Tip-off
Every morning, it's the same. I wake up at past five, take a quick shower then off I go to jog around the familiar streets of our village. I've been doing this routine since I was like, ten I guess? I'm not certain. But one thing's for sure, I enjoy this morning routine and I never get tired of it. The wind may sometimes give me the chill but it never hinders me from continuing to jog and sweat even if the sun is only half way above the first layer of clouds in the sky. And this is what keeps me going, the view of the sun rising from the horizon. I know it's so... unlikely for a guy to be saying something like that, but what can I do? It's the truth. And I'm not ashamed to admit that.
It was a little after seven when I came back to our little house, only to find out that we have an early visitor. She jumped off of her seat when the front door cracked open and she saw me stepped in.
BABBBYYY!!! She called, running to my direction with her arms ready to grab me by the neck - which she eventually did when she reached me. She hugged me real tight - swaying from left to right - like it was a decade ago when we last saw each other.
I was just going to say HI but Tita Maricel insisted that I should stay and grab some breakfast. She explained, releasing me from her bear-tight hug.
Oh man. How I wish that lasted a li'l bit longer.
I see. I grinned, looking over her shoulder to see what mom had prepared for breakfast. You finished almost everything! I faked a horrified expression, then she hit me by the arm slightly.
It's not my fault that your mom cooks so well. She said then winked at my giggling mother. Wait. My mom is giggling? Oh c'mon.
Enough of the sweet talks. I said then took a seat at the dining room. Now what brings you here?
I already told you. She followed me then took the seat beside me. I just wanted to say hi. She helped me out with the rice then put some bacon on my plate.
Then?? I know there's a thing you're dying to ask. I know that look. I said as a matter-of-factly.
She smiled my favorite smile, like a child being promised of a handful of chocolate bars.
You have practice later? I nodded, shoving the first spoonful of rice inside my mouth. Can I come with you? To your practice? Please? I promise I will behave! Please please please??? She had her hands together in front of her while saying those, and it never escaped me that she's showing me her puppy eyes. She looks so cute whenever she does that, and I'm always the sucker who falls for that trap.
OWKEI. I answered in surrender.
YESSSSS!!! She screamed in delight then flew her arms around me again. Thank you thank you Joshieee! I promise I will behave! She had her arms wrapped around my neck so tightly that I felt myself choking. But I didn't want her to stop hugging me like that so I just let myself choke, `til I couldn't take it anymore then gave up.
H-hey. Y-you'r-e c-cho-king mmee!! Her arms were gone half a second after I finished my sentence. She said sorry for a million times then left after a few minutes of thanking me and making sure she didn't kill me with her hug.
I already finished my breakfast when mom reappeared in the dining, smiling widely at me.
You two look good together. She said, still smiling at me. Chelsea's such a pretty girl. Not to mention that she's been raised so well. She's like the perfect daughter that I never had.
I know mom. I know. I said, drinking the last drops of water in my glass. But Chelsea and I... she's... I'm... I'm just her bestfriend. I stood up then turned to the sink.
And we'll always be just that. For her atleast.
