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11/23 (Web Novel) - Chapter 18: #TooMuchOfEverything
Chapter 18: #TooMuchOfEverything
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
“Too much euphoria is perfect madness and destructive reality is melancholia.”
-x-
How can something be defined as too much? When it hurts too much the pain starts to feel numb? When too much happiness hurts like a bitch? A song once said, too much of everything is too much, and maybe it’s fucking true because Jhing’s dysmenorrhea¹was killing her the first week of the first month of 2016.
Welcoming the New Year?
Too much… fucking… pain!
“It hurts.” She kept on clutching her stomach.
Miko asked,”You got your period?”
“No. Not at all. I had a circumcision.”
“Ay yeah!” said Miko which made people near their table looked at them. “That really hurts indeed, especially when they injected your ski—”
Jhing cut him off. “SHUT UP!”
“Weird,” Facio commented. “I can’t tell if you’re happy because you’re together or because you’re so close to killing each other.”
“Okay, Yayo and Fall need to know this,” July whispered, typing something on her phone.
Jhing wanted to stand up, raise her hand, look up and shout, take me, Lord!but maybe next time when there’s no pain anymore. Fucking cramps and being a woman.
People in the book team were surprised Miko and Jhing were talking to each other; rather, were close. Their closeness may or may not have started when Jhing dragged Miko to the doctor for a check-up. After all, she found out that Miko’s UTI-excuse was something that happened 2 years ago.
Even though it was a hassle to visit the Doctor to and fro for a test and remind Miko to drink his medicine, but at least, Jhing didn’t feel lonely that Christmas week.
He was her distraction from reality.
“Crux has no problems. It’s probably because of staying up late and work that he got low blood pressure,” the Doctor had said. “Take vitamins and iron, rest well, and eat more properly.”
Miko even joked and patted his stomach. “My stomach is too picky, Doc. It’s a rich kid. It only accepts lobster, caviar, and medium rare steak.”
Both the doctor and Miko laugh but Jhing didn’t. She even scolded him after consultation. “Why aren’t you taking care of yourself?” Jhing poked Miko’s bags under his eyes. “And what is that, a laptop?”
“No. 25.1 inch monitor of Asus and—” Miko laughed at Jhing’s sudden change of mood. Afraid of Jhing’s poker face, Miko nudged her in the shoulder and said, “Because I want you to take care of me.”
“Why don’t I just push you in front of the train?” She pushed Miko which made the car on the side honk.
Miko quickly stepped aside as he saves his life from Jhing’s hand. “Not the train! I can’t even survive a car ah,” he said, looking at the cars on the road.
Jhing, even if it was tempting, didn’t push Miko on the road. She didn’t want to pay the hospital bills so… nevermind. After that, Miko kept on bugging Jhing – and she let him.
A few days after, Miko was proud of himself when Yayo asked him what the spelling of his name is. It seems like she’s considering of using his name for her baby. It was an absurd idea, Jhing thought. But how can she debate with a pregnant woman crushing like a teenage girl?
“You look so proud,” Jhing commented.
She had so many works to do; author signings, events, and publishing books. She needed an overtime because her deadline is crawling closer to her like a Grim Reaper.Miko did too.
“Of course,” Miko said with a smug. “Isn’t cool? Melchizedek will also be her baby’s name.”
“Ate Yayo’s baby is a girl,” said Jhing. July also texted her when Yayo gave birth that night.
“Then use Melchizedeka, is that a problem?”
“Disgusting.”
Miko laughed but made a face. “Hurts. Aw. I didn’t even get the chance to watch the Ayala Lights—”
“Excuse me,” Jhing cut him.
“You’re excused.”
Jhing rolled her eyes. “You couldn’t watch it because you were sick. If you took care of yourself properly, I could’ve dragged you myself to the Triangle. I would even put you on top of the tree for you to become one of the Christmas lights.”
“Wow.” He placed his elbow on Jhing’s chair. “Is it because I brighten your dark world?”
“Go back to your seat,” Jhing said and pushed Miko.
