My normal day begin with a breeze of cold air waking me up that came from the little crack in my window. As much as I love to keep hugging my pillows under my blanket that only keeps me warm, unfortunately, I don't have those extra free time so with my lazy eyes slowly get up.

Yap you right! Im poor but the moment you give up that's the time you will feel it the most, so enjoy it anyway at least you will not be bored thinking about what will you do first.

"Layla..." "Layla...

I know you're in there don't forget what day is it, I have already given you enough time you need to pay the rent now, or don't let me do something you will regret"

"Gosh!.. what a nice morning huh..."

Opening my drawers where my last drop of bills left, thinking..gotta find a part-time again. Then opening my door where Miss Beth stood with a cross brow but when I show her my payment for this month's rent she change into a big smile and left without a word.

Wow how fast her mood swings I can't imagine.

Upon closing the door my eyes get wide when I see the clock.

"Ohhh shoot I'm late!!!... "

It only takes five minutes for me to get ready for school and make sure nothing is left then get out of my apartment. Good thing I keep up with the bus just in time... in my hurry, I did not notice the man sleeping so I rushed set down beside him and slightly woke him up. Realizing what I have done I look at him with an attempt to apologize that turn into an awe...

"Lady! you can close your mouth now.."

That feeling when you felt your face burning. I quickly get myself intact.

"Sorry!.."

I moved a little bit away from him ashamed of what I'd done but not too long when some passenger came up, I need to move near him again to make space for others to set since were in the corner part, but a little slower afraid to wake him up, seeing he close his eyes again.

That was the longest bus trip I had ever ridden on. I quickly go down when the bus stop on the school premises. Then I hear the bell. I run as fast as I could, seeing the gate is closing and gladly I came in on time before it closes.

"hahhhh... that was close"

Taking a deep breath I walk fast again to the building where my class is.

I walk inside the room that is full of noise with different conversations that you will not know where to listen to first. But as usual me straight to my own space silently taking my notes and pens out of my bag and getting ready for the first class. Then the professor came in making the crowd quiet.

"Good morning class.." with a wide smile on his face.

"Good morning Mr. Collins.." said everyone.

"Before I start our class I please to introduce to all of you, your new classmates... Mr. Benedict, he just transferred here to our school hope you get along with him.." then he came inside the room.

"Please introduce yourself.."

I hear the crowd snap including me when I see our new classmates. The phrase pop up in my mind (what a small world) who would have thought I will meet him again in just a few minutes? I lower my head when his eyes meet mine.

"haulll... !" words came out of my mouth without thinking.

To my amazement, I did not notice he choose to set in the back seat next to me. I choose to pretend not to know him and ignore him for the rest of the class. The bell for class dismissal rang so I started to gather all my things back into my bag and plan to go for lunch in the canteen when I bump into something.

"Hi! We meet again! care to go lunch with me since you owe me an apology..." He said with a sweet smile.

I'm about to decline when he holds my wrist and takes my bag from me and tags me along with him. Then he suddenly stops which causes me to bump in his broad back and I move a step away back.

"Wait! I forgot I'm new here... where's the way to the cafeteria? "

"My hands first.." he might just realize it, slowly letting go of my hands, and tacking, his hands in his pants pocket.

"I lead the way... ahm by the way I don't have any extra money to pay for your lunch.." looking at him intently.

He suddenly smiled don't know what his thinking at all.

"No worry I intend to pay for the lunch today.." and he gives me a wink.

"You can treat me next time..! looking at me seriously.

Can't bare his gaze I turn around and start walking straight to the canteen. I just listen to his footsteps behind me making sure his following, not because of any reason, but only because he is still holding my bag.

When I was almost at the door I waited for him.

"Where do you want to sit?.." looking up into his eyes.

I just realized how tall he is, I felt like a dwarf beside him. I guess he's 5'8 ft tall because my head just lined up with his shoulder. When I open the door of the canteen I can feel the gazes of a few women that we pass by, I can't blame them his not only being handsome but he also has this charisma that every lady can't resist not even me, thinking about it I remember the first time I lead my eyes on him and I felt embarrassed that I can feel my face burning.

"Let's go there in the sets near the window..! and he leads the way to the area.

