The Jerk is a Ghost

16

"I hate you, Fire ..." Lalaine's frowning face immediately exposed me as soon as I got out of the car.

She's wearing a cream-colored cardigan and orange shorts, with her orange sling bag. Her short hair has a mini-ponytail at the side. He looks like grade six in that get-up.

"Good morning, sis." he greeted me. "Where are we going? Why are you in shape?"

I got conscious because of that comment so I scanned my outfit real quick. I'm just simply wearing a printed t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans. "What's in shape? I'm literally on a lazy outfit right now."

"Edi you're beautiful. What's the matter? Why are you sending me here to school on Saturday?" Allie asked me.

"Well, today is the deadline for the participation form submission. We have to submit that now, or else, we won't be able to participate." I explained to him.

Annoyed, he grabbed her head. "Seriously? Why didn't you just come here? Why did you take me with you? I'm so busy at home!"

"Busy doing what? Doing nothing?"

"That's not the point! It's a waste of the fare! You can just submit!"

I looked at him badly because of that. "What if I tweak you now? How can I submit the form you have?"

He slowly smiled when he realized what I was saying. "Ah, of course nuh ...? Just wait ..." then he stole his belongings. She smiled at me after. "Raine!"

"What?" "I left him at home! Hihihi!" he said at once ‘peace sign’. I pulled her hair out of annoyance. "Aray ko naman!"

"How could you possibly forget that ?! I texted you earlier before you left right ?!"

"You're not texting! Look no further!" he took his phone next. She browsed through it a bit, then gave me another smile. "Oh ... yes. I haven't read it. I thought it was a scam ..."

Annoyed, I washed my hand on my face. "So how's that now?"

"Edi, let's just get the SSC form again! Let's just fill it up and give it to Troy. That's it!"

"That won't do. Our members have a signature so unless they're all willing to come here, then that won't work. Can we go back to your house?

“Thank you very much,"

"For what?" I asked confused.

"For this ... You invited me to have a drink because I'm sad, right ...?" Fire's smile widened even more. I felt a warmth on my cheeks. He's unexpectedly perceptive. How did he notice that ?! He continued next. "I'm fine, Raine ... I-I was really shocked by the news about Mang Joey earlier ..."

I nodded before sipping on my beer. "I understand, Fire. It's just a normal reaction ..."

"Let's drink again next time, huh? Even if it's just the two of us again ..." he said softly next.

That made me smile. "Sure."

He just smiled back at me, then suddenly, he lay down on the sofa. He rested his head on my lap while his eyes are closed.

"Wait a minute, let's rest first. I'm just dizzy ..."

"Go up to your room when you go to sleep. Don't make me a pillow."

He just shook his head, then covered his eyes with his arm. Suddenly, he began sobbing again. I ran my fingers through his hair, hoping it would calm him down just a bit.

"Raine ... I'm sad ..." she said while crying.

"Me too ... Sorry if I can't say anything good to make you feel better ... I don't think my heart is still here to give good advices that you need."

A few minutes ... or just a few hours that we were in that position. I noticed that Fireieu was asleep while lying on me. I can't help but to smile at his sleeping face.

Look at this guy. He's so big, yet so soft. I'm sure his parents are very proud of him right now. Fireieu grew up as a very kind and loving person ... unlike me, who is full of hatred and insecurities inside.

I touched his cheek, then his nose, then his eyes. To be honest, I shouldn't be doing this. I can't possibly fall for someone like Fireieu ...

I just ... don't deserve him.

Then, a tear came down running my eye. Good thing Fireieu is already sleeping. I touched his lips, and saw how it formed a little smile as he dreamed. I can't help but to smile down at him, too.  He thought for a moment. "Uhh ... it looks like ... Mama burned the form with the old newspapers at home this morning ... They said they were going to grill fish ..."

"Okay. So that's it then. We're not going to participate in the competition." I said finally, then took my phone out to book a Grab back home.

Allie stopped me. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"I'm going home." I replied irritably to him. "You're the one who insisted to join this damn competition anyway, so I shouldn't be bothered this much."

"Don't go home! We can tell Troy, can't we?"

"Without the form, I don't think that's possible."

"I'll take care of that! Come on, let's run So, that's it. Because he always follows me, no one comes to me much to introduce themselves or form.

Unlike my first year in school, especially the first day, many wanted to introduce themselves to me, many wanted to get my number. But since Fireew always follows me, rarely does anyone approach me because when that happens, he threatens.

He is also like Khalid because he threatens those who approach me. But of course, he was nothing compared to Khalid. It looks like it's gone, doesn't it? My boyfriend only had about a hundred baths with her.

I want to laugh at what I thought.

"And how many times can I tell you that you can't see him because he's in another country?" I told him.

He laughed, "You're just saying that so you can't give in to me. So you can drive me away."

I rolled my eyes at him, "It's up to you if you don't want to believe. But please, even just now, stop me."

"Your art, Raiah, do you know that?"

I close my eyes tightly. Here we go again. He's starting again.

"You don't know who you're beautiful. You're the one who's approaching it, you're still narrowing it down,"

I lost my eyesight and gasped in shock when he took my hand.

"Let go of me!" I said but he didn't listen. I got nervous. I suddenly remembered what happened five years ago. I was about to be r***d so I trembled with fear especially since I knew there was no Khalid to defend me.

