Chapter 27
As I watched her sleep peacefully beside me, I felt contentment fill me up. The soft light filtering through the curtains illuminated her delicate features, and her slow and steady breathing was calming. She was wearing a black pajama set that I had bought some time ago.
Tinapik ko ang pisngi niya. "Wake up, gorgeous," I whispered.
Marahan siyang nagmulat, antok ang mga matang tumingin sa akin.
Inginuso ko ang orasan sa bedside table. "Male-late na tayo. Mag-e-eight na."
Ipinulupot niya ang bisig sa akin at hinila ako palapit sa kanya. Muntik nang magtama ang mga labi namin. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"Kasi ang sarap ng tulog mo."
Bumangon siya. Hinigit niya ako palapit sa kanya, ipinulupot ang bisig sa beywang ko, at inihilig ang ulo sa tiyan ko.
Iniwas ko ang tingin.
"Let's shower together," she said.
"Naligo na ako." Itinuro ko ang uniform na suot ko. "Lalo tayong male-late."
Tumingala siya sa akin at tinitigan ako. Tumayo siya at hinalikan ako sa mga labi bago lumayo.
"Nai-ready ko na 'yong breakfast natin. Baunin na lang natin sa school."
Tumango siya at dumeretso na sa CR. Ini-ready ko ang mga susuotin niya na ipinadala niya sa driver nila kagabi rito.
Isang oras kaming late nang nakarating kami sa Avira. Hindi na rin namin naabutan ang first subject.
"I'm sorry," she whispered as we walked alongside each other.
"Bakit ka nagso-sorry?" ganting bulong ko.
"You were late for your first class."
Kating-kati na ang kamay ko na hawakan siya. Hindi ako natatakot sa sasabihin ng iba pero baka hindi niya magustuhan dahil maraming tao.
"What if I hold your hand? Are you going to get mad—"
Bigla niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko lalo na at marami kaming kasalubong na mga estudyante. She smiled at me, ignoring the people around us.
"You have to explain to your friends later." I looked at her, confused.
She pointed in a direction, and I followed her gaze. There, standing a few feet away, were my best friends, looking at me expectantly. They seemed to be waiting for me, probably curious about why I was holding hands with Rain.
As I walked over to them, I felt nervous and wondered what I would say to explain the situation.
Tumigil kami sa harapan nila, hindi pa rin binibitiwan ni Rain ang kamay ko. "May I join you ladies for lunch?"
Tumango si Yan, napangisi naman si Sol.
"Sure, Rain," sagot ni Sol.
"Thank you," Rain said.
Hinarap niya ako, hindi pa rin binibitiwan ang kamay ko. "I wanted to kiss you but they might freak out so I'll save it for later," she whispered in my ear.
She let go of my hand and smiled at my friends before leaving. We watched her until she was completely out of sight.
"Anong ibig sabihin no'n?" simula ni Sol, nakahalukipkip na humarap sa akin.
"Are you two girlfriends now?" Yan asked.
Hinawakan ko silang dalawa sa braso at hinila sila papasok ng locker room. Wala kasing gaanong tao dito dahil class hours.
