A formation of a huge globule of dense gas and dust that contracts in its own gravity. A star will be born. It is observed by all of the universe, its vast regions of galaxies, super-giant stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. But this birth would not be visible for at least a million years.
#
- Rhed Vasquez -
I was still staring at the gleaming lake that reflected the bright sunlight. Sweat is running down the sides of my face, unbothered by the blazing heat. I was thinking about something else, or should I say, I was thinking about someone
An old camera was dangling at my neck as I walks briskly toward my classroom. It is just seven minutes, and I will be late again, the third time this week. As a fourth-year engineering student, I didn't want to fail this semester.
I wanted to finish this course but I'm planning to pursue photography, my passion, and my dream. Some may wonder why did I choose to study engineering if my passion is photography. Well, it is because engineering, unlike photography, is more stable and can make a lot of money, my parents say. That is why for more or less four years of my life in this university, I pressured myself to finish the course. Because this is what my parents want for me, and it was their final wish before the accident that killed my father and put my mother in a coma.
I sighed at the thought of today's class but I didn't want to miss any of the discussion. I enter the classroom and slam at the far corner of the room, I can see from the corner of my eyes that only a few of my classmates took notice of me. I'm not surprised because I didn't have any friends. In fact, I don't even know any of their names. I only know them by looks. I am an introvert, I can say. But being an introvert helped me to delude myself into trouble. I am aware that my pointy eyebrows and narrow eyes and my arrogant tone often draw attention and constantly get me in trouble.
And I did it. I'm not late for class today. I removed the camera from my neck and placed it in the bag. I didn't dare to pay attention as the professor began calling out the names of my students; instead, I stared at my desk, which was covered in scribbles of things I couldn't understand because of the manner they were written and various forms of vandalism.
"Rhed Vasquez," the professor calls out, but I'm too preoccupied in analyzing the vandal on my desk.
"Mr. Rhed Vasquez!" I was called for the second time. I was surprised and looked up then stutteringly said, "p-present." I wasn't even sure if that was the right response.
Some of my classmates looked at me, doing their best not to burst out into a laugh because of my stupid reaction, but just like every day, I did not care. I stop caring about other people's opinions about me. When I thought the professor is done with me, I lowered my gaze again. But he wasn't.
"Do you still want to take my class, Mister Vasquez?" The professor inquired. I'm not sure why he needs to ask such a question, so I just stared at him, not intending to say anything. I did gaze at him for about five seconds before I chose to speak.
"Yes, sir," I said plainly.
"Then maybe you can stop looking at drawings of dicks in your desk and start paying attention," the professor declared with such conviction that my classmates burst out laughing. I chose not to say anything because there was no sense in disputing with him. I could end up back in the discipline's office again.
After that, the professor starts his lesson. A three-hour lesson that would bore the hell out of me.
Despite my weariness, I was able to pay attention and comprehend today's lesson. Even though the class is over, I am still sitting in my chair. Not disturbed by the fact that I'm alone in this room again. But I liked it. I wanted to be alone. For me, being alone is the most peaceful indulgence. I can feel at ease here, but it doesn't imply that I'm happy. I am indeed sad.
Today marks the first death anniversary of my father. One year after their car was hit by a truck, and it ended two lives that day. My father's, and the drunk truck driver. I always think that it is unfair that the truck driver died. He would not be able to pay the negligence that caused the death of my father and the unsettling situation that my mother is in right now. And being the only child, all of my parents' assets become mine. But I knew that this was not enough to support me and his mother for the rest of their lives.
I was in the middle of these unending thoughts when my phone beeps. It was a notification from my Facebook page where I posts most of the pictures that I took. The page has over a hundred thousand likes, but nobody knows that I am the owner of the page. I never intend to gain popularity by taking pictures. I just want to share them. Maybe that is the reason why I named it Polaris. I didn't actually think about the name, I just came across this word when I was browsing something on the internet. Just like what I always do, I did not take notice of the notification. I just ignored it then decided its time for me to leave.
Just a couple of meters far from the parking lot, I noticed that my phone is not with me. I must have left it in the classroom. I then quickly turned to go back to the classroom but to my surprise, I bumped into another student, and both of us fall to the ground together with the things that the other student is holding.
"Fuck!" I groan as I stand putting away the specks of dirt on my pants. I annoyingly looked at the student who is picking up his things wondering why did he have to bump into me when the whole area isn't even crowded.
"Sorry, I just wanted to give you your phone," the student utters apologetically.
"I can get it on my own," I just said plainly as I snatched the phone from his hand and walked away without even looking back. A number of students are looking in my direction but didn't give them any bits of my attention. I just wanted to leave.
The sensation of loss overtook me once more as I drove towards the cemetery. I can feel sticky saliva lumps growing in my throat and my eyes becoming damp, but I didn't want to cry. As I pushed the accelerator, I wiped my eyes with my sleeve.
It's annoying to see that the weather seems to notice what I feel—droplets of water stains the windshield of my car. My mind was again filled with thoughts of guilt and rage. And before I noticed, I was already in the cemetery. With a huge sigh, I tried to shake off this feeling and step out of the car with a candle and a basket of flowers in my hand.
"Hey, dad," I casually said, assuming that my dad would be able to hear me. "It's been a year, and you are still the most unfair person I've known" I continued to talk to him as if he was going to answer me somehow.
I slam into the grassy ground and lay halfway, looking at the grey sky, feeling the little droplets of rainfall in my face. I am comfortable in this position because it prevents me from crying. It prevents me from being vulnerable.
#
- Cluefer Alcantara -
Driving to the university has never been exhausting. I'm a little anxious and mad. My father is hinting to me again about going to Canada after I finished my degree in business management. And I know in myself that I don't want that to happen. I wanted to stay in the Philippines, here in Quezon. But I know that I cannot argue with dad right now. I needed to finish my degree and talk about this matter later.
It was early for my first lesson, so I decided to take a tour around campus. I clearly recall every nook of this campus that I wandered for nearly four years. The buildings, the scenery, and all that occurred here, no, not only what happened here. Everything that has happened to me in my life. I have hyperthymesia, a unique disease that causes me to recall everything that has happened in my life in great detail. Some may refer to it as a gift. But, sometimes, I consider it a curse. I can't forget things I wanted to forget. I can't forget the promises that were made to me, I can't forget the lies that were spoken to me, and I can't erase the feelings of betrayals that I had felt.
