VI. OMEANISCIENT

Chapter 6

Tuesday, February 14, 2017 | 7 AM.

THE HAPPENINGS yesterday went... somewhat well. I never expect to see Tyron. I thought he was aired in a mission far away or in short term, in other countries. I thought so, okay? I never see his shadow starting the first february’s day. He never shows any signs and I will just see him here where my task was. Unbelievable.

I stretched my arms, feet and move my face in up and downside to side motion. I slept here and gladly, this room has a plain white t-shirt, a trouser, undergarments and hygiene items.

Out of choice, I get them and took a bath. A morning bath to be exact. Morning bath has tons of benefits to us so I prefer morning bath instead of noon and night.

Well, anyway, I never thought that I’m going to sleep here, all I thought was I’ll face an interrogation and boom, bye. That explains the vacant room where I slept. I meant, to anyone who qualify their interrogation. And luckily, it was me. Today, we are going somewhere and they will going to explain more about these things.

After drying ang combing my hair, I put it in a high ponytail. As usual. Then I go out. The sweet aroma of a hot coffee inhaled by my nostrils. I went to the kitchen and saw Red with an apron. He cooked?

“Good morning.” I greeted him so he faced me. He placed the plate with ham on the table before giving me his full attention. He smiled a little.

“Good morning too. Do you know that Mercury and Venus has no moons?” I froze upon hearing what he said. Why does he... what in hell is that? I closed my eyes tightly before looking at him with, forehead creased. I sigh heavily before answering him.

“Yes. It is because they are way too close to the sun,” this time, it’s his turn to froze still creased forehead. Is there a problem in my answer? Is it wrong? But...

I jump up when a running boy and a heavy breathing penetrated the hall. “I smelled a newly made coffee, mommy Red! Where is that?” I looked at Red who crashed his palm towards his messy hair. But what? Mommy Red?

“Tsh...” I heard him mumbled so I just shrugged. The interaction a while ago is somewhat tense and thanks to Ryo who entered the kitchen just for his morning coffee.

Ryo’s eyes are still half-open, making me smile. They are alike... I shrugged my shoulders before hissing mentally at those thoughts.

I tapped the sit next to me while looking at the sleepy Ryo so even though he’s sleepy, he pushed himself to have a walk and sat beside me.

“Sleepy?” I asked and he nodded multiple times. He placed his head in a nap style in the table kaya I push the foods a little. I brushed my fingers through his messy hair.

“I’m just going to take a nap... a nap... I promise... just a quick nap...” he stated in a sleepy voice so I nodded while chuckling. He’s so cute, like him, I can not resist him..

Red lay the plate with sunny side up eggs and massaged his temple. “This sleepyhead...” he murmured making me let out a soft chuckle.

“Good morning and happy Valentine’s Day! Is that Ryo? Sleeping at the table again? It is because of your addiction towards coffee, orb!” Aoi lectured when she entered the kitchen. She incline our cheeks and mouthed good morning which I replied energetically too.

“Let him sleep. You know him to well, Awi,” Aoi frowned when Tyron said who happened to entered the kitchen. They look so fresh.

“It’s Ayowi, Turon!” I placed my palm in my mouth to prevent myself from laughing. I felt glares from Tyron.

I sipped a water that Red placed to stop myself from laughing. “Stop calling me Awi so I’ll stop calling you Turon!” I stood up and goes to the kitchen sink and there, I vomit the water I drank. Heck! I can’t stop my laugh anymore!

A pair of cold hands massaged my back because I’m still vomiting the water I drank. I was about to talk shit at Tyron who’s brushing his hands in my back when I heard Tyron and Aoi’s little fight.

I can feel my body froze when I see who was it. It’s Red.

“Thanks.” I chuntered and hurriedly fix my posture. “Let’s eat,” ani Red. That’s so intense or... it’s just me?

Everyone agreed so I sat next to Ryo. He’s still sleeping. He really did a quick nap. Real quick.

