The next day was an awkward one for us. We just worked on our research and will only talk if we have questions for each other. I can say I am ashamed but I really felt better after crying. I looked at Sidhean in front of me who’s busy reading something on his laptop. He doesn’t seem to be awkward with me but maybe he is considerate enough not to mention anything for me not to be offended. I smiled realizing that he is a warm person after all.
We are currently working on our qualitative research in his house. I met his mother when I arrived but she went out right after welcoming me. There’s just the two of us as of now excluding his two dogs.
“Hey, do we include the effect of mobile game addiction to social health?”
The week started off in a hectic way. We prepared for the defense which we nailed later on, we got busy with workloads and academic activities such as choosing for the Supreme Student Government in which Maverick won as the president, and I realized I wasn’t myself the past few weeks. I have been guillible when I am with Sidhean but gets back to being consumed by anxieties when I am alone. And I hate it. I hate the idea of being emotionally dependent to anyone. I don’t like the anxiousness that I feel whenever I think that Sidhean will soon get tired of me and will eventually leave me. That’s why I finally decided. I will draw the line. I should bear in mind that he is just a friend and nothing more.
The next couple of days were silent for me. There’s no Sidhean nor Aesther present to talk to me. Aesther apologized for how she acted that day but we we’re not the same anymore. It feels like there’s already a crack between us. Our relationship is already damaged. She would only talk to me if she needs anything and there would always be an awkward atmosphere between us. As for Sidhean, he did keep a safe distance from me. But once in a while, he would still put a box of milk in my desk without saying anything. I can’t blame him, though. This is what I want, thus, I should expect this happening. Aesther keeps talking to him and I guess they already formed a bond since I can sometimes see them giggling.&
Kinabukasan, naging mabuti naman ang pakiramdam ko. May nararamdaman pa rin akong kirot sa paa ko pero hindi na gaanong masakit. Pinilit ko kasi talagang huwag itong igalaw kagabi at naka-elevate lang ito buong magdamag. Mabagal akong kumilos para maghanda sa pagpasok sa Morning Dew. When I finished, I went there. “Good Morning po,” bati ko kay Kuya Ian nang pumasok ako. “Oh, anong nangyari sa paa mo?” tanong niya nang makitang paik-ika ang lakad ko. “Ah, ito? Wala kuya, natapilok lang ako kagabi,” sagot ko sa kanya.&n
The preparation for the acquaintance party went on. I’ve finalized my accompaniment for the song I am preparing. The party is in two days and almost all of the students are excited. We are given ample time to prepare for the event, thus, they opted not to have discussions for the mean time. Habang naglalakad ako sa hallway, kakaunti lang ang nakikita kong tao. Halos lahat ay nasa mga malls at mga botiques para mamili ng kani-kanilang mga damit. Speaking of dress, I don’t know what to wear actually. I’m contemplating if I should wear the dress Aesther gave me. Yes, she already gave it to me so technically that was mine, but thinking about our recent situation, I am not sure if she wants to see me wear it. I stopped on my tracks when I a
Loud music coming out of the human sized speakers filled the whole function hall. The whole area is covered with shades of black, silver and gold colors making it look so elegant. The students dressed in elegant and expensive clothes are inrecognizable with the variety of masks that’s covering the upper half of their faces. But the happy smiles from their lips are very evident which proves their excitement for this event. “You’re here!” I was startled when someone approached me and found out that it was Maverick. I almost can’t recognize him if not because of his voice. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Huh? Ah- I-I’m quite nervous,” I answered looking down. True to my words, I am actually nervous for my perform
Maverick led me out of the function hall and we sat in a bench near the garden. I was still stunned with what he said but he seemed to be nonchalant with it. “Why did you say it?” I asked him without looking at him. I can feel him looking at me and sighed deeply. He then got a water bottle, opened it, and gave it to me. I took it and stared at him. He was a bit flustered, so he looked away and cleared his throat. “Before you get mad at me, I just want to tell you that I said it to clear your name from Lalaine,” he calmly explained. “So
I was about to walk past them but Lalaine blocked her foot in front of me. Mabuti nalang nakita ko kaagad at napigilan ang sarili ko dahil kung hindi, baka subsob na ako ngayon sa semento. “Well, well, well,” she said and walked in front of me like some witch in a fairytale movie. Kulang nalang ang itim na kapa at mansanas sa kanya. “I never thought someone would like you, let alone the Student Supreme Government President,” she added and clapping slowly after as if mocking me. She then moved to my side and twirled my hair. “Well, I think I have to approve...” she moved closer and whispered to me. “Because it’s not Sidhean.” She let go of my hair and walked away from me. I then let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding the entire time.
“What happened to him?” a hysterical Lalaine entered the clinic and screamed. When she saw me, she quickly went over and attacked my hair. “What did you do to him, b*tch?” she screamed in front of me and all I could feel is the pain from my scalp and my ear. “Hey! Stop it!” Mav took her away from me. Good thing I have strong hair that can survive the damage brought by her hands. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked. “That whore did this to Sid, isn’t it?” she asked Mav and would have attacked me again if not because of Maverick restraining her. “Will you stop it? She did nothing to your precious man