it on its shelf. I have to leave. As if knowing what I would do next, he blocks my way.

"We meet again and here at the bookstore. What do they call it? Fate?" He playfully says it and even pretends to think about it seriously.

"Unwanted coincidence," I reply. I turn my back to him and walk the other way.

"And you're running away again," I hear him say. He is following me.

I go to the other bookshelves and look for another interesting book to divert my attention. I have a feeling that he would get into my nerves again.

"Do you always come here?" He asks while skimming through some books.

I go to another bookshelf again. He still follows.

"I find this place interesting..." He says again and picks up a book and opens it.

I leave him again and go to another book stand. He follows again.

"Are you really that antisocial?"

Okay. He is really trying my patience.

I turn to him and he is so surprised that he takes a step back.

"Yes. So please leave me alone." I say before turning my back to him again and heads to the door.

"At least you finally answered," He still goes after me.

I am already walking outside and on my way to my apartment when I feel that he is still following me. This guy is really irritating. He knows exactly how to piss me off and he is enjoying it.

I walk faster. He keeps up on my pace.

I couldn't take this anymore!

Why couldn't he understand that I don't want him around me? He is too extroverted to handle and he is giving off too much energy.

I suddenly turn to him and with piercing eyes, I stare at him.

He stops and crosses his arms. He even lifts his eyebrows at me. I try to calm myself. It is too dangerous for me to become emotional. I have to keep myself on guard. After inhaling and exhaling softly, I continue to walk. He then follows again.

Fine! He is really getting into my nerves! I turn to face him again.

"Why do you keep on following me?" I ask in a high-pitched voice.

"I am not," he innocently answers back.

"Please...stop pissing me off. Will you?"

"I told you, I am not. I am taking this way because this is where I live" he replies simply.

What??? This place is where he is staying too?

"You see that small building over there? That's where my apartment is." He points at the same building where I also live.

What the heck? Do we even share the same building?

I am mentally breaking down at the thought. Why is this happening?

"How about you?" He asks with amusement in his tone.

Instead of answering him, I continue walking home. I can't do anything about it so might as well accept it then. He never asks or says anything again until we are both heading to the same destination.

It is a two-story building with five apartment rooms on each floor.

"Okay... so this is where you stay too, huh?" He said matter of factly like he is talking to himself.

I walk upstairs. My room is on the edge of the second floor, left side when facing the building. He is still following me.

I am already facing the door to my apartment when I see him stands on the next one beside mine. I sigh in defeat. So much for this coincidence or whatever.

Well... Sean is the new neighbor who moved yesterday that the landlady told me about.

"Hi, neighbor!" He even waves at me. His expression makes me think of a naughty boy who enjoys teasing a poor victim. Poor me.

I insert my key and I am about to turn the doorknob when Sean's door suddenly opens. We are both startled and even more surprised when Dave comes out with his phone in his ear.

What is he doing there inside Sean's apartment?

Dave seems also surprised by seeing us outside. His eyes widen as he sees me.

"Corine?" He asks incredulously. I am also wondering how on earth do the three of us doing here in the same building.

"No. I just happen to see someone I know. And yeah...Sean is already here." Dave says to the person he is talking to on the phone. He even looks at Sean.

Sean smirks at him. His face says he finds this situation funny.

"Is that Mom?" Sean asks Dave. So they really know each other huh?

Dave only stares at Sean.

"Yes, I'll tell him. Alright... by Auntie." Dave turns off his phone and suddenly faces me.

"What are you doing here, Corine?"

"I live here," I say and point at my door.

"Wow! You know each other huh?" Sean butts in. Dave and I look at him.

"Finally... nice meeting you, Corine," Sean grins at me.

"You guys, know each other?" Dave looks confused.

"In short, the three of us know each other," Sean concludes as if he finally solves a puzzle. An amazing coincidence isn't it?

"So, you are friends with my cousin here, Corine?" Sean put his arm on Dave's shoulders. I see how Dave shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

Cousins. These two bothersome are related. Now, I understand why I am unfortunate to know these two guys. The 'coincidence' thing has played his part well.

"Incidentally, yes," I reply.

Sean chuckles. "See? That's the kind of friend that I want to have too."

"Sean, stop teasing her," Dave warns him.

"I'm not. I'm serious. I want to be friends with Corine too. It's so unfair on my part that you two are friends and I am an outsider. Pity me, guys." Sean even puts up a pathetic puppy look.

Dave gives me an apologetic expression. I find it amusing that these cousins have two opposite personalities. A serious one and a naughty one.

"Suit yourself," I finally say. I want to end this conversation and I need to rest now. I am already exhausted meeting these two handfuls of guys.

"Yes!" I hear Sean exclaims.

"Corine..." Dave softly calls my name. He sounds tired as well. Maybe because of Sean too.

I pretend not to hear him and open my door.

I am done sharing my time with them. I am really tired. I will just think tomorrow about how to deal with them.

As soon as I closed and locked the door inside my apartment, my thoughts drift again to Sean and Dave. They are cousins. Really great.

What would you do now, Hannah?