REVERSE ✓

Chapter 03: Master Of Disguise

"You don't need to use the process of elimination by inspecting every passerby," sahot niya at itinaas ang kanyang specs through its bridge. "Because I know for certain that you'll notice something very odd if you watch closely."

"Very odd?" nagtataka kong tanong. "What is it?"

"Figure it out yourself."

*

SINUNDO AKO ni Conan sa classroom ko nang matapos ang klase sa maghapon. I had a hard time informing Maisie that I wouldn't be able to walk to home with her. I dismissed telling her that I was now a member of an unofficial club — and the fact that I should keep this as as secret from her pricks my heart. Friends aren't supposed to be secretive to each other, are they?

Surprisingly, Maisie showed her confusion openly when she heard that I had a business with Conan. Of course, I, too, was shocked. I mean, it was a long time ago when I last saw her confused about me thus seeing her so felt like first time. When she asked the reason why, sinabi ni Conan na magpapatulong siya sa 'kin na hanapin ang kanyang aso. I noticed that she wasn't convinced though Conan's acting felt very genuine. Pero gaya ng kadalasan, hindi niya ako pinilit at hinayaan na lang.

"Conan! Magandang hapon!"

Kasabay ng pagtunog ng bell ay narinig ko ang pagbati ng isang matandang babae sa counter nang makapasok kami sa coffee shop sa Crocus.

"Magandang hapon din po, lola Mering!" bati naman ni Conan nang tuluyan kaming makapasok.

I glanced over him and whispered, "Lola mo siya?"

"Hindi." He shook his head. "Gano'n lang daw ang itawag ko sa kanya, imbes na Ate o Aling."

"Maupo muna kayo, mukhang pagod pa kayo galing sa school. At saka may bago ka pang kaibigan, Conan!" She ushered us to the nearest table to the counter and stood next to us when we took our seat. "Kumusta si Newt?"

Hmm, so they frequent here, huh.

"Ay, oo nga po pala. Siya po si Cassien Agreste, schoolmate ko po. Ayos lang naman po si Newt. Pinapakumusta rin po niya kayo."

"Cassien?" pag-uulit ni Lola at lumingon sa 'kin. Nagulat na lang din ako nang hawakan niya ang mga pisngi ko. "Naku! Napakagandang lalaki naman nitong si Cassien. Baka habulin din 'to ng mga chicks."

Hehe, sabi na nga ba. Maganda lang ako kapag nagbihis lalaki. Crossdressing ain't that bad — it's actually fun!

"Haha! Marami din pong chicks 'yan!"

I unbelievably looked at Conan and slightly opened my mouth to say something pero inunahan ako ni Lola.

"Kayo talagang magkakabarkada, mga magagandang lalaki! Hindi talaga ako magugulat kung bukas ay may mabuntisnkayo," she told us that caused me to choke on my own saliva. Grave naman makapag-joke so Lola! "O, siya. Usual flavor ba, hijo?"

"Opo, 'yung usual," sagot ni Conan at sabay tingin sa 'kin. "Ikaw, Cassien. Ano'ng gusto mo? My treat."

The two lingered their gazes to me, patiently waiting for my response. Hindi naman ako mahilig sa mga kape kaya hindi rin ako makapili agad. I scanned the menu over the counter — pero actually wala akong nabasa dahil as panic. I felt bad letting them wait for me — hindi naman ako VIP — so I made my answer.