“Coffee?” I heard Red ask Aoi so the latter nodded. Aoi’s big smile made me frown. Ryo immediately got up from his nap like a fool and opened his palms in the air while still closing his eyes.

Tyron, Red and Aoi laughed so Ryo opened his eyes and glared at his friends.

“You’re silly, coffee boy!” Tyron said with a laugh accompanied by Aoi. “Will you stop or will I stab both of you with the fork I’m holding?” Ryo came back so I laughed too. Later, Red gave him a coffee and we ate our breakfast full of smiles.

“Ryo, get your ass up because we are going to get Lacey’s clothe,” Tyron inform Ryo when the sleepyhead tried to nap at the table again. Aoi and Red cleaned the table earlier and sat down again after cleaning our plates.

“Speaking of...” Aoi look suspiciously between me and Tyron. “What’s going on between the two of you? Yesterday, Turon called your name with dear and welcomed you even though he doesn’t like those,” she said to us. Tyron laughed while I shook my head. Here we go again.

“Ako lang dapat ang chismoso rito, Aoi,” buhay na buhay na sabat ni Ryo. Aoi sneered at him. Kape at chismis, remember those. Iyon ang makakapampagising sa taong ’to.

“I should be the only one who is gossiper here, Aoi,” Ryo answered cheerfully. Aoi sneered at him. Coffee and gossip, remember those. That will wake up this person.

“She’s the lady in the frame in your car, right?” Red uttered. I faced palm. So they are using Tyron’s car?

“Right! Yes! You’re the best mommy talaga, Red! That’s why she’s familiar! Hey Tyron, is this your girlfriend?” I almost choked on my own saliva because of what Aoi said. They are spreading rubbish statements!

But what bothers me is... why are they calling Red a mommy? Is he a lesbian? Whatever.

“No. Be horrible at what you’re saying, Awi,” I agreed at Tyron’s remark. You What they say is really horrible. Tss.

“Then what?” Ryo interfere. “Friends,” we both said in unison that those two, Ryo and Aoi, teased us more.

“Sus. It’s just us, there’s no need to hide what the shoot is,” I just shook my head at Aoi. We are telling the truth; we’re not lovers, we’re just friends since we were born. Tyron and I didn’t respond to Aoi and Ryo’s teasing. Red? He’s silent and just listening to us.

“Anyway, we didn’t still have a formal introduction about ourselves, yups? Since we’re going to get Lacey’s things, we’ll just talk in Tyron’s car,” Aoi suggested which we all agreed at. At least they stopped teasing me and Tyron. Yuck!

Red and I was left in the kitchen. Aoi is going to take a bath and Ryo too. Tyron will prepare his car.

“Spill. I know you have questions,” I liften my head to Red. Am I so readable? “Well. I’m just curious, you know? Why’d you let me stay and even take a sleep here? I meant, I’m a stranger to all of you and might do stupidness and something bad to the four of you,” that’s really the question that is bugging me.

“Ahuh. First, if you’re up for some evilness, why you didn’t did it when we lowered our guard? Iyong naghiwa-hiwalay kami. Second, if you want to do stupid things like robbing, why do you have to wear a bracelet that looks like a real gold? Moreover, you should have done that stupidness you’re saying when we are asleep especially when Ryo fell asleep after a long hour of monitoring you. Unless... you knew about us monitoring you so you didn’t do that stupidness,” he answered. I don’t know if it is a sarcasm one or just replying to my question. He emphasized some words which looks like a sarcasm yet his face was still serious which also looks like he’s just answering an inquiry.

But heck! I knew it. Someone’s monitoring me.

Red stopped and stood up. He grinned at me and walks towards my direction. Here he come again. Ohno. “Sorry about yesterday, I didn’t meant that,”

He stopped far away from me. I just nodded in response. I don’t think about that anymore. My eyes widened when he walked towards me again.

“Red Atienza at your service.” He introduced and bowed a little. I was about to ask him why Aoi and Ryo are calling him mommy when some jerk appeared.

“Lacey—oops!” Red fixed himself and left. Ugh! Finally!

