Past The Storm Clouds

Chapter 04

"Hmm, 'yan lang po..." I trailed off as I looked at the cart filled with all my groceries. Pakiramdam ko, ito ang next step sa adulting journey ko.

"May credit card po ba, Ma'am?" the cashier asked me and heaved a prolonged sigh after.

Umiling ako. Speaking of credit cards, I forgot I need to arrange my documents to claim my credit already!

I furrowed my forehead and raised my brows at the cashier while watching as she placed all the products I had bought inside a brown paper bag. Parang nagdadabog at ayaw sa ginagawa niya. Konti na lang ay tarayan niya ako.

I visibly cringed and walked away from the counter, securing the paper bag using my right hand. Paubos na ang laman ng refrigerator ko kaya nag-grocery ako kahit gabi na. I have no problem with it since I can always order, but I want to learn how to prepare food for myself. I want to learn everything they think I'm never going to.

Napapalibutan ako ng kadiliman at ang lamp sa desk table ko ang tanging nagbibigay liwanag sa maliit na unit. I poured all my time doing my project and homeworks until my eyes felt heavy. Kaya tinulugan ko na lang ang iba kagabi.

Holding two Gordon silver stud earrings in my right hand, I hung my bag on one of my shoulders after taking out my wallet. Nasa tabi ako ng local bakery at kanina pa naghahanap ng banana bread. I'm almost running late but since this is one of my cravings today and the nearest shop, I made a stop.

"Ram?" I uttered in uncertainty when I recognized a guy.

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ng lalaki pagkaharap niya sa akin. He's only wearing pants and a plain white shirt. No bag, nor an I.D. hanging around his neck. He's holding a bag, but its design is inspired by Sofia The First. I'm definitely sure it's not his.

"Anong ginagawa mo rito?" tanong ni Ram.

"Bumili ako ng... bread," sagot ko at sinulyapan ang batang nakahawak sa kamay niya. "'Di ka ba papasok?"

"Hindi..." mababang aniya at umiwas saglit ng tingin.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa batang kasama niya. She looks a lot like Ram and her hair's tied in a bun. Nakasuot ng uniporme. Hindi ko sigurado kung anong paaralan.

I gaped at him. "Girlfriend mo?"

"'Di mo ba nakikitang bata 'to?" sambit niya na parang katawa-tawa ang tanong ko at saka umiling. "Kapatid ko."

"Just kidding. Honestly, though, I didn't think she was your sister. I thought you were ano lang, babysitting," I shrugged innocently. "Hi, baby!" I said in a high-pitched tone.

"H-hello po..." she mumbled softly. Tumago siya sa likod ng binti ni Ram.

"She's cute," I whispered to Ram and beamed at his sister.

"Kaya nga kapatid ko," his cockiness finally showing.

The edge of my lips rose up and I tilted my head to his side. "Wow, ah. Unti-unting na-rereveal ang true side mo."

"Mauuna na kami," at hinawakan niya muli ang maliit na kamay ng kanyang kapatid.

"Sama ako." I checked my wrist watch. Three minutes left but I don't care. I'm not in the mood anyway.

"May pasok—"

"It's fine. Wala namang quizzes or what—"

"Farizah—"