Chapter 4

I don't exactly remembered how it started. I just felt it. Sage is too much. He intimidates me in every move he makes. I don't know why. But I don't like him. That's I'm sure of.

"Oh, why are you pale?" Mom asked when I came back from the patio.

"Huh?" Somewhat shocked at what she said.

She stopped washing the dishes and turned his attention to me. I leaned against the fridge.

"Are you feeling bad? Is it because of the contest result?"

"Oh, no!" I was confused to answer her. I averted my gaze. My heart was beating loud. Sage just intimidated me so much. That's the only reason.

"It's really okay with me that I didn't win, Mom. That's not a big deal to me. Also, it's really good to get the first prize. She deserves it."

She frowned and examined me with a look. She's still have doubts. Is it that obvious that I am being affected?

"By the way, uh ... Sage said they'll sleep here because it's still a long trip and maybe ... they'll have a lot to drink."

"But only one room is vacant."

"I already said that, Mom. But he said it's okay with them. I said it's too embarrassing. But it's okay. I'm also ashamed to insist especially since they traveled quite a distance to here. "

"Don't they have class tomorrow?"

"Nope."

Mom sighed.

"Then you're the one to finish it so I can clean the room they're going to use. We still have an extra mattress. But have you asked Livius and then Jonas? Maybe they're not comfortable. You know the rich kids, accustomed to comfort. And it's different here with us," she said while wiping her hand.

"I'll talk to them."

But I don't think I have to do that. I think Sage has already decided. And Jonas won't surely appeal. Especially Livius. How many times has Livius slept here with us. He is the user of the vacant room. He didn't seem to mind the hard mattress, though. So no problem with him. Surely, he will find it fine.

I just don't know Sage why he thought of sleeping here. It's just ... I can't picture him out sleeping on this kind of place. He doesn't fit here.

After washing the dishes, I grabbed a jug of water and headed back to the patio. Jonas and Livius were already there when I arrived, unlike what I had come before.

I caught Livius saying something while Jonas was laughing. Livius looked at me first. His smiles made my heart wild. I swallowed. I glared at Sage and Jonas. But only for a moment.

"Water ..." I set the pitcher down on the table.

"Thanks, Kaia," Jonas said.

Out of the corner of my eyes I saw Sage staring. His fingers were playing with the glass he was holding.

I stood up straight, shifting my gaze to Jonas and Livius.

"Is it okay for you to sleep here? Because ... there's only one room available. You might not be comfortable."

"That's no problem for us, Kaia!" Livius cut me off.

"No prob," said Jonas.

I glanced at Sage. He was staring at the glass of liquor he's holding. When he suddenly looked up at me I quickly directed my attention to Livius.

"I'll leave you. I'll help Mom prepare the room."

That was not the last time Sage came to visit us. In fact, he has always been with Livius. I found it weird. He always seems cold and unfriendly. I don’t think he’s also the type of person to go on a walk because of a simple friend’s command.

"Kaia..." Rose called to me. I'm packing and getting ready to go home. I confronted Rose after.

"Why?"

"Baldo and I have a date. I can't go home with you." He sniffed.

"It's okay," I smiled. "Be careful."

"Are you sure? I can take you with Kenneth," he pointed out to the cousin. But I immediately shook.

"Don't. Maybe your man has another walk and I'll be bothered. I can do it, Rose. Just enjoy your date, okay?" I smiled.

"Alright." Then she nodded.

I tapped him on the shoulder and went out of the classroom first. In the corridors I saw Baldo. He looked at me and smirked. I just nodded and walked away. Actually, I don’t want that man for Rose. He has the looks, alright. But he has this stained reputation. He's known for being a bad boy. And the way he looks at me is a bit creepy. Or maybe I was just thinking too much?

I can't tell Rose about that. She likes that guy so much. He believes this is changing for him. She always insists that he loves her. But they are only a month away! Is there love forming in such a short time?

Infatuation, probably. But love? No.

"Kaia!" Serio appeared next to me when I got out of the building. I almost got a heart attack. Serio laughed when he noticed my shock.

"Seriously!" I looked at him sharply and adjusted the grip ng shoulder bag.

"Are you going home?"

"Yes," I replied and continued walking. He accompanied me.

"Rose? You're not going to be together?"

"They have a date with Baldo, eh."

Rose is really like that when she has a boyfriend so I'm used to it. He recovers and still makes time for our walks. And that's enough for me.

"In that case, you're the only one going home? Let's go together! The apartment I'm staying in is close to Sta. Riva. It's as if you're not going home alone. You know, there are a lot of temperamental people out there. It's good to have someone with you. "

If anything, he was right. But I'm used to that because the temperamental people in our barangay are left and right. But Serio said it all at once. He never said he would take me.

There's no harm in it, I guess.

"What?" untag niya.

I nodded. He smiled.

Outside the gate I was stunned to see who was leaning against a black car. I stopped walking and blinked twice to check if what I'm seeing is real. But a few times I blinked still nothing changed. So I realized ...

It's real.

Sage is here. In front of the university's gate. But why is he here?

He's wearing that white polo and loose tie. He didn't look like a typical college boy, though. Compared to the college boys I’ve met, whether freshmen or seniors, he looks more mature and harsh in some way. His clean cut emphasized the savage features of his face. When our pangin hit I was swallowed.

Maybe I'm not his purpose here, am I? It must be a coincidence. Maybe he will earn something studying here?

"Hey, Sage!"

Serio grabbed my attention. If so, will they meet?

"He's the nephew of the plantation owner there with us, Kaia," Serio told me. I cleared my throat and nodded. We continued walking.

