Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Jersey just got colder and I'll have you know I'm scared to death

"Zendaya, go back to your proper sit," Mrs. De Dios, our History teacher commanded Zack.

"I couldn't see the writings on the board," he replied.

It was a lie that made everyone turned to us. Chad gave me a questioning look while the rest of them was confused. Of course, Zack got 20/20 vision, so the only reason he didn't sit beside me was he decided to ignore me.

"Since when?" Ms. De Dios raised an eyebrow.

"I'll come back to my seat when Tan is already present." It was the safest answer he could say. He should have told the teacher that he was ignoring me for nonsense. Uh, what is happening to him?

He immediately went out of the room after the last period without saying goodbye. It was the first time because he used to wait for me before going to the football field.

"What happened?" Chad asked.

"Did you fight?" Geralt added.

"I can smell lovers quarrel," Marco teased.

"He's mad because of a simple reason. Uh, I can't believe this." I hissed. It was the first time he did this to me. I hate it.

I don't want to end the day unless we're okay, so I went to the football field to talk to him. But, they already left since they have a preliminary game tomorrow.

I called Zack 58 times until I fell asleep, but he didn't answer. I left text messages, still, I got no reply.

What the hell is happening to him? I'm getting mad.

Zack had their game and Gab was absent the next day, so I felt alone without them. I tried calling Gab too, and she was also not answering her phone.

I was pretty annoyed at myself the whole day. Charish called me for lunch knowing Gab and Zack were not around, but I told them I wanted to be alone for a while.

Aae, who was completely fine being alone most of the time, didn't leave me alone. He sat in front of me during lunch, making all the students stared at us. This would create an issue, but driving him away would create noise too, so I decided to just let him sit and peacefully eat. He didn't say a word, so it's like we were alone together.

He just handed me a chocolate drink, but I would love it more if it was banana milk.

Uh. I would punch Zack when he comes back! That Baka!

"Since when did you become close with Aae?" Chad curiously asked as we climbed upstairs.

"We live in the same house," I answered. "He's renting my Tita Annly's house where I'm also staying," I explained.

People in our school would eventually know that like Zack, whoever told him, so I might well say it. At least they would hear the truth from me and wouldn't think something was going on.

Did Zack think that I was hiding it because Aae and I have something? Is that the reason why he was mad?

"Oh, that is why." Chad grinned his teeth.

"Why?" I asked, confused.

He looked at me with his devilish smile. "Nothing. Zack called. They won the game."

"Yes, that's expected. But, he called you while he's not even replying to my text."

"Of course, he will not reply to you." Chad wagged his head.

"Why is that? What did he tell you?" I raised an eyebrow.

Chad shrugged with amusement. "Nothing. Ask him."

Why is he making this a big deal? It's not like Aae and I are together.

"I missed the class for only days, and you have lovers quarrel already. What happened?" Gab teased. I could sense she was trying to make her voice happy, but it's obvious she's not doing well.

"He was mad because I didn't tell him I was living with Aae."

"What?" Gab widened her eyes. "You live with Aae? Aae Agoncillo?"

I nodded. "He's renting one of the rooms in my Tita Annly's house. He got there before me, so well, that's the story."

"Oh. I didn't know that." She pouted.

"Sorry for not telling you guys. It's not a big deal, right?"

"It's no big deal for me," she agreed. "But, people aren't the same Zee. What's not big deal for you could be a big deal for someone."

I sighed.

"Anyways, how are you?"

Her smile didn't cross her eyes. "I'm fine. I was sick. You don't have to worry."

I held her hands. "Okay Just know that I'm always here for you."

"I know right." She hugged me. "Thanks." I could feel she was trying to stop her tears but failed. She cried for a minute and I never bothered asking the reason. It would just make her sad.

Why can't parents just accept their children for who they are? Why do they need to compare?

As for Zack, he sat beside me during lectures since he doesn't have a choice. But, he didn't look at me the whole time and didn't even bother listening to what I was saying.

I didn't stop murmuring the entire time, yet he still didn't pay a bit attention to me. Our Physics teacher scolded me for being too noisy. Zack didn't even move his head to look at me or at least laugh.

Okay, laugh! I would be fine again if I hear him laugh.

"Zack is still not talking to you, huh!"

"I guess he wouldn't sit with us today even if it's Thursday because he's mad." I looked down. I lost my appetite. I stared at my food while my hands were playing with the spoon.

"He's not mad, Zee." Gab murmured. "It's not 'being mad' looks like."

"What is it?" I rolled my eyes.

