Running from the Horizon (Secondary Series #2)

06

“Kuya Russ, do you know Noah Castro?”

Meghan curiously asked, popping her head in the middle of me and Russ. She is seated in the backseat alone which explains her position. I get her curiosity because I am curious as well myself. The atmosphere between the two of them earlier is so heavy that I can sense there is beef between them. Otherwise, I’m just imagining.

“He’s a junior in SPU before and also a junior athlete.” Russ simply replied, focusing on the road.

I almost forgot that he was an athlete as well before graduating high school. He is a taekwondo athlete who used to be one of the aces of SPU in taekwondo competitions. Though he did not pursue his athlete career up to college, he is still doing well studying medicine in UP anyway. It’s still a pity at some point because he is really good with it, if you also add his advantage in height. He used to have so many admirers back then for being an athlete but I guess, medicine is that important for him.

“Do the two of you have some beef with each other? You two seemed to tense earlier,” I pointed out. He pursed his lips and brows furrowed with my question. So there is something going on.

“Just some childish argument but it’s not a big thing. He was a sophomore and I was a senior, just some typical fight against men.” He is looking serious but I end up chuckling softly which made him glance at me weirdly. “What?”

“You know, men and the word childish does not really complement each other.” I teased as he let out a small laugh.

“You’re unbelievable,” He said while laughing softly.

“I’m just stating facts,” I said, shrugging my shoulder like an innocent girl.

Silence creeps between the three of us for a minute. Meghan is just busy with her own thing on the backseat leaving me and Russ to be the one to talk with each other. It’s nothing new. It’s what she always does when the three of us are together. Since Meghan is my only female sibling, we usually spend most of the time with each other having a sister bonding. We can relate with some things easily because we are both girls but we do have some small arguments from time to time. Just like every other sibling out there.

“How about you? How do you know Castro?” He asked.

“Vanessa is a social butterfly. She was the one who kind of introduced him to me.” I answered honestly. He gave me glances, returning his eyes back to the road after.

“The two of you seem close. He said he will call you tonight.” He reminded me. I almost forgot about that one.

I was about to answer when my great sister just suddenly butted in. She definitely is paying attention the whole time. “The two of them are call buddies kuya. They make phone calls almost every other day which is really strange.”

She gave me a suspicious look. I rolled my eyes at her with the thought of how she knows about me and Noah having phone calls. We don’t really do it every single day, just some times when we are both not busy and are bored. My sister just exaggerated with almost every other day.

“Is he flirting with you?” I heard Meghan gasps. I’m sure she knows Noah and James culture, what is there to be shocked about? “Noah is pretty much known as a flirt as well as James.”

“Flirt? Noah to ate? She wished,” I wanted to smack my sister’s head just for one time because of what she said. She comfortably leaned back to her seat, as if she is not even bothered with the possibility of Noah flirting with me. Not to be assuming.

“Why? Am I not worth being flirted with by anyone?” I questioned my doubting sister.

“Ate, you are pretty, yes. But I don’t think Noah will flirt with you knowing that he is whipped for his dear friend.” And Felicity is now brought up again.

I shook my head and just ignored her remark. Noah did tease me about flirting with me before but I never took it seriously. Considering how playful he gets whenever he talks to me, I never really took any of his flirting acts and words that seriously. Though it does flutter me at some point, I just know that it is impossible given the history of his feelings for his friend.

I looked beside me and saw Russ glancing at me again. When the traffic light goes red and he steps on the break, he looks directly at me which flustered me. His expression does not really show anything. It does not show happiness, sadness, mad or anything. It’s just blank.

“No, Noah is not flirting with me okay? We just happened to talk with each other because he is bored and so am I. We don’t really talk every other day, Meg is just exaggerating.” I explained as he slowly nodded but still looked unconvinced.

“If you are bored, you can call me, you know?” He said.

