"You're such a heavy eater!" he laughed. It's Sunday, and I don't even know why I came with this guy.
We've been getting along lately. Sometimes, I come with him whenever he goes to their place.
Actually, we just came from the mansion. We stumbled upon his parents but as usual, Latrelle didn't spare his mother a glance.
Meanwhile, his older sister was too busy dancing in her room, so she didn't notice us.
I injected the bamboo stick at the kikiam and dipped it in a hot sauce.
Latrelle got the sauce away from me.
"You've been eating too much. You're abusing me." Well, he's been treating me.
I don't know what entered her mind that he even bought me clothes. He reasoned that he wants to see me look like an actual human being. Actually, I looked like a goddess so he didn't really have to do that.
"Why are you really doing this?"
He threw the plastic cup at a bin before wiping his lips.
"Is it bad? It's your birthday."
I spaced out. He's right, it's my birthday!
I didn't know. It's my birthday!
Because of being too occupied with school and because of washing Latrelle's dirty bedsheets, I forgot about one of the most important days of my life.
I quickly pulled Latrelle. I almost ruined his Rolex watch, so his forehead creased intensely.
"I guess you want to pay big." He raised his eyebrows.
"Of course not. You're so mean! Let's go! Come with me to the cemetery."
He scratched his head as if contemplating before he opened his car.
"What are you waiting for? Get in."
When we're almost there, I realized that my money isn't enough to buy flowers for my mother and father.
Maybe I could try buying even just one stem of the flower.
Latrelle stopped the car by the lane where there are a lot of vendors selling flowers and candles.
I pulled my forty pesos from my pocket. I sighed as I stared at two pieces of crumpled paper bills.
How much could this reach?
I took a deep breath. I was really gasping for money this month because of the projected and fees in school. Add to that Lolita's medicine.
Before I could even pick a candle, I was stunned when Latrelle handed me two pieces of candles. It was shaped like a rose together with white flowers.
"Give this to my in-laws—I mean your parents."
I blinked repeatedly. I wanted to accept it but something inside me kept insisting not to.
"Don't decline this. I know you're shameless." He smirked and winked.
He's teasing me too much.
I rolled my eyes before looking for other stands. I'll just buy a lot next time. I hope they'll understand as they're not really materialized.
Latrelle suddenly grabbed my arm. Because of his strength and the wet street, I almost slipped.
He caught me in his arms. I unconsciously held his arms where I felt his muscles flexed.
My eyes widened. When I realized our position, I quickly stood up and got the things he bought.
"Thank you! I'll accept it"
I walked towards the car in embarrassment.
"Oh, don't walk too fast." He reminded before he started the engine.
He parked it at a vacant lot near the cemetery.
He followed me and sat beside me. He cleared some dead leaves that covered my mother and father's grave.
"Latrelle, I know that I'll look crazy for what I'm about to do, so please save your teases for later."
He nodded and clasped both his hands behind his back, looking like an obedient sheep. He didn't answer but remained silent.
As usual, I felt the wind grazed on my skin. I felt like it was their way of greeting me.
"Ma... Pa... I can't believe that it's really my birthday today. First time..." A lump formed in my throat. I didn't want Latrelle to see me in this state but I couldn't help it.
"First time that I'm alone, without the two of you..." My tears cascaded down uncontrollably.
"I've been yearning for the both of you, Ma. I delude myself that Papa was just late and he'll come later because it's my birthday."
The lump in my throat got bigger until it cracked.
"Don't worry. As I promised, I'll do anything to finish school and help Lolita and Lucky."
I didn't even have a handkerchief to wipe my tears. I didn't prepare for this. It's embarrassing.
I felt Latrelle striding near.
"Go! Laugh at me!" I whined.
But instead of it, he came closer and pulled my head to lean on his shoulder. More so, I didn't expect him to caress my back, almost covering it all because of his large hands.
"Don't worry, I'll be here for Kaoree. The thing is, I'll often teaser her than make her happy."
I chuckled and raised my head to stare at his eyes. His eyes always looked so happy.
"Thank you, Latrelle."
"I don't want your thank you."
"What do you want?"
"I love you, so it means more."
My brows were knitted together before I hit his shoulder. "Jerk!"
He laughed. "Wait a minute..." He held both my arms, so I stopped moving.
He got his handkerchief from his pocket before fixing my hair, tucking the ones covering my face behind my ear. He combed it using his finger.
He wiped my tears and placed the handkerchief on my hand.
"Wipe your nose, and keep it. I'll give it to you." He moved away.
"Wow? You're so arrogant."
"Just being careful. It probably had a lot of germs."
I smiled. Even if he often teases me, I can't deny that he's fun to be with.