I was in these deep thoughts when my seemingly supersonic ears heard a thud. When I looked around, I noticed a mobile phone lying in the hallway. There was no one else here except me, so I picked it up, and by then I had seen the display on the screen. Polaris was the name of a Facebook page. I knew who this phone belonged to as soon as I saw the page. So I hurried into the hallway and noticed Rhed ready to leave for the parking lot. I ran as fast as I could. But the next thing I knew, I was laying on the ground, in excruciating pain as a result of my fall.
"Fuck!" he said almost like a growl. Then I saw him also on the ground.
In an apologetic tone, I glanced at him and said, "Sorry, I just wanted to give you your phone." But, because he was known to be arrogant, he just glared at me and muttered, "I can get it on my own," then took the phone and walked away. I locked my gaze on him as he walked towards his car. He appears to be unconcerned with other students looking and whispering around him. I don't know how long I stared at him. I only came to my senses when Jade came running towards me.
"Hey Clue, what are you doing? What happened?" he asked checking my body as if he was a nurse.
"I just wanted to give his phone back to him."
"But why?"
"What do you mean why?" I asked full of confusion.
"I mean, why do you have his phone?
"I saw it in the lobby."
"And how do you know it was his?" he asked again.
"I just knew."
"Do you know him?"
"Yes, I know him. Rhed Vasquez of the college of engineering we were classmates during our third year in high school. We also share the same class in purposive communication when we are in the second year and two electives on the third-year first semester." I explained
"Oh, here you are again, Dr. Charles Xavier, you are using your superpowers again," Jade said jokingly as we decided to go into our classroom.
"I told you countless times, it is not a superpower; it is called..."
"Hyperthymesia," we both said in unison.
After our class, Jade decided to go on his swimming practice; he was a member of the swimming class. That's why I am all by myself again. And I don't want to go home yet. I don't want to meet my father even though I am not sure if he is in our home or not. I just knew that I wanted to be free from the responsibility that he is putting on my shoulders.
I find myself sitting on the concrete bench near the soccer field. The sun is shining brightly, but the umbrella of huge Acacia trees is giving me shade, and the fresh scent of the air breeze lingers around me. I closed my eyes and leaned halfway as I feel the air and the streak of sunlight creeping in between tiny gaps of the leaves. Out of nowhere, I remember Rhed Vasquez.
I recall him not acting this way before. He was humorous, outgoing, and had a lot of friends while we were in high school. But all of a sudden, he changed. He didn't hang out with his friends and was always getting into trouble. Rhed began to distance himself from everyone. There were rumors that his father had an affair with another lady, which Rhed found upsetting. He got enraged and defiant as a result. Then we heard that his father had died in a vehicle accident and that his mother was in a coma. After that, I didn't hear much about him except for the troubles he was involved in. I was thinking of him when my phone rings
"Yes, hello?"
[hey, Clue did you find any photographer already?] my groupmate Patrick asked me. We have a project in Marketing Management that requires good photos of the products, but one of the rules is that we cannot hire a professional photographer, so for the past few days, I am searching for a good photographer.
"Hmmm, yeah. I think I got us one. I'll just have to talk to him" I said as I have one in my mind the only problem now is how I would be able to convince him.
[That's good. Please let me know how it went so that we can prepare our materials]
"Yeah, sure, I'll keep you updated."
#
- Rhed Vasquez -
Just after the candle melted all the way, I decided to go to my mother. I was about to start the engine when my phone beeps and a notification popped up. It is a message on my page, so I didn't pay attention, but it kept ringing, and it displayed the same notification repeatedly. To my irritation, I switched it off and continued driving.
I arrived at the hospital and checks on my mom. She was there. In the same situation as the last time I visited her. She had a huge bandage on her whole face and had a tube in her cheek. I remembered one year ago, the doctor explained that my mother was going to be okay. I walked over to her in that state, then I hugged and kissed her.
"Mom, It has been a year, you can wake up already... please" My eyes welled up with tears again, but mum was completely unaware of what had happened. The only response that I received is the beeping sound coming from the monitor.
"Please wake up, I need you, I love you, wake up, say something, do something, move, please wake up, I am going to graduate soon, you'll have your engineer mom, and I want you to be there" tears are gushing non stop as I held my mother's hands. But still, mom made no response.
It's getting late, and I am tired of crying that I didn't notice I fell asleep.
"Excuse me, sir, the visiting hours are over. The patient needs to rest. "The nurse wakes me up.
"Oh, okay, thank you," I kissed his mother's forehead and leave.
On my way home, I was still despondent, burned out, and unmotivated. The only thing that keeps me going is the thought that mom will soon wake up and that she would be able to see that I did not give up. I decided to turn my phone on, and a countless notification pops up again, all from the same sender. It was from a profile with the name Cluefer Alcantara.
"Cluefer Alcantara," I whisper in annoyance. "Who the hell are you?"
Not that I am interested but more because I am annoyed I decided to see the messages this person is sending me.
[Hey, I've been following your page for quite some time, and your skill in photography really amazed me. My groupmates and I had this project, and we are wondering if you can help us with a photoshoot of our products]
After reading the message, I looked at the profile. The name seems familiar, but I cannot recall anything that connects me and this name. I closed it and didn't think of it anymore. I wasn't interested. I don't want to take pictures because of duty but because I wanted it.
#
- Cluefer Alcantara -
The first thing I do when I wake up the next morning is to check whether Rhed has responded to me, but he hasn't. He read the messages but did not dare to respond, so I got ready for school even though I have no class today. I looked up the fourth-year class schedules on the university website and discovered that Rhed did, in fact, have a 2:00 PM class.
I arrived at the university at exactly 1:00 PM, and I patiently waited for Rhed to arrive. I waited for almost an hour until I finally saw the man that I was waiting for. I thought he was going to notice me because I am smiling from ear to ear as I looked into him. But walking briskly, Rhed just walked past me so I shouted his name.
"Rhed," my voice rang through the hallway making him stop, and with his deadpan face, he stared at me for a moment. I can see that he doesn't know who I am but I am certain that he reads the messages I sent on his page.
"What?" he shortly asked almost making me jump.
"I'm just wondering if you've read my messages," I directly asked him, who is still wearing his deadpan face.
"No," then quickly turned away, not having to spare any time to think.