“You asshole!” I annoyingly gazed Tyron who is now smirking at me. I raised my middle finger to him which the latter chuckled at.

“What? Did I disturb something?” he playfully teased me. Malicious! Tss!

“No! I never thought I’ll see you here. What in hell are you doing here?!” I yelled at him. He didn’t show himself to me for the past few days and the guts he had to tease me like he didn’t disappeared?!

“Let’s go outside, okay?” his face soften before saying those softly. He gently touched my hand using his right palm and the other one was on my back, guiding me. But no.

“No. I need an explanation right now, Ar—” he covered my mouth and then pulled me. I gritted my teeth and chew his hand. Yuck!

Tyron removed his hand when we got out.“You witch!” he scold when he sees his arm that’s getting swollen. I just gave him a whatever face. He deserved that!

“Have many times do I have to correct you? Look, correction, okay? It’s—” again, for the second time around, he didn’t let me finish my words. “Shut up, hag!” I tiptoed so I could reach him. I tweezed his hair and he shout in pain. He is 185.42 cm and me was 167.67 cm so he’s really indeed taller than me. I am older than him yet he’s taller than me?! Justice!

“Listen. This is my—as what you call this too, Air,” I rolled my eyes with annoyance as he says my name. But what? His task too?

“Are you kidding me?” I asked him in disbelief. This can’t be. Why does old man place me and Tyron at the same task?!

“I was just asked to join them, Air. Nothing else. Unlike yours. I don’t know what he’s up to but he has something in his sleeves which we need to lure,” Tyron declared in a serious tone. That old man is indeed up for something gained.

“Are you sure you’re telling me the truth, Art? I’m telling you, once you lied to me and freed your hands towards mine and held old man’s, I am really going to abandon you,” I threatened him. I’m not joking. Joking isn’t in my vocabulary.

“Did you lost your mind, Lacey? We hated him since we were a kid. Kapapanganak pa lang natin, magkasangga na tayo. We promised to her we’ll stick to each other whatever happens! Because of him... the first lady we both loved died! That traitor!” He screamed angrily so I hugged him. He’s crying... I made my little lovely creature cry...

“Hush now. I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t mean it,” I rubbed his back while he buried his face in my shoulder. Ah, I missed this.

“Boo,” Tyron and I were separated from hugging because someone suddenly spoke. We looked away as he wipes his tears. I also wiped the little amount of tears forming in the corner of my right eye.

“Luh. What happened? You both were crying?” Ryo curiously asked so we both shake our head. We didn’t have a proper grief of the past’s betrayal to us so we’re this emotional. I shook my head once again.

“Let’s go...” Tyron’s voice is broke. All three of them stopped and looked at me. Shaking my head, I entered Tyron’s car and they followed. They have nothing to do about that though.

Tyron started to drive. Aoi was next to the driver’s seat, Ryo was in the second and occupied the entire seat and Red and I, side by side in the back. Is really destiny playing with me this day?

However, they did not asked about what happened between the two of us. Maybe because they are respecting our privacy which I am thankful at.

Aoi turned her head to me. She smiled before speaking.

“Before we start our introduction about ourselves, let me clarify all first. First, we really are recruiting for another member for three stupids reasons. First, to occupy the two vacant rooms which happens to get occupied by Tyron and you. Second, to fix the restrooms sa shop. Tyron got fixed the one already by the way. Third, Ryo wanted more than four members so we decided to have five members that suit our house’s room number. Stupid reasons, right? But we have one valid reason, to complete the BAFA. And you, together with Ryo would be the bases.” She handed me a paper.

“Welcome to omeaniscient, Lacey,” she continued. I frowned because there she is again, that omi-omeaniscient.

I just took the paper. Maybe it would answer my questions.

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OMEANISCIENT

AN ACT PROVIDING THE DEVELOPMENTS, PROMOTIONS & VIRTUOUSNESS OF THE GROUP

INTRODUCTION

omeaniscient

omi·ni·scient | \ äm-ˈmēni-shənt \

omniscient (adj.) - possessed infinite insight or complete knowledge.

mean (adj.) - occupying a position about midway; middle position; intermediate.

