Running from the Horizon (Secondary Series #2)

04

“W-why would I?”

I felt nervous and uncomfortable. It’s like there is something going around my chest that makes it almost hard for me to breath. His face being close is not even helping at all. His manly scent is somehow unbearable as well. Not because it smells bad or something… but I don’t know!

He scans my face thoroughly as if he is looking for something. I feel embarrassed because of the possibility that I look a little mess. He smirks at me suddenly before leaning back to his chair. He has a big grin plastered on his lips which makes me a little confused.

“Then tell me why won’t you follow me?” He asks again.

I put down my spoon, wiping my lips with the tissue, before taking a sip on my bottled water before questioning him back. “Why do you ask so many questions?”

“Because you make me curious Diana Cer Gonzales.” Him answering immediately caught me off guard. Is this what they mean when everyone says that Noah is a silent flirt? I can’t even say if he is flirting or what.

“There’s nothing to be curious about over a stranger Aiden Noah Castro.” I said.

He leaned once again, crossing his arms on the table, as he smirks. “You are not a stranger. You know my name and I know your name.”

“I bet everyone knows you Noah. The SPU’s star athlete.” I fired back.

“Do you also see me as a star athlete? If you do then I will take that as a compliment.” My brows furrowed with his smooth way of saying his words. What is he doing?

“So this is what they meant when they say you are a silent flirt.” He smirks with my comment.

“Depends on the person in front of me.” I look back directly to his eyes. His eyes can make you deeply suck in. It makes you stuck and just want to stare back at him. It’s so powerful that I can now understand why so many girls in my school admire him.

“Don’t stare back at me for long. You might fall,” he commented as I immediately looked away.

“Aren’t you so full of yourself,” He laughed with my remark. I picked up my spoon, scooping a small amount of ice cream again before bringing it over my lips.

There was a moment of silence between the two of us when he looked at his phone. His face does not really express that much. Just like earlier, he managed to keep a straight face when Rocco was about to burst already. He only shows reaction when he is with his friends but only shows a smile with the strangers.

“You done with your ice cream?” He asked, eyeing my cup as I nod.

“Should we head back? I think they’re already done.” I said, about to pick up my bag from the couch.

“James messaged me. They are done with the Space Shuttle but they are lining up in the Air Race right now. I told him that we’ll just stay here until they are done riding it. I bet you don’t wanna ride in the Air Race as well.” He explained.

I’m glad that he told his friend that we will just wait for them to finish riding the Air Race because I am not planning to ride that one as well. It turns you upside down to 180 degrees to 360 degrees. I will be sick if I ride it.

“How about you? Don’t you want to join them to ride? I’ll be fine waiting here alone.” I told him.

“I’d rather you answer my questions than riding those rides with them Diana,” He throws it again. I look at him in disbelief. He really is smooth.

“And I told you that you should not ask personal questions over a stranger.” I repeated.

“And I also told you that I know your name, not a stranger then.” He repeated. I’m so done with him.

“You only know my name, not who I really am.”

“Then tell me who you really are then. I’m more than willing to listen.” My brows furrowed once again.

Is this his tactic in flirting? I mean is he even really flirting with me? If he is then why?

“I prefer to not tell my story to someone I just met.” I said, giving him a small smile.

“I think I am an exception Diana. Remember calling me by my whole name when we first bumped into one another?” I almost wanted to curl myself and just hide under the table when he reminded me about it. That was an embarrassing moment!

“I only called you Noah Castro not Aiden Noah Castro. So in short, no exception.” I told him.

“Really? Let’s see then. You might not let me know you now, but we never know what will happen in the future.” I don’t know if he is hinting over something or what.

I just ignored his question and opened my phone to scroll over my social media accounts. I don’t know how long my friends and James will take with that ride but I need to find something to do to distract myself. I just can’t deal with Noah’s tactics right now. He is too smooth and too much.

noah.castro has accepted your follow request.

noah.castro followed you back.

Aiden Noah Castro accepted your friend request.

All of it appeared in my notifications in one go. I look at Noah who is waiting to see my reaction before looking back at my phone then back at him.

“Did you just accept everything?”

He nodded like it is nothing. “Now you can stalk and message me anytime you like.”

My mouth hung with his comment. He is unbelievable.

“Why would I even stalk you? Or even message you?” I questioned him.