But really needed him for our project so I chased him.
"But I saw that you had seen it, "I said trying to catch up with him.
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"But..." I was interrupted when he stopped and turned around.
"Look, I don't know who you are, and I don't know what message are you talking about, so I suggest that you stop bothering me before I lose my temper and cause you trouble," he said without a pause and kept walking again. But I was determined I had to put out my last card.
"I know who is the admin of Polaris" I was right, this statement made him stop. Slowly, he turned around, clenching his hand into a fist, and walked in my direction, his glare was burning, and at that moment that I started to get scared. Our distance was just a few feet now.
"I don't know who you are, and I don't care. But let me ask you this, why are you bothering me?" in every word that Rhed said, I make a step backward until I felt the wall behind me.
"I just want you to be our photographer for our project, that's it," I said almost stuttering.
"I don't want to," then he turned around again and there I was left alone, my back still placed on the wall. I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but being so close to Rhed has rendered me motionless. Before I knew it, Rhed disappeared.
I checked every other room across the hallway. Most of them are filled with students, but Rhed Vasquez wasn't there until the last room a lecture was ongoing, and I wasn't wrong. Rhed was there at the farthest corner of the classroom beside the window.
#
- Rhed Vasques -
I looked outside the window and frowned, as I was trying to figure out who the stranger was on the other side and I realized that it was the same person who bothered me a while ago. My mood instantly changes. My eagerness to listen and absorb the lecture was replaced by the desire to punch this unknown stranger in the face so hard that he would never be able to annoy me again. I tried to ignore him, but I couldn't help but peek out the window every now and then, and every time I did that I still see him there, nodding and smiling whenever our eyes met.
The three-hour class is almost over, and I peered out the window one more time, and he was still there, but he wasn't looking at me. He appears to be looking out the front way of the classroom and paying close attention to the professor. Minutes later, the class is dismissed, but I'm not in the mood to head out quite soon, as I have been on other times. I check if he was still outside, but it seems that he had already left. That gives me the signal to walk out of the door.
I decided to leave the classroom and go straight home to sleep when a familiar annoying voice startled me.
"Hey! your class is done?" It was him again.
"What do you want?" I utter almost just a sigh.
"I told you already..." He doesn't have the chance to finish his sentence because I instantly said "no!" and continues walking.
He still doesn't want to drop it. He follows me as I went to the parking lot, and the moment I unlocks my car, he instantly squeezed himself inside.
"What are you doing, idiot?" I shout at him with such frustration, but he seemed to be not concerned with my anger.
"I won't leave here until you agreed to our photographer" he fastens his seatbelt and taps the driver's seat. " And another thing, I'm Cluefer Alcantara, but you can call me Clue."
My eyes are almost glowing with how much I want to confront him, but I can't. Something inside of me feels weird, it seems as though that I knew the stranger for a long time.
"Fine," I said.
"Wait, you're going to be our photographer?" he exclaimed.
"If you don't want to leave, I will," I then get into the car and starts the engine. He was stunned when I started to drive off. There was no time for him to get off the car now. We are already speeding through the road. I didn't waste my time being bothered by this stranger in my car. I just focused on driving.
After about a minute, he spoke, "Where are you going to take me?".
"I'm not going to take you anywhere" then I took a sharp turn. If not because of the seatbelt, he might have been thrown out of his seat.
"Hey, where are we going?" I can sense that he was getting worried now that he can see that we are not on the highway anymore we were on a barangay road. It was concrete, but it is visible that it hasn't been repaired since then. And there are not so many houses in here. I just happen to drive here one day when I wanted to wander off.
"Are you going to kill me?" for the second time, he almost fell on his seat when I stepped on the break.
"Is there any one person that told you, you are very annoying?" my low voice almost echoed inside the car. It made him swallow his tongue and prevented him from speaking for at least good twenty seconds, but he eventually came back to the zone.
"Nope, everyone says that they enjoyed my company," he responded.
"I don't believe you," then I stepped on the accelerator again.
"So, where are we going?"
"We?" I grunted.
"Yeah, you and I."
I stopped the car, and I noticed him roll down the window and peeked outside. I bring him to a lake or pond, I'm not sure which. But it's lovely here. The water sparkles as the sunshine reflect off it, while the wind whips up little waves on its surface. I saw him step out of the car and breathe in the fresh air. At that point, I took advantage of the chance to get rid of him. I hurriedly shut my car door and drove away, leaving him alone there.
I saw him in my side mirror he didn't even try to run after me. He just looked at me driving away.
I'm not sure why I'm driving so slowly on my way back home. I was confused as to why I felt obligated to return to the lake. Could it be that my mind was once again playing tricks on me because I didn't want to go home?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6bnwB9e5Q
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7hSrTfo1P
As I bounced up and down due to the type of road I'm on currently, I dodge a few ditches and got in a few potholes. The image of Clue runs into my thoughts. I'd hit the potholes on the road and practically scrape the bottom of my car. I realized that if Clue merely walked out of that lake, it would take hours, and the sun is setting now, and walking in such a place would be dangerous for him.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn76ktDgUU
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcml8TIWkY
In these thoughts, I turned the steering wheel to the left and reversed the car. On my way back into the lake, I noticed that raindrops had begun to appear on my windshield. I breathed a sigh of relief, but with a tinge of annoyance, as I spotted him sitting alongside the lake, unconcerned about the impending rain. As I stepped out of the car, I noticed his gaze at me with a puzzled expression.
#
- Cluefer Alcantara -
I'm powerless right now. I have no idea where I am, and I can't check my phone because there is no service here. But, strangely, I wasn't even mad. I had a sense of calm. I strolled to the edge of the lake and marveled at the cool water; fish swim and hide in the water lilies when disturbed. I wanted to feel the chilled water on my feet, so I removed my shoes and bathed them in the lake. All of a sudden, I'm left wondering why Rhed brought me here. While enjoying the water. I closed my eyes and let the sun's heat gradually fade away as it set in the west.
I then heard a sound of a car approaching I immediately turned around and saw Rhed walking out of his car.
"You came back?" I asked as he walks towards me. My feet are still in the water.
"I just don't want to get into any trouble. If you die here, I'll be the main suspect, which I don't want." He approaches closer, his hands in his pockets, and I wonder why he came back and suddenly started talking to me.