"Why not ask him?" Gab pointed using her mouth.

"Hey Gab, you fine?" I heard him say.

Zack placed the tray beside mine. He sat an inch away from me. It wasn't the usual distance between us. There was a space between our arms and I could not feel the warmth of his skin that bumped against mine whenever we filled our mouth with food.

"Fine," Gab answered. "Congratulations."

"Thanks," he said and started eating.

"Hey," I whispered enough for him to listen. "Congratulations!" I cheerfully said. I got no reply. I wanted to punch him, yet it felt awkward for the first time.

Okay, Lame, Zee! Gosh! This is giving me a headache.

I couldn't stand this. This is killing me.

Yes. He was sitting beside me, yet I couldn't even feel him.

"You're not mad, aren't you?" Gab examined the look in Zack's face. It wasn't Zack. He's cold and his eyes were dreary. "You wouldn't be sitting next to us if you are mad," Gab stated.

"You know I always keep my words," he responded. "I'm not mad."

"Then, why are you not talking to me?" I pathetically pleaded. I bit my lower lip.

"You don't know?" Zack sounded pissed.

"What?"

He sighed.

I waited for his response and got nothing. We stared at the space between us until the bell rang. He was the first one to stand up, without waiting for us. He didn't even glance.

"You don't get it, do you?" Gab frowned. She looked like she's going to hit me at any moment.

"What? Tsk. Whatever! If he's mad, let him be!" I tied my hair out of frustration.

Ugh! I hate Zack. He's making me cry!

I was making all the effort to talk to him, and he was being like that. Fine, if he doesn't want to, then be it!

Ugh!

"You crying?" I wiped the tears upon hearing Aae's voice. He just entered the kitchen.

"N-no," I stammered. "Some dirt stuck on my eye." I turned to the fridge to avoid his gaze. I washed my face.

"You are crying," Aae stated. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing," I answered. "I'll go upstairs." I dried my face using the edge of my clothing.

"You haven't eaten-"

I didn't wait for him to finish his sentence. I ran upstairs. I immediately checked for a text message, a call, a chat, but there was still no response coming from Zack.

Hmph! I hate you, Zacky!

I laid down in my bed. I stared at the white ceiling while hugging my pillow.

What should I do?

I closed my eyes, but I couldn't sleep. I rolled around my bed and screamed my frustration inside.

I hate how he made this thing a big deal. So what if I was living with Aae? It's not like we're together. There are freaking walls between us.

"I hate you, Zacky," I whispered.

I glared at the wall for a minute until I decided to record a song for him.

I wasn't good at singing, but I hope he'd appreciate this.

I coughed a little before placing my mouth near the speaker of my phone to sing.

Cause Jersey just got colder and

I'll have you know I'm scared to death

That everything that you had said to me was just

A lie until you left

Now I'm hoping just a little bit stronger

Hold me up just a little bit longer

I'll be fine, I swear

I'm just gone beyond repair

I sent it to his messenger.

Sadly, I got no reply.

You gotta be kidding me.

For how long are we gonna stay like this?

Zack.

Honestly, I know why he's mad.

It's just I was scared to confirm it because I don't want to expect something that would ruin us.

How come we're in this position?

I was thinking too much I hadn't noticed we're already at the main gate. Aae decided to walk with me every morning.

"Here." He lent me the paper bag. "I put some dark chocolates inside. It's a good snack to eat when you're sad." His smile sparkled as the sun slowly risen between us.

I may not be a morning person, but I'd appreciate the sunrise.

"That's the reason why I always get up early." He pointed at the sun. I inched my eyes a little as the rays pointed against us. "Though, they don't usually rise this early." He turned to his watch. It's fifteen minutes after five.

"It's beautiful," I commented.

I hope the warmness of the sun would bring back the tenderness of Zack.

"It's stunning." I felt his glance towards me.

I swallowed. I was getting chills. Why is he staring at me?

I coughed before turning to him. He didn't flinch even though I caught him staring at me.

I changed the topic when I remembered the chocolates. "Are you sad?"

Is that the reason why he surrounds himself with dark chocolates?

"Is it true that chocolates reduce sadness?"

"Google it," he commanded.

I sulked.

I heard Aae laugh a little.

"All I know is that chocolates make me do something out of my character." He tilted his head. He's thinking again.

"What do you-"

My jaw slightly dropped as he slowly caressed my hair.

I heard my beat tugged.

"Or was it the sunrise?" He chuckled before leaving me in awe.

What is he doing?