Wandering soul (cont.)

_Chapter 3_

Loraine finally made it to Recto. I mapped out the directions pretty well for her. She was coming from Manuguit, took a jeepney heading to Sta. Cruz, and when she got to Recto, she hopped off past the corner and walked along the sidewalk until she found the noodle shop called Pinsec. It's the only one there, right next to some jewelry stores.

"Hey!!! What happened to you?" she exclaimed as she sat down across from me, obviously talking about how skinny I'd gotten.

"You eaten yet? I'll order something."

"I'm good. I'm still full."

"How about just some siopao or a drink?"

"Just a drink..."

"Hey, miss...", I called to the waitress.

When the waitress handed Loraine her drink, she took a sip. I just sat there, mouth open, brain blank, eyes wide, feeling like I wasn't even part of this world. My mind was all over the place. Seeing Loraine again stirred up a lot of old feelings. So much had changed in our lives.

"I heard you still go to Aunt Bea's place. You never le—"

"Raine, not now. Please. Please, for the love of God, not now."

My whole body shook, my heart pounded, and I was gasping for breath. I really couldn't talk about it yet. If Raine tried bringing it up again, I'd walk out on her. Our meal was paid for anyway. My heart and mind were always ready to ditch anyone who messed with my peace.

I didn't wait for it to get to that point. I stood up and walked away quickly. As soon as I stepped out of Pinsec, I turned right, took another step... and she couldn't catch up to me. Loraine didn't even bother shouting my name. I just kept walking straight ahead. I dodged people coming my way, annoyed by their faces. I was mad at the world!