Let's meet on the other side

VI

Another us

It has been a week since I came back in my hometown. I went back to university to finish this semester. Maia is already working as cooker in Tiang Cora's eatery. Pinaniwalaan kasi nila si Clara noong sinabi nito na soon-to-be-girlfriend ko ang babae. Ayon, kinuha agad.

Minsan talaga ay may purpose rin ang pagiging mabunganga ni Clara. Thankfully, Maia didn't get offended or mad about the gossip. She let it pass and go on working. Mula umaga hanggang hapon ang schedule niya, madalang kaming magkita tuwing umaga sa bahay. I will leave at 7AM and comes back at 4PM, and we'll see each other at the house by dinner.

It wasn't heavy physically and mentally, because I have someone to lean on. Sometimes, when I get late studying, she will lend me a chocolate coffee, though I don't need it anymore.

"Chocolate helps the brain cells when studying," Rason niya.

I couldn't be thankful enough that she came into my life at my hardest times. I like her, but I know my place, and when to step back.

"Samahan mo ako, maghahanap na ako ng apartment bukas, tapos mamimili na rin ako sa bayan ng mga daily essentials ko." Bitbit ko ang mga ipinauwing pagkain ni Tiang Cora, nagkaroon ng munting pagtitipon kanina kaya marami ang iniluto.

Today is Sunday, it's rest day for us—students, but for Maia, it's still working day. Kaya naisipan kong dumalaw din sa eatery.

I met Maia's eyes, "Agad? Pwede ka pa namang mag-stay sa bahay hangga't makaipon ka nang sapat na talaga, Maia."

Her eyes softened and she smirked. "Gusto mo lang akong makita bago matulog, e," I laughed along her playfulness. We look like an idiot here at the highway.

"Seryoso, Silas, kaya ko na ang sarili ko. Sapat na 'yung pagpapatira niyo sa akin ng isang linggo at pagtulong mo sa akin mula noong nakaraan. Marami na akong utang," Pinagpag niya ang kanyang damit at saka nag-angat-angat ng kilay.

I was about to rebut, but she said something. "Naimbitahan nga pala ako ni Tiang Cora sa piyesta, it is a singing contest."

I looked at her dumbfounded, I gave her a serious look. She was just laughing, "Are you freaking serious, Maia Eleanor?"

Ano na lang ang maipipintas sa kanya?  She is so beautiful that even Satan could kneel. She is a better cook than me. She is a kind, selfless, hardworking, and independent woman. Ngayon ay papatunayan niyang talented pa rin siya sa pagkanta. I never heard her sing, but I bet it is angelic. I am excited as fuck.

"Bakit ba? Imposible ba, hindi halata? You're hurting my vocal chords."

She acted hurting but the smile is trying to hide. "No, my concern is you being introverted. Will you be comfortable in front of them?" I asked full of concern. We stopped until we got to the gate of our house.

She tapped my arm and pouted. "Silas, you are a fucking standard. Kaya siguro wala ka pa ring girlfriend, dahil hindi ka nila maabot."

Binuksan niya ang gate at saka ako hinintay na makapasok bago iyon isarang muli. Nauna siyang lumakad at nangingising tinalikuran ako.

I'm single by choice.

Clara suddenly gets her playmate and chit chat-mate, they are always together especially when it comes to baking. Clara was typically interviewing her about her views and sights, I don't know if she really wanted to be a  psychologist or an interviewer.

"You're home! What's that? I told Tia Cora that I want her relyenong bangus, did she give me some?" Nanguna si Clara sa pagbukas ng mga tupperware sa mesa.