I Could Fall

Chapter Twenty-One

It was on the way home when I saw Ali's message. He sent it a few minutes after my vacant period ended. I didn't see it immediately because I don't really use my phone when I'm in class and even in between classes⁠—unless I'm bored or I have absolutely nothing to do.

Ali Santiesteban:
I'm sorry I didn't show up. I hope you had a fun lunch.

It was my initial reflex to respond to his message but I was feeling a little⁠... sulky. It's an extremely rare occasion because my family spoils me even when I don't demand anything. I can't even remember the last time I sulked.

Pinili kong huwag sumagot agad. I chose to do my homeworks and read a bit in our study room. I only stopped when I was called for dinner. After finish in my ice cream for dessert, I went to my room to get ready for bed.

I was in bed, staring at the blinking line while thinking of what I will reply to Ali when my phone suddenly rang. His name flashed in my screen.

A smile automatically curved on my lips. I quickly straightened my expression when I realized that I shouldn't be smiling. I pursed my lips and cleared my throat before answering.

"Hello?" I hesitantly greeted in a low voice.

"Hyon," he called. His voice was so gentle that it sounded like a lullaby to me that I almost wanted to sleep. "I'm sorry. Are you mad at me?"

I bit my lip. Bigla akong hindi mapakali. I changed my position. Sa kaliwa naman ako humarap. "It's okay. I know you're busy."

Ali didn't answer but I can hear him softly breathing on the other line. The lingering silence urged me to speak more.

"Nagtatampo lang ako ng konti, pero okay lang," I answered with all honesty.

Hindi pa rin sumagot si Ali. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay siya na ngayon ang galit sa akin.

"Konti lang talaga," maagap na dagdag ko para hindi siya mag-alala.

I heard Ali groan in frustration from the other line. My forehead creased, especially when it was followed with a low chuckle that tickled something in my stomach.

Is he laughing at me? May nakakatawa ba sa sinabi ko?

"Can I see you?" he suddenly asked.

"Huh?" I was instantly bewildered and intrigued. "How? V-Video call?"

"That won't be enough for me though," he indulgently replied.

My face was heating up by the second. I want to see him, too, and that's the truth. "Paano?"

"Are you allowed to come out for a bit?"

My heart grew a pair of wings and it's fluttering like a humming bird. "H-Hindi naman bawal pero hindi ko pa nasubukan."

My parents never really told me that I'm not allowed to go out at night. They never had a reason to because I never did it.

The nights that I'll be heading out late, I'm usually with my parents, siblings, or cousins. Umuuwi ako ng gabi kasama ang old friends ko pero hindi ko pa nasusubukan 'yong lalabas ng bahay na gabi na at iba ang kasama.

"Alright. Tatawag ulit ako," sabi niya.

Nalukot ang mukha ko. Ayaw ko pang maputol ang usapan namin. "Bakit? Anong gagawin mo?"