Sweet Pacific Breezes (Provincia de Marina Series #4)

Kabanata 18

Umupo ako at binantayan ang kaniyang kilos. For someone who has an appointment, he was moving slow...rather, languidly. He had other things on his mind, I was sure of it. He had this bothered expression on his face. Naka-linya ang mga labi at bahagyang nagsasalubong ang kilay.

Nahuli niya akong nakatingin sa kaniya pero hindi niya ako tinanong kung bakit. Maybe he was bothered that I had kept my attraction to him intact even though I wasn't doing anything to attract him anymore.

"Ingat," pahabol kong sabi nang papalabas na siya ng pinto. The door hanged open for a while like he was startled that I had given him a pleasant word before he leaves.

"You, too." To my surprised, he replied, before closing the door. It left a soft thud and just like that, I was only embraced by the lingering scent of his musk cologne.

Napapikit ako at napabuntong hininga na lang. Hindi rin naman ako nagtagal sa clinic kasi may pupuntahan din naman ako maya-maya. It's my college friend's birthday and everyone from our class were invited. But it's not like everyone would attend. Sa bar kasi sa Pueblo ang ganap kaya naman hindi na ako nakatanggi. Back when we were in college, especially if it's a Friday night, we'd go exploring bars and 24-hour cafes. I remember entering my Saturday class with a 'lil bit of a hangover but was able to recover from it when we received a surprise quiz. Na-surprise talaga ang sistema ko kaya nawala lahat ng antok at sakit ng ulo.

"Looking hot and unbothered 'yan?" biro ni Cristy nang makapasok siya sa bahay ni Uncle. Sumunod si Karlo sa kaniya at pareho silang naupo sa living room couch.

Cristy wore a hot pink tube top and black vinyl pants. Medyo busangot nga ang mukha ni Karlo. I figured it was because of Cristy's clothes. Nakangisi ako sa kaibigan kasi bakit nga naman niya pinapahirapan si Karlo.

"If you're looking for my Uncle, sorry to break it to you pero hindi pa siya dumadating. Maybe he's on a date. Pansin kong palaging late na kung umuwi."

"Gaga," she cursed at me. "Tama na 'yang pagpapaganda mo at wala naman doon ang crush mo. Sayang lang 'yang effort mo."

"Kahit ano naman ang isuot ko walang epekto iyon sa kaniya so I'll just dress whatever I like," ganti ko at kinuha na ang aking maliit na clutch bag.

I was dressed in a criss cross halter top and black skinny jeans. I tied my hair in a bun and left some strands at the sides of my hair. Hindi naman talaga ako masyadong nag-effort sa make up kasi mawawala rin naman iyon mamaya. I'll probably look wasted later after many drinks. This day is like a blessing in disguise. I'd like to treat it as a celebratory day for my hard work and of course, for my first ever romance rejection.

"Kung ako kasi sa'yo, iba na lang ang gustuhin mo. Maybe this night, you'll find the one."

"You say that as if it's easy."

Cristy rolled her eyes. "Duh, sa mukha mong 'yan, akala mo ba ay hindi ka makakahanap ng lalaki? Maybe you weren't destined for a local guy, Cleo. Baka pang-international ang iyong peg."

"'Wag mo nang patulan ang trip ni Cristy, Cleo. What's important is for you to find a guy that's suitable for you," Karlo interjected. Sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Cristy. "What? I'm just trying to console her."

"Doc's a jerk for rejecting my friend. I mean, saan ka pa ba makakakita ng katulad ni Cleora? She's smart, diligent and an advocate. Marami pang kayang gawin ang kaibigan natin and all she gets is a fucking plastic rejection."

I chuckled. "Chill, you two. Kailangan na nating umalis at baka mauwi na naman ito sa away."

Nakumbinsi ko rin naman silang dalawa na umalis na. I'm really glad that I have the two of them kahit pa minsan pakiramdam ko talaga ay may sarili silang mundo. What can I say? The two have feelings for each other. Karlo was willing to do everything for Cristy and Cristy loves him for whatever he is.