Because he was sitting in the computer chair, Miko slid backward. He wanted to roll closer to Jhing once again but Miss Zue came and asked if they’ll be staying for a little while.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Miko said. “I was just talking to her about the Novella. It’s a hassle to send an email.” Miko went back to his place and continued his illustrations.
When Jhing got tired editing, she went to Facebook and started scrolling down until a video caught her attention. Jhing smiled at her idea and called Miko.
“Oy.”
Miko looked at her. “What?”
“Not you.”
Miko dragged himself and the computer chair towards Jhing. “What’s up?”
“You’re not the one I was calling.”
“Yeah, right. You were looking at me when you said Oy,” He smirked. “Besides, I’m the only person you’ll call because you miss me.”
Jhing didn’t bother to argue and played the video Fall posted. It was a minute video of the Ayala Triangle Christmas Lights. The lights danced with the music. The whole time they were watching the video, Jhing saw Miko’s smile.
“There you go. You got to watch Ayala Lights.” Jhing said after the video.
“Yeah.” His smile widened. “And I watched it with you.”
Jhing ignored her traitor heart’s beating. Good thing Miko left when Jhing pushed him again. She started scrolling down before going back to the latest news.
Miko commented on Fall’s post.
Miko †
the heck, who took this video? not only it is short,
the image is even blurry. should i let you fall off a cliff, Fall!?
Fall Ying
fuck you. do you want me to block you?
you’re just watching for free here ah!?
Miko †
( 'థ౪థ)σ''ﾞ
Sam Wer
OH NO THAT IS SO CUTE WHERE DID YOU GET IT
Miko †
seen
Sam Wer
PO?
Fall Ying
lololololol
Jhing shook her head and smile as she clicked Miko’s account. She couldn’t stalk anything because his profile was private. The add as a friend button was screaming at her. Jhing’s heart started to race when she hovers on that button…
To click or not to click, that was the dreaded question.
It was at that moment when a voice from behind made her jump. Jhing panicked and before she could stop herself, she pushed the restart button. Her face paled as she closed her eyes and tried to breathe properly.
Do not cry, Jhing.
She saved that 30 pages edit.
This happened to her a lot of time. First was an accident, second, a mistake, and third was stupidity. She sure hoped she wasn’t stupid enough to not save the document. Please.
“What happened?” Miko asked from behind her.
Jhing calmed herself down before taking her bag. “I’m going home.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
Miko smirked as he followed Jhing. Because the elevator was taking too long, Jhing decided to use the stairs. Miko followed behind her like a shadow. Never in Jhing’s thoughts that they will be this civil; her and him – too civil that maybe, they’re like friends, close with comfort and familiarity.
But gods! Her manuscript. Agh, whatever.
While walking down the stairs, Miko told the story of his friend Marco²– the gentle guy that was dancing with Miko and Ulysses – who fell in love with his student. Jhing wanted to comment, but who was she to judge?
When they got out of the building, Miko rested his arm on Jhing’s shoulder like a brother. “Your birthday is coming ah?” he said. “Where are we going?”
“What where?” she asked. “I’m not celebrating.”
Miko frowned. “Why not? You should celebrate while you’re still young!”
It was scary how Jhing felt comfortable with Miko’s craziness.
“My birthday’s on Saturday, a rest day. I’ll just sleep.”
But Miko didn’t let that happen, silly Jhing.
Saturday morning, a knock on Jhing’s door woke her up. Her first thought was the KFC breakfast, and she was right. The delivery guy was smiling brightly at her before giving the paper bag.
Before she closed her door, a hand appeared which got stuck between the door and its frame. Jhing couldn’t help but scream when a man’s voice groaned in pain. She saw Miko almost crying as he pitifully blows his hand.
Questions such as What the fuck, what the hell? and MIKO?! flooded her mind but she ended up voicing, “What are you doing?”
Miko bit his lip and shook his hand. “It hurts, shit. But it looked romantic in movies whenever the male lead stop the door with his hand though? Reality is harsh.”
He was fucking crazy.
Jhing laughed at Miko. Miko also felt silly as he entered Jhing’s apartment without asking if he could. He took the paper bag and prepared the food.
