Unbind the Strings

Two

"Sorry ha! Nag pasalamat lang naman ako lol." I rolled my eyes on him. He chuckled while fixing up the sleeve of his uniform.

Our campaign finally came to an end. We rested for a bit and went back to our classrooms. I was wiping my sweat with the towel my mom got me when my classmate approached me. She's petite and she looks adorable with those sleek and chic hair.

"Cali, right?" She looked at me and smiled widely.

I smiled back. "Yes. Ikaw si Amielle?" She nodded and giggled.

"If you need any help dito sa classroom, you can always come to me, okay? 'Wag mo intindihin 'yung mga chismosa dyan, wala lang sila magawa." She laughed and stared at those girls.

She told me a lot of things about herself. Her family owns SMDC Condominiums here in Tagaytay and they also have a transient house in Baguio. She gave me advices on how to deal with some of our rude classmates, which I think is totally useful. She even invited me to their house so we could spend some time together.

"Hmm, where do you wanna go? I can book us a room in Tagaytay now, g ka ba?" She asked looking so excited.

"Uh...I have a family thing today so...I don't think I can come? Maybe next time!"

"Ight, no worries! See you tomorrow!" She bid her goodbye and went inside the car.

I was patiently waiting for my school service when a car honked in front of me.

"Get in!" Hambog.

"No, it's okay. I'll just wait for my service." I declined.

"C'mon, wala naman akong masamang gagawin! My parents are inside! Come on in!" I gave in and went inside. Sana all naka Lexus.

I entered the car quietly. His dad is the one who's driving and her mom is on the shotgun seat. "Uh, hello po." I greeted his parents with a shy tone. His mother looked at me and smiled, "Where should we drop you off?".

"Sa bahay nalang nila, Mom." Sabi ni Jay habang nakatingin lang sa bintana ng kanilang kotse.

I told them my address and his dad just nodded driving peacefully. They asked a few questions like how we met and if Jay is doing great in school.

"Iha, can you cross the road? Hindi na kita maitatawid kase we'll go straight." His dad explained. Shit. Hindi ako marunong.  Not yet. I still don't know but maybe I should try it right now. God bless me.

"Jay, maybe you can help her out. Ihatid mo na rin sa bahay nila. We'll just wait for you here." He immediately went outside and fixed his pants before we cross the road.

"Kapit ka sakin o ako kakapit sayo?" He asked.

"I don't know ano ba dap-" Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinatak ako para makatawid kami ng kalsada.

"Focus, Cali. Look to the left and to the right lagi bago ka tumawid. Saka 'wag masyadong madaldal baka mabunggo ka niyan."

He walked me home and said, "May load ka ba? Patext naman. Naiwan ko phone sa sasakyan e. I'll just text my mom, baka nawala na sila." I gave him my phone still feeling confused.

"Bakit? Andon lang naman sila sa kanto, saka hindi ka maliligaw dito, safe dito samin 'no." Inabot niya sakin phone ko bago tuluyang magpaalam.

"Go inside! Bye!" He waved at me and started running away.

I went inside our house and it feels like mom is baking some fresh brownies. I went upstairs to my room and changed my clothes to be more comfortable. I lie down and hugged my pillow because it makes me safe and reduces my stress.