Chapter 16

I'm overjoyed that one of Jas' precious people has welcomed me completely. It never occurred to me that I was superior than Baki just because Mother Lao preferred me. Is it evident to me that I shouldn"t used it as a basis, but at least it gaves me drive. It also helps me feel good about myself, even if I can't match Baki's skill level. Our order arrived quickly. Nanay Lao had no longer served us and simply informed the server that Jas and I should enjoy staying and that she hoped we would appreciate what she had prepared. We both express our gratitude to Nanay Lao and the waitress, and as she walked away from our table, I got my phone from my handbag and took a picture of our lunch. I'd like to post it on my Facebook page under "my day." "Let's eat!" I exclaimed, eager to eat the chocolate cake and drink the dark-chocolate milk tea. The cake was amazing; it was neither too sweet nor too bitter, and it tasted great while being pleasant to eat. "Nanay Lao's cake is very good; I'll be back here," i said it with a smile on my face. I'm hoping he'll still be with me when I return here. I"m sure we"ll repeat our morning date in the next few days because it"s rainy season now. It will rain more often so he will also come out more often in day time. He smiled as he said, "as I previously stated, Nanay Lao's products are delectable. There's nothing like it." Now I've discovered something: he likes sweet food, unlike the other guys. It's unusual for a man to be obsessed with sweet foods; most men prefer salty and sour. This boy with me is a one-of-a-kind creature, which is why I like him. I take a sip of milk tea which like the cake, tastes exactly right. This milk tea is unlike anything I've ever had in our province. It tastes great, and because it's the appropriate size, you won't have any trouble eating it. "Does that taste good?" Jas questioned. I gave a nod. "Yes, it's really good, so we'll come back here." He took a sip of his drink before responding to me, "I was afraid you wouldn't like it, and I'm glad you do." "How come you thought I wouldn't like it. You really overthink quickly," I laughed. "I assumed all women were alike. Nanay Lao didn't like Baki when I brought her here, and the drinks didn't appeal to her either. She doesn't like it since it's overly sweet and hurts her throat. So I haven't included her in then," he explained. "We ladies are different in each other, Jas; if it's too sweet for Baki, it's just fine for me; therefore you won't have to come here alone from now on because I'll be here for you." I ate a piece of cake after that. "I almost forgot what my name was because it's so good," I laughed. "You're crazy," he added with a chuckle. And we both laughed at the same time about something so insignificant. We began to discuss anything that could make us happy and allow us to get to know one another. Even though the weather was cold and we were drinking cold drinks, we loved our basic breakfast and didn't feel cold. I felt my heart warm as a result of the joy, and I hope he felt the same way. We went to Nanay Lao after finishing our breakfast to express our gratitude for her generosity and treat. We also agreed to return to her cafe and that she would wait for us. "Should we return home?" Jas asked as he opened the umbrella. I shook my head in response and said, "Let"s enjoy this day, Jas. We can go the mall for us to go-around. What do you think?" He looked at me and smiled. "I would like too. Let's just find a tricycle to ride. The mall is a bit far from here," he suggested. "Oh, a tricycle is coming. Just wait here and I'll be going to call it." I nodded, and he walked away to call the tricycle driver; when the driver agreed, he hopped and they proceeded in my direction; when it came to a stop in front of me, I entered and sat next to Jas; we were the only passengers, so it wasn't crowded. "Why is it raining on your date?" The driver asked, smiling. I couldn"t wait for Jas to answer the question. I know he won't say the real reason and he might overthink again. "This is the weather we want when we go out. There are only a few people and we will not sweat," I answered. The driver nodded and he turned to us for a moment. "You"re weirdo. It was my first time to have a passenger who prefer to take a walk when it rains. Where can I take you?" He asked. "We're going at SM Mall," I answered. "It's just close. I will just treat your fare," he said. Jas turned to the driver and then spoke. "Thank you, but we can"t accept that. This is your job so we have to pay." Why do they enjoy giving us things for free? Do we show kindness, or do they treat everyone equally? "Don't reject any longer; if you don't take my offer, I'll be upset, and I can't be sad today because it's my birthday," the driver stated. Jas and I exchanged glances while simultaneously looking at the driver. It came to a halt at the mall's edge and turned around to face us. He smiled as he added, "We've arrived. Accept my offer because a birthday boy isn't supposed to be sad." Both Jas and I nodded in agreement. "Thank you, and happy birthday," Jas said, "many birthdays to come, and God bless you." "Happy birthday. Please accept this as our gratitude to you. It's small but I'm sure you'll enjoy it," I said and handed him the take-out cake i buy from Nanay Lao's cafe. I bought another piece of cake because I plan to take it to my apartment. He reached for the paper bag, then peered inside to see what was inside. "Because you did not reject my offer, I will accept it as your gift; thank you so much; my daughter will adore it. God bless you. Until we meet again, take care of your relationship." I smiled at what he said, but I didn't contradict him on the fact that I and Jas are just friend. And