"You're not scary at all," I said as I looked up into him watching the sun showers him with its glorious sunshine
"It's getting late. Let's go. I have so much to do later" then he makes his way towards his car.
I was worried he'd leave me again if I didn't hurry, so I immediately slipped on my shoes and went to his car.
"So, what now?" I asked.
"What?" he irritatingly answers.
"Are you our photographer now?" I looked at him in such hope that he would answer yes, but I was wrong.
"I didn't say that," still focused on the road, he nonchalantly answered.
"But..."
"One more word, and you will find yourself out of my car" his voice filled the car again not giving me a chance to speak.
#
- Rhed Vasquez -
The ride was so quiet that I nearly forgot there's another person in my car. I turned my head to face the man seated by my side. Clue was checking his phone intently and typing noisily. But I didn't care about him; all I wanted to do was drive. And the next thing I knew, we'd arrived back at campus.
"You may get off now," I said normally, but somehow, it startled Clue. He looked around and realized we were back at the university.
"Why here?" he asked.
"Don't you have your car?" I annoyingly respond.
"Oh yeah, sorry," he went out now but poked his head on the door and said, "For the record, I'm not done convincing you to be our photographer. Thanks for the ride" then he left, leaving me more annoyed.
As I drove back, the rain began to fall hard. I was almost halfway home when I noticed the peculiar wriggling of my tire, so I pulled over to the side of the road and put my head out the window making me drenched, and there, I saw that one of my tires was running flat.
"Fuck," I muttered as i realized I didn't have a spare tire and the rain was falling heavier and the storm was becoming worse. The water is pelting my window and windshield, leaving the inside of the car pitch black and quiet. Every time there is a flash of lightning, I can see the trees on the side of the road are battered and crooked, making me feel even more uncomfortable. Cars pass by from time to time, but not a single one of them stops to check on me. Until there is one.
#
- Cluefer Alcantara -
I looked back in the direction of Rhed's car when it screeches and then disappeared. I can feel the cold, moist air and the droplets of rain, but I didn't want to go home just yet. I recheck my phone and read my father's latest message.
[Your mom and I decided. You are flying to Canada and handle our business there after you graduate]
I simply pretend I didn't read it. No, I just acted like I didn't care. Another thing is that I no longer want to argue since I know that for my father my opinion is worthless. I let out a deep sigh and looked up at the sky, which is the one thing that both excites and calms me. The stars. I was astounded by the science of this cosmic matter, how it was created, how it burns for millions of years, and how it glitters like little stationary fireflies in the sky. But those stars are not present now The sky is pitch black, and the rain is gradually falling, convincing me to get inside the car and finally drive home.
"Ah, sucks. Driving home is really troublesome" I reduced my speed for two reasons: the road is wet and slippery, and the other one is because I don't want to go home just yet.
Aside from thinking about Dad's message, I'm also considering how I might persuade Rhed. That's when I thought I was hallucinating. A familiar red Honda Civic was parked on the side of the road. I slowly stopped and backed up confirming that I was not hallucinating, it was Rhed's car, and I can see Rhed trying to figure out who I am.
We both rolled our windows almost at the same time. I can see Rhed's shocked face when he saw me.
"Hey, what happened?" I shouted because of the loud sound of heavy rain and thunder.
"Flat tires," Rhed says, pointing to his car's tires. Even if I can't hear him properly, I understand what he's saying. I can see his tire is entirely flat, and driving in that state in this weather would be unsafe.
"Come inside. I know an auto shop near here."
He appears to be hesitant at first, but then realizes he has no choice because the rain isn't going to stop anytime soon, and he can't stay in his car all night. He jumped into my car as swiftly as he could. Despite the fact that the distance between our cars is just about a meter, he was quickly drenched by the rain.
"Ah, shit," he said as he tries to dry his hair by patting it with his wet hands.
"Here, use this to dry yourself off, and I also have a spare t-shirt here that I think you can wear," I reached my bag at the back seat and give him the shirt.
"No need. I don't want to wear it. My shirt isn't that wet," Rhed said while patting his hair with the towel I gave him.
"Rhed, you are making my seat very wet. Just don't be a jerk and get changed," I said pretending to be annoyed.
He seemed to be absorbing what I just said to him. He can only give me a harsh glare and slowly remove his wet shirt.
I just stared at him while he does this. I can see that he has a slim body, but his muscle was firmly developed already. He is tall, almost the same height as me, and his wet face was very sharp.
It was still raining heavily but it was getting hot inside the car. So I reduced the heater, which he seemed to notice.
"Aren't you getting cold?" His deep voice surprised me. He was gazing at me as he said that. It was the first time I had seen him gaze at me in that way. He's not irritated or angry; he's simply staring at me casually. Inside, the atmosphere became so dense and heavy that it felt like half of my body was submerged, causing me to breathe heavily.
"Hey!" Rhed snaps his fingers. "Where is that auto shop you are talking about?"
Then I drive. I'm still puzzled about what happened back then, but because it was raining, I just focused on driving, though I did sometimes glance at him for no apparent reason.
None of us spoke, only the rustling wind with lots of rain and thunder applauded in the empty road until I decided to break the silence.
"I hope they are still open."
"They better be," Rhed replied.
"Hey, chill mister."
"Just shut up and focus on driving," he snaps at me making me quietly shake my head.
After about ten minutes, we arrived at the auto shop, it was small and seems to be empty. I can't see anyone around, but there was a sign that says "open."
"Are you sure we are in the right place?" he asked with that same annoyance present in his tone.
"Yes, look, there is someone," I finally saw a short but bulky man approaching.
"Good evening sir, is there anything we can help you with?"
"Yes, mister, my friend's car is running flat, and we can't risk driving on a flat tire in this weather," I explained.
"Okay, so where is the car?"
"We left it on the roadside just about ten minutes drive," I am the one explaining because Rhed seems to be exhausted and irritated for an unknown reason.
"Is that so? I understand, but we can't fix your tire in the middle of the rain sir, we might have to wait for the rain to stop."
I looked at Rhed, who is having a deadpan expression again. I don't know if he was annoyed, mad, or what.
"Hey, you heard that right?" so I asked.
"I'm not deaf."
"You can stay here while we wait for the rain to stop. You may park your car in there," we don't have any choice now so I just obeyed the man and parked the car in the side.
"Hey, let's get out," I invited Rhed and he just walks out of the car without saying anything,
I decided to approach the man when I got out of the car while Rhed just sits on the bench.