"What! Release

 you me!"

He grinned, "Come with me."

I was about to cry, "Let go -"

My other words were cut short when someone suddenly grabbed Fireew's hand holding my hand. I took a deep breath and looked up at the man.

I saw him looking seriously at Fireew, "You again? How many times will I tell you to stop Raiah?"

"Who are you? Are you this woman's boyfriend?"

"If you say yes? Are you going to stop him?"

I breathed a sigh of relief when Fireew released my hand. He even glared at the man who defended me and then he sped away. He slightly kicked my table then he finally left.

I caressed the hand Fireew held as my gaze followed it. I breathed a sigh of relief as he finally got out of the cafeteria.

I looked at Zaffiro who saved me. I sneezed to get his attention. When he turned to me, I smiled at him sparingly.

"T-thank you, ha? Thank you for always saving me from him."

He nodded, "Small thing. I'm just doing what Villarreal's wants."

I swallowed, "Uhm, p-can you just not tell him what happened?"

I know that he is the one who reports to Khalid what is happening in my life. Khalid ordered him to do that.

Four years ago, I was surprised to learn that we only went to one school. And since then, he has always defended me when Fireew teases me. So I thought he was the reason why Khalid knew what was going on here at the University. Until confirmed and attention.

It was an embarrassing moment, indeed. I kept it secret for a long time. I never told it even to Mama. Only Lalaine knew it. Now, she knew. She actually giggled.

At least, I made her laugh.

Then on my third year here in Paenaan, I cried again due to 'self-pity'. Lunch break. My classmate, Earth and I were only the ones in the classroom. She's eating. I wasn't. Then, my adviser approaches me what I was not having my lunch. Again, while reasoning out, my tears were falling. I just reasoned out that Mama was in Bicol and we have no money anymore. Next thing happened my lunch paid by her was served to me.

Lalaine giggled more soundly.

Though she laughed at my experiences I knew it would be a new learning to her. At least I have told her that they were my inspirations why I am now strong to every problem. I also pointed out to her that those embarrassments helped me to be 'easy-go-lucky' and 'gimmicker' on my college days.

I indeed love college days! That's what the time I freed to misery and loneliness. I have learned, that time, that world is offering happiness and merriments. I have meet friends, won 'barkadas' and gained experiences. Collegiate years were unforgettably happier than my elementary or high school years. If God would permit me to go back to my past I would choose to return the years 1999 to 2004. They're the years when I discovered the happy side of my life. It's awesome! I love it!

Then at 7, while Dea and I were talking, her furious fiance' came in. I pushed her to talk with him. But before she got far, she assured me that she'd never be fooled again by him. I wish..

I feel guilty. I think it's my fault. I wish I never told it to her. They would have been like that. They're shouting at each other.

Since I have been sleepless last night, I feel sleepy at 9. Thus, I turned off the TV set and slept.

I did not know what happened to my memory. I was recalling my dreams very closely but none of them were remembered as exact as the certainty. However, I have seen Kuya Tantan there and my high school batch mates.

Eight, I started my mission for the day. I swept the yards. I watered and reorganized the plants. Presto! While doing those, I have watched my favorite business show on TV. And before ten AM, I have washed the dishes and tend the clothes. Today is Bonifacio Day! I remember my fourth year in Antipolo national High School when I monologue, imitating Andres Bonifacio and other characters in a monologue contest held during "Hell week". In fact, I won the second spot.

Past ten, while thinking for the best expressions to be included in my letter for Lalaine, which would be e-mailed to her on an opportune time, I have made a poem-- :For You and Me".

Eleven, I jotted down every sincere thought on my mind. I actually planned to write a letter for Lalaine which I would send to her through e-mail but I decided to include it in my literary collections. Thus, I entitled it "An E-mail For My Cousin".

Lalaine came in unexpectedly. I thought she was already in her employer's house. We talked again while she's taking a hot coffee. I inquired about what happened to her and Christian last night. She proudly replied "I finished it." I haven't told her how happy I was to her decision. But I knew she knew exactly what I felt. She showed me her baggy eyes and told me she hasn't had a good night sleep because of her decision. However, she's been a superwoman. Now, she is a certified 'Christianless'. I admired her for that. I never thought she could do that.

We also talked about computer, e-mail and internet. I have shown her the titles of my works, which are to be sent to her through e-mail on the soonest time. She's so excited to read them. But, I don't permit her. Besides, I would love to try how to send e-mails. I've always dreamt to do so. Now, I have to practice it since I promised it to Lalaine.

If there's a will, there's a way!

Supertyphoon "Reming" was on the Philippine Area of Responsibility. In fact, Bicol Region was the very first region that was greatly affected. In Sorsogon, Signal #4 was raised. Pitiful. Here in Rizal, signal #2 was raised. Good thing is I couldn't feel it now. As of 5PM, there was no rain. Yet, the wind started to blow. In fact, it's cold. I was shivering.

I rain to come so that our wilted plants would be watered. I pity them for they're dying. I couldn't afford to water them. Water here in Antipolo is so expensive. Thus, if it rains I could fill the containers, drums and the tank.

Jano and Gie arrived at 8. They have so many 'pasalubong'. Andok's. Junk foods. Few groceries. Hotdogs. Etc. but the most important of all was the 20 kilos of rice from Jano's company.