When he got there he place my bag in one chair and his on the other side. Finally, he plans to let it go.

"What do you want to order..? my treat.."

"ahmmed... anything will do.." don't know what's the choice anyway (at the back of my mind)

He passed by me and went through the cashier in the food area. I just set down and see what he chooses to order, good thing he chooses the same food I usually eat. Got lucky to be treated by a stranger my food budget was saved for later. In other situations, I would be shy about it, but being practical is the best solution when you are in need especially when it's offered first, so come on don't judge me.

"I hope you like what I pick up.. don't familiar with their food here..!" slowly taking the food out of the tray and setting it aside.

"It's fine I'm not picky anyway..." I said while thinking about what to eat first.

"It's just that you ordered a lot..! I exclaim not minding my expression.

He burst out laughing out loud while looking at me.

"What?.." I look at him wondering what is so funny.

"I'm starting to like you.." then he started eating with a smile on his face.

While, hearing what he last said.. still don't get why he laughed and was more puzzled about what he meant by that, decided not to jump to a conclusion, I just don't mind it anymore and started devouring the food I choose and I realize I'm hungry.

And starting that day, the loner has somebody tagging me along whenever he chooses to. But I get used to it anyhow since his fun to be with. I just wondered why he choose me instead of many guys and girls that trying to catch his attention to hang out with. By the time that I am not coming, he refuses them without a doubt. I do feel sometimes that something staring at me, you know that cold airy feeling, I just ignore it.

Time pass by so past it's almost graduation. Finally gonna look for a permanent job, not just a part-time one with low earnings. Me and Bennie (that's what I decided to call him which he hate at first but get used to it) make his studio-type condo as our hang-out for a movie marathon and my favorite place is his balcony where you can see the city lights like stars at night. His place is quite big; two rooms with a connected bathroom, with kitchen, sala & study room where he has his collections of books. I forgot to say his a straight-A student. He plans that, will have a grad celebration on the beach for a change he said. Just by thinking of it, I got excited, oh ocean I love it's been a long while since I'm away from home... I miss nature. So right now where in his place again, doing our thesis for the last month before graduation.

"Lay.. !" he called while typing something on his laptop.

"ehhmmmm....!" I respond not looking at him.

"Since we're graduating.. it would be best for you if you move in with me.."

I suddenly stop typing on his computer that he usually lends to me, and raised my head towards him, I caught his eyes also looking at me seriously waiting for my response. I think it out for a minute, I was about to decline but he interrupted me, knowing I will.

"Will come to think of it..!"

"You will save some rent budget.. and I would be glad you were here since someone gonna cook for me.. hehe!"

"but seriously think about it Lay.. my extra room can be a good advantage for you, will for me.. having a good meal with you would be enough... And also I will save some budget from ordering outside for my food.. win win right!"

Thinking about it from his point of view, his right! So I said yes since I'm having a struggle with my rent anyway. I will just help him with some supplies in return for my stay. So after graduation, I move in. And right now as planned we started packing for a trip to the beach for the grad celebration. He ask me to pack some foods for us to eat on the way, and he step outside for a bit. I finish packing the food and was done cleaning the kitchen area when he came back and started to gather all our belongings, I tag along with him since we didn't bring that much, In my hands was the food basket. I drop my jaw when he suddenly opens a sedan that is parked outside the door and starts to put all our belongings inside including the basket in my hand. By the look of it, there's no doubt it's new.

"Lay... Hoop In!!" he smirks while looking at me.

"Where did you get this?.." still in awe.

"It's a gift from Dad.. did not expect it either! He just told me to pick up something for him and this is what I got!"... He says with a proud voice.

"Wow, till your Dad adopts me wahhh.. your dad is cool 3x !!" I say while still checking the interior of the car, did not notice his looking at me smiling.

So we ride smoothly until we finally stop at our destination. The beach! OMG that breeze felt so good on my skin, in my excitement I run to the sea and take off my sandals to feel the waves splashing in my toes, ahhhh I felt closer to nature again.

"Bennie! Come here.. !" calling him with excitement.

[ Benedict POV ]

I feel like I'm home right at this moment. I just moved back to the country because my Father was reassigned to manage the new Branch of the company where he is recently promoted as a new Director. He wanted me to transfer school in advance so that I will get used to the new environment before I graduate, to make it easier for me to choose a career one day.

