"This house looks like a rat's, Terren! Do you really don't want to go with me? The unit that I am occupying is enough for the two of us!" My eyes wandered around the whole place.
It was dark and stinky. Terren kept on sweeping the dusty floor, sometimes picking scattered clothes. I sneezed and rubbed my nose before again, sized the place.
"You don't need to live in here. Our house is even better than this!" I insisted.
"This room is way better than ours, Ate. Just imagining the picture of that witch is making me puke." Terren shook his head and sighed.
"This is where I can sleep soundly. Just because you see this as a dirty space doesn't mean it's uncomfortable. Sometimes, the most unexpected place will make you feel safe." he added.
Even when I disagree with what he said, I decided to shut my mouth and went towards the plastic table at the corner and trailed my fingers on it, catching a lot of dust.
"When was the last time you sweep this? The dirt is extremely thick!" I tilted my head and walk towards their small kitchen to find a rug and wiped the table.
"You feel comfortable sleeping in a dirty place? Your roof seemed like it could fly every time it would rain." Terren didn't even throw me a glance and instead sat on their sofa. The foam where the people tend to sit is replaced by a smooth textured wood and the armrest still had some portions of the foam.
"What is the main reason that you won't even give me a chance to help you?" I sighed and held on to the brown fleece blanket, offering it in front of him as I stared at his eyes with guilt.
"I always told our mom that I would work hard for your betterment, but you won't allow me to do that. You always tell me that the help I am giving is enough but–" I stopped and took a deep breath. "Seeing where you stay instead of being with me makes me feel like I am of no help. I was even more useless than a disabled person. You make me feel like I am not as responsible as what I am trying to be–"
My words were interrupted when his keypad phone rang. It echoed on the whole room and was then followed by Terren's noise when he stood up, throwing me a glance.
"What? You are...yes! No, of course not." he shifted his gaze on me.
"Who is it?" I mouthed. He shook his head and head out of the room. My brows furrowed. Who is it that he even has to go out?
Minutes after that call, he came back, his eyes not wanting to meet mine. Something felt so weird, and I thought he would open it up after a while...until I am already about to go home and he didn't.
"Text me when you need anything, alright?" I said after hugging him, handing over two bags of groceries that we bought before he walks me towards the terminal.
I went inside the tricycle and as I waited for the driver to come, my eyes dropped at a familiar car in front but it suddenly drove fast, not giving me the chance to give a glimpse of the plate number and the driver of that vehicle. I tilted my head and opened my phone. My eyes widened when messages from Auton started to pop up.
And then I remembered...we planned on eating dinner together. My lips quivered and my heart hammered fast. My fingers trembling as I typed in my reply, telling him that I was just about to go home.
Why the hell did I forget about that? I should have texted him that I will go to my brother! I slightly punched the side of my head with my knuckles, releasing all the frustration on it.
It was past 3 am and I am not sure if he is already there, but surely, he was angry. Imagining his dark stares and snobbish gaze made me froze in my seat as the tricycle drove towards the bus terminal.
I kept on checking the time in my wristwatch, my fingers tapping on my knee as I waited for my bus to stop in front of the tower.
"I'll leave here!" I shouted at the conductor. The doors of the bus opened. I immediately ran down the vehicle and ran towards the lobby of the Thompson Tower, my hands gripping tightly on the strap of my bag as I entered my floor number.
I caught my breath before punching the numbers on the digital lock, my fingers shaking, and my legs turning jelly.
"Auton I'm sorry–" my words were stopped midway when I saw that the whole unit was dark. I reached for the lights on the wall beside me, my eyes wandering around the whole, empty place.
"Auton?" I dragged my foot towards the kitchen, only to see it empty, but with plates covered by a pot's lid.
I lifted it and saw the dish he probably cooked. There were two servings.
Does it mean he didn't eat? I again glanced at my wristwatch and bit my lips in embarrassment. How come I forgot about Auton? I should've set an alarm!
I opened my phone and punched in a message for him.
To: Auton Smith
Auton, I'm sorry I forgot about our dinner. Something came up. Have you eaten yet?
I blew up the air inside my cheek before heaving a deep sigh. Auton must've been so disappointed. He was probably hungry but chose to wait for me, only to find out I won't go home!
I slapped my cheek. With shrink shoulders and my head shaking, I marched towards my room, changed my clothes, and lay on the bed. My eyes were scrolling through my screen, refreshing my messages every minute and expecting Auton's reply.
It was already 1 am and I still can't sleep. Should I call him?
He isn't replying!
But...maybe he was asleep? I shook my head and typed in another message.
To: Auton Smith
I will explain tomorrow, goodnight.
But the next morning, I got no reply...again.