EIGHT

After a long walk from the cafeteria, I found Aae sitting on the bench. Coach Chris asked me to accompany him to the university hospital.

He was biting the straw of his chocolate drink while his left-hand was tossing the hardball in mid-air. He quickly sipped his chocolate drink before throwing it in the nearby can.

The baseball team's exclusive varsity hoodie jacket fitted him well enough that I would think he's always been part of the team if I hadn't known he's a transferee. I wondered how amazing he is in playing baseball because the team made an exception. Varsity players were chosen from seventh grade to eighth grade. Those were the only chances to join any sports team, so Aae must be an ace player for the baseball team to choose him even if he's already graduating.

"How long will it take us to go there?" he asked when we reached the main road.

I felt a bit awkward. I don't know how to manage a reserved person. I sucked at starting conversations and usually ran out of words.

"Hmm, it usually takes five to six songs when I walk, and just one song if I'm riding the tricycle," I casually replied.

There was a disturbing silence as his almond-eyes inched a little.

"Why? Aren't - oh!" I realized what I said. "Sorry, I mean fifteen to eighteen minutes if we walk, and just around three minutes if we ride the tricycle."

"Yeah. I didn't know you also count through songs." He slightly tilted his head.

It wasn't my idea. I learned it from a boy when I was in sixth grade. As I remembered, the boy was a baseball player in the rival school. I couldn't picture his face right, but I remembered his long hair. I asked him how long it would take me to reach the school, and he replied using songs. It was weird back then, though I realized it's unique, so I started doing it. I could no longer remember his face. I wonder where he is right now.

"C'mon, let's go to the tricycle station," I decided. I saw drops of crystal across his forehead due to the warm rays of the sun. His white complexion was slowly turning into pinkish the more we stayed in the scorching heat.

"No," he replied with a turn on his head. He brought out his phone, inserted the earphone, and started browsing. "We're walking."

"Are you sure?" I raised an eyebrow. I walked from school to the university hospital, but it's past one in the afternoon. I could already feel the taste of sweat in my nape down to my back. You gotta be kidding me!

"Yeah." He unzipped his backpack to offer his umbrella. "Let us see if it will take five to six songs." He flashed a smile. "Care to lead the way?" He gestured his hand in front before pulling his hoodie jacket.

When we reached the hospital, Aae checked his phone, "That's the sixth song."

My inner thoughts said, "Of course, why doubt? I've been doing that for the last few years."

I went to see my therapist on the fourth floor, so we parted on the third floor. I saw him entering the Ophthalmology Department.

Why is he going there?

I wanted to ask him after seeing our school doctor but chose not to. I don't want to be nosy knowing we're not close.

"Thanks," he uttered as we arrived at the school. I nodded and went our separate ways. There was no point in talking to someone who's not interested in knowing you. But still, a little effort since we're classmates.

Why does he seem to hate me when he likes everyone in our class?

After practice, I stayed at the pool since I missed it.

I liked the idea of not having to think about missing the bus or arriving late at home due to traffic. I only have to think about how to survive because I know nothing about cooking. I thought of eating at fast-food chains or buying a lot of instant foods today for my dinner when Zack arrived.

I was done with my shower and already brushing my hair while Zack is still wearing his jersey. He greeted me with a smile that never actually left his face. He's always fun and happy to be with and being with him made me forget that I'm sad.

"My mother brought a packed dinner because I'm staying late. I'm sharing this with you because," He pointed his index finger at me. "You look like you'll die of starvation," he joked.

"You're so thin." He stuck his tongue out. "I can lift you in one hand."

"If you want to share food, you can say it without insulting me."

He laughed. I rolled my eyes.

"You know, I was born to make you roll your eyes." He winked at me. I acted like I was about to vomit.

"Why are you staying late?" I asked as we shared the food. "Wow, Tita Zania's the best," I added.

Tita Zania is Zack's mother, who is a chef. His family owned restaurants and food establishments around the country. They're rich though he never bragged about it. I think they also owned five-star hotels and gasoline stations.

"Coach got mad at one of my teammates for being late," he replied. "How's the pool?"

"Well..." I started and just like every day, Zack listened to me. I am always grateful for his presence. He's my ride or die, though I would never tell him that.

Zack escorted me out of the main gate after we ate. "I'm so full," I reacted. "I missed your banana cupcakes. Please, bring me some," I requested. Their banana cupcakes were the best in town. My brother used to bring me those when he was still alive which made me miss him again.

"Sure," he nodded. "Oh, wait. Look above!" He pointed up at the sky. I stood in awe as the stars formed their lines around the moon.

"Wow!" I smiled.

"Good night, Zeekie!" He brushed my hair and a sudden bolt ran through my veins.

"Uh, you are ruining my hair," I whined.

His chuckle disturbed the calmness of the night.

IT took me two songs to reach the house by foot. My mother told me to look for a Victorian style house. It was easy finding it across the streets because it was the only house that featured the said style.

I was not sure if it was the Italianate or Queen Anne style. The house had a low-pitched roof contrary to our high ceiling at home. The walls made of bricks were painted blue. There were eaves, and tall windows highlighted the house. It's symmetrically balanced with a porch.

The unique features resembled the house in horror movies. But I was reminded of Baker Street in London.

It crept me out a bit.

I couldn't remove the thought of ghosts in my head. What will I do? Why is it so dark inside? Why are there no lights?

Aunt Annly, my mother's cousin who owned the place, worked as an anesthesiologist across town. She spent days at home and worked at night. Could it be because of a ghost roaming around her house?

The house looks abandoned. I don't know if my housemate was already inside. My mother informed me, and I was surprised to know I will be living with a guy. It's awkward, but my mother assured me she knows the guys' family background. I just hope he's not as creepy as this house.

I rang the doorbell twice and waited.

"Wow!" I initially reacted upon seeing the blue lights surrounding the house. There were lamps symmetrically arranged on the sides of the aisle going to the porch, which was adjacent to where I was standing.

It felt like London, though I've never been.

My thoughts were busy admiring the structures, finally ditching the idea of ghosts inside when the main door creaked.

The breeze rapidly brought the chocolate scent to my senses as he walked towards me.

I blinked twice upon seeing his puzzled look.

Aae?