Del Franco Brothers: Adien (Book 2)

CHAPTER EIGHT

reminiscing

I managed to talk to Adien in civil manner during our late breakfast despite the fact na iniwan ako nito ng ganon ganon lang. I felt like a zombie for the rest of the day dahil halos wala akong tulog dahil sa sinabi nito.

And instead of sitting lazily at home and enjoying a good book, nandito ako ngayon, trap at nakatunganga sa room ko.

Yes, you read it right! Trap! I don’t have a choice kahit na tapos na yung pictorial. The storm is still in full blown kaya hindi ako makauwi.

I leaned my head against my knee and looked outside the window. The wind that’s beating against the window and the raindrops that keeps pouring outside makes my mood even more low.

Adien

I can’t help but remember our times together. He was extremely laid back and a playboy. There were a lot of times I can’t read him.

Reminiscing………

“Hello Pixie.” I heard Adien say behind me as he locked me up in a tight embrace.

I glanced over my shoulder, giving his lips a quick peck. “Hello, Babe.Miss me?” I asked playfully, feeling slightly guilty for doubting him.

Adien’s eyes lit up, a chuckle escaped his lips. “More than you ever know.” He replied, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me tighter against him.

Natatawa na kumawala nalang ako sa pagkakayakap nito.

“Pixie.” Angal ni Ade kasabay ng pagyapos ulit nito sa bewang ko.

“Can’t get enough of me?” I teased him, wrapping the strands of his hair around my fingers.

“Not in this lifetime.”

“Really huh?”

“I love you.” Ade said adoringly.

My face heats up, feeling so warm and giddy inside. “Love you too, Hotshot.”

Tinitigan lang ni Adien yung buong mukha ko habang masuyong hinahaplos yung pisngi ko.

“Are you just going to stand there and stare at my face for the rest of the day, Babe?” I asked with my pounding chest.

“If only that’s possible.” Adien murmured.

I shook my head and slapped his shoulder in a playful manner. “Creepy man.”

But to my surprise, Ade laughed wholeheartedly. “You’ll be surprised Pixie on how creepy I can be.” He replied, looking so darn amused and happy.

Before I could open my mouth to a better comeback, I heard Natalie’s voice beside us. I snapped my head at Natalie’s direction. She threw me a look that clearly said “I told you so.He is so into you.”

Another wave of guilt hits me for doubting Ade’s intention.

Natalie cleared her throat. “Guys, you forgot something.” She paused and raised her eyebrow. “That I’m still right here.” She smirked. “Because of that, I think I better go and leave this cheesiness behind.”

Adien cleared his throat and chuckled.

I looked up at him while he looked between me and Natalie.

“What’s wrong?” Adien asked.

He sounded genuinely curious.

“Nothing.” I answered, trying to sound casual.

How can he be so perceptive?

“Ok?” He replied before he looked and raised his eyebrow at Natalie.

Natalie shrugged her shoulders and waved her hand. “I need to go.Dave’s waiting.” Nagmamadaling paalam nito bago pa makapag salita si Ade.

Real smooth.

Tinapik muna ni Natalie yung balikat ko bago kami nito iniwan habang naka sunod lang yung mga mata ni Adien dito.

Nang mawala na yung pigura ni Natalie saka lang ulit ako nilingon ni Adien, he’s having this blank expression on his face kaya hindi ko na alam kung ano yung naglalaro sa isipan nito.

“Babe?” I asked, wearily.

The edge of his lips turned up. “You’re learning so fast, Pixie.” Tudyo nito dahil sa pagtawag ko dito ng babe. “Come on. I’m starving.” He continued, grabbing my shoulder at the process.

“Where are we going to eat?”

“Where do you want to eat?” Balik tanong nito sakin.

Before I could answer, Adien’s phone rings.

“Just gonna take this call, Pixie.” Paalam ni Ade habang hinaharap sakin yung iPhone nito.

I saw Ricky’s name on the caller ID. And I remembered na may Ricky sa basketball team.This must be him.

“Go ahead.”

