Kabanata 13

MARIA

I never thought that I would say that. I mean I had to protect him from that bitch. I mean, I would do that to a friend. Who doesn't?! Not for the fact that I called him my boyfriend doesn't make it official okay? Okay...

He asked me about it and I was really embarrassed at what I said. I hope he can forgive me. It was a moment of rage since that draining bitch Karla wanted me to back off from her boyfriend. I mean, who would date a jock that looks good but is freaking dumb? Well, he might be Karla's type but not me. Fuck's sake I don't want to have more drama in this hell of a school.

Though I want to appreciate my friends for being there and helping me.

"Mom ate doesn't want to cook food." The little brat exclaimed. I just shushed her until my mom shushed us both.

"Mom, I'm busy with a project our Literature teacher assigned us. Can't you do the cooking?"

"It wasn't about the cooking. Not to worry since your auntie Melissa gave us delicious Humba Bisaya." She explained.

I was really happy about my mom and her siblings. Most of them would help one another. My dad didn't even grow up with siblings yet here in mom's family, he was really welcomed.

After the past few days, I've been very busy studying since I want to start fresh here and concentrate on my school works. I would often hang out with Kelsie, Peter, and Juan but most of the time I prefer studying here in the house. I also had the time to learn the native language that my mom uses so that I would communicate with my friends without them trying hard to speak English, specifically Juan.

When dad arrived at home, me and my young sister Beth prepared the table and dishes. Yes, my little bratty sister has a name but I still call her whatever I like.

"So, how was work?" Mom asked to break the silent air that filled the dining room.

"It was fine. Although I had trouble understanding their language." My dad replied.

"Well, after three weeks of being here in the Philippines I'm sure that we can all adapt to their culture."

I sighed, I can see through my dad's eyes that he was tired and drained. Mom usually lightens up the mood here. Me? I was just like my dad. Struggling yet had to adapt to the change of environment.

"How about you Ri? I heard you aced your Math tests again."

I just nodded, I didn't have the motivation to flex my good grades. I mean, it was just me and Peter who got the highest scores. It was just like a normal school day for me.

After that, everyone fell silent as the clicking of our silverware hit the porcelain plates on our table. Each one of us not taking the risk of talking. All of us were busy thinking about work and school and our lives before coming here.

Maybe it was best if we didn't leave. The life we built there in Cali was a treasure. I can't help it but miss the salty beach air and the sea waves. Not to mention the fun joyrides I had with Oz. It's still 5 pm and I wanted to just chill and relax. Also, it's a Saturday so I can do anything I want during my free time. Plus, my mom supports me in making new friends.

I snapped back at the table and saw that I was done eating. I then washed my plate at the sink and scurried towards my room.

I texted Kelsie if she was ever available at the moment.

From: Kelsie

Sorry Ri, I'm actually busy babysitting my sister right now.

Damn, maybe I should call Juan if ever he's available this evening.

From Juan:

Sorry Maria, the owner had an emergency @ the hotel.

Okay? I guess they're all busy as of this moment.

I then scrolled down my messages to see Peter's name. Is it awkward if I text him? My mind is confused as of this moment and I don't know what to do. But, it was just a joke when I didn't reply to Karla about the 'boyfriend' thing.

I then took the risk. I texted Peter. I wanted to see if he was available for a walk this evening.

From Peter:

Okay. Where would we meet?

Oh my gosh, he's available at this hour? I thought he had work. I then constructed a message,

To: Peter

I was wondering if there are nearby bay areas?

I wanted to be near the beach. It was my kind of relaxing after a stressful day or just one of those random times when I want to walk.

From: Peter

Okay, but we should meet in front of the school gate. I know a place.

After his text, I locked my room and went downstairs to tell my mom that I was gonna go out with a friend.

"Who's that friend of yours?"

"From school."

"How many friends?"

I had nothing to do but just walk towards the front door and say goodbye to my dad. Mom makes things a bit complicated. I called in a cab and went to meet up with Peter.

As I got out and paid for my fare, I walked towards the school gate and saw Peter. He looked so pale while wearing a black Nirvana shirt and some denim jeans. He looked so pale that I thought that he was gay or something. I don't know, just a wild guess in my mind.

"Hey!" I called his attention. He looked at me and smiled a bit.

"You okay riding a motorcycle with me?" He asked.

"Sure. As long as you stay away from trouble."

"Easy."

He then offered a helmet and I wore it. He rode his motorcycle and turned on the engine. The motorcycle roared and he ushered me to ride on the back.

"Hold on." I scrunched my eyebrows. I can handle this even if I don't hold on to something.

"I don't thin—"

He then started to accelerate and I just tightly hugged him from behind. What a bitch, I knew he was up to something.

He chuckled and held my hands on his chest. I felt his heart race and it made my cheeks heat.

"It's okay to be afraid." He said.

