Address

I was biting my nails as I read over and over all our previous lessons in Biostat.

“Hey, have you revie— "

“Not now. I’m still studying,” I cut Cove.

“I was just going to ask if you have reviewed all the lessons for our midterm,” he continued.

“Yeah”

“Then what’s with the reading if you’re already done reviewing?”

“Repetition helps,” I explained when the truth is I’ve been studying for days.

I study for one week before the exam. I’m not the type to cram all the lessons in one night because I tend to have a mental block and I don’t like the idea of having anxiety because of wanting to absorb all the information you’ve learned since the beginning of the semester.

“It won’t help. You’ll just have a mental block, and knowing you I’m sure that ever since last week you’ve been reviewing. So better stop it already.” And he snatched away my reviewers.

“Hey, I told you I’m not done yet,” and kept on reaching for my papers, but the bastard’s an ass and he kept on lifting it.

“Stop and trust your knowledge,” he lectured.

“Coming from you.”

“Well yeah, I trust my knowledge so much.”

“You know, for someone who depends on his stock knowledge, you’re doing great. You’ve not to fail any test yet,” I honestly told him.

“Why thank you. You see, you should be following in my footsteps. Have some fun instead of locking yourself up in your room bonding with your non-talking friends.”

“At least they give me more information and it feels good to know more. A person can never have too much information.” He just shook his head clearly disagreeing with my answer.

“See, we’ve been friends for three months now, Kirsh, and never did we hang out. I’ve been inviting you to join us but you declined all my invitations.” As much as I don’t want him calling me Kirsh I just let him do what he wants ‘cause he kept on telling me that we’re friends and we should call each other on a first-name basis. He said that it’s awkward calling me by my surname and vice versa.

“Well, I don’t feel comfortable with those two girls' company. They don’t like me and I don’t like them too,” I reasoned out.

“C’mon, you haven’t been with them so how can you say that they don’t like you?”

“It’s girl’s instinct, Cove. You’ll never get it. If you want to hang out with them then please do so but don’t include me. I’m fine.” He looked at me like he was trying to read my mind.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, besides I’m taking care of mom.” And another thing that has happened the past months was he got me to talk about my family.

He was just too pushy about the topic of me sharing some information about my life for the reason that I know enough about his life’s happening while he doesn’t know a thing.

“Oh right, how’s Tita? When is her due date?” he asked as walked back to our classroom with his arm draped around my shoulders.

I don’t really mind it now because it was completely platonic and I kind of get used to his company, but his admirers seem to think the other way. They kept on glaring at me as if I’ll take away from them this guy. They can have him to themselves, I don’t mind.

“She’ll be due in February.”

“That’s nice. Do you know the baby’s gender?”

“No, the scheduled ultrasound in the OB will be on weekend.”

“You’ll not go with them? We don’t have classes every Saturday and there are no deadlines.”

I just shrugged and he didn’t push any further because he knows that when I do such things I don’t really plan on telling him more. I may be telling him some things but I have my limitations, and he respects that one good thing about him. I’m still not fine with him being too loud and pesky but I just bear with it. And also, he went out with some classmates for the past months. As for me, same old.

I’ve been stuck with him but I’m fine with my group mates. Rachel and Rio’s not that bad. I’m actually having fun while talking to them and I tend to laugh a lot, too. Maricar was fine as well. At first, she was really timid but then we got to converse about the game of thrones and stuff, and I got her to talk. They like K-pop as well so we vibe together. It may not be obvious to me but well, I’m a K-pop fan. Jhobert and Loui are K-pop fans too. And I was right about Jhobert, the guy’s a smarty pants. Loui’s a history geek so that earns him extra points in our PolGov class.

“Hey guys, Sir’s here.” We settled on our respective seats.

“Okay, I just need to see your scientific calculator, ballpen, and paper on the top of your tables,” said Mr. Nuguid as he distributed the test papers. “I want you to write your seat number on the upper right of your questionnaire and on your paper. You only have 1 hour and a half to finish the exam. You may start now.”

As soon as he said that I closed my eyes and utter a prayer. I inhaled three times before answering the test.

“That exam was damn hard.”

“C’mon let’s have a drink.”

“Yeah, let’s go since we’ll probably fail the exam.” They all laughed at each other’s rant, and since we have free cut they’re planning to drink with the whole class.