He kissed my forehead bago nito sinagot ang tawag ni Ricky. “What do you want?” Adien asked with furrowed eyebrows.

Adien groaned. “Locker?”

“You can’t get it yourself?” He asked, his trademark smirk is playing on his lips.

Ade chuckled and listened for a moment, then said, “Situation huh?”

And how can a man change his mood so fast?

First, Ade’s look so serious but now, he’s laughing and smirking habang patuloy pa rin yung pag uusap nito at ni Ricky.

“Ok. Ok. But you owe me one, Pare. Nasa pad na ko.” Nakangisi na paalam ni Ade kay Ricky.

Ade placed his phone back in his pocket.

“Pad huh?” Hindi ko mapigilan na tanong dito.

Ade winked at me. “That’s how I roll, Pixie.”

I lifted a brow, looking amused. “You mean by being a liar and a blackmailer?”

He chuckled and gave my lips a quick peck. “I’m not gonna hear the end of it, huh?” Sagot nito, patungkol sa ginawa nitong pang ba-blackmail sakin noon.

“No.” Natatawa na sagot ko dito.

“Real smart.” His grip gets tighter. “Come on, Pixie. We need to get Ricky’s wrist watch before we leave.”

“Wrist watch? But where is he?”

“At his pad.Too tired to come down here.” He replied, shrugging his shoulders dismissively.

“Ok.” I simply said as I grabbed his waist.

Tahimik lang kaming naglakad papunta sa locker nila habang pinagpyepyestahan kami ng mga estudyante sa paligid.

“This won’t take a minute, Pixie.” Sabi ni Ade habang nagmamadali na pumunta sa kanang bahagi ng dugout nila.

“I got it, Pixie.” Sigaw ni Ade, makalipas lang ang ilang segundo.

“So this is your dugout.” I looked around. “So typical.” Patungkol ko sa mga kalat sa paligid.

“Typical?” Taas kilay na tanong ni Ade habang naglalakad papalapit sakin.

“Messy.” Kibit balikat at maikli ko lang na sagot dito.

Adien smirked. “Messy huh?”

I yelped in surprise when suddenly, he grabbed my shoulders and shoved me up against a row of lockers. “Adien.”

“Adien? Wrong answer, Pixie.”

I chuckled and pushed his shoulder. “Get off me, Ade.I thought you’re starving?”

“Yes, Pixie. I’m indeed hungry.” He replied, looking between my eyes and lips alternately.

There’s a glint of desire in his eyes and something else that I can’t decipher. The next thing I know, I feel his lips pressed against mine.

I gasped and moaned against his lips.

He’s kissing me like his life depends on it.

His kiss makes me melt every single time. I never felt like this before, even when I’m still with Sam.

I pressed myself against him, wanting more of him. Everything is getting hot and heavy ng bigla nalang bumukas yung pintuan ng dugout nila.

“Oopss sorry. I didn’t know that someone is here.” The intruder said.

Natatarantang natulak ko si Ade habang nagmamadali kong inayos yung sarili ko.

I can feel myself blushing as I pressed my forehead against Ade’s shoulder.

Ade groaned, pulling me behind him and keeping me shielded from the intruder’s eye.

Thinking the man who caught us already left nang marinig ko yung mahinang pagsara nung pintuan, diniretso ko na ung tingin ko mula pagkakatitig ko sa sahig.

My breath caught in my throat ng makita ko na andito pa yung nakahuli samin at tahimik lang na nakasandal sa may pintuan.

At hindi lang basta basta kasamahan ni Adien.

This is Alexis Del Franco.

Ade’s freaking brother.

How can I be so lucky??Note the sarcasm.

Alexis smirked, looking darn amused. “Did I interrupt something?” He asked, looking between me and Ade.

“No.” Mabilis kong sagot dito kasabay ng pamumula lalo ng buong mukha ko.

Alexis chuckled. “You must be Embry?”

I looked up at him, nodding my head.

He knows me?

As if reading my mind, Alexis stared at Ade who’s extremely quiet and then he looked back at me. “You’re the little journalist Ade can’t stop gushing about.”