He is not the type of parent who insisting his plans for me, he always asks for my opinion and supports

whatever I choose to do, as long as it isn't bad for me. That is why many people know us or mistake us as brothers instead. Where like buddies supporting each other.

So here I am feeling the culture again of my hometown where I was born. The first thing 'kicked' in my mind when my dad told me to go home is to drop by in my hometown to visit Granny's. I miss them so much, they provide the love that I should have received from my mother whom I never had since I was born. She died giving birth at a young age.

And Yes! She and Dad had me by accident, they got drunk in a get-together outing with their classmates. They talk it over and attempt to abort me since their still in junior high, but thank God my Mom had a soft heart and cried out thinking of killing me. So Dad confess to my grandparents since he has no idea what to do next. The Adults decided to keep my Mom live with Dad in the Villa since they had fresh livestock that would be good for the pregnancy. But due to teenage pregnancy complications, my Mom did not make it, so I only know her by name and saw her in photos. I'm a male version of here. That is why my grandparents on her side think of me as their child in exchange for her.

Dad continued to finish school and made me an inspiration for his dream. While I grew up most with my granny's supervision I got spoiled a lot. Dad take college out of the country but he never miss checking on me, especially on my birthdays, and by the time he got a stable job he made me transfer school to live with him. My grannies visit us once a year mostly during my school breaks.

They will be surprised to see me right now, I can't wait to see their expression. I decided not to tell them to avoid a big entourage. I'm almost at the gate and decided to walk the rest to avoid attention, I don't have heavy baggage anyway, so I ask the taxi driver to stop before it gets too close to the gate. I paid and let him keep the change since it was a long ride. I got out and take a look at the surroundings, many things had already been changing, like the town square we pass by a while ago. Many establishments had been built already it almost looked like a city. I decided to start walking taking my time to look around and enjoying the scenery before me, the smell of the less polluted air is so refreshing even though it was almost noon. The guard approaches me when I step inside the semi-open gate and ask me what I'm looking for, I smile knowing he is probably new here and haven't seen me when I used to live here.

"Good morning, I came to visit my grannies but please don't let them know, I wanna surprise them.. " and I smile.

He looks at me intently, a sense of duty might running in his mind doubting my arrival, can't blame him though his only doing his job. Suddenly, there's a beep sound at my back that frightens me a little, and makes me turn around and my expression changes into a wide smile when I see Mr. Carlo the caretaker of the villa's farm area where I always hang out in my childhood.

"Mr. Carl, nice to see you again!.. " and I run near to his CSC San Gabriel motorcycle that slowly moving near me.

"Ohhh!!! Benedict... you have already grown so tall! He replied after he realized the name I call him. I'm the only one calling him 'Carl'.

"Man, I miss you!... " I did not wait for him to be out of his bike and just hug him in the side.

"How have you been my child?... I thought I would never see you again..." I can see some lingering tears in his eyes.

"Sorry, Mr. Carl it took me too long to visit you.." I said feeling guilty inside, poor old man.

"But good news!.. I'll be staying for good in the country"

"Really! Madam Cordelia and Sir Gaston would be happy to hear that.. come I'll bring you there..." and he restarted the engine of the bike.

"Ohh. I would love to!... " then I set at the back of his bike.

"Thank you!..." I said to the Guard. I almost forgot his existence there. He salutes me with a little nod of the head.

He drives straight to the Villa House where my grannies staying in. Hearing the sound of the motorcycle my grandpa came outside, and look who arrive at the door. His eyesight might be a little blurry already that, even Mr. Carl he did not recognize right ahead. But upon hearing his voice he did realize who is it. Will at least his hearing still do fine?

"Sir Gaston.. take a look who's with me..!" he said with excitement and turn off the engine and remove the key in the keyhole.

I get off the bike and slowly approach Grampa with tears in my eyes, I just realized that they're getting older already. That might be a reason that it's been two years since they haven't visited him again.

"Papa,.. " then I hug my old man. He prepares to call them that way since he didn't have proper parents as a child.

"Ben...?" the response of his grampa slowly realizing his presence.