“And disturb you with your academics? No thanks. I know how hard medicine is so I’d rather just let you focus on your studies than be a nuisance.” I pointed out, chuckling softly.

“You are never a nuisance to me D.” He said seriously before stepping in on the gas again.

I stayed silent after that because I felt something. It was weird. I have heard him say things like that before but there is something in his words when he told me that I was never a nuisance. I never really saw myself as one to him. I’m just worried that I will bother him too much. I don’t want him to be bothered by my childish stories and random topics just because I’m bored. We are at different levels now. If he is still in high school, I will definitely bother him and become a nuisance but he is not. He is in college now, taking a degree that he will pursue a career in the future. I don’t want him to be distracted from it.

Russ took us to a restaurant for dinner after even though I told him he does not need to. He does not look so busy for him to even pick us up in our school from his. It’s not like UPD is close to my school. He could actually just get his yearbook himself but he insisted on picking us up and bringing us with him. He really is just stubborn sometimes.

“Thank you for this afternoon kuya! I’ll leave you two alone, I still need to do my homeworks.” she groaned with the thought of her homeworks which Russ and I laughed at. She complains but she does so well in school. Meg is actually smart. She is one of the top students in her batch which I really questioned sometimes why she keeps complaining when she wants to aim for the top spot.

“Meg never changed,” Russ exclaimed, which I agree at.

“She became grouchy over her homeworks more now that she is in high school.” I pointed out. I remember her coming to my room just to complain that their teacher gave them so many assignments and all. But when I asked her if she needed help, she would say that she is already done. Unbelievable isn’t she?

“Not much of a difference with you when you first enter high school. I remember you calling me, asking for help to answer your assignments because you get so overwhelmed.” He said, chuckling. I rolled my eyes as I remember those days. I mean, I hate homeworks too no matter how much I want to study. I hated it more when I wasn’t able to watch dramas because I have to do it.

“Thanks for the dinner Russ.” I started as he smiled and nodded. “But I swear, you don’t need to treat us or pick us up from school for once or twice a week. We have a driver and you are already busy enough.” I pointed out.

His smile disappeared as he sighed. I know that he is worried or just wants to have some bond with us since he is not as available as before already but he does not really need to spend his supposed rest time just to come and be with us. It makes me feel guilty everytime he does that.

“I will never be busy when it comes to you and your siblings D. I hope you know that. Not now, not in the future.” He sincerely said.

“You know, you should use your sweet mouth to the girl you want to flirt with. Not with me.” I teased him as he only smiled a little before looking at me again. “What?”

“You are still planning to enter UP for college right?” He asked.

“It’s in my list... as well as UST. I haven’t given it much thought as of now since I still have months before senior year and take college entrance exams.” I answered.

Russ and I talked about college before his classes in UP started. I admire him at some point because he knows what he really wants and what university he wants to be in. As for me, I have some thoughts about what course I should take and what university I should apply in. But I’m not really sure about it yet. I just know that UP and UST are on my list and as for the course, I’m choosing between Engineering and Marketing.

“Whatever you choose, I will support you. But I would really love it if you decide to enter UP.” He said as I gave him a smile and nod.

“I will think about it, don’t worry.”

There was a short silence between the two of us before he told me to go inside already. I bid my goodbye to him as I watched him drive away. Papa and Mama were in the backyard when I entered the house as well as my brothers who are playing there. I excused myself immediately after greeting them because I need to do my homeworks as well.

I was already in my pajamas and ready to do my paper when my phone suddenly rang. I know who it is. Of course it is Noah Castro. He is a man of his word.

[“I thought you wouldn’t answer.”]

“Why so?” I asked, seating in front of my study table and opening my laptop.

[“Because you might still be out on a date with kuya Russell.”] I rolled my eyes and a smile creeped in my lips when he said that.

“I actually just got home from a date with him.” Now I wanna be playful as well for some reason. It’s not like I’m trying to get him jealous but I just want to be playful sometimes. He does it to me every single time so I wanna do it too.

