Chapter 3

ANVI

After closing the bedroom's door, I sat at the chair near me. I still can't believe what Zilla did. It just added to the things that I'm thinking—Jof, Kryzel, Dernate. I heaved another sigh of frustration as Dernate's voice echoed inside my head.

"I just wonder if you were also like this when our rainbow met its end."

A memory flashed. A memory that once haunted me for the past days of my life. A memory that I also wanted to bury deep into the land of the forgotten.

"Let's meet up to the usual place." I clicked the send button and tossed my phone to the bed. I need to make this decision. I need to tell him because it would be much difficult if I'll just continue on making him hope for something that was long gone.

"On my way." I stood up upon reading his reply. It was three in the afternoon and the sun still shone brightly, ruling the whole wide world. Some people were walking while others were sitting at the benches, talking to one another like it's a good day for some chitchats.

I made my way to the near cafe where my favorite milk tea was served. The door chime made a sound as I pushed the door gently. A nice and cozy ambiance welcomed me when I made my way in. Inaudible sounds of people's voices filled the room harmonizing with the cafe's ballad music. Seconds passed, a hand rose among the sitting customers that was followed by a voice. 

"Anvi!"

My eyes fixated at the one who called. His eyes sparkled while waving his hand at me. He wore a gray shirt and jeans paired with rubber shoes while the curve on his lips signifyied that he's happy. I apologize in advance if I ruin it.

I sighed and smiled at him. My trembling hands found their way to my pockets while I walked towards his direction. Every step that I make, all I thought was how I will make this go smoothly without hurting him but I know, I know what I'm about to do will not make him happy hence it will only fade the smile that he's wearing right now.

He stood up and pulled a chair for me. I shut my eyes close for a second and balled my fist. He shouldn't have done it. I sat across him and stared at him for awhile. He looked so glad. He seemed to be shining brightly because of his joyful aura.

"I already ordered your fave milk tea." He broke the silence. It just hurt me that the scene was too good to bust it but I can't let this continue.

"You don't have to." I avoided his gaze and looked somewhere far from him. I can't look at him in the eye for now. My throat was becoming dry as I heaved a sigh.

His brows creased and laughed a bit. "Why not?"

"I...I—"

What I'm about to say was cut off when he spoke. "And here it is!" 

The waiter put our orders on our front and then left. I just stared at the cup for my appetite just left me even if I wanted to take a sip. I should do this as quick as possible. Before speaking, I gulped and gathered all my strength. I'm sorry for doing this.

"Let's break up."

There, I said it. My heart pounded fast as I wait for his reaction. The smile on his face disappeared. He slowly sipped from his drink and asked, "May I...may I know the reason why?"

His eyes became weak while he shifted his gaze to me. Those glistened because of the potential tear being prevented from flowing out. I wanted him not to cry but right now, that's actually not possible.

"The rainbow suddenly lost its colors," I responded figuratively. The rainbow...was the reason.

"I see." He gulped and looked away. "It's Jof, isn't it? He's your new rainbow."

I don't know why he was also using the rainbow metaphor but I think it would be better this way; talking about it figuratively. I noticed his hand shaking slightly and he put it in his pockets when he saw me looking at it.

"That's—"

"I understand. Sometimes, things were bound to end for us to learn something from it. And you can't force someone to stay when that person already decided to leave." He smiled; a weak smile to be exact.

I looked down. Him, being so calm bothers me more. I expected him to be mad and shout at me or even embarass me in this place but none of that happened. He just sat there, biting his lip and whirling his tongue inside his mouth.

"I'm sorry..." I stood up and left before seeing him cry. 

I don't want to make it more difficult. Dernate is really a good guy and was a good boyfriend. Even if I didn't want to end our relationship, I just can't be with him out of pity. That would be unfair on his part. The moment I got out of the cafe, all the strings attached us already broke.

I still can't forget that time even if it happened two years ago. His eyes, the words he said, and his weak smile remained fresh and clear. 

Twenty minutes had passed after my daydream and it's time to go down. I wore my usual baggy clothes before barging in to the living room where the clothed Zilla and the strange guy sat.

They were silent as if talking would be a sin. Between Zilla and I, I maybe the younger one but we pledged that we have the right to roast one another because we're sisters. When someone's at fault, whether you're younger or older, those doesn't matter.

I sat across them, eyeing them alternately, checking their physical appearances. The red mark on Zilla's neck made my brow arch more. Judging right now, I can say that they aren't comfortable but I don't care. It's their actions who put them in this situation. They are to blame. 

The guy acted as calm as the still waters but his Adam's apple constantly goes up and down. His face is also familiar. I've never seen him before but his facial features do ring a bell. Zilla looked so worried but none of it can stop me from doing what I'm about to do. I shifted my pace and they did the same. I scoffed. Why so tensed? 

"Go, explain."

"Uhm... He's my boyfriend."

I rolled my eyes at her utterance. Zilla sometimes speaks nonsense whenever she's being interrogated.