"Yes. it's me, Papa.." I slowly release him from my hug and face him to let him see my face.

"My Benedict. Iho.." come to hear give your Mama a big hug my dear.." said my favorite woman in the world that just came out, might wondering what's the commotion about.

"Ohh my beloved Mama.. you're stunning as always!" which is true, besides the years that fade her beauty, you can still see the elegance in her.

"Your flowering words never change... you naughty kid! ..haha come inside my dear" she said while laughing.

"Mr. Carlo come inside let's have lunch together..! said Mr. Gaston while gesturing his two hands that they all come inside.

"It's my pleasure Sir Gaston, but I will not interrupt your reunion with Ben, so I pass for now.. but Ben you know where to find me please do visit our home my wife and children would love to hear about you.." while looking at me.

" Yes I will Mr Carl, I would love to.." I smile and hug him again before he left with his bike.

We talk the rest of the day about all the events of our life that we had been separated. I just got a chance to get rest at eight o'clock in the evening when they already felt sleepy as well, it's nice to be home it would be better if Dad could come along with me. But he mentioned that He will be coming once the project that his still handling is already operating without him.

I spent the whole school break strolling around the Villa and make it sure that my stay is worth it since I'll be staying in the City to finish my school year. And now it's time for me to go, to confirm my transfer to my new school. Dad already prepared everything including the studio-type condo that I'm gonna stay in, he mentioned that it would be temporary since his gonna buy a house near the company where he will be working.

I'm on the way to school riding the bus while listening to music with my headset, when my favorite song tuning in I close my eyes singing along with the song in my mind if only I were not on the bus now, I would have sung it loud. I was so into it when suddenly someone sat beside me that brush off my shoulder that cause the wire to pull out in the headset connector which stop the song. I got irritated with the person who sat beside me, I open my eyes and turn my head towards that person and then I saw it was a woman. My irritation disappeared the moment our eyes meet, she have the most mesmerizing hazel eyes that I've ever seen. My focus broaden and that's the time I notice her expression, her mouths drop open I have no idea what's she thinking about. I can't describe what I feel that time, I'm amused seeing, she's not aware of her expression right now. Good thing I managed myself not to laugh, I don't want to offend her.

"Lady! you can close your mouth now.. " the words got out of my mouth without thinking.

"Sorry.." I heard her say.

I look for the wire that fill down and attached it again to the headset but I no longer turn on the music, and I choose to close my eyes and try to convince myself not to look her way again. I felt her movements; she move away a little and I'm about to feel disappointed when suddenly she moved towards me again but slowly this time, she might think I'm sleeping. She got my whole attention along the ride when suddenly the bus stopped, I heard the door open and I feel her stand up and heard her footsteps walking out in the bus. I opened my eyes and look where I heard her walk through then I realized it was where I will be getting off too, the bus was supposed to start the engine again, I called out to stop it. I look around but I no longer see her when I get off. So I just walked along the way through the gate of the school where I'm going to be transferred. The guard stop me from asking for an I'D, I showed him the transfer documents and he made me feel up in the log book and he give me the visitors I'D, then he called someone who will bring me directly in the HR department. He showed me the way and when we were at the door, where I see the inscription "HR" he just told me to knock and go inside then he left. I just nod to him and say my gratitude then I followed what he said.

The principal decided to allow me to start the day in school already since I came early and the class just getting started, so that, I will know where my classrooms and my major are currently in schedule today. I was introduced to my major professor Mr. Collins and he bring me along to his class, which will be my first major class. He stop in a room and walk in, while I wait for him to let me get in. After he exchange greetings with everyone in the room he called me in and ask me to introduce myself. I make a short introduction just my name and where I came from. While my eyes rooming around the faces of my new classmates, our eyes meet again but it's quite too far since she sets at the corner beside the window. Mr Collins told me to set down because he'll be calling out for attendance already. I walk straight into the center and look around for an empty seat then I saw the chair next to her.

I don't know if she doesn't remember me or she choose to ignore me, she did look away when our eyes meet a while ago. So I focused on the discussion for the time being. The class dismissed I stock my things back in the bag and when I see her ready to go, I block her way.