[“Really? I didn’t know you are open for dates.”] He said, chuckling.

“Only for Russ, I think?” I mentally say sorry to my best friend. I feel like I’m using him so bad right now.

[“I didn’t know he’s up for dates. I thought he don’t do dates.”]

My brows furrowed with what he said. I am the best friend here but why does it look like he knows more about Russ than me. “What do you mean?”

[“There are tons of girls when he is still in high school who keep confessing to him that they are his crush but he always tells them sorry, I don’t do dates. It’s funny actually.”] He even mocked Russ about his replies to his admirers. I didn’t know that.

“Maybe they are just not his type,” I defend.

[“What’s his type then? You?”]

“Why am I even included?” I flusteredly asked.

[“You went out on a date with him so basically you are his type beca-”]

“We did not go out on a date okay! I was just playing!” I almost punch myself when I admit my lie. Damn! I’m not really good with this playful thing.

[“You’re busted girl.”] He teased. If only he is here, I would definitely punch him right up.

“Anyway, Russ told me you two had some childish fight before. What is it about?” I asked curiously. I don’t want to bother Russ asking about it, that is why I keep myself shut earlier.

[“You are a little nosy aren’t you?”] I was flustered with what he said. Am I?

[“There is not much to tell actually. I flirted with his friend’s girlfriend back then but don’t judge me yet because I didn’t know the girl has a boyfriend. She was the one who messaged me first.”]

“And you being a flirt entertained her and got in trouble with Russ and his friend?” I ended it up for him as I heard him agree. It really is a typical fight.

[“Kuya Russell is actually like me. Whenever my friends got cheated on or something, I always step up first to protect them so it’s understandable that he acted like that to me before. I just thought he already let it go.”]

Indeed Noah cherishes his friends. I already know that fact but it still amazed me at some point.

“You and Russ are different. He doesn’t flirt while you do.” I pointed out as I heard his soft laugh on the other side of the call.

I stared at my laptop, realizing that I just left it open without doing anything on it. I got really distracted. I took a sip of my water but almost choked on it when Noah spoke up.

[“Well then let me be myself. Wanna go out on a date with me?”]

My rough cough was probably heard over the phone call because I heard him laughing so hard. He is having fun playing with me!

“Will you stop playing!” I scolded when I recovered a little. I let out a small cough more while his laughs calmed down little by little.

[“Were you that flustered? I thought you were about to spit your liver out!”] He said laughing once again.

“And you are having fun while hearing me suffer,” I sarcastically said, rolling my eyes, wishing he could see it.

[“I’m sorry! But it is too funny. You made my night Diana, you seriously made my night.”]

Before I could even realize it more, we talked until 11pm. I had no problems with it because I was still able to do my final homeworks with his help. I finished it easily because he helped me a lot, being the one to search some things and suggesting while I do the typing and concluding everything. I think it’s the first time I had fun doing my own homework.

“Diana! I only saw you on your father’s birthday a few months ago. Why does it look like you became even more beautiful?” Tita Eli, Papa’s eldest sister, said.

“She’s my daughter, ate. Of course, she’s beautiful.” Papa complimented which made me shy.

Before I could even say anything, I was pulled away from the elders by my cousin. She brought me to the table where our other cousins are in. It was overwhelming to see them again because I haven’t met them for months now since we are all busy with our own academics.

“So Diana! Do you have a boyfriend now?” My cousin, ate Jessica, asked. I immediately shook my head in response. “Are you serious? How about that guy? Russell Villacorta? Am I right?”

“He’s just a friend, ate Jess. A best friend to be exact.” I denied while chuckling softly.

“Ouch, friendzone huh?” My other cousin, kuya Sebastian, exclaimed.

“Not friendzone kuya. We really are just friends.” I defend as he chuckled.