"I guess we are still lucky that you are still open even in this time, moreover in this kind of weather," I said trying to open up a conversation.
"Yeah, we usually don't stay open until this hour, but we knew that someone might need our service, especially when the weather is like this; that's why we try to be available as long as we can."
"Woah, that was very kind of you."
While I was talking to the shop owner, I saw Rhed pull out a packet of cigarettes, and he examined it. Even though the packet was a little bit wet, the cigarette is in good condition. But one thing seems to be off. He doesn't have a lighter or a match. While he holds the cigarette in between his fingers, he also approaches the shop owner and asks for a match or a lighter.
"Excuse me sir but may I borrow a match or a lighter?" I was confused at first. I didn't expect Rhed to be this courteous, even though he was still wearing his normal deadpan expression.
"Yeah, here" the shop owner gave him one.
"Thanks," he lights up his cigar, hit it, and blew in such a profound sigh. I noticed it and looked at him for a good ten seconds, while he went back on the bench again.
I approached him trying to start a conversation again.
"You know, according to studies, smoking reduces eight minutes of your life expectancy," as I said that, Rhed threw a sharp look at me
"You know, second-hand smoke is more deadly," and he blows a full puff of smoke in my face.
"Argh! that was rude, you know!" I annoyingly said.
"Yeah, I know," and he blew another. I inhaled it this time and it made me cough.
"And that is the sound of eight minutes of life expectancy, leaving in your body," for me almost sounded like a joke, but when I was about to laugh, I saw Rhed's face wasn't having any emotion, so I just ignored him.
"The rain isn't going to stop anytime now, so here is black coffee and bread, it's all we have now, so it's all we can offer," the shop owner offers us coffee and bread, which I find very kind.
"Oh, you really don't have to, but thanks. I am actually a little bit hungry," I got the two cups of hot coffee and the bread.
"Here, take this one," I offered the other one to Rhed.
"I don't drink coffee," he said then hit his cigarette again.
"Then don't drink it, just hold it so I can drink mine," I sarcastically said.
He gets the coffee from my hand while giving a furious look. But as he does this, I can tell that the aroma and the warmth of the coffee are radiating that he didn't notice he was also sipping the cup.
"I thought you are not drinking coffee?" I asked teasingly
"There's always a first time," he muttered, trying to avoid my eyes, so I didn't dare to speak anymore. Rhed's tummy growled as I was sipping my coffee and munching the bread. I turned to him, a huge grin on my face, and asked, "Are you hungry?"
"No, I'm not hungry" then his tummy let out another growl.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
"Really?"
"Yes, and please stop bothering me!" but I did not stop. To tease him I faced Rhed and eats the bread like I was promoting the food or something.
Then Rhed hits the last blow in his cigarette throws it and gets a piece of bread on my lap.
"Not hungry, huh?"
"Okay, I'm hungry now, happy?" the annoyance doesn't leave his face, but I didn't care. I wanted to tease him whenever I had a chance.
But I was still estranged on why does I felt that I have really known him personally for a long time when we just met yesterday.
#
- Rhed Vasquez -
An unfamiliar voice wakes me up, I was startled at first but I remembered that I am at the auto shop with this annoying man here. I looked at my watch and saw that it was already 2:00 in the morning. I looked on my side only to find an empty seat.
"Do you know where is my friend?" I asked the shop owner.
"I think he went on the car" he replied. And in an instant, I went to his car and found him sleeping soundly at the passenger's seat.
"Hey, you!" I shouted. "Are you awake?" I know he isn't but I asked anyway.
"Yeah! With your loud voice, all I can do is dream," he murmured and yawned.
"Sir, I think I can do the repair now. The rain had stopped," the shop owner told us.
"Oh yeah, the car," Clue let out another huge yawn as he stretch, then makes his way towards the driver's seat.
"Let's go," The shop owner mounts to his own car with his tools and a spare tire.
After about forty-five minutes, my car was fine again.
"Okay, I guess we're fine here."
"Yeah, thanks. So, how much do we owe you, mister?" Clue asked even before I did.
"Your total bill would be a total of 1,500 pesos" I was about to reach for my wallet when Clue gives 2,000 pesos to the shop owner.
"Hey, what are you doing?" I asked.
"Paying, isn't it obvious?" he answered sarcastically
"I know, but this is my car,"
"And no one is stealing it," he said, then talked to the auto shop owner again. "Sir, just keep the change. That's for the good coffee and bread, thank you!"
"Well, if you insist. Thanks, and please drive safe" with that, he gets in his car and drove away.
I was still confused so came close to Clue.
"Why would you do that?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?"
"Why would you pay for that repair?"
"Well, I just feel that I need to pay for that because that happens because of me."
"What?" I am starting to get more annoyed with this guy.
"You damaged your tire because you came back for me, and I need to make it up to you."
"..." I was trying to find the right words to say when Clue spoke again.
"You know what, just don't worry about it, just think of it as an advance payment for the photo shoot."
"What photoshoot?"
"You are going to be our photographer on Saturday at 9:00 AM, don't be late, okay?"
"And when did I agree to that?"
"Just now, so please if you would permit, I have a class at 9:00 AM later I need to go home" Clue let out a huge grin and went inside his car.
As I watch him drive away, a notification on my phone pops up. It was a message request.
[Saturday, 9:00 AM at the university parking lot. In case you forget]
I just sighed deeply and walked to my car. I light up another cigarette before starting the engine to keep myself calm while driving. Then I remember something: my wet shirt is still in Clues car. With that, I took out my phone and responded to Clue's texts.
[hey, bring my shirt tomorrow]
#
- Cluefer Alcantara -
Before driving away, I check my phone, and as expected, tons of messages from mom fill up the notification area of my phone, but I just ignored it. I decided to open my messenger app and search for Rhed Vasques.
[Saturday, 9:00 AM at the university parking lot. In case you forget] I messaged him but didn't have the chance to wait for his reply.
I drove away, but I can't explain why something feels different. Every time I was driving home I felt like there is a heavy and huge balloon swelling inside of me but now I felt a little lighter now. But I don't think it was a feeling I needed to be used to. So again, I let out a contented sigh and drive.
A little later, my phone beeps again. And I know that it was eighter from my mom or my dad so I ignored it and just focused on driving. I arrived at our garage at the back of our mansion. I went out of my black 200 Honda coup and inspected the garage. Jade always says that our garage is the size of a small house but I don't believe him I would not know why he would think of that.
