The Lost Helianthus (COMPLETED)

Chapter Four

"Ayaw ko lang," I asserted instead of confessing my stupid mistake.

Nakita ko na pinanliitan niya ako nang mata na naging dahilan kung bakit umiwas ako ng tingin.

That's when I realized something and return my gaze to him. Bakit ako umiiwas? I cannot be simply provoked because of one stare.

"Or you just forgot to save one for yourself," he said, pertaining to my encounter with Asher a while ago.

"You got me," I answered honestly. Para saan pa kung magsisinungaling ako?

Tumalikod na siya. I thought that was the end of the conversation pero bumalik din siya agad na may dala. Which surprised me dahil akala ko hindi siya kumakain kada recess. O baka hindi ko lang napapansin ang mga bagay na iyon dati.

Inabot niya sa akin ang isang mamon. I looked at him, confused.

"Sa'yo na iyan."

I didn't say more and turned the packaging at the back to see its nutritional facts.

Mabilisan ko iyon na ibinalik sa kanya at nakita ko ang naguguluhan niyang mata. I rolled my eyes. I'm so tired explaining to everyone the do's and dont's of my illness.

"The amount of carb I can consume for snacks should be 15 grams only and that has 56 grams. I cannot take it. But still, thank you for your concern." I gave him a  genuine smile.

Tumayo ako at tinap ang shoulder niya bago umalis. Seeing that he cared for me, I guess I need to eat something para kahit paano masuklian ko ang effort niya. Kahit na palpak naman.

Lunch came and I just finished eating my lunch that I bought from the school cafeteria when Alek came forward.

"Bakit?" I awkwardly asked. I am used to his presence but not the stares. Hindi talaga ako kumportable na pinagtitingin ng ilan. Kalahati kasi ng mga tao sa room ay naiwan dito para kumain.

Was it too uncommon for Alekya to approach anyone? Alam kong hindi naman siya amiable but can't they consider the fact na puwedeng lumapit kahit kanino si Alek kung gusto niya? Perhaps, he'll talk to them if they share some common interests like for the two of us, books.

He handed me the book I returned to him, leaving me so confused. "As far as I'm concern and so are you, ibinalik ko na sa iyo itong libro mo at kanina lang. Don't tell me na may short term memory ka at nakalimutan mo iyon? Besides, kabibigay mo lang iyong libro na hiniram ko kanina."

"Libro mo," pagtatama niya sa akin. I didn't say anything and stared at him as I wait for him to explain what the hell is he talking about.

"Sa iyo na iyan."

Mas lalong lumalim ang gitla sa noo ko. "Bakit mo ibibigay sa akin ito?"

"I just felt the need to give it to you. You have been bearing annoyance from the start and I hope it will compensate your ruined day."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. Imbes na ma-touched ay mas lumalim pa ang kuryusidad ko. "How dare you give me your book? Wala ba itong halaga sa iyo?" I accused him. I badly want to purchase a book but I can't kaya big deal sa akin kung paanong walang kurap niyang kaya na ibigay sa akin ang isang libro na nag-ra-range from 500-1000 pesos?!

Umiwas siya ng tingin. For the first time in forever, siya ang na-intimidate ngayon. It was usually me. Finally.

"I just don't like anything that revolves around romance."

"Hindi ka rin welcome sa idea of romance sa buhay mo? What do you feel about it? Disgust?" I was just plain curious. Naiisip ko na kung ayaw niya ang romance sa mga kuwento, ganoon rin sa buhay. O iniiwasan niya iyon sa buhay niya, kaya damay rin iyon sa preference niya sa genre ng libro. I just don't get the logic why he's buying these specific type of books when he doesn't even like them.