Seeking Gaston Lynx Esquivel

Chapter 16

We both couldn't look and speak each other hanggang sa naalala ko ang bouquet na binili ko.

She might have not seen it yet because I placed it on the chair beside me. Hinila ko ang upuan sa aking tabi at kinuha ang bouquet. My hands were shaking as I gathered my strength giving it to her.

"For you." I breathily said.

Napaawang ang mga labi niya habang nakatingin sa bulaklak. Akala ko malalagutan na ako ng hininga ng unti-unti ay kinuha niya ito sa akin.

We heard some gasped on the other table at mas lalo kung nakitaan ng pagkahiya sa kanyang mukha. I looked at them at kaagad nilang iniwas ang kanilang mga tingin.

Now take that, Carmella. I didn't cheat. Sayong-sayo lang ako.

She was so red as she looked at it. A warm smile appeared on my lips as I watched an amazed yet shy expression on her face. Never have I thought it could affect her this much, I should buy her another set of flowers in the future.

"Thank you..." Her voice is so small, I almost didn't hear it.

"What did you say?" I teased her.

She finally looked at my playful smile and her face became redder.

"Thank you." She said it louder this time but I want to tease her more.

"What?" I teasingly asked again.

Her piercing eyes looked at me this time and my playful smile automatically faded.

I cleared my throat. "You-You're welcome."

She breathed in deeply and started gathering her grocery bags.

"Stay here, aayusin ko lang itong mga pinamila ko at maliligo saglit."

"Can I come with you?" I hurriedly asked.

Pinanlisikan niya lalo ako ng mga mata.

"I'll be just outside your apartment." I negotiated but she remained the same.

"Outside the gate?" I negotiated again.

She remained silent at halos mapatayo ako ng tumango siya sa akin. "Okay."

She stood up at dali-dali na rin akong tumayo.

"Ako na dito. Just hold the bouquet." Inagaw ko sa kanya ang isang supot niyang groceries at ng kanyang payong.

She'd let me at nauna na akong naglakad para mapagbuksan siya. I opened the door for her at damang-dama ko ang mga matang nakatingin sa amin. I am sure the news and gossip will circulate in a damn minute.

But whatever, my only concern is Carmella. She doesn't really like taking the spotlight and I hope it doesn't affect how she sees our relationship. I will abide by all her rules and I will protect her at all costs.

I opened the umbrella for us. Tanghaling tapat kaya mainit, though the coffee shop is near her apartment.

We walked side by side. Overall, this is my first time doing all of these for a girl. It felt so unreal yet it satisfies me.

Nakarating kami sa may gate nila at doon na kami tumigil. Nakasimangot kong binigay sa kanya ang groceries niya at ang kanyang payong.

"Saglit lang ako. Dito ka lang." She looked at me seriously, not affected by my puppy eyes.

"Fine." I sadly responded.

She went it at hinayaan ako doon. Huminga ako ng malalim at sumilong sa waiting shed sa kabilang kalsada. I looked at her as she entered her apartment.