17: One Point

DEARIL

I watched her walk around the house with a vacuum cleaner on her hand. Komportableng naupo ako sa sofa at tila hindi man lamang niya ako nakita habang dinaraan sa paanan ko ang vacuum. She wasn't even glancing at me. I'm in my human body and I tossed my black cloak on the side. Kagagaling ko lamang sa trabaho and I'm a little tired after reaping souls.

She was ignoring me on purpose. I put my foot on the way, sure to myself she will scowl at me and hit me with her words but nah. Iniwasan lamang niya ang paa ko.

Okay, that annoyed me.

Kinuha ko ang ang maliit na tela na nasa mesa sa tabi ko at tinapon iyon sa sahig. I'm positive that she will cuss at me.

But still nah. Pinulot lamang niya iyon at ibinalik sa gilid ko bago nagpatuloy sa paglilinis.

Damn. Tthat's so annoying like one hundred times!

This woman is noisy and crazy... I'm not used to this cold treatment.

I don't even have a freaking idea why.

Oh.

I think now I know.

Is she mad because of her phone? Like dude, that was two days ago.

"Elizabeth~" I chanted her real name. I know how she hates it at malamang ay sasabihan niya akong huwag siyang tatawaging Elizabeth or else, papatayin niya ako.

But surprisingly, wala lamang iyon sa kanya. Ni hindi man lamang nagbago ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya.

Oh fuck. That's really annoying... three hundred times more than the previous.

"Elizabeth Elizabeth Elizabeth~"

Still giving me a cold shoulder... Shit. It's making me mad that I want to set the whole house on fire.

... but no. I burned her phone and now, she doesn't talk to me. Paano na lamang kaya kung ang bahay na niya ang sunugin ko?

I leaned my forearm on the sofa and sat comfortably as I watched her continue what she's doing. Crazy woman has the audacity to act like death isn't on her couch. While she's keeping up such act, I cannot help but cringe. Why is she so... unpredictable?

"Hey, Zab, wanna learn the teleportation thing?" Yea, I'm trying my luck.

No response. Woman was just sweeping the floor like it's the most interesting thing to do.

Damn it.

Ah, she hates Mameng. "Should I bring Mameng here so that... you know, you two can play?"

Silence.

Okay, I'm getting sick of this silent treatment. Is she seriously ignoring me on purpose because of a phone? Of a damn phone? Damn. I can't understand human's logic at all.

And it's not like I'm not visible. I am in my human physical existence, not as grim reaper... but this woman is totally ignoring me na tila ba hindi niya ako nakikita. I started throwing things on the floor.

Her throw pillow.

Her books.

Plastic flowers on the vase.

Table top candles.

I'm close to throwing her TV on the floor.

But still, wala man lamang siyang reklamo! No words at all as she picked it all up and put those back to where they belong. Kahit tapunan man lamang ako ng tingin ay wala.

Now, I'm pissed. What the fuck? Is her phone that important? Like she lost her ability to speak when she lost her phone? I was gone for two days... and then she wouldn't talk to me at all? I felt my jaw thicken in annoyance when she walked to the side at kinuha ang cellphone na nagri-ring. It's not a new one but different from the previous one that I burned. The previous one was all screen... while the one she's holding now has keys. An old model, not a smart phone.

"Hello Yna?" bati niya. "Yes, naglilinis ako ng bahay at patapos na ako." Pause. "Sure, sure. Pupunta agad ako. Make sure you won't arrange me to a gay again, okay?"

I rolled my eyes. Oh, blind date again. When will she learn?

After bidding goodbye to her friend, inilapag niya ang cellphone at pinulot ang bulaklak na tinapon ko bago tinago ang vacuum cleaner. Then she walked towards her bedroom where I followed. She stripped her clothes and put a towel around her body.

I sat on her bed, expecting her to tell me to get off her bed... but she didn't at sa halip ay nilagpasan niya lang ako at nagtungo sa banyo.

"Come on, Zab. If you keep this up, I swear, I'll follow you inside the bathroom."

She didn't respond still. I know very well such threat doesn't shake her. Stupid me.

Okay. For the last time, I'll try it.

"Hey, Zab, wanna have sex?"

I was following her towards the bathroom but just as I was about to take a step inside, a door was slammed on my face.

Okay, not good. This is seriously annoying.

***

"Dearil man, chill okay? Shit!"

Ajal ducked when a burning object comes his way.

"Man, shit! Don't burn your sheets! Dude that's the best sheets-fuck. You really did." Napabuntong-hininga na lamang siya habang tinatanaw ang silid ko na nag-aapoy. He massaged his head and put out a fire near him using his black cloak. "Dude, what's wrong?"

"The human pretends like she doesn't see me!"

Ajal giggled but immediately shut up when I gave him a threatening look. He rushed towards Mameng to avoid possible attacks from me.

"Oh, anong problema roon? Isn't it good? I mean, you both can act that neither of you exists."

