I was resting against the railing when I saw someone in the corner of my eye approaching me. I
didn’t turn my head, knowing I wouldn’t like the view.
“Tired already?” Carl’s irritating voice said as he leaned against the railing beside me.
I didn’t bother answering and just continued staring ahead.
“Ooooh. Just because you date a teacher, doesn’t mean you can share the authority too.”
I scoffed at him, but stil didn’t open my mouth to retort.
“Ran out of excuses?” he snickered.
“Andrea, Jonathan’s waiting for you.” Drew was suddenly beside me, gesturing to Jonathan who
was standing steps behind him.
“Right,” I muttered, joining Jonathan who had a questioning look on his face.
“What was that about? Drew suddenly asked me to look at you as he approached you and---“
“Let’s join the twins.” I interrupted him, not breaking my stride.
He shrugged, and glided after me.
~
I didn’t know what Drew told Carl but he didn’t come near me the rest of our stay at the rink. At
about one in the afternoon, Drew invited us to lunch and we obliged. We entered his favorite
restaurant and settled ourselves at the table nearest the door.
I scanned the room and saw a familiar face at the table on the far side of the restaurant. Before I could blink to check if what I was seeing was real, Kristine announced it out loud.
“Anthony’s here too!”
I looked away. Jonathan snapped his head toward me, just as Drew stood up and headed to the
men’s room. Kris was about to stand and approach Anthony when his twin held his arm.
“He’s with someone,” Kristine almost whispered, eyes glued to ‘them’.
Slowly, my gaze went to their direction again and saw that Kristine was right. I figured it was a
girl, who had her back on us. I looked away again, not wanting to see who it was. I felt so foolish I didn’t know why.
Drew got back and took his seat beside me.
“Guess he also knows how to play games too,” Drew whispered.
“Who?”
“Him,” was all he needed to say for me to understand he was referring to Anthony.
“Oh.”
The waiter approached us and took our orders. When he left, I saw Anthony turn his head
towards us and Kristine waved happily at him. He smiled back, and Kris gestured for him to
approach us. I was silently wishing that he’d stay right where he was, but half of me wanted him
to get near and have small talk with the group.
I was half-pleased when he raised his hand as if saying ‘later’.
“Good old Anthony,” Kris muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He sounded amused.
“Yea.” I whispered and Drew shot me a consoling look.
~
Chapter 17
"I'm so full!" Kris sighed as he leaned back on his seat. Kristine nudged her elbow on his side, and he quickly straightened up.
"Thanks for lunch, Mr. Hamilton," Kristine shot Drew a grateful look.
"Don't mention it, Kristine."
Jonathan whispered something to Kristine just as Drew whispered something to me.
"Ready for a game?"
I stared at him. "What game?"
"Prank." He smiled conceitedly.
"W-what---"
"Hey Drei, I think we have to go now. The twins and I have something important to do. Will you be okay if I leave you here?"
Before I could take in why he was such in a rush to leave, Drew spoke up, "Sure Jonathan.
We're fine."
My best friend stood up from his seat, along with Kristine who was smiling happily at him.
Whatever it was that they were talking about, it sure amused her. Kris stood up too, but had a
confused look on his face. I assumed he was just forced to come with Jonathan and Kristine.
"Uhh. Bye Drei, Mr. Hamilton. Thanks again!" Kris muttered as he passed by us, following
Jonathan and Kristine's tail. Jonathan shot us one meaningful look before finally disappearing
from the door.
"What is happening, Drew?" I almost glared at him.
"I told you, we're playing a game," he said as he took my hand in his and stood up. Reluctantly, I stood up too. He was looking at the direction of Anthony's table. I followed his gaze, and was
surprised to see that they were still here. How long were they planning to stay here?
Drew and I were standing awkwardly before we finally moved out.
"What was that about, Drew? Wanted to gain attention?" I asked him as soon as we left the restaurant. He finally let go of my hand.
"Didn't you see his face?"
I huffed, rolling my eyes. "Near-sighted Drew."
"Oh. Right," he scratched the back of his head in realization. "He stared at us. Suspiciously."
I blinked. "So?"
"So, he's in the game too."
"Okay," I muttered, tired of asking him what game this actually was. "What role does he play then?" I pushed on.
"The victim," he answered absentmindedly, his eyes lingering on an item we passed by. I
winced at the word. Just like his uncle. I shoved the thought away.
"Of course. The reward I get by the end of the game is the priceless look on his face," he teased.
I stared at him in disbelief. "You really are mischievous."
"Sure am," he snickered.
We strolled the mall for a few minutes. Sensing that my uncle was bored, I suggested that we
go see a movie.
Checking his watch, he muttered "Just in time."
He pulled me toward the direction of the cinema. I had to keep up with his long strides to avoid
from tripping. He was oblivious to my struggle. At last, we reached the cinema. He secured our
tickets and I went to get our food. Though we just had lunch, I knew Drew too well. He didn't
want to miss out the chance to eat while watching a movie. I was so engrossed with my
thoughts that I didn't notice someone already joined the line beside me.
"Drei?"
I turned to the voice and almost froze to the spot when I saw Anthony looking down at me.
"Oh. Hi," I mumbled.
"Where's the others?" he scanned the place quickly.
"Uhh. They left," I replied uncertainly.
"To?"
"I really don't know," I spoke, as if talking to myself.
"Who're you wi---"
"Done Drei!" I heard Drew chirp behind me. "Anthony?"
Anthony turned, and I saw his face flash with uncertainty.
"Hi, Mr. Hamilton."
"Good to see