I know how simple it is, but I am happy that Jas also said nothing to correct the driver's knowledge. I"m not in a position to feel thrilled, but I can"t control not to feel it. "Thank you very much, we're leaving," I said and got off the tricycle first. Jas followed and we waved together before the driver left. "Thank you very much," Jas said and then turned his eyes to me."Let's go," he said, and I nodded. We entered the mall, and when the guard finished inspecting us, I had nothing to say to hold his arm. He didn't stop walking, but he did give me a look. I smiled as I gazed up at him. I didn't say anything; he let me hold him as we walked into the mall. There were only a few people there, and I could feel the air conditioner's coldness. I'm not sure why, but anytime I'm around him, I start talking. I was an introvert growing up, and it was only because of him that I became an extrovert. I'm not sure how I manage to keep talking and telling stories to him without pausing. I don't allow the two of us be silent, as far as I know. If I don't say something, he will. We never allow the two of us to stay silent. "Let"s go to the timezone!" I said cheerfully when I saw the timezone. I ran because of the excitement so he also ran because I was holding his arm. It was my first time to enter here with a companion. Whenever I go to the mall in our province, I am alone. I'm not the type to go with family when they have a family day because I don't feel like I belong. I didn't express my true feelings when I was with my auntie and uncle, so I just stayed at home whenever they went for a walk. I'm sure it'll be enjoyable to play with someone here. When I'm playing alone, I can't feel the joy. Because I'm bored, I only entered the timezone once. I never went back after my first time playing because it was a waste of money and I didn't enjoy it. We went straight to the counter to swap tokens. The counter lady greeted Jas with, "Good morning, Sir." I scowled and took a closer look at the woman. She is stunning, tall, and seductive. Because of her stare, she definitely wanted Jas to notice her, and she just greeted him. I clutched Jas' arm, but she didn't acknowledge me. It's unthinkable that she didn't notice me. "We'll exchange tokens," I stated obnoxiously. I don't mind if I speak in this manner. She deserved my contempt because she didn't appreciate me as Jas' companion. She glanced at me from head to toe and then lifted one eyebrow as she returned her sight to my face. "Excuse me, ma'am, but what is token?" she questioned. I tsked. Isn't she aware of the token? Wth! She's a cashier, yet she hasn't heard of token? What is she doing in this place? "Token is the one used for us to play," I explained. She smirked and said, "I'm sorry, but there's no token anymore. Timezone card is accessible." She flicked her hair. "Please look there, Ma'am and Sir; a card is available for purchase." I had a look at it and was a little taken aback by the amount. Obviously, I haven't been able to visit the mall in a long time because nothing like this existed previously. Then you will swap your money for tokens, which will cost you five pesos each. There are three options: 150, 300, and 500 pesos, and fortunately, I brought 1,000 pesos with me. I moved away from Jas' arm and opened my handbag to retrieve the money, but Jas handed the woman something. "We want the third option," he replied, alluding to the price of 500 pesos. "Wait, Jas. I will pay it." The woman looked at me but I ignored her. "I'll just pay it, Jas. You paid for our drinks earlier and now you wanna pay for our games? I'll just it pay, Jas. I also have money," I suggested, smiling. Before bending down to whisper to me, he flips my forehead. I was taken aback, but I was able to pick up on what he was saying. "Don't be naughty," he said, moving his face and handing his fee to the counter lady once more. I didn"t mediate and just smiled, especially since the irritation was so obvious on the counter lady's face. She took a card and gave it to Jas. "Enjoy staying, Ma"am and Sir," she said, forcing herself to smile. "Yes, we will. Thank you," i said and smile at her too.I hold Jas' wrist and then we approach the basketball area. "Do you know how to play that?" He asked. "Yes, of course!I might even lose you," I said laughing. "Let's see," he remarked with a chuckle. "You can dare me if you win. But if I win, I'm going to dare you." "Okay! I'll make sure that I'll win this battle, Jasper." And without warning I took the card in his palm. I swiped and handed it back to him. He also swipe it and the battle between the two of us began. I want to win but I still don't think what to dare to him. For now, I'll just need not tp think about what I can dare him to do because the important thing now is to win the battle. This is just a game, but I have to win this battle because I want the reward. I play faster, and the ball always lands in the ring. As the fight progressed, I had numbness in my arm, and the ball stopped entering the ring. I turned to Jas who was playing calmly but the ball was always right in the ring and when I saw his score he was high to me. Because I saw his score that was a bit far from my score, I had the courage to continue and focus on the game. There were a series of shots of the ball but that didn't last long because the game was over. I sighed and looked at Jas' score once more, and when I saw it, I stared at him with a pout on my face. I was defeated, and I was terrified of what he would force me to do. He shrugged while smiling and said, "I won, El." "What"s you dare?" I asked directly. He came up behind me and put his hand on my shoulder. "I won't say now," he knelt down and whispered to me. "You will know in time."