All I can see here is dad's luxury cars. Every single car of the mansion is parked here. All except for one, the car that dad uses. Maybe it was because dad isn't home anymore or isn't home yet.
I went inside the house directly into the living area, where a grand chandelier is hard to miss. I scanned the living room, the TV screen, the couch, and the bar. I spot the TV was showing the news, and the remote was sitting on the table in front of the couch. It was unusual because no one was around. I went to the kitchen, and there, everything was normal, except that it was empty. I let out a huge sigh, and almost at the same time, someone spoke from behind me.
"So, you decided to go home at last," it was mom. She looks very young at his age, but at the same time, just like all other times, there was something of a blank stare on her. "Have you lost your phone? been robbed? or just intentionally ignored our messages."
"Hey mom, yeah, I'm sorry I got stuck on an auto shop because my tires are flat and my phone died," I said in a nonchalant tone, almost sounding like Rhed except that his voice was deeper and sounds a lot more arrogant. And that line, I always used those lines I just change it from my tires are flat or that I hang out with Jade. I know she noticed that but she never asked if I was telling the truth or not except now.
"That's it? That's your explanation again?" my unconvinced mother exclaimed and I am not surprised. This was always the scenario here. Nothing was new.
"What else could it be, mom?" I didn't notice the sarcasm in my tone. I didn't want to sound that way but it was too late to retreat now.
"Is this about you going to Canada?" At last, she said it. I just looked at her with the glass of water in my hand was shaking.
"Is it? good thing you know." I said.
"We've talked about it, didn't we?"
"No! Dad made the decision, and you agreed. You agreed to every decision he made. So where am I in that? It is my life we were discussing; I was leaving everything here, every memory, every experience, everything I had "My lips are trembling, and my throat has dried up. But I didn't dare to blink since it might disrupt the volume of liquids that was building in my eyes.
"But your dad needs you there. He needs you to help him, and all that he does is for you, for us" I noticed mom's tone was calmer than it was before, but it doesn't ease what I am feeling.
"It was always about dad for you and not about me, so please stop saying that it's for me because if it was, we wouldn't be having this conversation now," and I rushed into my room, leaving mom in the kitchen alone.
I slams the door and dived into my bed. It was the safest place for me; my room when I am alone. I always think that no one really understands me. I buried my face on my pillow and let out the loudest scream I can do, simultaneous to the sobs and the non-stop flowing of tears in my eyes until I fell asleep.
#
My alarm clock let out a loud sound, indicating that it was already 8:00 in the morning. I searched for my phone in my pocket but I remembered that it was still in the car. So even if I am still exhausted, I went my way into the garage. I saw that dad's car is still not there. I was about to get my phone when I noticed a shirt was crumpled into the seat. I was Rhed's. I did get it and decided that it must be washed since it was soaked in the rain last night.
I was on my way back to my room when I read a message I wasn't expecting to get.
[hey, bring my shirt tomorrow]
Before I knew it, I was smiling.
"Good morning, sir," one of our maids greeted me, making me almost jump.
"I'm sorry sir. Did I scare you?"
"Oh, no. I was just startled. It's fine don't worry" I said as I approach her. "Can I ask a favor?"
"Yes sir, what's that?"
"Can you wash and dry this shirt? I need it ready before nine" then I handed the shirt, which the maid examined.
"Sir, this shirt isn't yours, right?" the maid asked.
"Yeah, It was my friend's. He helped me last night." I said casually.
Almost fifteen minutes later as I am preparing my things for today's class the maid knocked on my door and handed me Rhed's shirt.
My phone rings, as I am on my way to the university. I answered it without looking who the caller is.
"Yes, good morning."
[do you have my shirt] the moment I heard Rhed's deep and arrogant voice, I stepped on the break and made a full stop. Lucky that there were no cars behind me or I'll be screwed.
"Hey, yeah, I hav..."
[I'll get it at the parking lot] he said then he hung up not even waiting for me to finish what I was going to say.
"Rude," I murmurs.
Not long after, I was already in the university's parking lot, and there I saw a tall man leaning on one of the cars. It was Rhed who seem to recognize my car. Since there was a vacant space, I decided to park there.
"Where is it?" he asked the moment I stepped out.
"Here" I handed the shirt, and Rhed snatched it then walks away, but after a few steps, he turned and asked, "did you wash it?" I looked at him and smiled. "No, our helper did." he just rolled his eyes and walked away.
"Hey, Rhed, don't forget on Sunday," I shouted, but instead of turning around, he just raised his middle finger in the air.
#
- Rhed Vasquez -
I parked my car just in front of the house. Even if we have a garage, I never parked there, and besides, I am exhausted. I went to the kitchen to drink a glass of water, and make my way into my room. This was my routine for almost a year now. Being alone in this house prevents me to do anything. The house feels very empty, and it seems to grow more and more each passing day. Making me unable to stay here for a long time. This house just became a sleeping place for me. I get in by night time and leave during the day even if I don't have any classes.
As I was lying on my bed, I do nothing, just staring at the ceiling, my mind is completely blank. I wasn't thinking of anything; I just wanted to fall asleep at least. Slowly, my eyes become heavier and heavier each second. Until I heard the upbeat music grows loud and that I felt my body swaying into that beat, and there I am in the middle of the crowd, but it was strange that I cannot recognize anyone. I tried looking for any of my friends, but the flashing neon lights were blinding me and starting to make me dizzy. None of my friends are here. Everyone was a stranger. Then I felt my phone vibrates.
"Hello" I tried my best to understand the inaudible sobbing sound on the other line, but I just can't. The music is too loud, and mom cannot speak straight. I knew that time that something was wrong, but the music and the lights, plus the fact that I'm a little drunk, makes me be flighty, so I decided to get out of the bar. But what I saw outside made me agitated but almost made me unable to move, flashes of red and blue lights are hitting my face, and crowds are preventing me from seeing what happened to the wrecked truck and the upside-down car. Gradually I make way towards the scene, and with every step I make, the sound of the siren grew louder and louder, very loud that it seems to be just beside my ears until I shut open my eyes and turned off my phone's alarm. I was panting and sweating as I woke up.