“To know my whereabouts? Or to get to know me? Depends on you,” He gave me wink which flustered me. What the hell!

“You’re weird.” He laughed with my comment which I unconsciously did the same. He looks like he is having fun joking around with me which I find it… new… for my eyes.

We stayed in the shop for a couple more minutes before deciding to follow my friends and his friend in the Air Race. Just to check if they are about to ride already or not. But they are still stuck in the middle.

“I’ll just call James, wait.”

I just stood beside him, looking at my friends as they laughed. Marley’s face looks so done which makes me curious of what is happening or what just happened. Vanessa, Camille, and Kendall are still busy admiring James as he is busy with his phone talking to Noah while Axel and Rocco are just standing beside Marley as they talk. They are all together but separated in two groups.

“Then we’ll walk around for a while. Just call me if you guys are done riding extreme rides.” Noah said over the phone. So they are planning to ride more extreme rides?

“I’m good. I’ll just keep Diana company here.” I raised a brow at him and looked at James when I heard my name. I can see James’ teasing smile from here.

“Shut up! Just call me okay? Bye.”

“So we’ll go around for now?” I immediately asked as he nodded.

“They’re planning to ride EKstreme Tower and Disk-O Magic after the Air Race. You don’t want to ride those as well don’t you?” I nodded with his question and just sigh. Why did I even join our field trip if I won’t ride anything here? “Any rides you want to do right now?”

I have been here in EK a lot of times already. For extreme rides such as Space Shuttle, Air Race, EKstreme Tower, and Disk-O Magic, I have rode into it before already and I swore I will not again. Once is already enough.

My eyes wandered around the area as we walked past the Anchors Away which my friends and I just rode at earlier. I don’t even know what to ride or do.

“How about snacks? If you can’t choose a ride yet,” He said pointing to the hotdog stand as I nod immediately.

So the dessert comes first.

I was about to pay for mine when he stuck out a thousand bill to the seller. I cannot argue anymore because the seller took his money already. How is he so fast?

“Stop paying for my food! You already paid for my ice cream earlier.” I complained.

It is one of the things that I don’t like. People, except my parents, pay for me. Sometimes my parents are not even an exception. I bought some of my things, like the shoes or sandals or heels that I like, using the money that I saved for my savings because mom taught me that I should save. She said that we never know what can happen anytime. We might have money right now but we never know what is in store for our future.

“Chill! It’s only 50 pesos.” He said, chuckling before taking a bite of his hotdog.

“Still!”

He eyed me as he chewed before giving up. “Fine! Just give me 50 pesos now.”

I took out a 50 pesos bill from my wallet and handed it to him before smiling. It feels like I achieved something.

“You look happy just paying me with the food that is supposed to be a treat.” He commented.

“I don’t like it when people pay for me. May it be food or something expensive.” I pointed out.

“How about gifts? You don’t like expensive gifts?”

“Not that I don’t like them. I just don’t prefer people giving me expensive things when I know that I can save money and buy it for myself.” I explained as he nodded.

“So you are like a person who wants to earn something through her own hard work? Fascinating.” He said.

We took a seat on one of the benches close to the hotdog stand so we could eat properly. There are a lot of people walking around the area while we are just busy chewing our own food. It is somehow peaceful and comfortable.

“Isn’t everyone like that? Even you! I’m sure you want to earn or achieve something as well through your own hard work.” I stated as he nodded.

“I do. That’s why I became a taekwondo athlete.” He said. “Is there anything more that you don’t like then?”

I look in front of us, thinking of what to say. I don’t know what I don’t like more except that until one thing pops up in my mind.

“I don’t want others to sacrifice themself for my sake. Being a burden to someone, I never want that to happen in my life. I don’t want to bother anyone.”

“Even the person who will love you?”

“Even the person who will love me. I don’t want to be a burden to the person who I will be with. I’d rather each of us work hard so that our life will be easier.” I pointed out.

“Your life won’t be easier as a couple just because there is no burden between the two of you. There will always be like a third party burden. Your relationship might look easy because you two are not each other’s burden but there are others around you as well.” He said.

“I know… But I just don’t want whoever will be with me in the future to sacrifice himself just for my sake.” I repeated.