I called Bennie to join me in the seashore walking barefoot. I saw him signaling that he will take out the food first. So I continue to enjoy the breeze and splashes in my toes, I even close my eyes and raises my both hands upward feeling like flying (imitating Rose in Titanic Movie) I was so into it that I did not notice Bennie beside me, that has a wide smile taking pictures of me. I only notice it when he calls me, I open my eyes and turn my head to where I hear his voice. My eyes go wide when I realized what his doing.

"Yah! How long you had been doing that..!

I walk towards him to snatch his phone planning to delete those photos, but he steps backward and raises his hand making sure I will not be able to reach the phone.

"that's so unfair..! I said but he just continue laughing.

I attempt to jump it out hoping I will be able to reach it out. my first attempt almost got it so he change the position of his hands and hide it towards his back. I attempt to follow the directions where his hands go almost hugging him, but he did not anticipate my reflexes so I got the phone. He tried to get it out of me seeing I'm deleting the photos, but before he could get closer I ran away from him, but having the advantage of being tall, his steps are wider than mine so he catch me in no time. I hide the phone at my back inside my T-shirt, and he attempts to reach it, in my back. I struggle so that, he will not be able to get it. But by the process it makes me fall out of balance, in my panic that I will hit myself in the ground, I reach for him to avoid falling but due to the soft sand where we are standing he was not able to keep his posture and we both fell instead. We were both laughing on the ground realizing what we were doing then he stop laughing and suddenly got serious while looking at me. I get conscious of the way he looks at me it's different from the way he use to look at me. It lasted for a few seconds we both did not attempt to move, that I already felt the weight of his body that press on me, I felt stuffy in my breathing a little.

"I can't breathe.." I finally voice it out.

He finally moved back to stand up and also gesture to hold my hands to help me up. We both shook the sand in our clothes and he help me in my back which I'm having trouble reaching got it more in my back since I lay down flat in the sand not to mention pressed down by his weight on me. So busy shaking off the sand that I forgot the main reason why I got it in the first place. Then I finally notice he stop cleaning my back clothes so I turn to him where I see him silently doing something on the phone, I walk closer to him to see what he doing. He's watching my photos that he took a while ago.

"Yah... Bennie erase that!" I shout at him and attempt to snatch the phone again..when he's not listening.

"I'll agree' but with one condition.." saying with a wide smile on her face.

"What?.." I ask looking at him with a keen eye, I knew it!

"I choose one picture... please just live one picture, for me.." he said and acting like a little girl, he even fluff his eyelashes, which I bet were much longer than mine.

"Fine..!" I respond, well who would say no when he starts acting like a cute puppy, he knows my weakness the most.

He flash a big smile and started to choose the picture he want to keep, and he showed me that picture. I rechecked if it was the only one pic he left. He choose the one, where I turn and look his way still smiling when he called m,e, and make a snapshot before my expression changed. I approve of his choice so I let it be, at least he did not choose the pictures that I look weird. I finally decided to give him the phone.

"Thank you.. my dear Lily!.." he said acting gay and put his hands around my shoulder. I shake my head in disbelief, I really can't win him sometimes.

"Let's go eat I already prepared everything..! pointing to the area where he place the food.

He places it in the center part of the hood of the car, he offers his hands to lift me so that I can sit on the top of the hood. Then he sits on the other side and hands me the lunch box where my favorites are packed. I accept it with gratitude knowing he also likes it but he chooses to give it to me.

"Thank you, you're the best!.. " I said smiling, and started to take off the cover of the container as usual I slice half the food and place it in the cover then hand it over to him and I start mashing the baked mac I added extra cheese when I made it.

After we devoured all the food, I place all the containers back in the basket. And take four cans of beer then we decide to sit on the sand while sipping the beer. He take his phone out of his pocket and play the music that we both enjoyed to listen. It synchronizes with the current ambiance around us.

"It's a perfect celebration..! were finally free from school!" I voice out loud like no cares in the world.

"Hey! You crazy little thing..aha.." he rebukes my behavior though you will wonder if it's for real cause his laughing.

He lay down after he sip the last drop in his second can, which took some time for the beer to wear off in him since his driving back home. I also decided to lay my back down on the ground and close my eyes listening to the music that fits with the sound of the waves then I hear him singing along, it was my first time hearing him singing.

