The Burnt Out Gifted Kids (Under Revision)

02: HARD PASS

MARCH 28, Tuesday

Sobrang unique ng kusina nila Aiden. The kitchen continued the sleek black theme from the living room, giving off an air of modern elegance. The furniture was in shades of black, but the appliances were mostly silver and white, creating a pleasing visual contrast against the backdrop. Positioned conveniently next to the marble island was a sliding door, offering easy access to the garden. On the other side of the kitchen, near the sink, were windows with small potted plants that added a touch of nature to the space.

Pero ang nakakamangha sa lahat ay ang glass ceiling nila. With a simple push of a button na located malapit sa light switch, the entire ceiling could be transformed into a clear glass panel, allowing natural light to flood the room. Sobrang paborito ko talaga 'tong button na 'to.

I smiled widely. "Aiden, Aiden! Pipindutin ko ha?" At pinindot ko ito, intently watching how the steel cover opened, revealing the glass ceiling above us. I couldn't hear the rustling of the leaves, but I could see the gentle swaying of the branches as the wind brushed through the trees in the fading light of night.

While I continued to admire the view, Aiden busied himself with preparing our coffee. "Can you grab the black cups for me? It's over there," he said, pointing towards one of the cabinets.

I gave him a puzzled smile, my eyes scanning the kitchen. I wasn't sure which cabinet he was referring to, but I didn't want to ask him to clarify. As I opened each cabinet door, I realized that the entire kitchen was filled with liquor bottles and various drinkware. It was like a giant liquor cabinet, and I couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

As he worked, the aroma grew stronger and the steam from the pot wafted towards me. Finally, after a few moments of searching, I spotted the black cups tucked away in the corner of the top shelf. I reached for it and passed it to Aiden.

"Umiinom ba kayo?" I questioned, pertaining to the wine bottles.

I heard him release a soft sigh. "Yeah, sometimes. We drank alcohol since 5." The coffee mug carefully thudded on the marble counter.

I blinked hard. "Ha? Seryoso?"

Aiden nodded and playfully scowled. "Mukha ba akong nagbibiro? Our grandmother was a heavy drinker. There won't be a day without wine bottles on this counter."

My eyes scanned the counter where the mugs were placed. "Wala naman ngayon ah?"

"Unfortunately, she's in the hospital." He reached for my hand and made me hold a cup.

"Ay, hala. Hindi ko alam. Sorry." I couldn't help but bite my lip in disappointment. Aiden was usually so much easy to be around, and it left me feeling restless whenever his mood took a sudden downturn, especially if it was my fault.

Aiden gave me a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes, making me guilty even more. "It's okay. It's part of life. We can do nothing about it."

Bumalik na kami sa sobrang lapad nila na dining area kung saan nakakalat ang mga gamit namin. I took a sip, savoring the rich, bold flavor. It was as if the coffee had been made just for me, perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying.

I glanced at him, wanting to improve the mood. "Aiden," tawag ko sa kaniya at lumuhod. "Marry me," seryosong sabi ko as I glanced up at him at itinaas ang coffee mug.

Napatawa ito. Genuinely. "Kape lang talaga ang katapat mo noh?"

Napatawa na rin ako bago tumayo. "Ang sarap nito, hoy. Anong tawag dito?"

"Café mocha," sabi niya at nag take lang ako ng ilan pang sip dahil sobrang sarap talaga. Nag-aaway ang tamis at pait sa dila ko.

"By the way, can you help me get my printer and laptop from my room? Para hindi na masyadong hassle 'pag magpi-print na tayo." Tumango lang ako at napatingin sa grand stairs nila. Nakakapagod nga naman kung aakyat-baba pa kami.