Rule #1: Rule of Fate

[3]

"Speaking of him, blockmate ko siya. He even asked me, how are you daw kase hindi na tayo nanonood sa mga laro nila and since I hated him na, tinarayan ko lang siya." kwento niya habang naglalakad kami.

"He asked about me?"

"Yeah! I was surprised nga eh, like sobrang sudden. He even asked me bakit di na ka na daw pumupunta and all, and I was like why do you care? Tapos I left him na." she continued.

I sipped on my drink as she told me all that. Before college, I thought I'd still be liking him. Pero mukhang na-erase na ang lahat ng feelings ko sa kanya at wala na akong maramdaman.

Emma has been my support system since we were 5. We have been best friends for years, kaya ganoon nalang talaga siya ka over protective sa akin. She was there when my parents separated, my first heartbreak and almost in all of my milestones in life.

"You know, you should've really enrolled in my school, Lia. Hindi ako sanay na wala ka!" Emma complained.

I chuckled. "You'll get used to it. Hindi naman at all times, lagi tayong magkasama."

She sighed dramatically. "It's much better when you're there!"

Pagtingin ko sa harap ay parang mawawalan ako ng dugo. He is here. I blinked twice to confirm it, and yes hindi siya isang illusion.

He really is here.

"Shit." I whispered.

Kumunot ang noo ni Emma. Tumingin siya sa tinitingnan ko. "Why?"

I tried to cover my face at tumalikod but it was too late, he was already walking towards our direction at nakangiti siya sa akin.

"Siya yun," I whispered to Emma.

Her eyes widened looking at him. "What? Ang gwapo nga!" she mouthed.

"Lia?"

Inaayos ko sarili ko at nagkunyaring hindi ko siya nakita kanina. I felt that beat again. That beat that I wish would just disappear right now! I hate that I feel this nervous around him!

"Oh... hi." I smiled.

Emma sipped on her drink while looking at the two of us. She's giving me meaningful looks at sinusubukan na hindi ipakita yun.

"Bakit ka nandito?" I asked. Shit! Lia, parang pinapaalis mo naman siya.

Nilagay niya ang isang kamay niya sa ulo niya at ang isa naman sa pocket niya. He is wearing a black denim jacket, white t-shirt and jeans.

"Ah... kasama ko—"

"Tito Dad!"

A little girl ran towards him at binuhat naman niya ito. She looked so cute with her little red dress and white doll shoes. Nakabraid din ang kanyang buhok.

"Tito Dad, gusto ko ng candy, please!" The little girl pouted.

"Ha? Sabi ni Ate, bawal daw eh. Malalagot ako sa Mama mo."

She pouted. Tumingin naman siya sa 'kin at may binulong kay Gray. May binulong naman si Gray sa kanya. Bumulong naman din ulit yung bata. Gray glanced at us bago tumango. Binaba niya yung bata at bigla naman 'tong lumapit sa amin.

"Hello! I'm Grazielle! Kilala niyo po ba si Tito Dad ko?"

I crouched down and smiled at her. I am not good with kids but I'm trying to. Ang cute kase nitong batang 'to.

"Classmate ko siya," I answered. "How old are you, Grazielle?"

"Five," she raised her five fingers. Emma and I giggled because of her cuteness.