“But everyone sacrifices just to love someone Diana. It’s not just about a simple sacrifice inside your relationship. In order to love someone, in the first place, you will need to sacrifice your heart because you are giving it to someone for him to take care of. In short, each side will still sacrifice in a different manner.”

I look at him, amused. Why does he sound like an expert or something?

“You sound like you already sacrificed once,” He laughed along with me because of what I just pointed out.

“I think I am, since day 1. I have been sacrificing what I am feeling just to keep something that I cherish more than my own feelings.”

It made me stop and just look at him. Come to think of it, he looks like someone who is deep. Even though he is a smooth talker when he flirts, he knows what he is saying in terms of serious talks. You never really know someone's problems or sacrifices until you hear it directly from them.

“I told you to stop staring. You really might fall for me.” He tries lifting the mood up. I wanted to push him off because of how big he suddenly thinks of himself.

We just decided to walk around the amusement park, not riding anything anymore, after eating our hotdogs. We just went to buy souvenirs and play in the booths around the area. It was more fun than riding the rides to be honest. No screamings because of the sudden impact of the rides, just screaming when one loses to another.

This is just the first time we totally talked but I already felt comfortable with him. Too comfortable to the point that he managed to share things about his studies, the reason why he became a taekwondo player, and some background about his family and his friends. I did the same as well by sharing backgrounds about my siblings, my friends, and just some school stuff. It was too comfortable that I’m scared that it was all just a dream.

“You two looks like having fun alone,” I heard the familiar voice of James behind us while we were laughing in front of a booth.

The sun is about to set already which makes the sky look a pale tint of orange. It was so lovely and calming to look at.

“Playing in these booths are more fun than screaming in those rides.” I told them as they look so amused.

Noah just stands still beside me before the person who handles the booth hands him a teddy bear. It’s not small and not that big, it’s a medium size bear. He won it after hitting all the cans.

“Here. You can take it.” He handed me the bear which I gladly took. It’s a cream colored teddy bear that has a brown ribbon accross its neck. It’s just a simple one but it looks so cute and the right fit in my arms when I hugged it.

“Thank you,” I said. I could feel my friends eyes on us so I cleared my throat and looked at them. “Are you guys done riding already?”

“We finished a couple minutes ago. The lines are so long in the EKstreme Tower and my throat is already killing me.” Kendall complained as I chuckled softly.

“That’s what you get for screaming so loud earlier.” Axel teases that earns him a smack on his arm.

They talked more as we walked in the park. Noah and I are just silently listening to them while he maintains his straight face again. James is standing next to him while I stand next to Marley.

“I guess we have to separate here now,” James said when we arrived in front of the Kindermagic. They will be meeting their friends here as what James said.

“It’s nice spending a few hours with you guys here.” James said before looking at me. “Well except for Diana because my dear friend just stole her the whole afternoon.”

He has a teasing tone as his side lips rose up, smirking. Noah nudged him at the end making him stop. “Shut up will you?”

I chuckled as James tried to say sorry to his friend. They really are close with one another. Noah told me that he is closest the most with James no matter how stubborn he is. It’s not just because they are the only guys in their circle, leaving him with no choice, but because James already stood as like his own blooded brother. He knows everything about Noah, his worries and everything personal.

“Well, we have to go back in our bus as well to pick up our extra clothes so we can change. Thanks for spending some time with us this afternoon James and Noah!” Camille said with a big smile.

I bet they had a great afternoon with James. They have been checking James and Noah’s accounts for months, giving me updates which I don’t even get why they have to give me some updates.

“Please tell your friends sorry that these three stole you two from them this afternoon.” Marley reminded them.

“Don’t worry about our friends. We already went here with them a couple of times already. Missing one time here in EK with them is nothing.” James said as we all nod.

Noah really did just stay silent the whole time. I noticed that it was only James who was talking with my friends. He only butt in when James asks something related to me. He really is not a big talker to others who are strangers to him. Only means that I really am not a stranger to him now.

We bid our goodbyes with each other. Before I can even follow my friends, Noah called for my name.

“Thank you for this afternoon Diana. It was fun.” He exclaimed with a smile. James was behind him, trying to eavesdrop.

“It should be me thanking you Noah. If you didn’t pull me away earlier, I would have vomited everywhere now and probably look all pale the whole afternoon.” We both chuckled with my remark.

He looks at me when we stop laughing as I give him a smile. “Message me if you have no one to talk to. I’ll definitely reply.”

