I'm Getting Older While He's Not (Unconditional Love Trilogy #1)

Kabanata 2: Ang Pagkahulog

"What the fuck, bff kong masikip! May ka-book ako ngayon!" sigaw niya na parang nanalo sa lotto. Magsasalita pa sana ako kaso i-end na niya agad 'yong call kaya huminga na ako nang malalim.

April is really quick to jump into things like this. At first, I was angry about her choices, but now I’m starting to get used to it. Being sexually active is okay as long as you’re of the right age. Mukhang pasok naman na siya sa standard ng age na iyon since mas matanda siya ng isang taon sa akin.

From Adelaide:

love u, bff kong masikip!!! see u tom hahahaha. may utang ka pang kuwento saken,,,, ha ok. don't forget to rub 2night...

I took a deep breath and opened my Messenger app. I was about to switch to Facebook when something caught my eye—Ethan had sent me a message. I paused for a moment, curiosity bubbling up inside me as I wondered what he wanted to say.

From Ethan:

Hey, mahal, naka uwi ka na po?

From Ethan:

Mahal? Hmm?

From Ethan:

Nasaan ka na po, mahal?

From Ethan:

Mahal? Hayss. Sana pala sinamahan na kita po

[You missed a video chat with Ethan Jacob Gonzales.]

From Ethan:

Hala? In another call, amp.

From Ethan:

Mahal? Naka-uwi ka na po ba? Hey, I'm nervous, please reply po, mahal.

From Ethan:

Hey, mahal? Are you safe? Did you come home safely?

I found myself staring in shock as I read through all of his messages. I was about to reply with, “I’m home now,” when my cellphone lagged, and just then, he called. Sensing his genuine worry, I quickly answered the call, eager to hear what he had to say.

"Sanaol, in another call," his voice sounded serious.

Seloso? Tapang nito sa school tapos tiklop pala sa akin?! I'm so disappointed.

"Uh, si April lang 'yong kausap ko," I explained calmly. I heard him murmur something and he take a deep breath at the same moment.

"By the way, hindi ka binastos?" he asked and the tone of his voice showed that he was still serious.

"Binastos?" naguguluhan kong tanong. Inisa-isa ko pa ang mga nakasalamuha ko nung huling naman pagkita. Huh? Sinong mambabastos sa 'kin? Si April? Pft, matagal ng bastos 'yon.

"Nevermind, at least you're safe, I will no longer overthink na," he responded, then I heard him took another long breath and whispered, "thanks God she's safe."

Meanwhile, here I was, lost in thought and staring blankly into space. This isn’t who he is, and it definitely isn’t who I am. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me, and I couldn’t help but worry about myself and the path I was on. Nakaka-disapoint pala itong landian na 'to! Napapangiti ka ng wala sa oras!

I had no idea Ethan was this awful. When you looked at him, you'd assume he was eating people, yet he was too malandi!

The atmosphere grew quiet, and for more than ten seconds, there was a heavy stillness between us. I struggled to find the right words, and I could tell he was feeling the same uncertainty. It was as if time had paused, leaving us both in a moment of shared confusion.