Gunita [EDITING]

veintitres

Silence.

The silence between Uno and I was too deafening, that if the decibels were even lower, I would've probably heard my blood freely being pumped—but probably unlike how the heart usually pumps. It would sound too medically weird and cheesy, but I'd probably be diagnosed with Tachycardia all because of this one guy.

I hate him.

Because... fuck.

I just like him so bad it just feels good being around him.

Tick. Tok.

Tick.

Tok.

"How's Law?"

"How's Medschool?"

I bit my lower lip—and then Uno laughed heartily, kaya napangiti na rin ako. Moments like these are probably why I'm still hanging to that thin life of not giving up in life—sure I'd doubt, over and over again; it's probably an endless cycle, but as long as... there would be people who would believe in you, who would be there until you believe in yourself too... it gets pretty much easier to just hang on.

Because the world can be unfair, but it's in your own jurisdiction on how you'd face the uncertainties.

Kasi at the end of the day, you're your own... pa rin.

"But seriously, how's Medschool? No shit-head Fallon lurking around?"

I laughed and shook my head, "Ali's keeping his word," I said. "And he's probably busy with school, too."

Uno paused for a while. Nagulat ako nang bigla siyang mapahilamos ng mukha, "That fuckhead," he whispered under his breath. I have always been scared of Fallon whenever I'd hear him or even when I just hear his name near me. But ever since Uno made sure that he'd keep me safe, I just felt like a protected baby.

God, ang corny.

"He's in our College."

I nodded.

"And he's just around..."

I nodded, again.

"He—"

I cut him, chuckling, "Uno you don't... have to worry about me," I said, smiling, to assure him that he doesn't really have to worry about me anymore.

Because I know I'm safe.

With him around me.

Alam ko sobrang... mistake na rin siguro if by the end of this I'll just keep on being depending unto him, but what else can I do? He's my strength.

"Ha?"

"Uno, I trust you," I said, moving an inch closer to him. I wasn't giving any malice, I just... I just wanted him to know how much I trust him.

So, I did it.

I hugged him.

"You don't have to worry about me because as long as you give me hope, I'll be willing to take any risks..." I whispered. "Just stay with me."

The faint smile on my face grew larger as I felt Uno's palm on my back.

"Who said I'll ever leave you alone?" he asked. "Never."

***

Sinamahan na namin pauwi sa kanila si Sofia nang sabihin ng doctor na pwede na siyang ma-discharge. Pagkarating naming sa bahay nila, pumunta na lang kaming dalawa ni Uno sa may garden nila, habang si Zachary naman hinatid sa kuwarto si Sofia para makapagpahinga. Dash was being the MIA again, and at some point, hindi na rin maganda ang pakiramdam ko. Baka sa kakalapit niya kay Chen mas lalo lang siya mapaso...