"Can I visit you at home?"

Maine

I started to panic. He wanted to visit me at home. I was scared to admit I live just next door to his house. I'm not yet ready to tell him. But how can I lie to him? When he's close to discovering where I live. It's not that I don't want him to visit me, it's just that, I am afraid he will see me in my unguarded self. A child, a baby and a helpless young woman who is fearful of everything and everyone around her. So instead of telling him where I live, I made a terrible lie..

"Sobrang strict ng parents ko.. and I don't think they're ready to let me accept manliligaws.."

"I'm sorry.. But can I atleast call you or visit you in school? I just want to know you more.."

"Are you sure? Wala naman dapat kilalanin sa akin. I'm just me. Simple and not pretty."

"Don"t say that! You're beautiful. And you're amazing. Don't you see it sa sarili mo?Coz' I do!"

"It's just that I'm not used to compliments. I'm sorry, but thank you for that."

"Don't be sorry! From now on, please remember that I am one of those people who see good in you. Not just good, but all the beautiful things in you."

"Thanks."

I was so elevated that time. I guess, that made me feel a little better about myself. He was a sincere person. I can say that.

Silence surrounded us once again. And there at that moment, I felt him moved closer and touched my hands. He held it like he was telling me to let go of all my insecurities and shyness. I felt secured. I did not attempt on pulling back my hands. I felt the electricity that flowed in my veins. Just because of that simple gesture. I smiled at him and he smiled back.

"Okay ka na? Do you still want to go inside?"

"I am. Thank you, RJ. Tara?"

"Tara!"

So we walked hand in hand towards the entrance of the bar. It's like nobody is around, just us. Everything disappeared.

"Meron bang nangyari sa labas?" Jerald asked.

"Why? Is something wrong?" RJ asked them.

"Wala naman. Hindi mo kase mabitawan ang kamay ni Dei e. Hahaha!"

I pulled my hands but he held it tighter. I looked at him and he just smiled.

"Huwag mo ng pansinin, Je. Mind your own business, okay?" Yun lang sinabi niya and then he let me sit then settled himself beside me.

I was in cloud nine at that time. Parang ayoko ng umalis sa tabi niya. This is a first for me. Being held this way. We may not be saying anything but our eyes do the talking. And it would be hypocrite of me if I say that I am not enjoying this chance of a lifetime attention from that guy next door, because, I do. I really do.

•••••••••

The night passes by without us being aware, but when it was time to go, he politely asked me if he can call me later. I said yes. I have to say yes. I'll take this chance.

We said our goodbyes to Valeen and company. I had a great time with them. I know, there will be another one of this, soon. I do promise that.

••••••••

Before I got to my car, he opened the door to the driver seat. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he only murmured something to me..

"I'll call you, Dei. Please wait for my call. Ingat ka sa pag-drive." He said.

"I will. You, too. Thanks for keeping me company tonight." My only reply.

When I started driving, I let out a big shout as soon as he's nowhere near me. As in kilig na kilig ako. Sobra. Hindi ko napigilan, tumili talaga. Anyway, no one will hear it but me.

A/N Madami pa pong magaganap. Sana makaisip ako ng mga scenario na maidadagdag sa ating istorya.

A big Thanks sa mga naniniwala at maniniwala. Kahit kakaunti lamang kayo.

-ava-