Ape

We're nearing our house. We kept silent after the stars conversation, if you could even call it that.

As we kept decreasing the distance form home, I saw a familiar brown headed waiting outside their gate, typing on his phone.

He's home!

Then I suddenly became incredibly aware of whom I'm with.

Oh, he's home. Now?

I quickly turn around bumping to Kiyan's chest "Kiyan, I'm okay here" I immediately said to Kiyan, because if I don't, I would be up for interrogation.

"Where's your house?" he asked eyeing every houses.

"My house's right there. See that red gate? That, that's my house" I said pointing for him.

"It's just close by, why stop here? I already came this far. And I promised Kris that I'll get you to your house and your house only." he said smiling ever so brightly.

There's no way I can argue with that.

I sighed and continue to take the remaining steps. When I'm near at eye distance, I fasten my steps in an attempt to avoid any interaction. The brown head and I are neighbors. Our house are besides each other. I thought he would arrive next week. Apparently not.

I kept my head down walked pass him, just as I put my hands on the gate to open it.

"What time is it young lady?" he asked not taking his eyes off from his phone. Sound of disapproval seeping through.

I looked at my wristwatch "11:54 p.m. sir."

"Which is?"

I sighed facing him. I can’t do this now. "Which is exactly 6 minutes before my curfew and based on the terms and conditions that we both agreed about. That this time is an exception because I was babysitting." I pointed out.

He stared at me for a moment then he looked at Kiyan. From head to toe. Not to flirt but to assess. Lets make that clear. "Babysitting huh."

What's with the 'huh'.

Okay I am not complaining but I hope he would not talk about the person behind him. "Who're you?" he asked Kiyan, still with that annoying tone of voice. I was about to introduce them to one another when he stopped me.

"Let him, he can introduce himself, he's a grown man." he said, not looking away from Kiyan. "Or is he?" he added. That was a joke.

What the fork is wrong with you, freaking son of an ape?!

I looked at Kiyan. He's not affected by the way this guy is treating him but he was staring at Ape's hand on my arm. He regained his composure and still smiling. He laughed "Hi, I'm Kiyan Kishimoto" he said flashing us his pearly white teeth.

I know I kept saying smile, but they always do! I never met anyone like that besides.. him.

"Lester Duncan" said by my dumb butt best friend. "Was this pig bothering you? Sorry, she could be pretty handful at times." he added placing his arms on my shoulder. Mind you, his tone was not playful.

I can still smell the maple trees on him. Thank God he arrived safe. But man, your arms are freaking heavy. What has he been eating?

"Oh she wasn't. Eliah babysitted my niece, so I escorted her home. Also because I still have to make up for some-"

"Okay I'm fine here Kiyan. It's already late you should go home. I really appreciated it." I cut him to avoid the prolong discussion of the matter. Especially with the ape here, I can't afford that, please.

I'm rude.

"Yeah you're right. Thank you for tonight, Eliah. I appreciated it too" he said still smiling. He's so pure.

"Thank you Kiyan. Take care." I said trying out a smile.

His eyes widened, and his gaze softened. "See you around." he said. "You too Duncan. It was nice to meet you by the way." he said. All smiles.

"Nice to meet you too, Kishimoto."

As ape eyed Kiyan's progress, I made my way inside my house. I am not up for an interview right now. The moment I closed my door, I spare a glance towards him from the window. I let out a laugh as he tried looking for me. I saw him roll his eyes, fishing his phone again. Probably chatting someone.

I turned and was faced with the eager faces of the blondes. I thought I can escape todays session. I thought I did, but there was an unexpected copy.

On second thought I might have my interview now. Dang it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I closed the door of my room and went straight to bed.

I sighed. Finally.

I took the pocket book out of my hoodie. The moment I pulled it out something fell beside me.

Money.

I fished inside my sweatpant's pocket where I'm sure is where I always put my money. As expected, I pulled the fee that Kris gave me earlier.

Kiyan.

When and where he slip the other cash, I don't know but for now, I just wanna lay on my back.

I am staring at my ceiling. I've used up too much energy for one day. Today was a week worth of everything. On my peripheral view, a light is flashing from my side table.

What now?

I tiredly reached my hand to my side table. I sighed not reaching it. I lazily pushed myself to get my phone. When I got it, I laid down. You are not suppose to lay down while using your phone. It's bad for you but for my case, I just can't.

I read the sender. Ape.

I am not up for second!

I've done my quota, I'm just going to read them for now since regardless of whether I reply or not, I'm still going to be interrogated. Reading this will surely bring me sleep.

Ape: You owe me an explanation pig.

Not now.

Ape: What's with the look?

Why are you asking me?

Ape: Are you friends?

Dunno.

Ape: Tell me the truth. Was he really just escorting you?

I rolled my eyes. Yes.

Ape: Did you really babysit his niece?

Yes.

Ape: Does he even have a niece?

Wha-Why is he gonna lie. Unbelievable.

Ape: What's up with the smile?

That makes the two of us.

I realized, I was probably the one he was texting earlier. With that in mind, I don't see anymore of his nonsense. I settled my phone back on the table and just as I was about to shut my eyes to sleep, my phone lit once again. I groaned, reaching for it once more.

Ape: Is he Asian?

Racist.