I looked up at Aoi. She’s smiling ear to ear. Now, it answered my question. Their group’s name is omeaniscient. Nice, huh.

“That paper was our high school rules when we decided to built a club. Good old days,” She told me their story while smiling but I didn’t respond to her.

This format is somehow familiar. Even their names and the group’s name.

“Aoi Tadeo. My name’s pronunciation is Ayowi, not awi, ayo or awo. Ayowi ho,” Aoi continued and smiled then afterwards, she winced.

“He’s Ryo.” She pointed to Ryo who was lying down and looked like he was sleeping. “Sleepy and coffee-lover, that’s—” she didn‘t finish introducing his friend because Ryo suddenly spoke.

“I’m Ryo Marquez...” he stopped and arranged his seat facing Red and me. He then smiled bitterly at me. “Ryo Marquez Fuevos...” Ryo continued that makes my breath stop a little.

I couldn’t help but look at Tyron. He’s looking at me as if he knows that I will look at him. He sadly smiled and nodded at me before focusing his sight to the road once again.

What the hell...

“No need to worry. She knew me already,” my eyes went on Red when he spoke. Did Aoi asked him to introduce himself? I am the occupied, aye? I dozed of that much?

“I’m Lacey...” Fuevos... “Lacey Schmitt,” I introduced myself. I can still feel Tyron’s eyes on me. But no, I can’t introduce myself as a Fuevos too. I really need to have a talk with Tyron.

“The hotel where Lacey is staying at is somehow far. You can take a nap, the four of you,” I heard him—Tyron announced, breaking the silent.

Aoi then looked at him suspiciously. “And how did you know that?” she asked Tyron full of suspiciousness that the asshole ignored at.

“Awi, ayo, awo, I told you, we’re close friends,” he defended. I didn’t follow their chitchatting anymore and just looked at the window next to me.

I am entering these shits in my system.

That’s why it took five months... Fuevos... Who are you, Ryo?

“Lacey,” someone was shaking me so I opened my eyes. I saw Red. I looked at the others but they were gone “We’re here and they are outside,” he said so I stood up properly. I slept?

I went out because Red went out already. I turned around when I saw something unpleasant as soon as I got out of the car. What the fuck is he doing here?!

I immediately called Tyron who was alone. He is far away, I meant them to me so I need to walk to get to him. He is all I need. Those three are busy roaming their eyes around. I pointed at the man we just cried earlier so his eyes widened and he alternated between looking at me and that man.

“I never thought he’ll find me here! Heck no!” he whispered so I asked him why. “I didn’t pick him up last night. I have an explanation to him but I don’t know that he will attend here where you live! He thought I’m here too! Dang, Lacey, hide!” He pulled me closer to him. Gosh, Tyron, this is going to catch us off guard!

But on the second thought, we wouldn’t.

I have no other choice then. I sighed heavily. I pulled his shirt and leaned over and quickly kissed him on the cheek. As usual, he lays his head in my collarbone which is close to my neck so it looks like he’s kissing it even though he’s not. PDA in public. Yuck!

I felt him holding my waist as well as pulling me even closer, pulling me closer to him.

I changed our place so I wouldn’t be noticed. Even with my hair in a high ponytail, they already know it’s me especially and this is the hotel where I stayed. I hope someone who wore all red clothes or her hairstyle is high ponytail like mine will cross the street or be noticed by that old man.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Lacey!” He laughed and promised me when the sign disappeared. I hissed at him before breaking out of his embrace. Tss!

My gaze went to the three whose eyes were wide open. They are watching us?! Fudge you, Tyron! This is another issue between both of us.

“Friends... do... don’t do things like... that, right?” Tyron laughed at Aoi’s statement. She stuttered as if she saw a ghost! Then she continued speaking even though she looked like she saw something horrible.

“Happy... Happy Valentine’s Day?”

**