I sighed. "She's mad!"

"Talaga? Well, I'm known as a good comfort to mad women-"

"Shut up, Ajal."

He acted like he zipped his mouth. "Hindi ka naman mabiro. Ano ba kasi ang problema? Like dude, two days ago, she gave you a cat tapos ganito ngayon?" He picked up a grape which doesn't caught fire at kinain iyon.

That's exactly the problem. I don't know what's the problem. I'm not a fucking mind guesser to know what she's mad about. Maybe, it was her phone.

"Ajal? How important is a phone to a human?"

"Same importance as ours," sagot niya at nilabas ang cellphone na kailangan sa trabaho. It's just like human's phone but ours is a little special since it works on our realm. "If this is important to us, ganoon din sa kanila. And yep, it's costly."

"Is it that special?" I asked.

"Hmm, the memories there man is what makes it extra special. Like pictures, messages-"

"Pictures?" I cocked a brow.

"Yes, Dearil man, pictures."

I kept a growl low on my throat. Galit ba siya kasi sinunog ko ang cellphone niya na may picture namin? Okay, it's not just ours. Maybe there were pictures of her parents too, but damn. Could it be the reason?

"Ajal?" I sighed heavily.

"Yes, man?" He blinked at me waiting to say what I wanted to say.

I pressed my eyes close. I hope I will not regret this. "Come with me and let's buy a fucking human phone."

***

ZAB

The smell of alcohol, sweaty bodies, smoke and the loud bass filled the place as I danced on the crowded dance floor, grinding my body towards Theo.

Yna has finally found me a blind date that can be rated as 10 of 10. We had a lot of fun the whole day. The dude wasn't boring and he initiates conversations a lot. Hanggang sa mag-gabi ay nagkayayaan na mag-clubbing. So here we are, a little bit wasted and sweaty.

I gave him a sexy smile as we continued to dance along with the other people. Theo is so handsome, plus he has a body to die for. Tan skin, toned arms... manly aura... I like the feel of his skin on mine. He leaned down as he whispered on my ear.

"Zab? Let's drink..."

I smiled grabbing his arms and led him away the crowded dance floor. "Sure."

Pawisan na naglakad kami patungo sa mesa namin kung saan naroon pa si Yna at ang ka-date niya. Nang makabalik kami ay sila naman ang sumayaw kaya kami na lamang ni Theo ang naiwan doon.

"All eyes on you when we're dancing..." he smiled as he brought his glass over his mouth.

"That's because I'm dancing with you, a total eye candy," sagot ko naman. Hindi kami nagbobolahan, or at least ako. Theo is really really really handsome.

Lumipat siya sa tabi ko at inilagay ang braso sa sandalan ng upuan ko. His fingers brushed my exposed shoulders. "So..."

I took my last shot, feeling the bitter taste of alcohol on my throat. "So?"

He leaned to my ears, biting my earlobe a little. "Let's go to your place."

Good idea.

***

Halos paliparin na niya ang sasakyan nang nagpunta kami sa apartment ko. Ni hindi na kami nag-abalang magpaalam pa kina Yna. Maybe I'll just text her later. I am horny. Theo's horny... We have to handle this.

Just as I was able to put the key on and twist the door open, Theo was already kissing me as we entered the house. Agad na nagpailalim ang mga daliri ko sa buhok niya. His hand slid on my back and caressed my skin. He then pulled the key and dropped it on the floor.

Then he slammed me on the closed door without breaking the kiss. He pulled a bit to remove his shirt at muli akong hinalikan. I can taste the vodka in our mouths as I swallowed my little moans. Dude's too fast that it only took us a step inside the house. His hands roamed all around my body... until he pulled me towards the couch...

...where Red hair was in his black cloak and hood hanging low on his head.

"Shit!" Napahawak si Theo sa dibdib niya dahil sa gulat.

Dearil just sat still, staring at us without emotion.

I gritted my teeth in annoyance. Ugh, sana pala ay sa lugar ni Theo na lamang kami. Or maybe in his car! I forgot I have weird creatures walking in and out my house anytime they want.

Tumayo si Dearil at bahagyang lumapit sa amin. Napaatras naman sa takot si Theo at napahawak nang mahigpit sa braso ko.

"Zab? What are you, a member of a cult?"

What the hell?!

"No!" I hissed. "Go away Re-"

Dearil started chanting words we cannot comprehend. Unti-unti rin siyang lumapit sa amin samantalang unti-unti ring napaatras si Theo sa pinto. He tripped and picked his shirt on the floor at natatarantang lumabas ng bahay ko, leaving me behind, half aroused.

Shit. Fuck this red hair.

I was purposely ignoring him since this morning and here he is, making me want to ignore him for the rest of my life! I'm pissed! I'm pissed as fuck. Inis na inis ako sa kanya! He's such an ungrateful guy who bites the hands of someone who fed him!