I snapped my head at Ade who’s looking at his brother sternly. “Shut it, Alexis.”

“You’re no fun, Ade.” Natatawa na sagot lang dito ni Alexis.

What’s with the Del Franco Brothers and their playful mood?

Ade rolled his eyes. “What do you want?”

“I forgot something.” Sabi ni Alexis habang naglalakad patungo sa pinaka dulong bahagi ng locker at binuksan yon.

Tumingin ulit si Alexis sa gawi namin, pagkatapos nitong kunin yung folder sa loob ng locker nito. “Done. What are you doing here, love birds?” He paused and smirked. “Aside from making out, of course.” Natatawa na dagdag nito na kinapula ng husto ng buong mukha ko.

Is Ade’s brother always like this?

I thought, Alexis is the snobbish one?Pero bakit muka namang walang ka trace-trace ng kasupladuhan yung pilyong aura nito?

“Alexis.” Ade said warningly.

“Really, no fun.” Alexis answered and looked down at his wristwatch. “It’s a shame, I can’t stay longer. I need to see my fiancee. She gets cranky every time I run late.”

“Fiancee?” Hindi ko mapigilan na tanong dito.

So it’s true. Alex is engaged.

“Yes. Fiancee.” Alex’s eyes lit up at sa hindi ko malamang dahilan, nakaramdam ako ng kaba sa nakikita kong kislap ng mga mata nito.

“She’s cooking. Want to join us for dinner?”

“Oh no. We don’t want to intrude.” Mabilis kong sagot dito.

Cooking?Engaged?Their relationship must be pretty serious.

“Oh please, join us. I know, she won’t mind. In fact, I bet my car, she’s gonna love me more because of this.” He winked at me and looked at Ade’s direction. “Right, Ade?”

Ade groaned, not pleased with the idea.

But when he looked at me and saw me looking at him, he instantly smiled. “Sure, we can do that.” He answered, not taking his eyes off me.

“This will be fun.” I heard Alexis say in the background.

-end of flashback-

I also remembered the first time he said he loves me. The time he keeps telling me to trust him.

Reminiscing again…….

Natalie broke the silence. “He’s courting you and you forgot to mention this to me? To your one and only best friend?” She asked dramatically, still in a state of shock.

I let out an exasperated sigh and ran my fingers through my hair. “Let’s talk about this later, Nats. He’s just kidding.You know how Adien is.” I replied, trying to coax her.

I heard someone snorting.

I tilt my head to my side and see Ade frowning at me.

I shot him a glare that clearly stated. “This is all your fault so you better shut your mouth or you’ll be sorry.”

“Is that true, Bro?You’re courting her?” Josh intervened.

“Is that really true?” Dave joined in.

I thought, girls are the nosy one.

I looked at the ceiling, feeling exhausted with this ordeal.

Hindi ba kakasabi ko lang na hindi nga yon totoo!.

How many times do I have to repeat it para maintindihan nila. Dapat ba paulit ulit nalang??

Ano ba nangyari sa utak ng mga to? Nag loading? Dinaig pa internet connection sa bagal.

Before Ade can do any further damage, I grabbed his hand and towed him behind me. I dragged him outside sa kabila ng pagtawag ng mga naiwan namin. Ni hindi ako lumingon o hinayaan si Ade na tumigil mula sa pagkakakaladkad ko dito.

I spin around to face him nang makapunta na kami sa medyo tagong bahagi sa labas ng bahay.

I pushed his shoulder, using my fingers. “You devil incarnate. Why did you do that?” I hissed at him.

Ade chuckled. “What did I do wrong? I’m really courting you, Embry. It’s the truth. It’s a fact. I don’t see any reason to hide it. I want them to know that my intention is clean and good.” He paused, a smug smile playing on his lips. “And because Josh keeps saying Emz this and Emz that. He annoyed me.” He added.

I gasped and gaped at him.What does it mean? Is he jealous?

Of course not Embry. Confidence much? Gusto mong masulpalpal ng wala sa oras?

God! He’s so infatuating.