"You just went and I wasn't even prepared to grab on to something." I scolded him.

He laughed and said, "Just hold on to me. I promise I'll go easy."

As we went towards the beach, I enjoyed my sight of the colorful lights of the city. Hotels, restaurants, and even malls. The city was full of colors and people. It can sometimes make you feel little here, that's why I prefer near the beach. It's more calm and soothing to the ears.

We slowed down on the side of the road to watch the beautiful view of the sun setting down on the bay area.

"This is beautiful. I've only seen this in some of my mom's fave television series." I said. I then watched the salty sea waves crashing on the rocks of the bay area.

I heard Peter sighed and said, "It's good to unwind at certain places in which help us relax our minds and bodies."

I faced him, he smiled as he was looking at the horizon.

"You're stressed?" I asked out of the blue.

He then nodded and laid down on the concrete barrier. "Yup, had to work in order for me to place food on my plate. Here in the Philippines, if you don't work hard, you starve. Luckily I have Juan beside me."

He stayed silent for a while. I then sat beside him and asked, "What's been bothering you for some time?"

He sat properly next to me and answered, "I have a lot in my mind."

"Like what?"

He chuckled and ruffled my hair. To be honest, I didn't want some friend of mine to do that, but with him, it was just fine.

"I've just been under a lot of pressure lately. I can't stop thinking about what my future will be like. Will it be good? Will I be able to serve a good purpose after the risks?"

I then understood what is happening. I felt that he had a lot over his shoulders right now. He's been working part-time and also a student. The peer pressure of getting good feedback from your boss and doing good in school is a daily struggle for working students.

"I don't know what to do if I fail to exceed the company's expectations about me. I try to stay positive and become a great employee, but there comes that fear again."

He then looked at me in the eyes. His cute eyes made my heart skip a beat. I felt my cheeks heated, I then faced away from him.

"Sorry."

"It's fine. I always get this when I'm nervous." I replied.

"Still, I apologize for my actions."

I chuckled at what he said. "Don't be such a dork."

He then laughed at me. It's refreshing to see a friend laugh. It takes all the negative energy away from you. Also, being here by the bay area? It really soothes all the chaos building in your mind.

We stayed silent for a couple of minutes until I broke the silence. "Peter, I know what it feels like to be pressured. I mean look at my family. My mom only wanted me to achieve more than what she had achieved. And I think that's pretty unfair for her to do that to me."

I stopped, I wanted him to say something but he just fell silent.

"The pressure that was put amongst us is difficult to handle. Yet we always have to do it in order for us to succeed. I think what you're doing, working and studying, is a great example for us normal teens who had the privilege to get a normal life. You showed me that you can do it and never stopped at your job."

He faced me, this time with a small smile on his face. "Are you thinking that I'm bluffing? Because I'm not."

"No."

"Well, I don't want you to laugh because I believe that you can do it."

He raised his right eyebrow, "Really?"

I nodded and just patted his head. Kind of the thing that I don't do with my friends, but this is just an exception for now.

"Thank you Little Ri."

I just smiled at him. I wanted him to have faith in himself since he's just alone in this city. Where is his family anyway?

As we walked towards his motorcycle, I then asked him, "Where's your family Peter?"

He paused for a minute before saying, "They live in the province."

I just nodded at what he said and again, silent. I checked my phone and I saw one missed message from Juan.

From: Juan

Maria, nandyan ba si Peter?

"Is your mom looking for you?" Peter said.

"No, it's Juan. He wants to talk to you."

Peter then dug out his phone from his pocket and started to call someone.

"Bro, kasama ko si Ri. Bakit?"

He paused for a while, then he nodded while looking at me. Peter smiled and just remained calm. So there's no emergency, I thought.

He ended his call and told me to wear my helmet.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, Juan only told me that Manang was worried why I wasn't at the house."

I smiled, this situation reminded me of my mom.

"You're smiling."

I looked up at his face. I then chuckled at him and said, "It reminded me of my mom."

"Well, moms always have that kind of instinct. They worry that you'd be doing something bad."

He then turned on the engine of his motorcycle and wore his helmet. I then climbed on the back and he drove fast to get us both home.

As soon as I got home, I thanked Peter for the ride.

"Thanks, Peter. Next time, I'll pay for the gas."

"There's a next time?" He asked.

Shit!

I stumbled at my words, "I-I mean if you want to but maybe you'll be b-busy."

He chuckled and said, "It's fine. I'll let you explore more of Cebu and get to know the real beauty of this land."

I smiled and he drove off.

My heart pounded so fast and loud inside my chest. It felt like a date for me. But it was just a friend wanting me to be happy.

"Ri! Halika na dito sa bahay at magagabi na. Ba't ka nakangiti kang bata ka? Baka tawagan tayong pamilya ng mga baliw sa kakangiti mo diyan."

I hurriedly went straight inside the house when mom called.