Later on, tita Eli’s house became louder with the arrival of our relatives. We are not that big of a family actually. Lolo and lola have three children, Tita Eli as the eldest, Tita Luisa, and Papa as the youngest and only son. Tita Eli has two children which are ate Jessica and kuya Sebastian. Tita Luisa has three children which are kuya Nico, kuya Hunter, and Cleo. Papa has the four of us. In total, our grandparents have 11 grandchildren.

Kuya Nico is the eldest among the 11 of us and is already married to ate Paula with one child so far. Ate Jessica is next and is already engaged to kuya Charles. Everyone except me, Cleo, and my siblings are already in a relationship. And among the single ones, I am the oldest so they really keep on pestering me about having one already.

Today, all of us are present so there are 21 of us here. It’s not as much as other families when they are all gathered together yet but how loud my cousins can be is a little chaotic. It’s actually fun that we get to gather each year for Christmas since we all live in different cities. Tita Eli’s family lives in Batangas while tita Luisa’s family lives in Taguig so we can only meet during special occasions.

“Ate, is ate Marley in Palawan already?” Meghan asked as I nod.

“She texted me this morning. They already arrived in the hotel, why?” I raised a brow, curiously.

“I’m just envious because she gets to travel during the holidays.” She pouted as I chuckled softly.

“We traveled separately the last few years. This is just the first and probably the only time, so don’t be sad now okay?” I told her as she nodded.

We proceeded with a small program with the whole family and played some games before gift giving started. I got plenty of gifts despite us deciding to stick with monito-monita. Everyone just loves giving gifts now. We will be spending one night here so we can have more time together before going back to our own houses tomorrow because Mama and Papa have some work.

“So what should we do now?” Cleo asked me.

My brothers, Bailey and Kyle, are playing with kuya Nico’s kid while my older and already legal cousins are all together drinking. That leaves me, Cleo, and Meghan all alone to spend some time with. It was always like that during gatherings since the three of us are not allowed to be with our older cousins who drink alcohol.

“We can go and watch some dramas upstairs. I mean it’s the only thing we can do right now.” I told her as she nodded.

The three of us went upstairs to the living room there and just watched a Korean drama as always. It’s our fun anyway. I always like it when Cleo is around because she is the closest in my age. We are just one year apart so it makes us closer since we can relate with each other's thoughts.

“Do you two want some snacks? I can get us some downstairs.” I asked them as they chilled over the couch.

“Can you get me some ice cream, ate?” Meghan asked as I simply nod before leaving them there.

The house is not that loud now nor quiet. Our older cousins are at the balcony while the elders are in the backyard, having tea. We all have our own separate worlds.

“Where are the ice cream?” I asked myself when I saw that there is no ice cream in the fridge. I went out to ask tita Eli because this is her house but I just found myself eavesdropping.

“Have you told the kids already Dominic? Maxine?” I heard tita Luisa asked.

“We haven’t, ate. I’m trying to find the right time to tell them but I just can’t. Diana and Meghan are busy with their homeworks and the boys won’t understand it very clearly yet.” Mama answered. What are they talking about?

“But I think Diana and Meghan have some questions in their mind already. The kids are not dense enough to not notice everything.” Papa said.

I stood there, having some thoughts in my mind now. I have said it a lot of times to myself but there really is something we don’t know. I don’t want to be nosy even though they are my parents but at some point, I want to butt in their conversation right now and straight up ask Papa what is going on. What is wrong? Is there something we need to be worried about?

“Diana? What are you doing there?” I heard kuya Hunter’s voice behind me, making me jump a little.

When I look at the elders' faces, they look horrified and kind of worried. Must be because they are thinking maybe I heard their full conversation. On the other hand, I was flustered because of the sudden attention I was given.

“I just went to look for ice cream but it’s not on the fridge kuya,” I looked at tita Eli and smiled. “Tita, can I ask where I can get some ice cream?”

She looks flustered but nodded later on before going inside the kitchen to get it herself. I stood there awkwardly, avoiding my parents' stares. I’m scared that once I had eye contact with them, I would spit out every single question I have in mind right now.

