Set Ashes In Flames

In Flames 23: Stop Caring

In Flames Twenty Three

Gianna

Our staring game was cut off when the doorbell rang. She reluctantly moved from her position and walked to the door. When she was out of my sight, I blinked back my tears.

Tinignan ko muli ang paa ko na suot na ang tsinelas niya. Pinulot ko ang aking sapatos at inilagay doon sa cabinet kung saan niya kinuha ang tsinelas para hindi nakakalat lang sa sahig.

"Of course I'd follow you here. I told you I'd go with you to your talk and you refused," a female voice whined. "Napakadaya mo talaga. You never budge."

Nanatili akong nakahawak sa cabinet. I have a feeling that I'll need something to hold on to. Baka bigla na lang akong mnghina rito kung tama nga ang hinala ko sa kung sino ang bisita ni Victoria.

She has every right, Gianna! Sa katunayan nga'y ako pa ang namemerwisyo sa alone time nilang dalawa. All the more that I need to get the job done faster.

Hindi ko na inabangang makita ko silang dalawa. Nagkunwari na lang akong abala sa pagkuha ng notebook at ng recorder ko para makapagsimula na ng interview. Hindi ko rin alam kung gaano kahaba ang pasensya ng girlfriend niya. Panigurado ay gusto nilang solohin ang isa't isa kung sinundan niya pa talaga si Victoria dito sa Pilipinas. I've had enough mess for today.

The hushed voices stopped. I guess the girlfriend saw me already. Tumuwid ako ng tayo para magmukhang propesyunal. I also schooled my expression into formal. Para hindi rin ako maging threat sa kanya. Makikita niyang trabaho lang ang intensyon ko at malinis ang konsensya ko. Girlfriends need that kind of security.

I turned to greet her.

Her medium length beach waves dark blonde hair curtained her face. She's poreless. Alagang alaga ang mukha niya. Her brows are arched neatly and perfectly. Her eyes are the perfect olive color. Matangos ang ilong. Then my eyes went to her torso. I almost felt insecure of my body. Paniguradong nakakahanap pa siya ng oras para magwork out sa gitna ng pagiging abala sa trabaho samantala ako ay nakaupo at nakahilata lang.

The only thing we have in common is that we're both smaller than Victoria.

Of all reactions that I've imagined (frowning, arching a brow, or even scandalized), I did not expect her lips to curl.

Her lips? They're freaking moist! Like she has just been kissed! Victoria kissed her girlfriend knowing that I was here!

Kalma, Gianna. Hindi tayo nagseselos! This is about decency! Heck, I'd kiss the first person I see on the street just to prove my damn point! Na hindi ito tungkol sa pagseselos!

"Hello!" she sounded so bubbly. Almost like Asia ngunit may kaonting kaartehan at pagiging sopistikada. I can't even bring myself to hate her. Guess this is what Victoria loved about her. "I'm Patience Simona Davis."

Sa halip na maging bitter, my lip tilted up a bit. Sana lang ay hindi nila napansin. A doctor named patience. I found the jusxtaposition amusing.

But the ever attentive Victoria must have read my mind. Her stern expression detoriated for a second but quickly returned. And I know I wasn't imagining it.

"Rose, from Just In," I held out a hand which she enthusiastically accepted. Victoria looked amused at the name I chose to introduce myself as."So you're the girlfriend?"

I laughed softly, trying to sound like it was an innocent and casual question. I saw her startled eyes which quickly recovered. Wrong move, Gianna. Baka ang gusto nila ay private lang ang mga ganoong bagay. Kung ganito na ang itsura ni Patience, ayaw ko nang makita ang reaksyon ni Victoria. Kaya nanatili ang mga mata ko sa kanyang girlfriend.