( tuning in: Make it with you by Bread )

...Hey have you ever tried...

Reaching out to the other side?

I may be climbing on rainbows

But bab here goes

Dreams are for those who sleep

Life is for us to keep

And if you're wondering what this song is leading to,

I want to make it with you

I think that we could make it, girl

Though you don't know me well

And for every very little thing, only time will tell

If you believe the things that I do,

And we'll see it through

Life can be short or long

Love can be right or wrong

And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through

I'd like to make it with you

I think that we could make it, girl

Baby, you know that dreams are there for those who sleep

Life is for us to keep

And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through

I'd like to make it with you

I think that we could make it, girl

He stops singing when the song ended. I open my eyes to say my admiration for the first time for his newfound talent. I turn to him about to say something, but I saw him his lying sideways facing me so I suddenly forgot what to say. I did not notice when did he change his position. Is it just me or is he different today, I also don't know why I am always out of words, it feels like where back to strangers again that starting to know each other for the first time. I really can't read him today. So I give up and turn my head to look at the sky instead, afraid to break the awkward silence, but I heard him made a deep breath then a few minutes he sit down and turn his head towards me.

"I think I'm good.. let's go..?" he broke the silence.

"Are you sure..?" I reach for Hifor s hands that he offered to help me get up.

"Yap!, I think ..hehe, it's getting dark we better start going.. " he suggested, then start walking back to the car.

I manage to keep up by his side, I held his right shoulder which made him stop walking and he turn towards me again and look at me.

"Wait to be safe,..."

I hold his collar with my both hands and pulled him down at my level for me to be able to smell him. Positive, he no longer smells of beer, good thing we brought the light one. I release his collar when I'm sure he can drive now and tap his shoulder as a gesture he can stand straight now, it takes him too long to move his head back again he might not expect what I did that explains his expression is currently blank with wide eyes.

"Hey, Bennie!.. you ok?.." I ask while waving my hands in his face.

He stands straight and started walking without a word. When he was near the car he open the door for me but did not wait for me to get in and go already to the driver's side to get in. He wait for me to finally buckle up my seatbelt then he started the engine. I feel the awkward silence again, and no one attempted to open a topic so I decided to sleep instead, but before I get to be in deep sleep I heard him signing I am no longer able to ask him why because I drown in my slumber already. I feel the breath of someone brushing my face, but a feeling of familiarity in the scent so I thought it was my breath. Thought I'm dreaming, I felt a soft thing tap on my lips can't describe it, though I thought of it as a marshmallow thinking that, I open my mouth,h, and the soft thing pressed into my lips.

it also has moisture that tastes like mint, I felt the warm skin at the back of my neck and felt hugged by someone, the deeper it goes it transmits electricity flowed in my spine, Wow! This is a weird dream, it felt so real. Then suddenly, it pull away living an empty feeling in me, I felt disappointed that it was over when I'm about to enjoy the warm feeling it provides me, I waited for it to come back then I succumbed to slumber again.

I woke up in my bed, wondering how long did I sleep did not even notice when Bennie brought me to my room. Then I remembered the two can's of beer, it caused me a deep slumber and by that thinking, I remembered the dream, wow that felt so good! it's like giving a feeling like your "home" as the clock stops and you want to be in that moment only. I kinda crave that feeling again but don't know what was it since it's kinda blurry in my mind, the only clear to me is the feeling of it. I bend out my body to wash out my sleepy body and start moving to get off in my bed, then I go straight to the bathroom to take a shower. Done refreshing myself so I decided to go out to my room looking for something to eat I'm famished, and upon checking the time on my phone it was already past nine in the evening. The surroundings are so quiet but I do smell the food on the table and when I check on it, it's still warm. Wow! By the look of it, it's just been prepared, in my excitement I pick up one drumstick and start devouring it, it's so yummy, and want to eat already so I went to check Bennie in his room to ask him to dine with me. I knock twice but his not answer so I open the door which is not locked, he might not hear me knocking. I entered the room when I don't see him around standing by the door, but when I'm about to go out into his room the door to his study room opened. I drop the food I'm eating from the shock of seeing someone I don't know come inside, recalling from my mind if Bennie mentioned some visitor to come by and but I don't remember.