“Hey, was the exam too easy for you?”

“No,” I replied nonchalantly, and he looked at me with squinting eyes.

“Why did I even ask when you studied one week before the exam,” he retorted mockingly.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t have asked when you knew it in the first place.”

“I was just wondering if you would be a little humble but who am I kidding, of course, you’ll stand proud,” and he even had the audacity to laugh after mocking me.

“I’m neither proud nor boastful. I answered you truthfully yet what I get in return is you mocking me. Just wow.”

He laughed because of my retort, “I wasn’t mocking you. You’ll join the drinking sesh?” he asked changing the topic.

“No. You’ll join them?” I asked since I saw my guy classmates and also Nori and Arianne asking him to come.

“Yeah, they invited me,” and he scratched his forehead as he answered.

“You have the liberty to decline them. You’re just using that as your excuse because clearly, you also want to drink.”

“And if you’re right? Midterms are done anyways,” he reasoned out.

“I’ll tell Tita about this. This is your third drinking sesh, Cove,” I reminded him. He’s being a drunkard. I already met her mother when we did our project when he insisted to do it in their house instead because her little sister was sick, and no one was home to attend to her. I agreed since his parents were not at home but we finished late and Tita was already home. I bid them goodbye but she insisted to join them in dinner for the reason that it was the first time Cove brought a friend to their house. She’s thoughtful, the exact opposite of her son. She’s prim and proper and she wasn’t looking at me with malice.

“Well go ahead and try because Mom’s not home and currently in Cebu. She’ll stay there for three days and yesterday was her departure.”

“She’ll still know this. You were not allowed to drink but you kept on defying her rules,” but no fear can be seen in his reaction and instead he playfully smiled.

“How will you tell her then? Will you come to our house and visit her?” I was caught off guard because of his response resulting in my stuttering.

“No… uhm… I’ll tell her no matter what! I’ll go ahead.” Stupid! I heard his roaring laughter because of my lame reply because he knows that I’ll not go to their house no matter how hospitable and kind her mother was.

“Kirsh! Your mom and I are going to go now. You sure don’t want to come with us?” Dad shouted from the living room.

“No, dad I’m good here! You and mom take care, okay?” I shouted back.

“Okay, lock the doors when we leave. Anything you want?”

“None take care. Love you!”

It was the weekend where mom will have an ultrasound to know the baby’s gender. At first, mom doesn’t want to know the baby’s gender for surprise purposes, but dad pushes it so that they can buy the things the baby needs. They have already bought some things but they were all in unisex colors, and the other room was being renovated already.

Moments later, the doorbell rang. I hurriedly went down thinking that it may be dad forgetting something, but to my surprise, it was Cove wearing a simple white shirt tucked inside his denim pants and a pair of white superstar adidas.

“What are you doing here?” I asked confused.

“Hello too,” he replied, “May I come in?”

“How did you know my address?” he rolled his eyes because I kept on answering his question with another question.

“I asked for your address and then I looked for your house, happy? Now, may I?” he asked as he motion to our house.

“What a stalker, Cove,” I mockingly replied.

“What? I’m your friend so it’s just right that I know your address. Stop being so delusional.”

“Now I’m the one who’s delusional?” I scoffed. Right, because out of the blue I saw him in front of our house telling me he asked for my address, and not informing me ahead of time. Yeah, I’m delusional.

“Let’s stop this, okay? I’m here to accompany you since I know Tita and Tito will be in the OB-GYN,” he said while entering our house. I grabbed the back of his shirt making him go back to his spot.

“I’m not letting you in and I don’t have a plan to.”

“What?” he asked with disbelief.

“Yes, you heard me right. So, better go home because you’ll just waste your time here. Goodbye.” And I slammed the gate hard but he suddenly put his hand resulting in it being stuck.

“Ah!” he cried in pain.

“Hey, are you okay?” I asked.

“Let’s get your hand stuck in your huge gate and then I’ll ask if you’re okay?” he sarcastically replied. For someone who’s in pain, he sure talks a lot. His face was wrinkled in pain as he holds his injured hand. I can’t help but sneer because now I don’t have a choice but to let him in.

“Come on, let’s get you some ice.” He followed after me. I let him sit on the couch while I get some ice and an ice bag.

“Here, put it on your swelling hand,” and I tossed to him the ice bag.