"Of course, he should be. I'd be more mad if he's not your boyfriend but you brought and made out with him here in our own house."

I want to laugh at her face right at this point but I can't blow my "mad sister" cover for it will make them feel relieved. They must feel worry and anxious first.

"About what you saw..." She fidgeted her hands and looked anywhere. Maybe she's not comfortable with the conversation but I really don't care.

"We didn't actually do 'it'. It's nothing serious—"

She stopped speaking when she saw my eyebrows meet each other. That's not a good excuse, Zilla. I thought you already prepared about it. I even gave you twenty minutes to plan your answers.

"Even if you didn't do the thing, we both know it is still serious. And you know our rule which is 'anywhere but here'. I never expected for you to break it." It made her silent and look down, biting her lips. A rule is a rule. No exception.

"You." I deviated my attention to the guy who's now sitting straight. "Explain."

"I am J-Jeruo and we've been together for a year—"

"A year?" I faced my sister. "Zilla?!"

All this time, she's in a relationship? Why didn't she tell me? Now I have enough reason to bang their heads on the table. She just kept a secret from me for a year. To make it worse, it's all about romantic relationship! Goodness.

"I'll explain l-later, okay? Let's finish this topic first," Zilla plead. I have no other choice but to sigh and nod in defeat. I'm actually having a doubt on who's older between us. This is exhausting.

The guy named Jeruo cleared his throat. "And I'm here to invite you two for a family dinner."

My brow raised. "Family dinner, you say?" I emphasized the first word. Family? I don't think so.

"Yes. Tonight, we'll have a dinner with my family so I went here to invite you and join us. I will introduce Zilla to my family," he answered carefully, avoiding any unpleasant word to come out from his mouth.

"Does inviting include making out here, too?" I asked sarcastically. They both became silent and that's when I laughed humorlessly. 

"Kidding." My face became blank. "And why am I invited? Zilla is your girlfriend here. I'm not involved." I laughed again.

"Because it would be great to invite her elder sister—"

"Excuse me?" Did I hear it right? Well, this is another cause to make me raise my brow. 

"W-what did I say wrong?" he asked in a clueless manner.

Zilla jut her elbow to Jeruo's side. They looked at each other while making weird faces like they were communicating. I crossed my legs and leaned backwards.

"That's so suspicious. You are in a relationship for a year yet you don't know her family background?"

"I just thought you were the eldest because you're acting like one," he excused.

That's nonsense. I rolled my eyes before standing up. "Whatever. If your business is done here, leave." I headed straight to the kitchen but before that, I glanced at Zilla with I'm-watching-you kind of look.

The water from the pitcher produced a guggling sound as it flew to the glass. I immediately drank it and wiped the side of my mouth. 

The moment Jeruo stated that he's gonna introduce Zilla to his family, I felt happy for her since I never experienced one. On Dernate's case, I was the one who insisted not to meet them because I was still not ready while with Jof, he never offered. I felt touched because someone took the pitchy Zilla seriously in a relationship.

My thoughts halted when I felt my face dampen. I touched it only to know that I was already crying. Here we go again. Can I just stop this and live happily? Why is it that everytime I am drowning into deep thoughts, tears will just go out without my consent? What's wrong with my eyes? I heard footsteps walking towards my direction so I instantly wiped my face and fixed my poise. 

"Anvi."

I turned around to see Zilla, wearing a slight smile. Her moon-cut hair flowed effortlessly to her neck. Her pointed nose looks good including her hazelnut eyes. She's beautiful. I wish I can be like her.

"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have kept it from you—"

"It's alright. I'm happy for you."

I know I had the right to throw a fit but what can I do? That's what makes her happy. How can I forbid her? She just needs to know her limitations then, all will be good.

She smiled and threw herself for a hug. "Thank you."

"Yeah, no worries."

We stayed like that for a moment before we agreed to change our clothes into casual ones. I checked myself on the mirror. My dark blue dress stretched its length few inches below the knee paired with ballet flats. I tied my hair into a chic bun, emphasizing my jawline. The light makeup on my face is enough for me to be satisfied.

A knock on my door interrupted me. It was Zilla, wearing a maroon cocktail dress which showed her curves. Her open back neckline adorned with the slingback wedge sandals she wore. No wonder why Jeruo fell for her.

We smiled at each other before walking outside the gate. That's where Jeruo stood outside, leaning at his car's hood. He's wearing a maroon-colored polo. That's when I realized that maybe they agreed about the color which made it obvious that I'm just the chaperone. We immediately drove off to his house. 

The large gate walled the house like it was protecting it from the outsiders. A big fountain rested at the center of their front yard, screaming elegance with the well-trimmed bushes are at the side. The night added to its grandeur facade which made me smile a little. We entered the house, with them at my front and me following behind them. The white wall was sculpted with ornaments while the marble floor echoed as we walked towards a room.

As Jeruo opened the door for us, a sight made me feel enrage with anger. I threw a glare at Zilla that's now shaking her head slightly while having a shocked expression.

Seriously!