Bits of Chemistry | ✓

Kabanata 46

Kabanata 46

I texted Euan if he can come with me because I don't think I can handle a drunk Etienne. Napapikit ako habang iniisip kung paano siya magiging malambing mamaya. I remember handling him in a drunk state and for heaven's sake, it was one of the hardest moments in my life.

Masyadong malandi si Etienne kapag lasing. It was ten times his usual flirty comments and his softness can also unravel shamelessly. Wala akong palag sa kan'ya habang may alak sa kan'yang sistema.

"I can't," Euan responded through the call. "Sorry, I can't be with you."

"Bakit? May gagawin ka ba? Wala pa namang mga pageantry ah. Did someone commission you?"

"Naka-honeymoon pa ako," sagot n'ya.

I arched an eyebrow. Huh? Parang last month ay gan'yan din ang excuse n'ya ah?

"Wow ha, three months kang nasa honeymoon phase?!"

"Inggit ka ba? Pakasal ka rin 'te. Alam kong mainit ulo mo kasi six years no dilig ka na pero 'wag mo naman ipasa sa akin!"

I sighed. I have no time to quarrel with him. Pero gusto ko sana na may kasama.

"Can you refer someone to me? Kahit samahan lang ako?"

"You can ask Muse?" he suggested.

"Muse?"

"Well, ever since the whole heiress thing happened, Muse na ang tawag sa kan'ya. She's not comfortable with her real name anymore, sa ngayon." Euan briefly explained.

Napapikit naman ako at tumango na lang. Euan was the one who called Muse for me. Hindi naman sa hindi ko siya close, she's really bubbly and friendly contrary to Snyder.

Sinundo ko ito sa isang malapit na condo sa mansion ng mga Soteiro. She's living independently, huh? I never thought that she was a Soteiro. Wala kasi sa mukha n'ya at sa kilos, she's like a rabbit in a den of lions.

"Kumain ka na ba, Lavender?" tanong ni Muse habang inaabutan ako ng mochi, she sat on the shotgun seat. She squeezed the mochi and giggled.

I know her real name but maybe I'll refer to her as Muse too since that's what she wanted. Maganda naman ang pangalan n'ya e, hindi ko alam bakit gusto n'yang iba ang tawag sa kan'ya.

"Tara na?" anyaya ko kay Muse habang pababa kami ng sasakyan.

She peered over the restaurant. Mukhang pasarado na ito dahil dalawang tao na lang ang naaaninag namin. Lumapit na kami roon at agad kong binuksan ang pinto na gawa sa salamin. Some of the staff bowed for a bit before resuming their work. Hindi na kami inabutan ng menu dahil tinuro ko ang table nila Snyder.

"Nasaan siya?" I asked as I arrived at the venue, it was a famous casual place for steaks and barbeque. Namataan ko si Snyder na mukhang binagsakan ng lupa at langit ang mukha dahil sa iritasyon.

His arms were crossed across his chest while looking at Etienne who had his head lowered down on the table. Kitang-kita na wala na siyang malay. He's probably dead drunk already.

Naka-crossed legs din si Snyder, halata na hindi siya uminom dahil blangkong-blangko ang mukha n'ya. His eyes were his usual lifeless ones, hindi rin n'ya tinatago ang nararamdaman n'yang boredom habang tumutugtog ang isang sentimental music sa buong restaurant.

"Yikes," ani Muse at nagtago sa likod ko. Kumapit siya sa aking damit.

I looked at her in confusion. Umiling-iling siya nang marahan at mukhang natatae dahil hindi mapakali.

"Bakit?" I questioned her behavior. Para kasi siyang isang preso na nagtatago sa kan'yang kasalanan.

"Si S-snyder ba 'yong kasama ni Etienne?" she timidly asked.