4 Chapter 4: Poppet

"Yeah, it's me." he said then glanced at me, tilting his head but his body is facing the railings.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked. "The moon... The stars," the guy added while looking at the still dark sky filled with stars and the moon.

"Yeah." I answered unconsciously. It is indeed beautiful.

"But, I like it better down there," I voice out my opinion.

Deafening silence envelop us. I gave my whole attention to the road I adore the most.

Those street are the materialized state of my mind every passing day. Chaotic and unruly.

I broke the silence between us. "Don't you think it's weird to like the road?"

I looked at him.

"No, " he sparingly answered.

His short answer brought relief and comfort to my whole being. Two letters but it got a huge impact on me. I mean, I feel a little more confident with his answer. He doesn't think it's weird.

With the deafening silence, with the dark surrounding, him looking at the moon, me looking at the chaotic road. Somehow, it felt comfortable... I find this moment peaceful.

"You an athlete? A runner, perhaps?" he asked out of nowhere.

My brows creased and a laugh escape my mouth. "What?"

I look at him, he's staring at me seriously. He's serious?

"Are you serious?"

He didn't answer, face still serious.

"Okay, I'm not an athlete, definitely not a runner," I answered while facing him. "What made you think that?"

He turned to me as well. We're still far from each other.

"This whole day," he starts off. "Every time I see you, you are always running. Except the time I returned your ID."

I nodded.

"That's why I concluded that maybe, you are a runner. You run fast," he smirked at the last sentence.

I let out a soft laugh at what he said.

"Well, maybe I am a runner now," I jokingly said.

Maybe I really am a runner, I just can't admit it to myself. I always run away. I would run away from our family's legacy. I would run away when time gets tough. When I'm being consumed by the what-ifs... I would always run away.

I didn't expect that a stranger will be the reason that I will accept that unpleasant trait of mine.

The sky is slowly turning into yellow-orangey. It's nearly sunrise.

We're still here. Looking at the things we adore the most.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Visiting someone, you?"

"Pops got admitted here, so... Here I am."

His brows furrowed, "Pops?"

"My grandpa," I glanced at him.

"Oh. Then what does he call you? Poppet?" his tone came out teasing.

"To be honest, yes."

"Seriously?!" he looks so shock.

"Yeah. Though he only calls me that when things got serious."

He nodded.

It's true. Pops only calls me "Poppet" when things are tough. The last time he calls me that was when Mamay got sick and dies eventually; his wife. It's pretty tough for the both of us, for the whole family.

Well, it's never easy when someone you love suddenly leaves you. I didn't even get to say goodbye to her.

I asked him to divert my thoughts, "You won't go to school? I heard you are a college student."

He took a few steps, getting closer to me. A playful smile is plastered on his face.

"You've been researching 'bout me huh?" he said cockily.

My eyes automatically rolled. "I heard, okay?"

"Just kidding. 10:30 AM is my first class."

I nodded. I step sideways, so we won't be so close.

"You know you can just ask things about me. You don't need to make a research."

WTF?! Is he for real?

"Gosh I said I just heard it!" I spat, a little annoyed.

He laughed loudly.

"Okay fine, you look like you'll bite me."

He didn't speak after that. Thank God.

His playfulness still got limits, huh.

Or so I thought...

"Kale Arche A. Lucine, you can call me Kaly." he introduced himself. "I'm 20 years old, BS Business Administration student, first-year at CCA."

"I didn't ask," no emotion can be distinguished in my voice.

His grin never left his face. "Just making your life easier."

I turned to him, "Are you for real?!"

There...

I saw his smile. A genuine one. His face is being illuminated by the rays coming from the sunrise. Long eyelashes, pointed nose, complete set of teeth. I look up again, only to meet his gaze. Is he really for real?

I blinked twice when I realize I'm looking at him for too long.

I turned sideways to face the tall buildings. To avoid his gaze too.

Another moment of silence enveloped us again.

"You won't go back yet?" he asked.

Shoot.

"Gee, I forgot. My brother will kill me!"

"Bye!" I quickly said then rushed to the lift.

I pressed the button while praying for my dear life.

TING!

FINALLY!

I quickly go inside.

I saw Kale. He didn't move from his position. He just stared at me. I also looked at him. Feeling a little nervous. Kuya will probably kill me.

Before the door close completely, he shouted.

"See you around, Poppet!"

I smiled unconsciously.

He smiled back.

The door completely closed. My heart starts to beat fast.

I placed my palm on top of my left chest, feeling my heartbeat. What the hell?

Sh*t. Kuya Ryle!

The door opened and my brother's angry eyes meet my gaze.

If those eyes can shoot lasers, I would be toasted by no. If bullets came out from there, I would be ambushed by now. If those angry orbs of my brother can kill, it will be probably my burial now.

"Where have you been, Inara?!"

"I-I...uhmm" I want to go back up.

Help me! Anyone! I will die in my own brother's hand. He will kill me! Kuya Ryle is the perfect epitome of death whenever he is angry.

I smiled nervously.

"R-Rooftop?" I answered hesitantly.

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