His reflex was fast and he catches it, “Wow, thank you. How hospitable.” And he even scoffed while I just shrug it off.

“You intentionally did that so that I’ll let you in, right?” he looked at me with disbelief like what I said was completely insane.

“You really think that? You think that I’ll hurt myself just to get inside your house?”

“Why not? You asked and looked for my address,” I rebutted.

“Wow, Kirsh, wow,” he retorted continued tending his swelled hand. I watched him do that and later on I saw him looking around our house.

“You’re house’s huge. What’s Tito job?” he suddenly asked.

“You know what, this is why I don’t want you here.”

“Why? I was just stating a fact and asking about your father’s job. What’s wrong with that?” confused he asked.

“If you’re done mending your injured hand just leave the ice bag in the kitchen. I’ll go upstairs and don’t forget to lock the doors when you leave.” I was about to ascend the stairs when he spoke up.

“You’ll really leave me here? Alone?” I turned around to look at him.

“Yeah, why?” I asked confused.

“What if I’m kleptomaniac and I just take all your things?”

“For starters, I know you’re not a kleptomaniac and if ever you are, I’ll let your conscience deal with you.” And I turned my back at him and went on my way.

I was busy watching when all of a sudden Dad’s voice roared from the living room.

“Kirsh! Get down here now!” I was shocked to hear Dad’s voice because I was expecting them to arrive a little late. I hurriedly climbed down the stairs and was about to trip because of my clumsiness. I was stunned when I saw Cove with mom and dad, and dad has this accusing look on his face.

“D-dad. Y-you’re back early.” I nervously greet him and give respect to them both.

“Yeah and just in time to see this young man here leaving our house. Mind explaining who he is?” Dad said in a stern voice. I nervously smiled at dad and glanced in Cove’s direction and I glared at him. He shook his head and mouthed “I don’t know”. I rolled my eyes at him because there was no other choice but to introduce him to mom and dad.

“Dad, Mom, this is Cove, my friend,” I whispered the last words but Dad still heard it because his face lit up and we all saw it but he cleared his throat and his face became serious again.

“Friend? Is that right, young man?” and he turned to look at Cove who was fidgeting with his fingers at his back but was able to portray a straight face.

“Yes, Sir. I’m Cove Wilder Hernandez, Sir.” And he put his hand towards dad which my dad took.

“Cove, how come you just visited our house now?”

“Uh… I… I was just passing by when I remembered that Kirsh’s house is nearby,” he lied. I eyed him but he won’t look at me.

“Is that so? And it so happens that we’re not in the house when you remembered that? Coincidence?” dad intrigued him.

Mom was just eyeing Cove and when she noticed I was looking at her she turned in my direction. Now she’s eyeing me. I just smiled at her and directed my gaze at something else.

“Yes, Sir. It was purely a coincidence. I was actually on my way home,” innocently smiling he replied.

“Yes, Dad. He just injured his hand so I let him in. I just lend him an ice bag and told him to leave. He’s in a hurry too because he has some errand to do,” I butted in and went on Cove’s back and started pushing him, but he won’t move an inch and so I glared at him and he stared back.

“Move your ass,” I whispered

“Nah-uh,” he retorted. I pinched him on his side but he endured it and turned his gaze back at my dad.

“Is that so, Cove? Then by all means join us in lunch,” mom invited him.

“Yes, Tita just right on time because— "

“No, mom he’s still full. He told me that earlier and besides he’s really in a hurry, right Cove?” I said through gritted teeth forcefully smiled at him. He seems to get what I want to say because he smiled back at me, but to my disappointment, he suddenly shook his head.

“No, Kirsh. I can do my business later, and it would be rude to say no to your mom’s invitation. Is it okay if I have my lunch here, Ma’am?” he asked politely. Goodness, he was an entirely different person in front of my parents.

“Of course, and call me Tita since your friend with Kirsh already.”

“Sure, Tita.” If only I can drag him out and throw him I would. I just smiled too despite my frustration with him. He looked at me with teasing eyes liked he won some competition. I saw dad observing us and so I smiled at him.

“So, hijo how did you meet Kirsh?” asked mom while we’re eating lunch.

“It was on the first day of school. I was late and the last free seat was beside her and so I took it, and since then I’ve been bugging her.”