I can’t understand him.

He keeps giving me mixed signal! Hindi ko mapin-point kung nagsasabi ba ng totoo tong lalaki nato o nagbibiro lang.

I’ve decided to believe the latter.

I drew a deep breath and narrowed my eyes at him. “You are so dead.” I said sharply.

Ade guffawed, sa kabila ng panggigigil ko.

I stomped my foot to the ground dahil hindi mawala wala yung inis na nararamdaman ko. Mas lalo pang pinapalala ni Ade yung inis ko sa ginagawa nitong pagtawa at pagngisi.

Ang sarap talagang tapalan ng tape yung bibig nito.

Ade’s voice brought me back to reality. “I’m already dead.”

I frowned, looking confused. Anong sagot yon?

I lifted my eyebrow and crossed my arms against my chest.

Ade smirked, a glint of mischief is visible in his eyes. “Deadly addicted to you.” He said sheepishly.

My eyes bulged out of my head.

I’m so irritated, angry and confused.

“Cut that crap Adien! Ano ba talagang balak mong lalaki ka?” I whispered yelled at him.

“Honey, which part of “I’m going to court you and I’m serious”,you do not understand?”

“Cut that bullshit already. And which part of “who will believe with that crap and stop being annoying!”, you do not understand?” balik tanong ko dito.

Ade sighed. “Honey, Let’s talk about this like a civilized people.” He paused, looking thoughtful. “Over a cup of coffee.” He added.

God! Magkaka wrinkles na talaga ako.

At naging uncivilized pa ko ngayon??

At may gana pa talaga siyang ayain ako na mag kape??

The nerve of this guy!

Nakakakulta na talaga ng utak.

“I really hate you Adien Del Franco.” I murmured to myself.

Sa pagkabigla ko, narinig ko yung mahinang pagtawa nito.Narinig pala nito yung binulong ko.

I scowled at him. “What?”

“You mean you hate handsome, talented and witty men?”

My mouth dropped open and I snorted at him. “Oh God.You have an incredible ego.”

“Ego? Come on Honey, It’s a well known fact and everyone knows it. Gusto mo mag pa survey pa tayo?”

I remained quiet. Bakit ko ba nakalimutan na kahit anong sabihin ko, panigurado na may ibabalik na kayabangan tong lalaki nato?

I looked at him and just threw him a hard stare.

Babalik na sana ako sa loob at iiwanan to ng bigla nalang tong humarang sa daraanan ko.

He grabbed my hand.

Papiksi kong inalis yung kamay nito. “Move Adien.”

Ade shook his head. “No. We need to talk.”

I sighed.

“Saka mo ko hanapin at kausapin kapag matino at may sense ka ng kausap.” Naiinis na sabi ko dito kasabay ng paghawi ko balikat dito.

Darn. Para akong humawi sa pader.

Naiinis na napahimas nalang ako sa noo ko. “Ano ba Adien. Sobrang nakakairita kana.” Pinalo ko yung dibdib nito pero hindi pa rin to tuminag mula sa pagkakatayo sa harap ko.

“We need to talk.”

I looked up and shot him a glare. “Stop acting like a damn child Adien. Act your age. Sobrang napipika na ko sayo.”

Ade crooked his head to one side. “You’re the one who’s being stubborn and childish, Honey.”

I closed my eyes so tight and heaved a deep sigh to calm my nerves.

Nakakapagod ng makipag bangayan sa lalaking to sa totoo lang.

I waved my hand in the air. “What do you want?”

Ade beamed at me and believed me when I said that it takes all my patience not to smack his annoying face.

I huffed and snorted.

Ades smiled broadly. “Let’s talk over a cup of coffee.” ulit na alok nito.

“I hate coffee.”

Ade shook his head and chuckled. “Liar.”

“You—-“

He cut me off. “You’re obsessed with coffee. Every time, during your break hindi pwede na wala kang kape na hawak. Miski nga malamig na kape iniinom mo kaya nasaan yung I hate coffee don?”

I looked at him, dumbfounded.

How did he know that?