“You never get tired of KFC,” Jhing commented as she sat down.
“It’s so good ah.”
“Point taken.”
After eating their steak bow and chocolate chip pancakes, Miko placed his finger under his nose and wrinkled it. “You smell. When was the last time you took a bath?”
“WOW!”
“Take a bath,” he said. Jhing didn’t move. “Hurry. Bath! Unless you want me to help you? I’m willing to volunteer.” Miko smiled. “Wear something nice ah, and dress prettily.”
She didn’t like taking orders from Miko but what else can she do? Together with her clothes, Jhing went to the washroom. When the cold water made her shiver, Miko shouted.
“Jhing!” She didn’t reply so he continued, “Go sing! It’s boring ah.”
ohdearlord
She went out after a while and saw Miko who was lying on her bed. His eyes were fixed on the ceiling. Jhing’s apartment was the same with his studio; empty. A house but not a home, so all he can do was stare in a daze.
When Miko saw her, he sat up “You’re finally done!” He took something from his bag, a present, not neatly wrapped with a big ribbon on top.
“My gift for you.”
“Why?”
“It’s January 23 today, am I right?” Miko asked before looking at his phone to make sure. “O, I am right. It’s your birthday, did you forget? Open your gift.”
The gift was obvious: a picture frame. Because of the obvious enthusiasm on Miko’s face, Jhing peeled off the wrapper. She was careful not to ruin the big ribbon before staring at the frame on her hand.
It was a realistic drawing of her doing a facepalm.
Jhing didn’t know what to react. Should she feel overwhelmed by the fact that the drawing looks exactly like her, or get angry because she was doing a facepalm?
“Should I be moved?”
“Depends,” Miko said. “If you feel moved…” He pointed at his cheek and smiled.
Jhing squinted her eyes. She grabbed the huge ribbon from the wrapper and stuck it on Miko’s forehead before saying, “Thanks.”
Miko looked like a gift with a ribbon on his forehead. A gift for Jhing– which she will return to where it came from because it’s defected.
Miko took the frame for her to display it in the kitchen. “Whenever you feel hungry, you can see yourself doing a facepalm,” he said before pulling her out of the apartment. When she asked where they’re going, he simply answered, “Mom’s.”
Her heart jumped. “Ha?”
“Come with me,” he pleaded. “Tell them that I was busy in the office, so I couldn’t go back home last year. They might not believe my words after all ah.”
“Lies. Why don’t you tell them that you were sick?”
“Because, Boss, my Mom is OA.” Miko sighed. “When I got sick before, that UTI one? They asked for my size so they can buy my barong³ and my coffin. We will miss you, they said and cried.”
His words made Jhing laughed. “The fuck?”
“My Nanay sometimes acts as if she’s on drugs. I don’t know who she inherited that from.”
Jhing wondered where indeed as they rode a jeepney. She got confused when Miko leads her to the mall—ToysRus, to be exact.
“Why are we here?” she asked.
“I need to buy something for Neph.”
Jhing shrugged and followed Miko. Her eyes roamed around and smiled when she saw an older girl gave a doll to the smaller one. When the dad lifted the older one and they both laughed, Jhing looked away.
Her chest felt uncomfortable.
Jhing only followed Miko until she saw an aisle of Baymax stuffed toys. She hugged one that made a kid beside her, holding another Baymax, looked at her with weirded expression. Or amazement. She wasn’t sure.
“It feels good hugging Baymax,” Jhing commented and looked at Miko. “Become a Baymax next Halloween Party so I can be happy for your existence at least once.”
“Huh?” Miko laughed. “Don’t be shy. Just tell me directly if you want to hug me.” He spread his arms as he waits for her hug. Jhing stared while Miko continued.
“I’m always ready whenever you are.”
Gods. A lot of people are already glancing at his direction because of his weird antics.
“What the…”
“I’m fluffy, I swear.”
Nevertheless, she stared. She’s not sure if she should smile or be weirded out.
“Ay wait, nevermind. I’m actually rock-hard. That’s okay for you, right?”
“You’re insane.”
