Spaces Between Us

Chapter twenty

Cassandra exchanged a quick look with one of our classmates before nodding.

“Pwede naman. We can borrow my mom’s waffle maker.”

Dan gave a small nod. I did the same.

The meeting didn’t last long after that.

Tomorrow, we’d start building the booth tent. Then practice making waffles—which I’m absolutely not confident about.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. I was still alone and growing restless. I had too much time to think, and when I do that, I end up doing things I probably shouldn’t.

Just as I was spacing out, my phone vibrated.

My lips instantly curved into a smile the moment I saw his name. He may never know, but he helps me cope up with my sadness.

Are you busy? I forgot my jersey in the locker room, can you grab it for me?

Without hesitation, I stood up. I didn’t even bother to ask permission to leave. I was alone anyway, and it was better than staying here doing nothing.

I made my way to the locker room. Buti na lang at hindi naka lock kaya madali ko lang iyon nabuksan. Nakita ko sa loob ang jersey niya.

I picked it up, smiling softly to myself. It felt silly—but I couldn’t help it.

Back then, I used to wish for moments like this—hoping he’d notice me, that he'd ask me for something, anything, just so I could get close. And now… he’s the one who asks.

I headed toward their building, crossing the field where the team was practicing. Nakita ko kaagad siya sa gitna ng field. Kahit tirik ang araw ay hindi bakas sa mukha niya ang pagod. Parang sanay na sanay na ang katawan niya sa ginagawa.

Saglit akong napatingin sa mga babaeng nakaupo sa likuran ko. Walang halong pagtatago silang nag-uusap tungkol kay Julio at tumitili pa kapag may ginagawa siyang nagugustuhan nila.

I stared at them for a second. They were pretty. Well-dressed. Probably from rich families.

They looked like the kind of girls Julio would go for.

The kind of girl I’m not.

I pushed the thought away and focused on what I came here for.

Standing near them, I raised my hand, hoping to get his attention. Kinalabit lang siya ng kasama niya dahil nakatalikod siya mula sa pwesto ko.

He turned around and the moment he saw me, he smiled and jogged straight toward me. I felt their eyes on me—those girls sitting nearby. Their stares were heavy and curious. Maybe even a little judgmental.

I crossed my arms to hide my nerves.

When Julio finally reached me, he looked at me like I was the only person that mattered right now.

“Here’s your jersey. May kailangan ka pa ba?” I asked, offering it to him with a shy smile.

He reached for it and, as he took it from my hand, his fingers brushed against mine and gave them a gentle squeeze—so subtle, but enough to make my heart flutter.

“Can you wait for me? Sabay tayo umuwi,” he said, his voice warm with hope.

I hesitated. “Hindi muna ako sasama sa apartment. I have to help my mom sa mansion. Uuwi na raw ang papa niyo, so I have to be there.”

His smile faded a bit, and a hint of irritation crossed his face. I knew that look—he wasn’t upset at me. He just hated the thought of his father coming home.