“Say what you want. Just don’t be so complacent about this whole situation.”
My heart dropped to my gut. “Right.” I suddenly remembered how dangerous it was outside.
Someone was out to hunt me down, and here I am, stuck in a mansion for a hiding place. This
sure is fancy and cozy compared to all those hiding places in movies but stil , I’m at risk. Al this glamour doesn’t make it any less dangerous.
“Drei?”
“Yea?”
“Sleep well, okay? Or else you’l look awful.”
I chuckled. “Sure will. You too, Drew.” I suddenly felt homesick. “I know it’s too soon, but I think I miss you already, Drew.”
Just then someone emerged from the corner I’d taken a while ago, which was very close to
where I was sitting right now. I shrieked at the sudden movement, but quickly relaxed when I
realized it was just Carley.
“Is everything okay?” I heard Drew from the other line, his voice thick with concern.
“Yea, I’m fine. I just got a fright. But I’m alright. I think I need to hang up now. Good night,” I said to the receiver, my eyes still not leaving Carley who was now eyeing me suspiciously.
“Good night Drei. I miss you too. See you soon.” With that, he hung up.
I stuffed my phone inside my pocket just to get away from Carley’s gaze even for a few
moments.
She cleared her throat and neared me. I glanced up at her. She smiled gently, then sat down
beside me.
“Who was that?” There was something else in her voice aside from curiosity. Doubt? No. What
would she doubt? A hint of accusation? Maybe that’s it.
I straightened up in my seat. She was really tall and she sat very straight. I cleared my throat. I can’t tell her Drew was my uncle. We don’t know if we could trust her. Even if Anthony
was guarding me, stil I shouldn’t easily give my trust to anyone. I shouldn’t be complacent.
“A family friend.” There’s that excuse again. He’s family! That’s it!
She nodded meaningfully, as if lost in thought.
I fiddled my fingers nervously. What would she say? Would she be convinced? She should be.
Anthony was.
“You sound so close to him.” She smiled. That was a relief. At least she was back to old
cheerful Carley.
I smiled worriedly. I hope she wouldn’t notice. “Uhh yea. I practically grew up with him, since my
mom was always away.”
Her expression suddenly grew soft, as if I’d hit a nerve. “Real y? That’s why you sound so
attached to him.”
Attached? Of course I’m attached. He’s my uncle! “Uhh. Yea.” I unconsciously rubbed the back
of my head, like an ashamed little girl.
“But I stil hope that Anthony stil has a place somewhere in there,” she poked her slim finger on
the left of my chest. I suddenly grew embarrassed. Boy, how many emotions would I feel when
she’s around?
“I think I heard my name. Mind telling me about the topic?”
We turned and saw Anthony leaning by the corner. I felt relieved and nervous at the same time.
Relieved that now I have someone to share the teasing with and nervous that he saw Carley’s
gesture. That was pretty difficult to deny. Our topic was obvious.
“Oh. Speaking of the devil,” Carley taunted.
Anthony scoffed. Wait, did he just do that? That was so unlike him. “Right. Changing the topic.”
I cleared my throat nervously. “That was---“
“About you,” Carley finished for me, much to my discomfort.
Anthony eyed her suspiciously, though from the look in his eyes, I knew he believed her. “Is that
true, Drei?”
“Uhh, I---“
“Of course, don’t be sil y. Now get the ladies a drink. That’s the least you could do to make up
for interrupting conversations,” she shooed Anthony with her hand. For a split second, I thought
Anthony wouldn’t move but when he did, I tried my best not to let out a relieved sigh. I don’t
know what’s with these people, but they sure are a handful.
“Stupid guy,” she shook her head, smiling.
I tried to smile, but I wasn’t sure what slipped to my face.
“So, where were we?”
I blinked. I totally forgot what we were talking about.
She laughed at my expression. “Okay, okay. So I guess we both forgot about it.”
“Right,” I muttered. I was finding a way how to tell her that I wanted to go to my room already
but I was unable to form a decent getaway.
“Did you see the signs already?” she began chatting again.
I tilted my head in confusion. Did I miss something? “What…signs?”
“I’l take that as a no,” a smug expression flashed across her beautiful features.
“I think by now, you’re familiar with Anthony’s life as a basketball…” she seemed to be finding
the right word.
“Star?” I supplied for her.
“Precisely,” she smiled in acknowledgment. “Now, like any other star, there are also some
controversial news about him going around.”
Controversies? About Anthony? What would those possible be? He’s a good basketball player,
good at his academics, in fact his vying for honors, he hasn’t played with any girl so far. What
negative would there be?
“I know you’re confused since he seems so…perfect,” she said thoughtfully, “but there are some
issues about him that also puzzle me too.”
What?
We were both silent for a few seconds. I’ve never seen Carley so serious. Does this have
something to do with the murder of his uncle? The one my Dad witnessed? What negative
impact would it have against him?
“Drei?”
Her voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“You look funny. Are you okay? You look like you’re about to faint,” she chuckled.
“I’m fine,” I lied. I was suddenly nauseous.
“Wel , I better tell you before he comes back,” she whispered. “We think he’s gay.”
My jaw literally dropped.
“I don’t know if he’s confused or what, but some signs are quite disturbing.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. That’s why he’s so vain, he’s doing good in his studies, he’s so
gentle… That’s why he still doesn’t have a girlfriend.
“Are you okay, Drei?”
That voice wasn’t Carley’s. I snapped from my trance, realizing it was Anthony’s.
“I guess I’l leave you two, now,” Carley got up from her seat beside me.
“Night Carley,” Anthony greeted her, taking her place.
“Sleep tight, you two,” she
