I just waited after Cazue and Abel's graduation celebration. I am also leaving today.
We were at Cade's mango tree where we used to hide. We both sat while watching the kids play.
“When are you coming back here?” he asked.
I played with my feet while I talked to him.
"I don't know yet," I said briefly, then bit my lower lip. I just now informed him that I was leaving to welcome Arrow’s arrival with his family.
Because of Abel's talkativeness Cade knew about it first before I said it. But the outcome was good so thank you very much to him. I also don't know how to tell Cade so today I said it myself.
"I'll send you." I stopped what I was doing and looked at him.
"Don't you want to?" He asked. Looking into his black eyes directly makes me melt inside.
I took a deep breath.
"Later Mang Ben will come home to pick me up by Van. Don't worry. But if you want to go with me it's okay. I'll talk to Mang Ben," I said with a smile.
He kissed me on the forehead.
"Will your parents get angry if they see me?" I frowned in surprise at what he said.
"Why? Is there any reason?" He shook his head. Maybe Mama and Papa won't be angry after all. I'll introduce him as a friend. Not as a lover. I'm sure they're not in favor of Cade courting me.
Like they said, the lover I get should have a golden spoon. Unlike before, I was still in favor of their wishes but now the wind is different. That is not in the state of life. It is possible for the rich to really like the poor.
I still don't love Cade because we're just in the getting-to-know each other stage. I've only known him for almost a month and I've been with him except for the one who gave me a bouquet of rice before. When I remember that I laugh. Because it's corny. But we were young at that time. I have proper hygiene that should be on time but I don't think Cade is used to that kind of thing.
"Nothing. I wish I had a request before you go home." We stared at each other for a while before I answered.
"Anything as long as I can do," he sneered. He looked at the children for a moment and then looked back at me.
"I would like to take a walk with you. I will take advantage of the last day with you." I laughed for a moment at what he said.
If I hadn't been proud and nitpicky then we probably would have been together for a long time. I also don't want to be with someone poor. I mean …
Just …
I don’t know what he did to me and I liked him. But he was a kind man. I really like that. Add to that that he is hardworking, family-oriented and has a good principle in life. I didn’t see that before because I was so dazzled by things like I didn’t look at people equally then.
"Maybe it's okay if I just go home tomorrow morning." He looked at me as if he doubted me.
I want to make the most of this day to be with him because we only have a few hours together.
"Isn't your business important tomorrow?" Maybe he was referring to the Vitales. That meeting is still before lunch and it's not too early so I can still catch up. Mang Ben drives fast and the mansion is close by.
"Yup. But you don't need to worry, I can handle this." I stood up. He also followed me as I walked.
Only then did he return home when he saw that I had entered Abel's house.
"Miss, why aren't you getting dressed yet?" asked Mang Ben, who was busy combing his thin and black hair.
"Mang Ben, I'll be home tomorrow. I'll take care of Mama and Papa." He didn't refuse what I said.
"Why does it seem like your smile is big?" I didn't notice Manang Evy who was removing the used utensils earlier.
"Cade and I have a walk, Manang. But don't just tell Mama." It seems like he didn't do anything and was even forced to agree with me.
"Oh, go ahead. What else can I do? As long as no one knows you." My smile widened then quickly hugged him.
"It seems like you didn't want a lover for a while but now you seem to be interested." Mang Ben and I laughed at what he said.
There's something that urges me to know more about Cade. I wanted to get to know him better as the days went by. Unlike my lovers I get bored. I mean…
Maybe they didn’t get my tickle. I also observe how they get along with others, especially their family. That was a big impact for me.
Maybe I have my Mama's genes. Sometimes I think in advance. Of course it's for the sake of my future. I've seen Aria cry so many times because of her ex-boyfriends cheating on her. I don't like that. I've cherished my first and especially my last. So maybe I'm sensitive to men. I don't like pure-just handsome.
"I have to prepare, Manang. I'll miss you." I went to the bedroom and for a moment I checked my messages as I sat up on the bed.
Here we go again.
20 missed calls.
40 unread messages.
I waited a few seconds for her to call again.
"Pi ... per." She sobs on the other line.
I rolled my eyes as I answered her.
"Broken?" I felt that my voice was kinda stressed.
"Hmm ... Hmm ..." Was her short answer after she took a deep breath.
I really can imagine her face right now. Her eyes were red and she was holding a large tissue, sometimes toilet paper.
"They're all cheaters. Whatever I do! Anyone I like! they're always cheating." That's the problem with her. She is easily fooled because she gets attached easily.
"You just don't have good taste in men, Ari. So don't generalize that they all seem to be your boyfriend." I started shopping for clothes while talking to her.
I pressed the cellphone to my cheek.
"What am I going to do? He's not texting me! I mean... I don't know if I'm ghosted or what. There's no break up supposedly?! I caught him at the bar kissing his ex," she said loudly and without restraint. Her shortness of breath was deafening to my ears.
I stopped what I was doing and calmed down while talking to her. I was caught up in my senses. I feel like my hair is falling out.
"Giving you advice is like giving myself a headache. I give you nth times but when did you listen? You're grown ass woman, Ari. You already know what you have to do." She often called me when her situation was like that. I didn't get upset with her once that she can't remember when her relationship was on cloud nine.
"I'll call you later. I have to call my Mama, Ari. This is urgent." She did nothing but take a deep breath.
"Okay, then I'll go. We'll talk later if you have time." Even when she is eng-eng in this thing I still love her. After all she's my realest friend like Letty.
"I'll make time with you." I turned off the call then put the cellphone on the side table to continue choosing my clothes.
I looked at my wrist watch for a moment. I need to move quickly. I don’t want Cade and I to spend the night and I don’t want to rush the moment we’re together.
I really want him. I was not like this compared to those who flirted with me before. I'm not time conscious and even in clothing I was not able to choose.