Between Two Hearts [to be published under Bookware]

Chapter 5

"Hindi nga ako papayagan!" I hissed for the nth time. Kanina pa ako kinukulit nito at kanina pa rin ako tumatanggi.

"I'll talk to your mom. Ipapaalam kita," pagpupumilit pa ni Vettinah. She's very persistent. Gagawin niya talaga ang lahat maka-sama ka lang sa gala.

"You're just wasting your time, hindi ako papayagan non."

Our school organized a small welcome party for the varsity. It will be held at Monte de Cafe and Bistro, gabi yon kaya maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw na hindi ako papayagan.

"Ako nga bahala," she said over the phone. "Give me some minutes pupuntahan kita."

My mom, especially my dad was too strict and a bit kill joy. Hindi nila ako pinapayagan masyado sa mga gala kaya minsan napipilitan akong magsinungaling o magpalusot. Alcohol, boyfriends, and some other kinds of stuff are strictly prohibited. But, I had one before, si Ace. Of course, I needed to feed my curiosity.

"Good morning po, tita!" Vettinah greeted. "You look beautiful, tita." Pambobola pa niya na na ikinatuwa naman ni mama.

"Ikaw talaga, binobola mo nanaman ako. May lakad ba kayo ngayon?"

"Uh, tita, actually po ipapaalam ko po sana si Tatiana," she paused for a while as she bit her lower lip.

"Saan ba ang lakad niyo, iha?" Pag-uusisa naman ni mama.

"Sa bahay lang po, tita. We need to finish our Research Proposal early po kasi," Vettinah explained.

"Ganoon ba? Mga anong oras kayo matatapos?"

"Uhm... I'm not sure po, e. Ihahatid ko na lang po siya kapag medyo na-late po," she answered. "Pero mas safe po kung doon siya matutulog sa amin." Vettinah, gave her sweetest smile. "If papayag po kayo, syempre." Pahabol nito.

My jaw literally dropped when my mom, nodded as a sign of consent. I blinked more than thrice just to make sure na hindi ako namamalikmata.

The Monde de Cafe and Bistro has a nice ambiance, a cozy place perfect for entertainment. It is the best al fresco drinking spot in Paniqui, Tarlac. It gives a cozy vibe complete with acoustic music, great food, cold beers, and friendly staff.

First time ko lang sa Bistro, dahil hindi active ang night life ko dati. Pag-pasok ay maririnig mo ang ingay muna sa live band, at maamoy ang mababangong pagkain at alak.

Pagka-dating namin ay nagsisimula na ang performance ng free play band, kaya medyo maingay na. I'm wearing high waisted ripped jeans paired with a white off-shoulder top.

"Nandito na pala ang mga magaganda nating cheer dancers," one of the boys announced. Naghiyawan ang mga 'to and offered us a seat and beers.

"Cheers!"

Inabutan nila kami nang San Miguel Light. I was about to drink it but someone grabbed it away from me. I automatically shifted my gaze and saw a familiar face.

"Bawal sayo yan," Leo said. Inabutan niya ako nang Tanduay Ice na ikina-inis ko. Ano ako, bata? Because of what he did, ay lumakas lalo ang asaran.

There were a few rumors about us. Masyado kasing ma-issue ang mga tao ngayon. Makita ka lang na may kasamang lalaki, matic na boyfriend mo na.

"Sana all may jowa!"

"Sana all may label!"

"Label muna, bago bawal."

Napa-iling na lamang ako sa kalokohan nila, lalong lalo na sa kaingayan ni Cristan.

We were singing along to the band, ng bigla nilang kantahin ang 'Imahe' by Magnus Haven. Awit sa mga broken-hearted at na ghost.