Ms. Artista (Book 2)

Twenty Three

"Hello, kids!"

"Hi, homies."

"Hello, Ate Francine and Kuya Kleo!"

Kleo and I smiled when we've heard their little voices. We are here again, in Children Care Foundation, giving foods and toys for them.

"Ate Francine, Kuya Kleo!" Alex immediately hugged us.

"Hi, baby." I smiled when Kleo lifted him up.

"Let's seat." inaya ko siya pa-upo doon sa sofa. When we've got seated, kumuha ako ng pagkain para subuan si Alex habang buhat-buhat siya ni Kleo.

"We looked like a parents." Kleo softly laughed.

"Yeah." I also laughed. "Say ah." I said to Alex before feeding him.

"Zion will be jealous, though." ngumisi siya sa akin.

I rolled my eyes and didn't answer him.

"Something's up between you two, right?" he teased me.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I answered him.

"Oh, come on." he softly chuckled, "Everyone knows." he added.

"Knows what?" I asked before wiping the side of Alex's lips. So messy.

"That Zion likes you?" he smiled, "And, the feeling is mutual."

"Assuming." I teased him, "How are you so sure that I like Zion?"

Because honestly? I love him. I just don't like him, I love him so much. God.

"Hmm, because I can feel it?" Kleo answered, "Come on, Francine. I already know you. We're friends now, right?"

"Of course." I answered him. Kleo, Kian, Lexi and Pen, they are all my precious friends now.

"See? That's why I already know you. You're so easy to read, gorgeous." he smirked at me.

Look at this guy, really.

"Think whatever you want." I just answered him.

I still love Zion, yes. Pero hindi niya pa alam. Hindi ko pa sinasabi. But, yeah, I hope he can read my actions, we had just make love, and I'm not drunk that night. Gosh. I still remember my body that morning, just how many times did we—argh. I don't know.

Zion Lapaz is crazy strong, I can say that. Damn.

"Okay." Kleo laughed, "But, how about Cyrus? What's up with you two, huh?"

"Cyrus?" I asked. "He's just my friend." I answered.

Because Alex is already done eating, umalis agad siya para makipag-laro sa mga bata. Ang kulit talaga, grabe.

"Just your friend, really?" Kleo eyed me, "I don't think he's 'just' your friend."

He really emphasized the word 'just'.

"What do you mean?" I asked him. He's a blunt person, I want him to tell me his thoughts.

"Well, just my perception." sumandal siya sa sofa, "I think he likes you." he said.

"You're kidding." I replied. "He's like my best friend, Kleo." I added. Bakit niya naman iisipin 'yan? Cyrus is just my friend.

"For you, yes. But, for him?" he wiggled his eyebrows. "You know what? I'll tell you a fact." he said.

"That beautiful face of yours," he pointed my face, "Is attractive. Very attractive for us, Francine."

"For us? You mean?" I furrowed my eyebrows.