“Here’s your ice cream. Do you still need anything?” Tita handed me a big container of ice cream that is good to eat for three people as I thank her.

“This is enough tita. I will head upstairs now, Meg and Cleo are waiting for me.” I excused myself awkwardly, running a little on my way upstairs.

Meg and Cleo looked at me weirdly when I arrived at the living room upstairs and placed the ice cream container on the table. I saw Cleo’s doubtful eyes on me as Meg started to dig in on the ice cream she requested to have.

“You good?” Cleo asked as I just simply nod.

I was just silent after that. Noah messaged me, informing that they are already in Korea, but I was not really in the mood to reply so I just told him to stay safe and take care. My mind is just everywhere.

The following days, I was still out of myself. I mostly spent my time in my room with Meg and some things with our brothers to try and distract myself but it was no use. Luckily, Papa and Mama are mostly out because of work or else I really don’t know how I should talk and act.

[“Are you sure you’re okay?”] Noah worriedly asked.

“Yeah. I just have some things in mind right now but I’m good.” I answered.

I’m just laying on my bed alone. My holidays seem so gloomy after that day.

“Can you please distract me? Like talk about something else.” I told him.

[“What do you want to talk about then? Anything in mind?”] I can sense how careful he is with his words right now.

“Can you tell me about Korea? I haven’t gone in there yet.” I asked. He is still in Korea right now, in Busan already after staying in Seoul for three days.

[“It’s cold here right now since it’s winter but it’s beautiful actually. What I like here is that I can wear a coat which I can't do in there. I look pretty good in coats you know?”] I mentally rolled my eyes because of his sudden bragging.

“You really can’t talk without bragging about how good you look in this, in that,” I said, chuckling softly.

[“I can’t help it. I just look really good in everything.”]

“Whatever!” I chuckled in disbelief. He really is something!

[“At least my bragging made you smile,”] It warms my heart suddenly. Was he really worried?

“Thank you Noah.”

[“My pleasure. But wait, let me send you something.”]

I had to loudspeaker my phone just to check what he sent. I know it will be a photo but I thought it will be a phone of the scenery, instead, it’s a photo of him.

[“I look good aren’t I? Like one of your oppa’s in the dramas you watched.”]

I laughed at what he said. He really loves bragging! But I can’t deny that he really looks good in it. He is wearing a black turtleneck sweater and black pants underneath a cream colored knee length trench coat with a pair of black shoes.

“Are you walking on a runway or what?” I teased.

He really looks like a model in the photos he sent. The first photo he sent is a full body where he is not looking while the second photo shows only up to his torso as he looks directly to the camera with a small smile. His powerful eyes are mesmerizing enough to make me stare at his photo. There was a big aura in him that even a single photo is enough to make you stare at him.

[“I’m actually planning to be a model. Do you think I can be big?”] He jokingly said as I just laughed.

It really feels comfortable talking to Noah about random things. I actually don’t know how we can manage to talk for long. We have a lot of topics that I just don’t realize how much time has passed already. I am getting too comfortable with him now… and I’m starting to get scared.

[“Is there a country that you want to travel in the most? Except Korea of course.”]

“Probably Switzerland? I just feel like it’s a country where I can relax the most and feel that I can heal everything. That country just feels so comforting.” I told him with a smile on my face.

[“How about Korea? You want to come here because of those actors?”] I laughed when he said that. There was a hint of sarcastic tone in his voice that made me laugh.

“Partly, but also because of their culture. I just find their culture interesting.” I explained as I heard him agree.

[“Which of the two you want to go in for now then?”]

“Korea? I don’t think I need to go to Switzerland for now to heal myself. I wanna go there when I’m at the highest peak of distress.” I chuckled a little.

[“Well then, I will take note of that!”] My brows furrowed in confusion. [“I will take you to Korea and Switzerland with me,”]