“What the heck Ade. Minamanmanan mo ba ko?” I blurted out.

Ade shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “Everyone is entitled to have a hobby.”

I gaped at him. “You mean stalking me??”

Ade looked straight into my eyes and sighed. “No.Loving you.” He replied, there’s a glint in his eyes that I can’t quite decipher.

Butterflies rip through my gut.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a minute, trying to clear my mind.

Is this really “the real reason” Ade courted me?Because he loves me?

Is that even possible?

Should I believe him?

Am I ready for this?

Am I ready to take a risk?

Adien cupped my face. “I’m so darn serious about wooing and courting you.” He sighed and kissed my forehead. “Just give me a chance and let me in. I really do love you, Embry.

————–

I can’t believe that I’m here.

I don’t know what came over me para pumayag na makipag usap kay Ade.

It must be the alcohol that I consumed at the party.

My eyes flick to my wrist watch. It’s ten thirty.

So much for a party!

I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to clear my mind.

“Stop overthinking things.”

I looked up and saw Adien handing me a cup of coffee.

I grabbed my cup and rolled my eyes at him. “I’m just thinking about school.” I said defensively and lamely.

Great, Embry.

Real smooth.

Ade sat down in front of me and smiled. “Liar.”

I lifted a brow waiting for him to continue.

He chuckled. “That’s your mannerism every time you’re in a deep thought.” Turo nito sa maya maya kong pag pisil sa bridge ng ilong ko.

I gaped at him and then cleared my throat. “How did you–” I trailed off.

Am I ready to hear this?

Ade raised his eyebrow, looking amused. “You mean, how did I know that?” He asked and paused, looking thoughtful. “Simple.” He shrugged his shoulders and looked straight into my eyes. “I’m in love with you and I can’t take my eyes off you. Natural lang na alam ko yung ganitong bagay tungkol sayo.”

I gasped and looked at him dumbfounded.

My heart pounds loudly in my chest.

Oh God! Shush you delusional heart. I can’t think straight!!

How can he say that so easily?

This thing between us is so darn unbelievable.

As if everything’s not real.

I rubbed my forehead and let out an exasperated sigh.

I sipped my coffee quietly, hoping na mare-relax ako kahit papano.

It may sound ironic but coffee absolutely makes me calm.

After a few minutes of silence, I regained my composure.

“Honey.”

I snap my eyes in his direction and let out a deep sigh.

I looked up at him expectantly. “Ok, ipagpalagay na natin na in love ka nga sakin katulad ng sinasabi mo.Then, at the hallway when I’m late for my class and the other day when I dropped my folder. Why you looked so irritated?” I asked out of the blue.

Ade frowned.A thoughtful expression took over his handsome face.

Makalipas yung ilang minuto, lumiwanag na yung buong mukha ni Adien na para bang naalala na nito yung nangyari.

He laughed hesitantly and scratched his nape. “I’m nervous.” He replied, giving me his signature grin.

I stared at him in awe and astonishment ng mapansin kong namumula din yung buong muka nito.

Is he blushing?

I leaned forward and peered at his face. “Are you blushing??”

Ade shook his head savagely. “Of course not!”

I broke into a fit of giggles, everything’s forgotten. “So cute.”

Who would have thought Adien Del Franco “The Campus Prince” can blush?

I don’t know “Adien” and “blushing” could go in the same sentence without “never”.

I giggled at my thoughts and stared at the grumpy man in front of me. “Really cute.”

Ade pouted while I laughed wholeheartedly.

He flicked my forehead playfully. “Drop it.”

I smirked and acted like I was zipping my lips. “Fine.” I grinned sheepishly. “For now.” I added.

I heard Adien groaned at hindi ko mapigilan na matawa ulit ng malakas sa facial expression nito.

I must admit, This is pretty amusing.

I shook my head and smiled, feeling giddy inside.

I sipped my coffee and threw him a broad smile.

Ade glanced away and smiled.

I raised my eyebrow inquiringly. “Why are you smiling like that?”

Ganito din yung ngiti ni Ade nung nag Arcade kami.