“Sure. I’ll have to go.” I said before bidding my goodbye to James again.

I turn my back on them before looking back again to see Noah giving James a headlock that made me laugh. They look crazy doing it in the middle of the place.

“You look happy.” Marley commented when I walked next to her.

Vanessa, Camille, and Kendall are far away from us while Axel and Rocco are behind them. It is only Marley who waited for me when Noah called for my name earlier. I know she has a lot of curiosity and so am I with her. I wanna know how badly annoyed she got being with our three friends, James, Rocco, and Axel only.

“I didn’t scream due to the rides but I still get to have fun. It’s a win.” I told her as she slowly nodded but the way she pursed her lips shows that there is something more. “What?”

She raises her brows towards me as she shook her head in response. I shook my head and chuckled softly. She should know that I know her more than anyone in our circle.

“Just tell me what it is,” I insist.

“It’s nothing okay? You just look so happy and I’m just glad.” She said, making my brows furrowed but there was still a small smile forming in my lips.

“And you look pissed.” I pointed which brings down her mood again.

“Tell me about it! Those three are really something! They keep bombarding James with questions and such. Goodness!” She complained as I laughed.

“I’m sorry I had to let you face them alone. You were the one to push me to leave with Noah earlier so,” I told her as she shook her head.

“At least you get to have fun. You two seems closer than when we first met them this afternoon.” She said as I nod.

“I think we are. It feels comfortable the whole afternoon because he just listened to what I say and I learned a lot actually.” She was looking at me when I said that before giving out a smile.

“I’m really glad you found another person to feel comfortable with.” She commented as I nod.

I am glad too.

When we arrived in the bus, we took our extra clothes and went to the nearest restroom inside the park entrance so it will be easier for us to get out. Marley insisted that she is hungry so we ended up going in the middle of the park once again so she can buy her food.

"If you think that I'll put her in trouble, don't worry. I care about her as much as you do. Just like feeling the same way you do for her is the same."

My eyes darted to the restroom close to where Marley was buying. Their voices were loud enough for the people around the area to hear them. Since Marley is busy waiting for her food, I decided to just look a little to see who it is. It’s not like I don’t want to hear the gossip but they are too loud.

“NOAH! FELIX!" My eyes immediately looked at them when I heard Noah’s name. So it’s him and his friends?

“Don’t make Feli one of your playmates, Alcantara. She doesn’t deserve to be played by you.” I heard Noah say. They are arguing about Felicity, Noah’s friend. His friend that I am thinking he likes.

“And she deserves to not know what you really feel for her? Don’t you think you already hide it enough, huh?” And the question in my head is answered. So Noah really likes her.

“It’s not your business whether I want to tell her about it or not. Don’t meddle with our business because I don’t meddle with yours.” Noah’s threatening voice justifies it.

“Let me know if you will confess to her or not… because I will go after her no matter what your decision is.” The other guy they are with told Noah.

There was too much information with their commotion but among all of it, there is one thing I can confirm. What Noah told me earlier that he has been sacrificing his feelings because he wants to keep something that he cherishes more than his own feelings, it concerns Felicity.

He told me that he really values their friendship. That he would choose his friendship with his friends more than anything else. Friendship over anything. He can keep sacrificing his feelings for Felicity just so he can keep the friendship he values the most with her even though he is being hurt already. He is that dedicated to his friends.

“Hey! You okay?” Marley suddenly appeared next to me as I nodded and gave her a faint smile. “Let’s go?”

I nod at her once again before looking at where Noah and his friends are still standing. I saw Marley trying to check where I was looking at but I dragged her with me, carefully as she was holding the food she just bought. We don’t need to meddle with whatever is going on in their circle because it’s not really our business.

We returned back to our house that day before midnight because of the traffic. I wanted to fall asleep but my mind keeps wandering off with what I just found out. Luckily I am on the window side so I manage to feel peace at some point.

It's not really surprising that Noah likes Felicity. I have speculations already just based on his i********: posts. The way he looks at her on the photos posted in i********: by them, you can say directly that he likes her.

Who wouldn’t like her anyway? Just with the physical appearance, she is already a sure apple of the eye to the guys. The way she presents herself, just by standing there and simply smiling, she already got everyone’s attention. She looks like she has a loveable personality as well. She looks kind too and approachable but it’s like she is so hard to reach. All of them.

