#Wattys2023 Winner: Best Characters Award
❝This was probably what people meant when they said they disappeared into a moment.❞
*****
College exes Laurine Antoinette "Laurie" Navarro and Simeon Lee Aguirre didn't really expect to meet again. But with...
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❝I can't need you right now.❞
— ❁ —
"I ASKED why you're here," Laurie insisted, shutting her eyes. Sa halip na sagutin kasi ang tanong, nilibot ng daddy niya ang café. Kitang-kita niya kung paano dumapo ang tingin nito sa bawat sulok. She could read the scrutiny and criticism sparkle in his eyes.
Laurie bit her lip when her dad stopped in front of Lee's painting. "Dad."
It was definitely a shock to see him after months of avoiding him. Nakakikilabot ding makitang muli ang pagkakatulad nito sa kanila ni Stefan.
While Stefan copied their father's 3-piece suit and authoritative stance, Laurie inherited his sharp features. "Am I not allowed to visit my own daughter now?" he asked, eyes still glued on the canvas. "When did you start venturing into art?"
"It's not a venture. Regalo 'yan."
He crossed his arms over his chest, sighing as he scrutinized the painting. "The composition is a bit rough. This doesn't look like the work of a professional but—" Laurie's brows furrowed. Her shoulders tensed, too. Gayunpaman ay naibsan iyon nang maalalang kasama niya si Lee. "—this would still sell. How much do you want for this one?"
She bit her lip. Hinawakan kasi ni Lee ang kamay niya. "It's not for sale." She faced Lee. "I think you should go. Ako nang bahalang magsabi kina Mal na nauna ka na."
Nilingon ni Lee ang daddy niyang nakatungo pa rin sa painting. "Pero Lau. . ."
Umiling siya. "Just go, okay?"
Besides the fact that she didn't want him to witness how a simple negative comment from her dad sends her reeling, Lee wasn't aware of a few things. Hindi nito alam na hindi siya natuloy sa Spain. Na nauto at na-scam siya sa kagustuhan niyang manlimos ng atensyon mula sa nanay niyang hindi naman na yata siya iniisip.
Back then, Laurie didn't tell him about her plan to reconnect with her mom. Nalaman na lang ni Lee mula sa block mates niyang nakabantay sa social media.
"Sure ka?" he asked softly.
Laurie felt her gut wrench. "Please just go. I don't need you here right now." Maski siya ay napamaang nang mapagtanto ang dating ng sinabi.
"Okay, sige," tumatango nitong sabi. Bumaling ito sa daddy niyang sila na pala ang pinanonood. "Uhm, sir, I'll go ahead po."
The door chimes twinkled as Lee exited the café.
"That was him, right?" her father asked. "Your boyfriend in college? Don't look at me like that. Of course, I knew. Ilang beses kitang nakitang dahan-dahan na nagbubukas ng gate, and that boy, he was always outside with his bike, waiting for you."