I came to realize that it was Sunday today, and just like any other day, I wasn't happy about it. Because it means that I have to do something or stay in the house but staying in here will suffocate me. But I can't explain why I woke up a little early than I usually do. It's just I felt that I need to wake up early today and even if I'm done eating my breakfast, which is also new to me. I usually, order food or eat at the Briner's but here I am now finishing the bacon and egg I prepared for myself.
[Hey, we'll wait for you at nine. See you] after reading this, my brows furrowed. I'm trying to figure out what does this annoying guy means. That's when I read the previous messages he had sent and finally, I figured it out.
I was supposed to be Clue's photographer for a project, but I don't recall agreeing to it. But something didn't feel quite right. The next thing I knew, I was prepping for a shoot that I had never planned. I grabbed my old camera and lenses. Overall, it was still quite bizarre. I look to be in a better mood these days. It's lighter than normal. Even if the concept of becoming Clue's photographer irritates me, something within of me still wants to do it in some way; the feeling was subtle, but it gives me a sense of purpose.
I rechecked everything I need before I went off. It was only a quarter before nine when I arrived at the university parking lot, and Clue was already there. But he wasn't alone. Two other students were waiting with him. I can tell by his reaction that he recognized my car.
"I told you he would agree," I heard Clue tell the girl, maybe his girlfriend.
"But is that really Rhed Vasquez?"
"Yes, and just like I told you, he will be a very great help for this project."
"Just make sure that he wouldn't be the reason why we are going to fail," the other one, said.
"He won't, I promise."
"You know that I can hear you, right?" I told them as I approach. Hanging on my neck is the same old camera that I always use. Clue didn't entertain my question. He just introduced the strangers to me.
"Hey, Rhed. These are my groupmates, Arah and Patrick, and they will be your model for today's shoot, so be kind to them, okay?" I just looked at the two people in front of me, I was scanning them from head to toe so that I know how I would take their photos but it seemed like I am making them uncomfortable so I turned to Clue.
"So are we going to do the shoot here?" I asked. Clue smiled and responded, "No, in a much better place" then he gets inside his car. His groupmates followed, so I also went to my car but Clue came running after me.
"Where are you going?"
"To my car, obviously."
"You don't have to. We'll use mine. C'mon"
I stopped and looked at him.
"What do you think of me? I can't drive?" with such annoyance, I asked.
"That's not what I mean. It's just too much carbon emission harms the environment" then he made a huge annoying smile again.
"What are you talking about?"
"What I'm saying is we'll just use my car. Let's go," he then went back into his car where his groupmates are.
I don't know what got into me but I followed Clue and sits in right at the passenger seat. Annoyance is still present on my face.
"Okay, let's go."
The journey towards the location was tranquil. I can see then his groupmates are having whispered conversations at the back while glancing at me from time to time. But I'm used to it. I just ignored them and decided to just look outside. It seems that I am familiar with this road. I took a sharp look at Clue.
"In the lake?" I asked.
"Yes, our project was about printed ads for summer editions of our products; thanks to you, I found this perfect spot."
"Whatever," I sighed and continued to gaze outside knowing that this annoying man won't stop talking if I asked more questions. A little more later I already feels the bumps on the road and the gradual thickening of the bushes, which indicates that the lake was near. A few road bumps later, we stopped.
"Okay, this is it," he said proudly.
The sight here was always stunning. The setting was the misty side of the glittering lake with ducks and fish swimming and those white birds with long beaks and legs trying to catch small fishes. With the sun's reflection on the water, the sky was glowing clear blue, almost like a huge mirror. But at one side of the lake, the scene was different. There, the light-brown water and the green land were so strongly contrasting that one could easily see the end of the lake.
"Woah, Clue, how did you find this?" the girl named Arah asked as she drenches her feet in the chilly water.
"Well, it's quite a long story, let's just say that it was because of a friend" then he looked in my way while I do test shots of my camera.
"Oh, that was unfair, I'm not yet ready," he said fixing his hair and attempting to pose.
"I'm just checking my settings, idiot," and I point the camera away from him.
"That's rude," I heard his whispers.
"Okay, it's all good. Don't waste my time and get your friends ready," I instructed them. To my surprise, Clue really did what I have instructed.
After about ten minutes, he told me that the models and the products are ready for shooting, so we moved to the set, in the shallow part of the lake. Clue was telling me the scene that he wanted to achieve, and the annoyance that I always felt towards him seemed to disappear. I can also easily picture what he wants. Plus the models also seemed to be very comfortable with each other as they posed in an embracing position. Also, and they did not seem to be tired of countless poses because the photo session lasted for almost two hours.
Most of the time, it was just me who instructed the models and Clue was just staring at us, smiling wide like a psychopath.
"Can you check this," I approach him to look at the photos. I shuffled the photos in front of him but he didn't give any reactions. I looked at him and saw that he wasn't looking at the pictures anymore. He was staring at me. I don't know what happened but I can't look away. We stared at each other until I decided to speak.
"What?" Cliche, but I felt that weird feeling again.
"No nothing, It's just the photos are outstanding. I'm sure we're going to get that flat 1.00" then he tried to look away.
Confused, I just stared at him be like that for a while until I turned back to the photos and continued to talk to him. We talked about the shots that I had taken that day and how he will have a copy of those.
"So, how can I have a copy of these photos?"
"I'll send them to you once I'm done processing it," I said as I start to pack my things.
"Okay, by the way, I'll message you my number so you can call me."
"So, are we done now?" Arah and Patrick have just finished changing and tidying up the set, and from their looks, the tiredness has just come in them.
"Yeah, I think we can go now, let's go, Rhed," Clue told me, but there is still time for the day and I don't want to go home just yet.
"You can leave me here. I don't want to go home yet. I'll just walk."
"Are you sure?" I didn't answer. I just raised my arms with thumbs up.
I heard them get in the car and drive away. When the sound of the vehicle disappeared I looked back and saw that I was indeed alone. I make my way to one of the bamboo benches on the lakeside and drenched my feet in the cold water.
#
- Cluefer Alcantara -
We were eating on the fast-food chain downtown when Rhed has become the topic of our conversation again. It was Arah who opened up about it.
"You know what, Rhed wasn't really bad after all, right?" she said.
"Yeah, I also noticed that, in fact, he was good, besides his very deep and arrogant voice, and he was actually nice to work with," Patrick agreed.