Ade tilted his head at me and gave me a warm smile. “This is the second time you smiled at me. I’m just happy.” He replied, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

Nawala bigla yung ngiti sa mga labi ko.

Is he genuine?

He sounds so sincere and thoughtful.

Can I really trust him?

Ade’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Hindi kita minamadali, Embry. All that I’m asking is for you to let me in and give me a chance.”

I drew a deep breath.

Stop thinking, Embry.

Just go with the flow!

I can feel my face heating up. “Ok.” I blurted out.

Ade’s eyes widened as he stared at me. “Ok?What? Did I hear it right?Really?”

I laughed softly at his adorable reaction. “You want me to take it back?”

“Hell no!!” Ade chuckled and grabbed my hands. “You’ll not regret this, Honey.”

I hope so.

I gulped and laughed nervously. “You’re moving too fast. Pinapayagan palang kitang manligaw, wala akong sinabi na sinasagot na kita.” Nakangiti kong nginuso yung mga kamay nito na nakapatong sa mga kamay ko.

“Kung makakalusot lang naman.” Nakangisi na sagot nito habang mabagal na pinapakawalan yung mga kamay ko.

I can feel myself blushing.

Para paraan din tong si Ade eh.

I looked up at his direction and I couldn’t help but notice that he was looking at me intently, never taking his eyes off me.

I felt my face heat up more.I huffed, crossing my arms. I rolled my eyes and motioned for him to stop. “Stop staring at me like that.”

Ade laughed and looked away sa pagpapasalamat ko.

I guess Ade noticed my uneasiness.

“I’ll pick you up and send you home everyday.” Ade said, a little too casual for my liking.

“I have cheer practice.” I reminded him.

I stiffed ng may bigla akong maalala

Darn!

Practice.

Cheering Squad.

Demi!

“What’s with you and Demi?” I exclaimed, instantly wanting to take it back.

So stupid Embry!!

Ade looked startled for a second and then he took a deep breath. “What’s with her?”

I shook my head and waved my hand in the air, frantically. “Nothing.”

My heart is in my throat.

I’m nuts. Bakit ko ba nabanggit banggit si Demi eh wala naman kaming relasyon ni Ade! Kaya ano naman sakin kung kalandian nya yung babae na yon nung isang araw?

Ade laughed and leaned forward. “She’s history. She practically raped me, last time.”

My jaw dropped open in shock and I was rendered speechless for a few minutes.

“It may sound absurd but It’s the truth.” He sighed. “I don’t have any intentions of rekindling anything with her. Last time, she literally ripped my clothes off and plopped in my lap uninvited.”

I scoffed in disbelief and snorted at him. “For someone who has been raped, you sure look pretty satisfied.”

He held up his hands in front of my face. “She kissed me, not the other way around. I’m no predator, Honey. I’m always the contrary.”

I scowled at him. “That’s not what I saw.” I said sarcastically.

Ade chuckled as the corner of his lip turned up. “Don’t trust everything you see. It’s not always right.”

“You——“

He cut me off. “Teka nga, are you jealous?” Nangingiti at nakangisi nitong tanong sakin.

I waved my hand in the air and looked at him sternly. “Jealous?No!” Defensive kong sagot dito.

Ade stared at me, looking amused and happy.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Stop being nosy Ade and finish your darn coffee. I want to go home na.” I said, looking everywhere but him.

Narinig ko yung mahinang pagtawa nito. “Kelan mo ko i-interviewhin  para sa The Voice?”

At first, I was taken aback sa wala sa hulog nitong tanong.

I looked at him and lifted an eyebrow. “What’s with the sudden change of heart? Wala ka ng balak na i-blackmail ako?”

Ade laughed. “Come on, Honey. Quit reminding me about it. I know, I suck! As the saying goes, let’s bygones be bygones.” He replied mischievously.

A chuckle escaped my lips as I shook my head.

Buti naman aminado sya.

But I can’t deny the fact na mas gusto ko yung bagong Adien na nakikita ko ngayon.

Now, Let’s see how far he can go.

-end of flashback-

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