XXVII. Secrets
Honk! Honk!
I peered from my window to see who was honking from the street. It was a sleek black car with glorious elegance that can drop envious eyes out of their sockets. I stared long enough to think hard if I've seen one like this before but I can't remember any. Just then, the door opened wide and a guy came out, looking straight at me through his Rayban. My heart almost jumped out when he smiled and waved - it was Seth.
I let the curtain drop then breathed deeply before getting my sling bang and heading towards the door. What the hell is wrong with me?
Hey gorgeous. He greeted when I was out of our gate.
You're late. I said grimly.
Sorry to keep you waiting. I know you missed me. He said, opening the door for me.
You wish. I muttered as I stepped inside and was overwhelmed by the interior of his ride. I was still taking in the atmosphere when I heard his door shut.
Thank you.
What?
I know you think this thing is magnificent, that's why I'm thanking you for appreciating such taste. He said confidently as he started the engine.You don't have to deny it. It's written all over your face. He smirked and I slapped his arm. Wait. Since when did I start slapping somebody else's arm?
You're way too proud! I was actually wondering how you get to own this thing. You're not even of driving age yet.
It's what you call connections. He smiled, still looking on the road.
I rolled my eyes then concentrated on something else. I turned the radio on and blasted Hot 'n Cold's volume up. Seth glanced at me then shook his head, smiling.
Hey. This is out of the town limits. I said, looking at the scenes brushing past the car window. Where do you think we're going?!
I shrieked, crossing my arms in front of me.
Tagaytay. He said calmly.
What?! You're taking me that far south?! He nodded, smiling. Mr. Seth Saavedra, may I just remind you that-
That this is not a date but more of a secret meeting to plot things against the people yada yada yada. I get it Ms. Wilson.
I closed my mouth then slumped back to my seat. Good thing we're still on the same page.
I heaved a sigh then leaned my head on the window as Seth continued driving out of the town limits.
After an hour and a half of aimlessly drawing shapes on the side of the window, I just found myself greeted by the panoramic view of the Taal Volcano offered from our side of the picnic grove. I hit the grassy land as I stepped outside, the cold wind blowing against my face and I had to put my arms around me to fight back a shiver.
Fresh air. Seth said, breathing in with his eyes closed.
Why are we here again?
To plan things right?
I know. But why here? Why in such a romantic place?!
Seth give me a puzzled look before letting out a throaty laugh. So the Fling Queen knows what place is romantic and what's not? I didn't expect that.
I opened my mouth to protest but snapped it shut again. Did I really say that this place is romantic?!
Seth suddenly produced a basket full of food from the car's compartment and smiled widely at me. Picnic!
Like it's not obvious. I rolled my eyes then started walking towards the picnic sheds. Seth was beside me in an instant, his right hand settling on my shoulder.
Hands. Off. I said, but he just ignored me and whistled like his life depended on that.
It's a beautiful..day. We're looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you!
Stop singing. You sound bad enough to attract a typhoon. He laughed at my comment but still continued singing.
We stopped by a picnic shed that is nearest to the Taal Volcano and Seth started arranging his picnic stuffs. He was as happy as a 7yr-old kid, humming and whistling all the while.
Are you really like that? Weird and all? I asked, getting an apple from the basket. He smiled but didn't answer, arranging the food in a manner that only himself knows about. When he finished, he sat beside me and grabbed the apple I was eating, then bit it too.
You just didn't! I scoffed, but he just grinned. He then offered me the apple again and I shook my head in bewilderment. He then laughed at my expression.
How's your squad doing? He asked out of nowhere.
We're doing great. What about-- Oh wait. You said you're the basketball captain right? Seth nodded. Then why didn't I see you last year? I mean..I haven't really heard your name before until recently. Even James was surprised to know that you are Princeton's captain. I bet Lia had already answered my question in the email she sent me before, but I'm not really sure if I read that part.
I wasn't originally from Princeton. He started saying. I transferred there halfway during the second year. I got injured from an off-season tournament come third year so I had to sit out for the Sports Fest.
Oh. That explains why. I nodded, wondering what injury he'd suffered from.
What about you?
I've never transferred and I've never been injured. I answered quickly.
That's not what I meant. He chuckled. I am asking..why do you hate Yza so much? I'd like to believe that there's a deeper reason behind that hate...Something that doesn't involve my cousin.
You're thinking too much. I denied but I know my face suggested otherwise.
You can trust me you know? He smiled encouragingly, placing his hand on top of mine.
Well, I guess it's time to spill some secrets.