“But… it’s true—”
Jhing didn’t have time to look away when Miko lifted his shirt enough to reveal his belly. Well, he didn’t have any rock-hard abs, but no fats either. His body was just right.
When Miko fixed his shirt, he smiled at Jhing.
“Don’t stare too much. My abs are shy.” He laughed.
Jhing’s cheeks felt as if it was burning so she walked away. She also returned the Baymax stuffed toy because the price makes her cry.
Miko walked beside her. “That’s why it doesn’t want to show up ah.”Miko lead Jhing to the counter to pay for the doll he picked.
“You don’t have any, that’s why it’s not showing.”
“Shy type, okay?” Miko insisted.
“Ok, fine.”
Miko just laughed at their conversation. After the mall, they rode a taxi for an hour. They reached a house that is not too small, but not too big either. Jhing gave her half for the taxi fee.
“Let’s pay separately,” she said.
“I’ll treat you.”
Jhing frowned. “But you told me I can pay for my part when I’m with you?”
Hm? Something’s wrong…why did she say that? Miko said that line when he was still new– months ago! And she…
“You remembered!” Miko laughed. “You can treat me next time, so for today, let me prove to you that chivalry is not dead.”
The driver of the taxi laughed which boosted Miko’s ego.
Jhing was nervous when Miko knocked at the door. It was opened by a woman who’s a lot younger than Jhing expected; maybe in her mid-40’s. She greeted Jhing with a hug.
“Daughter-in-law!”
“Ma!” Miko pulled her Mom away. “That’s Jhing, my co-worker! What daughter-in-law?”
“I was too excited.” His Mom playfully pushed his shoulder. “Don’t ruin my mood.”
Miko grimaced before meeting Jhing’s gaze. The latter laughed at Miko’s embarrassment. She wasn’t sure why she agreed on coming with Miko but this is better than spending her whole birthday alone in her apartment.
Miko’s Mom was so accommodating to the point she neglected her own son for Jhing. She gave foods and drinks. If only she could drown Jhing with food to show her a Mother’s care, she would’ve.
As they ate their lunch, Jhing saw a series of photos artistically placed on the wall.
A guy who looked like Miko, only older. His father.
But no one said anything about the father until the lunch ended.
And Jhing didn’t ask.
“O kids,” said Miko’s Mom. “I’ll be upstairs, painting. Are you all okay staying here?”
Jhing was all smile because Miko’s Mom was so stubborn. She even gave them stick-o before going upstairs. Jhing stole the snack from Miko and started munching. They got bored with the TV programs so they ended up binge-watching a series: American Horror Story.
When the story got too intense, and all the lights were off – Miko almost screamed like a girl when someone opened the door with messy long hair, small petite body, and a cellphone in hand where the light of the screen reflected on her face from the bottom.
“Goddammit, Neph! You look like a Sadako!”
Neph who was wearing her high school uniform didn’t say a word and ran upstairs with her bag.
“So cold,” Miko commented and looked at Jhing who was still munching at the stick-o. “Sorry about that ah.”
Jhing rolled her eyes.
Miko frowned. “Why did I apologize?” he murmured. “You’re both a block of ice.”
A few minutes later, Jhing and Miko were shocked because the lights suddenly turned on. The man even almost had a heart attack because Neph appeared behind them out of nowhere. Neph ignored her idiot brother. She focused her attention towards Jhing and asked for a sign.
“My God?” Miko said. “Why do you have that?”
Neph smiled at Jhing. “Thanks for the autograph po!”
Miko was still in shock as he looked at Jhing. “Why is she so nice to you?” then to Neph. “You know to use po, Shorty!?”
Neph continued to ignore him, so Jhing laughed as she whispered, “good job”which made the younger sister smile.
While having dinner, Miko’s Mom and Neph were busy asking questions to Jhing until Miko called his sister’s name. Neph turned to look at her idiot brother.
Gods, Jhing’s liking Neph already.
Miko started. “Did you know, your crush. . .”
“Who?”
“Coco.”
“O? What’s up?”
Jhing studied Neph. Her raised eyebrows and the way she kept glancing at her phone as if she wasn’t interested was making her look cold and ill-tempered. However, the small smile on her lips was sweet… How cute.