"See, I told you not to judge a book by its cover," I said while finishing my meal. "Maybe it's just because of the incident that happened to his family that's why some people doesn't seem to understand him."
This made me think about what had happened to Rhed, the lake was far from the highway and he doesn't have his car. So I decided I should go back.
After we ate I talked to Arah and Patrick.
"Hey, something came up, and I really need to go somewhere. Can you guys take the taxi instead?"
"Yeah, sure, no problem," Patrick said, then give me a light tap on my shoulders.
"So we'll be going now, see you in class," Arah asked.
"Yeah sure, and I'll be sending you some of the photos I took on my phone. "
They agreed and then call for a taxi and left off. I went back to the counter and ordered another meal for take-out hoping that Rhed is still there.
#
- Rhed Vasquez -
I stretches my body as I inhaled deeply, hoping to release some stress and tiredness from today's photoshoot. I think that it was good for me, even if it isn't planned. I don't have to spend the day alone in the house and I hope that Clue would not bother me anymore.
The wind blew and I felt that the breeze here is different, it is cold, but it brings me warmth and comfort. I look at the burning sky as the sun was beginning to make its way into the west, but its magnificent shine is still present and making the wind-disturbed lake glitters.
As another gush of wind blows in my face, I again inhaled so deep, then let go in an equally deep sigh. My feet were still dipped in the water while I stare at the small fishes hiding under the shade of the water lilies. I wasn't aware that I was in here in almost an hour. My feet form wrinkle on the tip of my toes, so I decided to get it out of the water and planning that I should probably get back into the university before sunset but when a sound of an approaching vehicle caught my attention.
I recognized that I was Clue's car but why is he here? Why did he come back? He went out of his car wearing the same wide smile that's always present on his face, and his hand was a paper bag.
"Leaving so soon?" he shouted, but I didn't respond; instead, I sits back and waits for him to come.
He puts the bag of food beside me and sits on the bench as well.
"Why did you come back?" I asked nonchalantly, still not looking at him, but I smelled the food on the bag, and it came to me that I haven't eaten anything since morning.
"Well, I just thought that it might be tiring and dangerous for you to be walking your way out of here, and besides, I don't want any trouble. If you died here. I would be the main suspect," he said trying to imitate my voice which made me annoyed.
"Happy now?"
"Nah, I'm just messing up with you. Here I brought you some food" he handed the bag to me. But I hesitate to take it, I don't know why.
"I'm not hungry" but when I said that, my stomach betrayed me again and growls very loud that it makes Clue laugh hysterically.
"Are you sure you're not hungry?" he asked again while he wipes the tears that are the result of laughing. I just looked at him in a deadpan face wondering what's so funny about that.
"Are you done?" the sarcasm and my tone stopped Clue from laughing. "What do you have there?"
"Okay, so I don't know what you want, so I brought you spaghetti, fried chicken, burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries, oh! I also have...."
"Give me the fries," I cut him. He handed them to me and watched me eating, unconsciously I offer him to get some.
"Get some" I can see Clue was perplexed by what I did. Even I wasn't sure why I did that but this annoying man declines.
"No, that's all for you. As well as all this" pertaining to the foods on the paper bag.
"I said get some!" my tone intensifies, making Clue a little nervous while he gets pieces of fries.
After we ate all the fries, I got the burger and tore it in half. Again, offering the other to Clue.
"So, why aren't you leaving yet?"
"I don't want to go home yet" I can see that it wasn't the answer he was expecting from me. I know by now that he was expecting a sarcastic or annoyed one but it just came out of my mouth. I think that he drains all the sarcastic juices that I have so I can't do sarcasm now.
He was looking at me as if I said something wrong but looked away almost instantly when our eyes met again.
"May I know why?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqTClCSDbk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp0tfc7BNo
"It feels empty, and it suffocates me. I go there every day just to spend the night, and every morning that I woke up, the house seems to be bigger, but it feels more suffocating. I'll be crazy just by being there" I sighed deeply again.
He seems to be finding the right words to say but what came out to him was unexpected.
"You know, you owe me something" I looked at him perplexed. "I thought the photo shoot was my payment for that repair?"
"No, not that, It was the one you've made a long time ago," he explained.
"Excuse me, we met just like weeks ago. What are you talking about?"
"You ruined my coloring book when we were in grade four," he said as the sun was halfway into setting now, and it is gradually painting the horizon different shades of pink, blue, and purple.
"What in the hell are you talking about?" I was very confused right now. I don't have any bits of idea what he was talking about. Clue, on the other hand, was living in the pleasure of seeing me confused.
"We were classmates from elementary until high school and some electives during second-year college. And when we were in grade four, I remembered that time the weather wasn't very nice. It rained a lot that the water almost gets into our classroom. Then the teacher told us that we could do coloring while we wait for our parents. And when I am done coloring the star Betelgeuse, you grabbed it and threw it out of the water, and that's how I started hating you," Clue explained, while I almost make my pointed brows met due to the intensity of how it is furrowed.
"And you remember that because what? You wrote it in your diary?" I asked.
"No, I Remembered it. I have hyperthymesia," Clue explained again, but I was fed up already and thought that Clue was just messing with me again.
"And what is that? A special superpower that made you remember everything?" I said.
"Yes, but it's not a superpower. It is a rare condition," he said seriously.
"You're so weird," was the only response that I gave him.
The sun has set completely, and gradually, the stars appear one by one until a bright glittering red star comes of sight.
"Hey Rhed, did you see that?" he pointed at the huge red star.
"What about that?" "You owe me that! You owe me Betelgeuse."
"You are the nerdiest person that I know," I told him but Clue, instead of being offended, just continued to discuss things about Betelgeuse, but I can't focus, I'm just too tired of listening to all this nerdy stuff.
"And do you know that it is said to be that five years from now, Betelgeuse would be in the state of supernova?" he said in such enthusiasm.
"And where is that state located?" I sarcastically asked.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny," Clue replied while making a funny face, and the next thing I knew I was smiling at his silly gestures. I smiled again after every long time that I felt my face had become more relaxed. Clue noticed it and I'm sure he would make fun of me smiling. But he didn't. He didn't even say anything. We just look at the sky full of stars tonight until we decided to go.
He brings me back to the university to get my car, but before I went out, Clue reminds me of something I can't understand again.
"So remember this, you owe me a supernova Rhed Vasquez."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDNj9apDCy