The next few weeks, I did talk with Noah but not much. He is busy with his studies and so am I. Our talks are mostly just joking around like normal teenagers. I just don’t know how to respond with his cheesy talks after finding out he likes Felicity. It just seems so hard to accept his lines after knowing he likes someone.

“You’re talking to him again?” Marley asks. We are in my room right now, spending our undas break peacefully.

“Yeah. He’s still in Siargao with his family.” I told her as she nodded.

“Is he still in the middle of contemplating?” she asks as I nod.

Noah has been talking to me about Felicity. He did not mention that it is Felicity because he thought I don’t know but he tells me the details and my opinions about it so it can help him decide on what he should do. I know that he can handle it on his own actually but I think he just needs some additional advice.

Based on his story, he is willing to give way. He cherishes their friendship more than his own feelings, that's why he is a little torn. It’s a selfless act, but I couldn’t blame him. If I were to choose as well, I will choose to value their friendship instead of turning it into a love relationship.

A lover doesn’t really stay by your side until the end. There will be arguments that can lead your break up. Everything depends on how two people will solve or talk their problems out but most of the time, relationships tend to fail even though there are no inner problems. Being friends will last longer than being in a relationship. That is why I can understand his point.

“He’s planning to just keep their friendship.” I told her. Marley knows about it because she accidentally saw our conversation. I didn’t tell her the full details, just the things that she can know.

“That sucks but I can understand him. If I were in his place, I would choose the same.” Just like what I thought.

“I know right?” Just at the right time, my phone vibrates once again. I glanced at Marley before checking out my phone.

Noah Castro: hey r u busy?

Me: not really

Me: what is it?

Noah Castro: i’m planning to talk with the girl i’m talking about

Noah Castro: after break

Me: really? that’s great then :)

Me: what do u plan to say?

Noah Castro: i’ll answer all of her question and tell her i won’t push myself to her

“Is that Noah?” I heard Marley’s voice. I almost forgot she’s here.

“Yeah. He will talk to his friend after undas break.” I said.

Noah Castro: do u think i’ll make the right decision?

Noah Castro: James says that i’m too selfless and that for once i should push what i want

“What’s he saying?”

My bed bounced up and down slightly when Marley suddenly took a seat beside me. I thought she wouldn’t be that interested. But I guess this type of topic catches her attention.

Me: actually he’s right about u being selfless but thats who u r

Me: it's not wrong to choose what u value more eventho u know it will hurt u

Me: it’s the same with learning how to let go of the person u like if she doesn’t like u back

Me: u don’t need to force urself to someone who doesn’t like u, there’s thousands of girls out there i’m sure u will find the person who can like u back

“That person must be you then?” Marley asked as I immediately gave her a weird look.

“Out of all people, why does it have to be me always?” I chuckled softly.

“I don’t know. I just have a feeling that you two will somehow bond well and be together someday.” She pointed out as I gave her a weird look again. What is she blabbering about?

“You’re funny,”

“No Diana! I mean, come on! Don’t you feel weird everytime you talk to him? Like talk that does not have anything to do with that friend he likes? You said it yourself that you feel comfortable around him.” She made me face her as I try to remember the times we talked.

“Not really. And just because I said that I feel comfortable around him, it means that I’m starting to like him.” I defend.

“I did not say you are starting to like him! I’m just saying that you two talk with each other almost every single day, it’s impossible for each of you to not feel anything weird.” She explained as I just shook my head and looked back at my phone.

Noah Castro: i don’t think i’ll like someone for a while

“That’s just him saying things. I don’t believe him!” Marley exclaimed.

“Do you want to be the one to just talk to him?” I said, giving her my phone. I thought she wouldn’t take it but she did! What the hell was that?

'

I lay down on my bed, just letting her do it. It’s not like I’m making her invade our conversation but I know she wouldn’t dare to say something to Noah anyway. I look at Marley only to see her silently staring at my phone with wide eyes as if she just saw a ghost in there. “You have got to be kidding me!”

My brows furrowed with her sudden outburst. She turned my phone to make the screen facing me in panic. She turned it so close to my face making me almost blinded with the impact of the light.

The moment I saw what was written on the phone screen, I had the same reaction as her. What the hell!

Noah Castro: but if that person is u, i can have an exception