In Another Life

6: The man in my dreams

Eisley

Before the trip, I already told Sile I had no feelings for her and that I liked someone else. She understood and apologized to me for kissing me when she got drunk and acting like that in front of our friends. She wanted us to remain friends, but for now, she wanted to keep her distance. She also encouraged me to pursue Tyrese.

"She's single, Ice. Hangga't maaga pa, make your move na. Don't be like me. Don't wait until it's too late tapos may gusto na siyang iba. Ngayon pa lang, iparamdam mo na sa kanyang hindi ka pang-kaibigan lang. Make her feel you're interested in her, although it's pretty obvious naman na you are."

How? 

I asked her to go to my art room, but she thought I was only being forced to invite her. I tried to open up more, but it was hard and I wasn't sure if I was doing it right. I even made her breakfast, but she thought I was just being nice. 

How was I supposed to make her feel that I wanted more?

Would she get mad if I confessed to her?

Tyrese

We went canyoneering, and it was so fun. Bev, Nyle, and Evan enjoyed the day despite it being full on. Sile kept on complaining since she was scared of heights and she didn't like strenuous activities, but she did appreciate it at the end. 

Meanwhile, Eisley looked uncomfortable when were jumping off the cliffs, but he would neither complain nor say anything. I had a feeling he forced himself to do it just so he wouldn't ruin the itinerary that I made. 

What a nice guy. To be honest, I found him really adorable. Sometimes, when he would say something, I wanted to pinch his cheeks. Other times, I would find myself staring and smiling at him and he would just stare back at me. 

He was mostly aloof and distant, but I could feel it. I mean, the strong connection. 

Okay, enough about Eisley. 

We also went for a short hike, so now that we reached the peak, Eisley wouldn't even stand up. He was just exhausted. He was occupied again in his own bubble, sitting on the rock formation, and just staring at the view. 

I sat next to Eisley. "Ganda, no?" The view was awesome. The sun was about to set, so the timing was just right. 

He nodded. 

When I looked at him, he was starting to doze off. He seemed really tired. 

I tapped my shoulder, signalling him to lean it, but he didn't get it. He looked clueless. "You can't read signs, can you? Lean your head on my shoulder." I was just scared he would fall. Kasalanan ko pa pag namatay siya kasi kami yung nag-organize nito. 

I thought he would be surprised or say no straight away, but he actually leaned his head against my shoulder. 

Ginulo ko yung buhok niya. "Good boy," I teased. Eisley and I had been painting and organising the party together, so we had become close. Well, at least, that's what I thought. He would talk more and I felt like he was becoming more comfortable around me, which was nice. 

I looked at him, his eyes were shut. He looked so calm, so I couldn't help but stare at him again. 

"You were the first person who made me want to believe in life," he said, his voice was soft. I wasn't sure if I heard it right. That was so sudden. 

"Where did that come from?" 

"You asked me why I lied to you about having a girlfriend. That was my answer." 

"I'm so confused. I can't see how it's related." I took a deep breath. This guy would be the death of me, I swear. He kept on surprising me with his words and actions. 

I remember when we were still organizing this event, I was just joking when I asked him if I could go to his special art room, but he actually said yes. I didn't go, though. Baka napilitan lang siya dahil ang kulit ko. Lagi niya rin akong tinutulungan. Kahit little things, iba pa rin yung impact. We would talk about arts, and he would give me tips about painting. 

"I saw the person who made me want to keep going unexpectedly... after a long time. I thought I was over you, but when I saw you again, I felt extremely nervous. It was obvious, so I didn't want you to see right through me." 

He thought he was over me, so was he admitting that he liked me? Huminga ako nang malalim. He was so close to me that I felt like he could hear my heartbeat right now, so I slowly moved away from him. "Why are you telling me this now?"

This time, he was looking at me. He seemed sincere. "I don't want to lie and hide anymore. I don't want to be late." 

Late for what?

"Eisley." 

He shook his head. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to tell you the truth. I'm sorry if I offended you in any way." 

Why was he apologizing? Grabe, ang lakas na talaga ng tibok ng puso ko. May mga nanliligaw naman sa akin, pero hindi ko ganito ang pakiramdam ko. After my last relationship, it was so hard to trust again. He was abusive and manipulative. Eisley seemed different, but I thought my ex-boyfriend was also different at first. 

"Teka, Eisley. I need a break." Tumayo ako. I didn't want to reject him, though.

"Okay," he responded, staring at the view. Hindi ko alam kung anong iniisip niya. This guy was just so difficult to predict. His moves, thoughts, everything. His personality was just so interesting; it was making me curious. 

I started walking away from him because I needed to catch my breath and think. 

I turned around again to look at him. I froze because the scenario looked too familiar. It was like my dream; my painting. That back. That person overlooking the view. Sunset nga lang this time instead of sunset at wala siyang kasamang bata, but the vibe was similar. 

What the heck? That was Eisley? Why would I dream about him?