My Make-Believe Boyfriend College Hottie Series : Bobby and Ashley

Special Chapter 24 : Akki's Wise Words

Stay safe eveyone! Take extra care! ❤ -- Dyosa

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ASHLEY

"YOU'RE HERE!" TILA nakahingang sabi ni Miranda nang bumungad sa pinto si Akki, in plain white polo shirt, maong pants and sneakers. Halatang alam niyang meron kaming malayong pupuntahan.

He seemed ready. And so was I.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw him. Although, kaya ko naman talagang mag-isang pumunta sa Zambales, mas gusto ko pa rin ang may kasama.
Miranda was right in telling me that I am in no position to drive. I did not want to take that risk, too. Natuto na ako sa nangyari sa amin noon.

"Just as I promised." He looked at me na para bang patungkol sa akin ang sinabi niya.

Yes, he indeed promised he would come to help me look for my Robert Aldus.

My Robert Aldus. I hoped he is still mine.

I hope.

He gently pinched Miranda's cheek and walked towards me.
"Ready?"

Bumuntong-hininga ako. "Kanina pa."

"Saan ba tayo pupunta?" he curiously asked me. I did not tell him exactly where when we were talking on the phone. Sabi ko lang ay may hahanapin kami.

He did not ask anything after that. He just said he will be here in an hour. Alam kong alam naman na niya kung sino ang hahanapin ko.

"Sa Iba, Zambales," sagot ko.

He raised an eyebrow. "Doon sa-"

"Yes," mabilis kong sagot. "He might be there."

He understood. He just nooded his head.

I looked at Miranda. "Let's go?"

Nagkatinginan sila ni Akki na parang nag-uusap ang mga mata.

Salubong ang mga kilay ko nang tumingin ako kay Miranda. "Hindi mo ako sasamahan?" My voice raised a little. Quite defiantly.

"I think it would be best not to," malumanay na sabat ni Akki habang matamang nakatingin sa akin.

"You think?" sarkastiko kong ulit. "I don't care about what you think, Achilles. I want my best friend to be with me. I want... I just want her to be with me." I choke on a sob.

Damn you, Ashley Grace. Do not fucking cry! I told myself repeatedly.

Nagkatinginan ulit sila. There was a worried look on Miranda's face.

I swallowed so hard before I felt I was calm again. "Pakiramdam ko iniiwan n'yo na naman ako sa ere..." akusa ko.

"Of course not," mabilis na sagot ni Akki. "We're here. I am here. Ready to help. Sinong nagsabing iniiwan ka sa ere?"

"Kapag nakita na naman ng ibang tao na may ibang lalaki akong kasama na kami lang dalawa, mag-iisip na naman sila ng masama tungkol sa akin." My words were filled with sarcasm. "Ako na naman ang lalabas na-"

I felt so fucking insecure now.

"Ssshhh!" saway ni Miranda. Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako. "Enough, Ashley Grace. Enough..."

Kumibot-kibot ang labi ko sa pagpipigil ng pag-iyak. "I want you to be with me there. Para kung sakaling hindi ako pansinin o kausapin ni Robert Aldus, you can talk to him. Makikinig s'ya sa 'yo."

Miranda smiled faintly. She touched my cheek gently. "Kung naroon siya, mag-uusap kayo kasi hindi ka n'ya matitiis. Hindi ka niya kayang tiisin," pagpapalakas niya ng loob sa akin.