“That’s amazing, huh. How did you get her to stick with you?” amazement was evident in mom’s voice. I stare at mom, she seems interested in my life and very unlikely her.

“I tend to be persistent,” shyly Cove answered. Mom nodded at his reply. I looked at her trying to figure out why the sudden change of mood. She’s not like this, she was usually quiet whenever it’s just us three but with Cove’s presence, she kept on engaging in a conversation.

“Do you plan on being a physician too, Cove?” dad asked changing the topic. Cove straightened his back as he wiped his mouth before answering dad’s question.

“Yes, Sir that’s the plan,” he respectfully replied.

“Drop the formalities and just call me Tito since you and Kirsh are friends. What school do you plan on entering med school?” and finally dad smiled at him and that seems to ease him up.

“UST,” he shortly replied.

“UST is a great school but you need to put your a-game to ace your NMAT score, but try other schools too. You know for back-up,” dad replied.

“That’s what I’m planning to do too. Is Kirsh planning to be a doctor as well?” he asked. Dad smiled as soon as he heard Cove’s question.

“Yes, that has been her dream and we’re here to support her all throughout,” proudly he answered. Cove smiled upon hearing that. I don’t tell him things such as my dreams and all. He’s the only one who keeps on saying things without me even asking.

“Kirsh’s not much of a talker. I think she’s still adjusting,” he jokingly said.

Dad nods his head in agreement, “That’s right, she rarely talks especially to those she’s not comfortable with. She’s civil but not the type to insist on a conversation,” daddy added.

“I’ve proven that, Tito. For the whole three months we’ve been together I do the talking most of the time. Sometimes I’m thinking if she still pays attention to what I’m saying,” he smoothly told them. That made mom and dad laughed. He’s just good at this. Conversing. He’s a smooth talker that he can easily engage in a conversation despite the age difference.

“Just be patient with her, hijo. She may not seem like it but she has a big heart. You just need to know how to annoy her more so she’ll talk,” and they both laughed. The whole lunch he and dad kept on talking and mom would sometimes butt in. I was like the visitor because I was just seating there silently watching them. They talked about a lot of things; sports, news, politics, and so on and so forth. He seems to get dad’s interest because he knows a lot about those kinds of stuff. I think they’re friends now.

“Thank you, Tito and Tita for a great lunch. I’m full thanks to your delicious dishes, Tita.” He surely knows how to flatter someone, huh.

“My pleasure, hijo you can visit Kirsche here, and maybe you can do some of your school stuff here. The house’s big enough to accommodate you.” Mom seems so pleased with this guy.

“Of course, Tita I’ll definitely visit again because I’ll surely miss your cooking,” and he shyly scratched his head while saying flattery words to mom. Mom laughed because of his flattering words.

“Marianna was right, hijo. Visit often, we still have a lot to talk and maybe we can swim some time.” And dad pats him in the back. Turns out, the guy’s into sports. Dad mentioned something about swimming and it turns out that Cove’s a swimmer and a surfer; the reason why he and dad got along so well.

“I’ll visit you again, Tito, Tita but I’ll go ahead. Thank you for the meal,” he said and gives respect to mom and dad.

“Kirsh, go and send off your friend,” dad said while smiling at me. I smiled at him, seems like they’re still aware of my presence. I just followed Cove, and when we reached the gate I looked at him and crossed my arms to my chest.

“What? You’re mad at me? Again?” I didn’t answer him but instead, I remain staring.

“C’mon, stop glaring at me. Your mom and dad invited me and it would be rude to decline,” he explained.

“You can easily tell them that you’re in a hurry because you’ve got something to do.”

“And that’s the point; I don’t have anything to do. You even want me to lie.” I laughed in disbelief.

“So I’m the bad guy here now? You were the one who lied to my dad about just passing by the area when as a matter of fact you asked someone else for my address!”

“If I tell the truth, your dad would think that I’m a stalker and I bet you wouldn’t even deny that. What I did was called white lies. White lies, Kirsh,” he seems to be proud of his reason.

“A lie is still a lie. You know what, just leave,” Irritated I replied and even pushed him.

“You’re the exact opposite of your mom and dad. Such a bad friend.”

“Leave,” I said with finality and closed the gate.

“Bye and oh, thank you!” he shouted and sarcasm was evident in his voice. I just sneered at his retort.