Silas and Stella went to eat in a food court. Stella can’t stop herself from crying; the film they watched ended awfully for her.
“It ended well. Stella there had the chance to live well, right?” Silas said while holding the tray
of food.
“I expected them to be together in the end” she answered. The two were exchanging opposite
perspectives from the movie.
“How could you be so positive?” Stella asked.
Silas smirked, “You’re the first one to ask me that. Maybe I’ve gone through a lot of negativities so I got tired and tried to be positive? I don’t know, maybe that’s it?” he answered.
“Anyway, how could you be so rich? You bought these foods, you paid the fair going here, the
movie tickets, and even the arcade tokens” she asked and brought up every expense they had.
“I can’t say that I’m rich. My family is rich so I’m getting some of their wealth through inheritance” he answered.
“Can cards be inherited?” she asked.
“No, these cards were used when I was in school. In the Philippines, they make a lot of teasing
until they decide to leech off your money” he answered.
“Wait. You know too much about me, what if I ask you too?” Silas added.
“I’m not that rich. My parents are working hard to give me a good life and I can’t overspend every time I want. Unlike you; you can even use that money in your wallet to take me overseas!” she answered.
Silas chuckled, “That’s too much. Just continue eating” he said and started consuming his food also.
Before the sun could set, Silas already taken Stella home. Stella removed Silas’ jacket tied from
her waist, “Uhm, I’ll wash this jacket first before giving it back to you” she said.
“No worries. Just take it, it’s yours now. My bad, it’s something old” Silas said.
“I should be the one being disclaimed. Anyway, thanks for today. I really had fun” she said while tucking her hair to her ear.
“I had fun too. Thank you for your companion. Without you, I’ll just be going around the church doing nothing and without visitors” he said.
Silas was about to walk back to the church when Stella held his wrist. It’s the first time he felt Stella’s warm hand in his wrist. He looked at her, “Is there anything else I’ve missed?” he asked.
“I want to tell you something” she said. Heavy breaths and heart beating fast. She looked directly at his eyes with blank emotions. Silas didn’t say a word. He waited until Stella uttered some, “I think I’m starting to like you.
What you made me experience a while ago turned me on. I know it’s not right for us to be like
this but I hope you consider my feelings too”
Silas looked away, carefully removing Stella’s hand from his wrist. “You’re right. It’s not good
for us to take this into the next level. Have a good night” he simply said and went back to the church with floating thoughts.
He saw his brothers seeing their parents off. The day ended with them being visited by their parents, while him ended the day with Stella’s confession.
Xavier approached him, “Silas let’s get inside before the rain starts pouring” he said.
Silas looked up the sky; small lightnings were peeking behind the clouds. The two walked together to their rooms. “How’s your day? I haven’t seen you the whole day” Xavier asked.
“It was fun. I got to go to a lot of places just like what I used to do” he answered but didn’t
mention something between him and Stella.
“By the way, inform Stella about the donation drive that we’ll conduct at the end of the month. You know, you’re the closest to her; it’s up to you on how you’ll tell this to her” Xavier said.
Silas just nodded; he doesn’t know how to talk to Stella after her sudden confession. He laid down in his bed while scrolling through his gallery. They took a lot of photos a while ago and it is hard for it to erase. He shrugged and closed his eyes; trying to absorb what happened few minutes ago.
“I think I’m starting to like you” those words kept running on Silas’ mind. He faced himself on the mirror, “She’s just starting. Don’t assume that she’s head over heels for you Silas” he said to himself.
He thought, “Why does it need to be this time? This time where I can’t commit”
Two days passed without them seeing each other. None of them dared to go to their usual spot, none of them dared to contact each other, and none of them tried to go to each other’s places.
Suren approached Silas, “Bro, have you told Stella about the donation drive? We need his father’s approval right away” he said.
“Oh that; I’ll find time later” he answered and continued cleaning the altar. Deep inside, he thought of how he can say his objective to her. He never did this when he’s talking to her but now, he took time to build up his courage and talk to her.
An hour after that, he went to Stella’s house. He was greeted by their housekeeper – Sister Hua.
He introduced himself and went inside the house. “Stella is correct; you’re handsome and your manners are good too” she said while preparing something to drink.
A few minutes later, Stella’s dad sat in front of him. He got nervous all of a sudden but he remembered only his purpose and not Stella. “Sir our donation drive will be done at the end of the month. Our ministry invites you to take part with us” he said.
Without a lot of discussions, Mr. Zhou agreed. “I’ve been consistent with your ministry’s donation drives. I’ll visit the church soon then” he answered and shook hands with Silas.
“By the way, may I know your name? I often see Bro. Xavier going here for donation drives” he said.
Silas smiled and introduced himself, “I’m Silas Tiueco. I just entered almost two months ago” . Mr. Zhou drank his tea and talked, “Your name is familiar. I think I’ve read or heard it
somewhere”. Silas’ heart started beating fast again.
“Uhm, I think because it’s quite common?” he answered.
“Yes, I think so. You’re a young seminarian; keep your faith on top and good luck on your vocational journey” he said.
After some kind of discussion, Stella got out from a room and saw Silas discussing something with his dad.
Mr. Zhou looked at her and called her attention. “Silas that’s my only daughter, Stella. I think she’s around your age” he said.
Silas looked at her. “I’ve seen her around the church lately” he said.
Stella didn’t say anything. Instead, he just excused herself and went to Sister Hua. Their
housekeeper asked her, “Is that the guy you are referring to?”
Stella slowly nodded. Sister Hua replied, “You can’t deny the fact that you like him. Look at that
face, it’s heaven sent. But one thing is for sure… you two can’t be together even if you convert yourself into a Catholic”.