Set Ashes In Flames

In Flames 16: Impure and Unworthy

In Flames Sixteen

Gianna

TW: Sexual Harassment

Matapos ang lunch ay niligpit ni Victoria ang mga plato ngunit pinigilan siya ni tita.

"Anak may bisita ka. Ako na muna ngayon," hinawakan ni tita ang mga platong bitbit ni Victoria ngunit hindi binitawan ni Victoria.

Tumayo ako sa tabi ni Victoria.

"Sasamahan ko na lang po siyang maghugas. Dahil po kase sa mga kasambahay ay hindi po ako nakakaranas ng ganito. Baka pwedeng subukan ko rin po," tumingin ako kay Victoria.

She leaned closer to the point na kami na lang ang makakarinig ng sasabihin niya.

"Really? Why do I get the feeling that you'll end up just watching?" She asked in a mocking tone.

I made a face and rolled my eyes.

"Maybe I just want you for myself," bulong ko. This is too much pick up lines or whatever you call it from me in one day. I never did that. If I were another person, I'd be side eyeing myself for being cheesy.

And her theory ended up being proven correct. She did the washing while I did the chatting. I did something at least. She wasn't bored out of her mind.

I also met her father in the afternoon as well as her kuya Romian when they came back home. I ordered Pancit Malabon for us through delivery.

"Naku, wag na, Gianna! Ikaw pa naman ang bisita tapos ay sasagutin mopa ang meryenda," bakas ang hiya sa mukha ni tita Lucille.

Umiling ako't humawak sa kanyang kamay. "Okay lang po, tita. Pagbabalik ko na rin po ito sa hospitality na ipinakita niyo po sa akin."

"Oh siya sige, pabibilihin ko na lang si Victoria ng halo halo doon sa kabilang street para may panghimagas tayo."

Pumayag ako sa plano ni tita. I could tell that her mind won't be at ease unless she gives me something in return.

Sinundan ko siya at hindi niya iyon namalayan dahil nagsusuot pa siya ng tsinelas sa labas ng kanilang pinto. Then she looked up at me.

"Gusto mong sumama?" She asked. Colors of red crept up my face for being too obvious, too clingy, and too enthusiastic with the offer.

I nodded anyway.

This sight felt new to me. I've always seen Victoria as someone serious and formal as a student. But seeing her as a daughter, a sister, and just... her was something else. She's more loose and carefree.

Dumating kami sa bahay na nagbebenta ng halo halo. It wasn't hard to spot dahil nakapwesto sa labas ang isang tolda at may mesa pa kung saan nakapatong ang mga sangkap ng halo halo. Sa tabi pa nga noon ay meron ding tusok tusok.

"Victoria!" Ang lalaking nagbabantay roon ay kumaway sa kanya. My face contorted at the thought of her being close with men. Then I reminded myself that I was the one barging in. And she preferred males in the first place. Sino ako ngayon para baguhin yon?

When we stepped in front of the table, my presence dispersed into thin air. At least, for the man who just called Victoria. His eyes automatically just focused on Victoria.

"Pitong halo halo. Dalawang walang asukal tapos ang isa ay pakidamihan ng gatas," ani Victoria.

Tumango ang lalaki at agad na naghanda ng mga baso ngunit obvious na nadidistract kay Victoria.

"Ang ganda ganda mo kahit na palagi kang nakasimangot, Victoria," he smiled widely.

Then I watched for Victoria's reaction. Sa isip ko, baka kaya hindi siya nagrereact sa akin ay dahil wala naman siyang gusto sa akin. Maybe when boys do it, she might blush or be shocked a little.