Crossing the Lines

Chapter 7: Something New

George.

I didn't go to school for days after my crying session. Zav would drop by to accompany me for some time kahit hindi naman ako nagsasalita. Hindi ko alam. Whenever I think about how someone can really ruin your life? I just cant deal with it. Hindi ko kaya. Hindi ko kakayanin. There are times where dad would drop by pero aalis din agad to "look for mom" but what does he know? Hindi niya ba alam na alam na naming ang kahayupan niya?

I woke up feeling a little lighter today. It's a sunny Saturday so I decided to go out. I took a bath and got my casual fit on. A plain black hoodie, a white cargo pants and a white cap.

Ilang minute pa ay nasa mall na ako. I payed the cab driver and went inside. I started to look for books. I found myself busy looking at the stationeries. Nang makapili ay agad ko itong binayaran. I went on a nearby coffee shop, wala gaanong tao kaya napili ko ito. I took the spot where I can work in peace.

I ordered, and as soon as I sat on my table, I began checking for my missed assignments. Guilt washed over me when I realized that I have submitted them with an A+. Zav must've stayed up for this. I began to check private messages and started to reply. Aside from academics, I still have many emails to answer to na hindi ko na nareply-an kaya ginawa ko muna.

I checked the time when my phone beeped. It's 6pm! I must've lost track of the time. I went here around 2pm. I was about to stood up when a group of boys and girls in uniform entered the café. Mabilis akong napaiwas ng makita kong sina Zav iyon.

His messages flood my notifications. I picked it up.

Zav: I'm eating out. Do you want something?

Zav: Are you asleep?

Zav: Can I call?

Nanlaki ang mata ko ng makita ko ang last message. I immediately switch my phone to dnd and after a few minutes nagring ito. I was watching him call me. A smile was formed on my lips. I was about to pick it up when I saw her.

Angeline.

She walked up to them as they all greeted her. Nakita ko ang pamilyar na badge na suot niya.

Napangiti ako ng mapakla. She's my substitute now?

Kasalanan mo naman yan. If you just chose to suck it up, this won't happen. Your boyfriend won't be doing your homeworks. A voice in my head spoke.

She approached Zav with folders in her hands and gave it to him. He got it from her and sat down as he put his phone in his pocket. Napaiwas ako ng tingin. My vision began to blurr. As I try to suppress my tears, their laughs echoed. I carefully looked at them again and for the first time, I saw Zav with a smile on his face.

Fuck this.

I began to pack my things and left the café. I can't stand it. Oo na. Naiinggit ako. They never laughed like that when they are with me. Zander...he's so happy with them. How can I be so toxic? How can I do this to him?

My tears fell and I can't even stop it. Nagmadali akong pumara ng cab. I started to cry loudly. I didn't care. I just cried until I felt tired.

"Tapos ka na?" I nodded at manong. I gave him my address pero imbis na umandar ang sasakyan, nanatili ito.

"Kuya please. I feel so tired. Can you just drive? I'll give a nice tip and a 5-star rating. Just please drive me home." I pleaded while my eyes close. He let out a sigh before stepping up the gas.

Napamulat ako ng huminto ito. It's traffic. I was about to close my eyes again when he spoke.

"Are you okay?" those words felt like a warm hug. I was about to cry when he spoke again.