Nang makarinig siya ng papalayong sasakyan ay natawa siya at inalis ang hood sa kanyang ulo. "The guy's scared to death," he giggled and looked at me. "Hello, human."

"Do you know you're being a jerk?" I rose a brow. Ugh, pwede bang hampasin ko na lamang siya ng pala?!

He shrugged. "Maybe? That word is too... simple. I mean I've been called worse."

Inayos ko ang nagusot na damit dahil sa pagkakahawak ni Theo. Damn it. I thought I'm getting laid tonight... but here's this guy ruining my fun and excitement.

"Go die, Dearil." Nilagpasan ko siya at dumeretso sa kwarto. I was battling with myself on what I should do. Hmmm, maybe take a cold shower? Nakaiinis! Can he just be nice for once and leave while Theo and I do our business?!

"I can't die, hun. You know that."

"Stop the hun. Hindi ka nakatutuwa!"

He pouted and blinked. Hmm, cute.

But what the fuck? What he did is not cute!

"And stop the pouting, mas lalong hindi ka nakatutuwa." I rolled my eyes and kicked my stilletos away.

"Been told I look like the kindest angel when I pout," sabi niya at hinubad ang kanyang cloak, tossing it on the lower part of my bed.

True... definitely true.

"Ew, you don't," I lied.

Naupo ako sa kama at ginulo ang buhok ko sa inis. Fuck, Dearil! Kung wala siya... e 'di si Theo sana ang gumugulo sa buhok ko ngayon.

"...you're mad."

Sinong hindi magagalit? Last time, he burned my phone! He burned it just because my picture siya doon?! It's not like I'll brag to anyone that 'Hey, this guy's Dearil and he's a grim reaper.' Iyon na nga lang ang picture niya at ang unang picture namin, sinunog pa niya.

Plus my phone's the latest iPhone model like hello? Hindi pinupulot ang pera! Wala namang ibang mahalaga roon but still... I'm mad. Imagine, pinakain ko siya and that's how he will pay me? Plus kanina, nagtitimpi lamang ako na huwag siyang murahin nang malutong nang nagkalat siya habang naglilinis ako!

And then now?! Now, he ruined my fun! I was willing to play with Theo but he scared him and make him believe I am some member of a cult? And what was he mumbling a while ago anyway?

"You scared Theo!" I scowled at him, thinking why am I even arguing with him? Can he just get lost and leave my life alone?

"Not my fault if the dude has weak balls." He pouted again.

I threw him dagger glares. "You chanted something!"

"No," he laughed slightly. "I was reading the the quote on your door backwards."

I rolled my eyes. "Dearil, hindi ka nakatutuwa!"

"Come on, Zab. Let's say I just saved you. The guy has a history of tuberculosis, and he's still currently taking medication. You know it usually takes a year-"

Well, ew! "Stop lying!"

Itinaas niya ang isang palad. "In all honesty."

Shit.

Ew.

Yak.

I wanna puke. Like did I really kiss someone... Ugh, I don't want to say it.

Napahinga na lamang ako nang malalim at tinampal ang noo ko. I prevented the urge to bang my head on the wall. Baka sakaling nababaliw lamang ako kaya nakikita ko siya. Dearil leaned closer and smelled me.

"You smell like alcohol and that guy..." he said in a flat tone.

Why wouldn't I? I was practically clinging at the guy as we danced plus we're both horny as fuck a while ago. Yes, a while ago dahil matapos niyang sabihin na may history ng TB si Theo, parang gumuho lahat ng sex drives ko.

"I think I'll need a cold shower," I said as I grabbed my towels and walked straight towards the bathroom.

"Okay," I heard him replied.

"And you? You should leave. Go home, go run over by a bus, get lost or go die, or whatever."

I can hear his laughter as I closed the bathroom door. He really should leave. Ugh!

***

It took me a while to calm myself in the shower. I was relieved when I found no one in my room nang lumabas ako. No red haired hotnnoying guy around-thank goodness. Mabuti naman at nakinig siya... Hopefully, the choice he took from my suggestion is go die...

Or kahit 'yong get run over by a bus, okay na.

I feel so refreshed and I think it's best for me to sleep. I lifted my sheets but I found a phone on top of my blanket.

A new phone...

... and the model is like my old one that he burned.

Bakit may cellphone dito? Kay Theo ba 'to? We didn't even reach the bedroom.

I tapped the screen and was surprised to read what was there.

'hey human, here's the phone. It's costly so maybe I need to pay for it. So there you go. Yea, you're welcome.'

I rolled my eyes. Yeah kahit ang message niya, tunog mayabang pa rin.

Wait, there's more.

P.S.

The picture's there. We'll take the other one together as soon as I'm back. Gotta go, there's a job-related emergency.

Agad kong tiningnan ang gallery. There was a picture of him... in his black shirt and red hair. He was neither smiling nor frowning... He just looked blank.

Hindi ko mapigilang hindi mapangiti. Okay, one point for you red hair. One point for you.