Chapter Five

Sid Point of View

“Mama, sister is about to throw the remote at me.” I rolled my eyes at her and placed the remote control at the center table.

“Could you stop it Sid? Why would you throw the remote? It’s not that I’m taking sides but I am more concerned with the remote. What if you got it destroyed. Do you have money to replace it?” I got more irritated as Daya stocked her tongue out at me. I swear I’d cut that tongue.

Mama sat beside me and got a bit from the leche flan, “Your leche flan tastes so sweet.”

“Ma, don’t eat it if you’re just going to complain every time. If you don’t want it, then I’ll eat it.” I answered back which earned me a pinch in the inner thigh. Ouch!

“Anyway, Mama, I need to go out later at 6 pm, we have a dance practice.” Her eyes stayed on the TV not minding what I said.

“All right, but promise we you won’t be absent for the rest of the week, because if not, I’ll be the one to personally talk to your leader to kick you out of the group.” Mama stated and I just nodded. Maybe I needed to find a way to ditch my classes without Mama finding out. 

“You’d really believe ate, Ma? She’s just taking your words out of her other ear.” I shook my head in disbelief, such an antagonist. Tsk.

“And you know what, Daya? It’s bad to interfere with the conversation of the elders.” I answered her.

“Could you guys stop arguing already?” I just rolled my eyes unto it. 

It was still 5 o’clock when I decided to prep myself. I wore a black short shorts and an oversized black shirt paired with a sneakers. I tied my hair in a bun and that’s it. Maybe you’re wondering but I do not wear make ups. It’s not that I’m against them, but I just do not feel it.

I ate dinner earlier the usual and wet out of the house. When I reached the plaza, I went to the space shuttle where we’d always meet and practice.  I saw that only Saeron and Jeff are there.

“Hello, Sid!” They both waved at me and I nodded in response. I seated beside them.

“What are you guys doing?” I asked and they just waved their phones off my face.

“That was too new you dimwitted guys!” I rolled my eyes that made them laugh. I got Jeff’s phone and watched our last competition at Balungao where we won.

“What’s up guys!” we looked at John who just arrived… and soon each one of us arrived already.

“Who arrived lastly?” Asked Brother Zhed. He’s our leader. All of us were pointing towards Qin and he raised his arm slowly.

“Qin, you’re late again. What have you done this time?”  Brother Zhed asked, scratching his cheek while talking.

“Work, bro.” 

Kuya nodded and didn’t punish him anymore. 

“Who among you here have the time to practice? Here in the same venue and same time because this would be our last competition. After this, we’d split ways for a while and I’ll just message you guys if there’s another competition ahead.” 

“Jasmine, please list the names of the people who’d join. You should make sure to be on time of the practice. I don’t want someone who’d be there in the start and eventually won’t end it.” He stated. “Raise the hands of people who are sure to join.”

I raised my hand in an instant. If I was able to do it before, then I would this time. I’m sure Mama won’t catch me.

The meeting ended right away and we stood up forming two lines by partner and started to run the entire plaza for ten times.

We’ve been doing it since then so we’ve been accustomed to it. I was easily exhausted before but not anymore. I also became more flexible because of our trainings. After that, we jog around the basketball court and ran towards the stairs for ten times. 

When the training ended, we were also exasperating and all were down in the grass resting. “That would be all for tonight. Let’s just see each other next time. I’ll be messaging you guys on our group chat. I’ll head out now.” Brother Zhed stated and dismissed us.

“Take care, bro!”

“All right, brother!”

“Brother, let me join you in your motorbike!”

I stood up and bid my farewell. I walked away from there and bought a juice on my way out before walking myself to home. I forgot that I didn’t have extra money with me.

It was already late when I reached home. I stared at my phone and tried to contact Grant but to no avail.

I hang up immediately and place my phone inside my pocket.

While walking, I heard a guy’s voice near the garbage. I went near to where the voice is and I was surprised to see a guy, as if shocked as to why he’s in the trash.

Or was he mentally ill?

When his eyes caught me, he smiled at me.

I was wondering why he’s dress that way.

He’s wearing old clothes probably centuries ago. He has a long hair and is very good-looking. “Such a pity if he’s mentally ill…” I whispered to myself.

“M-me? W-what? Mentally ill? Are you crazy?” he shouted at my face. Maybe he’s not mentally ill, just… out of fashion.

He looked as awkward as he stated, “Can I go with you?” My eyes widened at his statement. I knew it, he’s a rapist!

“No! You can’t possible come with me.” I screamed and run as fast as I could. His eyes also widened at that and he tried to chase me.

“Wait up, miss! I need your help. I’m begging you.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I shouted and ran faster, “Stop chasing me!” I went left and used the shortcut way to our home.

I looked back to see if he was still chasing me but I stopped my track to see that he was gone. I felt my surrounding and went inside the house. A pinch in the cheek is what I got.

“You’re late again! Look at yourself, Sid. You look like… Tsk. Hurry up and take a bath. Eat before you sleep.”

“Yes, Mama. Thank you.” I entered my round and did what I had to do. I also ate and brush my teeth before resting on my bed.

I got my phone and tried to text Grant, aren’t he even worried about me?

Does he even remember me?

Me: Hi Grant, are you asleep now?

I asked. After quite some time, I’ve received a reply so my smile was so big and bright.

Grant: Yes, I’m already sleeping by now.

I smiled even more and slightly laugh at his playful remark.

Me: Will you go to school tomorrow?

Grant: Yes, Good night.

Me: Goodnight, Grant. Sweet dreams…

I shook my head as I turn off my phone.

I also turned off the lights and covered myself with the comforter.

I remember the guy a while ago. 

Am I going to tell Mama about it? What if he’s a bad person and killed me? At least Mama would have a clue as to who’s my murderer.

I slapped my forehead at how ridiculous my thoughts are. I may be overthinking…

I heaved a sigh and started to close my eyes until I was lost in my sleep.