"Who did you go to here for?" Serio asked when we got close to Sage. I hugged my books tightly. I saw Sage looked at me. Normally, I would smile if I saw an acquaintance. But I couldn’t do that to him.

"I'll get something," he replied once glancing at me.

"Ah. Girlfriend?" Seriously probed.

"No."

"Uh, go ahead! We'll go first. Maybe that's what you've been waiting for." I was secretly grateful there. I don't want to linger in front of Sage.

"She's here."

My forehead furrowed.

Serio turned and later looked at Sage again. "Where?"

"I'm referring to Kaia, Serio," he said coldly but I wasn't surprised with his tone. What surprised me was what he said.

"Si Kaia?" Serio asked in shock. He looked at me, as if asking me too. But even I was shocked too. Why would Sage pick me up? We're not close! Maybe if he was with Livius I wouldn’t be surprised to see him here. But he was alone!

"Yes, Serio," Sage answered with his deep voice. I swallowed hard.

"You have something to pick up, Kaia. I'm leaving then ..." Serio said shyly. In shock, I grabbed his arm to restrain him. I was taken aback by my action. He was the same so I left immediately.

"Uh, next time ..."

I bit my lower lip. The truth is, that's not what I want to say. It's just, I was pressured by Sage's stare on me. I was also ashamed of what I did. I don't touch men just like that. Men sometimes misunderstood simple gestures like what I did. I don't want Serio to think like that. He's a good friend.

"I'm sorry," I added.

Seriously smiled. "It's okay. All right, I'll go first." He looked at Sage and nodded before leaving.

"Why are you here?" I asked, a bit cold. It's the way to hide the uneasiness I'm feeling. I don’t want to look stupid in front of him. I don't want to be rude, either.

"Is it Livius?" It's not that hard to figure out. It also happened once that Livius sent me to his friend. Only that it was Jonas who did it.

His fingers played on the car key he's holding. "He went through something and he brought me to you."

"Ah ..." But we'll talk next week, huh?

"You looked dismayed."

"H-Ha? In what?"

"That I am here instead of him," he said darkly. I opened my mouth and could not speak.

"Just you?" Instead I asked.

"He's with Markus."

I nodded. He opened the door for me. I slid inside without any word. When I locked the seatbelt my cellphone beeped. I opened it and saw a message from Livius.

Livius:

Sage is the one I sent for you. My car got flat. We will also buy food after that.

I glanced at Sage before typing a reply. He was busy on the road.

Me:

Okay. Be careful driving.

My phone beeped again. It was from Livius. This time Sage looked at me. I averted my gaze and directed my attention to the cellphone.

Livius:

What do you want to eat?

Me:

What you bring.

"Serio always delivers you?" Sage asked all of a sudden.

I looked at him. He glanced at me.

"He's not delivering me."

“What was that before, if ganoon? "his voice was low and calm but cold.

"He'll just accompany me home. He won't take me."

"You're close with him?

"Uh, not really."

Why did he ask?

"Suitor?" he probed.

"No."

He didn't show any expression. His face is blank. His eyes, too.

When I got home, I caught up with Mama who was already taking shelter in our small carenderia opposite the house. I insisted that I'll help her. But he let me in. I agreed because he was also finishing. Sage leaves the car because he will change. When he got inside our house, he's already wearing a white t-shirt.

"Do you want something to drink? Water or juice?" I will ask.

He sat on our old sofa. Fortunately, even the old ones are always clean.

He looked up at me. His fingers were tapping his knee. It's like he does that every time someone checks.

"Don't mind me. Get dressed first."

"Oh. Okay ..." I nodded and went out of his sight.

I only wore an oversized t-shirt and denim shorts. I tied my hair into a bun. I thought when they came out, Livius was already there but they weren't there yet.

"Get Sage something to drink, Kaia," Mom ordered me.

"Don't. It's okay," Sage said.

"Oh hey, I'll leave you first. I'm just there in the kitchen to wash the dishes. Don't help Kaia and just join Sage here. You'll be the one to wash later for our meal," Mama said.

He never gave me a chance to appeal because he immediately turned away.

"Aren't you busy at school? I thought Livius would visit next week."

"Not quiet. I don't know with Livius."

Later Livius and Markus arrived. As usual, they brought foods. No groceries this time. He performed a miracle and listened to me. How many times have I told him not to supply us with groceries. That's too much.

"I have pizza for you!" said Livius once showing me a box of pizza. I didn't tell him a specific food. But I don't think he needs to ask me anymore.

"Thank you." I smiled.

As usual we partied at the table. Then, Livius and Markus came out of the kitchen first. Mama, on the other hand, went to a neighbor who was a vegetable supplier at the karenderia to pay for the vegetables used today.

I thought Sage would come out of the kitchen as well after he drank water and washed his hands but I was wrong because he suddenly asked.

"Want some help?"

I looked at him in amazement. I was surprised there but I didn't notice. He always seems so cold. I didn't imagine that he'd offer some help to me. Especially in this work. She is not good at washing dishes.

"Don't. I can do it."

I averted my gaze. I have already started washing. But he was still there next to me, standing. And I knew he was watching me. I was sweating because of that. I just hoped that the tension I'm feeling wasn't too obvious on my face. I don't want to look like a damn scared kitten.

I'm not scared. That word isn't the right term.

"I only have a little to wash. You should be there with Livius."

"Alright."

I sighed as he finally left. It was always been like that. I was intimidated by his presence. So I always find a way to keep distant from him. That’s what I do, always.

I don't know what's with me. I just don't like being close to him. For some unspecified reason, that’s how I feel. And I don't like it.