Miko’s smile widens. “Coco went to our studio with a girl, and a pretty girl at that—”
Neph almost threw her phone at her brother; fortunately, their mom stopped her.
“Neph! Don’t throw your phone! You will break it!”
Wait, what? She’s more worried about the phone?!
Jhing wanted to laugh. She looked crazy when she bit her lip which made the other three stare at her curiously. Jhing shook her head and bowed. She couldn’t help but smile.
She loved the family.
Miko gave a pained expression jokingly. “You didn’t even care about my precious face? This is the one who carries our family, you know?”
No one listened to Miko, and Jhing was enjoying every second of her stay. They went back to chatting as if nothing happened. It was the family she wanted to have; close, fun, and chill. Jhing was envious, but she was mostly happy – ecstatic – to be with the Crux family.
The last birthday she was all smiles . . . she couldn’t remember anymore. It was a good thing her 24th birthday will be worth remembering a year after.
Before going home, Jhing let the family talked to each other alone in the dining room. Miko looked serious from where she was sitting on the sofa. She couldn’t hear their voices, but she saw Miko’s angry face. He took a deep breath and drank water before talking to his mother again. A few minutes after, Jhing’s heart melted when Miko kissed his mother’s forehead…. While he flicked a finger on her little sister’s forehead.
He’s really crazy.
Before going out of the house, they heard Neph screaming. “My stick-o?!”
Miko quickly pointed at Jhing without hesitation. “She ate everything. I told her not to because it was yours ah.”
“Huh? You didn’t tell me!” Jhing said. “Oh shit, sorry—”
“It’s okay po, Ate!” Anger dissipated from Neph’s face. Her smile blossomed like a flower which made Miko shocked. “I’ll even buy you one when you visit us again!”
Miko was out of words when Neph hugged Jhing while he got a sticking of the tongue from her.
While walking on the street, Miko glared at Jhing. “Did you drug my family without me noticing?”
Jhing smiled. The after-effect from that family love was still lingering on her. “Maybe they prefer me than you.” She placed her hand on his shoulder and shook her head dramatically. “It’s okay, Mik—ah!” Jhing almost ran away when a cockroach flashed by. Her hair was all standing on its end.
And wow, Miko ignored cockroach like a man.
“You’re not scared of cockroaches?”
Miko grimaced. “That sounds strange, Jhing. A man so manly like me will get scared of those insects? Psh.”
But Miko’s manliness ended too soon when a flying cockroach landed on his neck. “OH FUCK!” He kept on moving, wiggling, jumping, and other weird movements just to get rid of the cockroach. He even started stepping on the insect when it fell on the ground as if his life was on the line.
Ooh, Jhing’s poor stomach. It couldn’t handle too much laughter.
“You told me you weren’t scared?”
“What if a cockroach landed on your neck ah?” Miko asked, his eyes wide.
“What if it enters my ears, bite my brain, and turn me into Cockroach Man? I don’t want to be a superhero and have the responsibility to save the world. Hassle!”
Jhing, for the nth time, laughed harder at Miko’s silliness – and so did Miko. It has been a long time since she has laughed this hard so her jaw and stomach started aching. Jhing was going to die of laughter. C’mon, she needed to stop but she can’t.
She’s filled with happiness.
The best birthday ever!
Then her phone vibrated.
In writing stories, a phone call can do things: disturb a heated battle, a pause for something extravagant, or give new information or bad news to raise a new conflict.
As for Jhing, she was too sure her life wasn’t written by her because if she did, that man won’t be involved in the story, or in a phone call that will shatter her life.
Again and again and again.
“Ate,” her brother’s voice was shaking.
She had no idea that the next few words would put her happiest birthday into an end. How can he keep on doing this shit to her?
“It’s Dad.”
“He’s in the hospital.”
Too much.
Note:
Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstrual cramps.
Marco - Male lead of Nagpatukso/Tempted. Mentioned on 23:11's 66 and 11/23's 07.
Barong - Native/Traditional Clothing in the Phillipines for men. The dead wear barong to their graves, but it can also be worn in special occasions.
