Dandelions in the Wind

30

Alas diyes na ng hating gabi, tahimik na nagpapatrolya ang security guard sa loob ng malaking subdivision habang sakay ng motorsiklo. Isang itim na Lamborghini ang dumaan sa tabi ng security guard, mabilis ang takbo nito at tumigil sa harap ng pulang gate. Sa loob ay natatanaw ang malaking bungalow. Awtomatikong bumukas ang gate at pumasok ang Lamborghini. Sumadsad ang gulong nito sa aspalto nang tumigil sa tapat ng bahay ni Dionne.

Agad lumabas si Dionne sa kotse at sumunod si Charlotte.

"So, you want to talk now? You've been giving me the silent treatment inside the car," naiinis na bungad ni Charlotte nang makapasok sa loob ng bahay. Agad lumingon si Dionne habang nakatayo sa gitna ng sala. "Okay, fine! Let's talk! I don't want us having an argument while you're driving. We might end up getting in an accident or getting killed like the scenes in the movie," nakapameywang na tugon niya, halatang kanina pa nagtitimpi.

Umikot ang mata ni Charlotte at napahalukipkip. "Right, because our life is just a movie waiting to happen," sarkastikong pahayag niya.

Napailing na lang si Dionne sa narinig. "See, this is why I don't want to fight with you while you drive. Every discussion could be our last if I distract you with something as trivial as a life-threatening argument." Nagpunta siya sa bar at kumuha ng dalawang baso. "What do you want to drink?" tanong niya habang nakatalikod.

Napatikhim si Charlotte. "Scotch," tipid na sagot nito sa gitna ng pagtatalo nila ni Dionne. "You know it bothers me that you let them buy you drinks. So, should I take bets on how many phone numbers you collected today? And then how many drinks you got from your fan club tonight?" may bahid ng panunumbat sa boses ni Charlotte.

Umikot ang mata ni Dionne habang nagsasalin ng alak sa baso. "You know this was your idea, that we go out. It's your idea to hang out in a bar as friends, remember?" Naglakad si Dionne papunta kay Charlotte at inabot ang alak. "I can't even show affection to you in public because you don't want to raise suspicion about us."

"Why do you let them buy you drinks like that? You know it bothers me," may bahid ng pag-aakusa sa tono ni Charlotte.

Napabuntonghininga si Dionne, umupo siya sa sofa at uminom ng scotch. "Charlie, they're just being friendly. I don't see why it should matter. I don't ask for it; they just do it," malumanay na pagpapaliwanag nito.

"It matters because they don't know you're with me. They think they have a chance, Dee."

Napasandal na lang si Dionne sa kinauupuan. "And what do you want me to do? Shout from the rooftops that I'm taken? You know I can't even tell them who I'm with. It's not exactly safe or simple, given our situation."

Galit na inilapag ni Charlotte ang hawak na baso sa ibabaw ng mesa. "You think I enjoy hiding who I am? This isn't just about me!" Napahawak siya sa baywang at nakatingin kay Dionne. "Oh, please. You act like you're the only one suffering. Maybe you enjoy the attention a little too much?" may panunumbat sa boses nito.

Panandaliang sumingkit ang mata ni Dionne. "Right, because having admirers buy me drinks is exactly my idea of a fun night out. I do it for the free booze, obviously," sarkastikong tugon nito.

"Well, it's not like you ever turn them down," kontra ni Charlotte.

Napadekuwatro si Dionne sa pagkakaupo. "And what do you suggest I do? Start a blog? Today, yet again, I denied a free Cosmo because my girlfriend can't stand the thought of someone buying me a free drink," mataray na sambit ni Dionne sabay kumpas ng kamay.

"Maybe I should just close down all the bars and restaurants in town. That would solve the problem, wouldn't it?" Bagama't sarkastiko ang pagkakasabi ni Charlotte, may bahid na pagkaseryoso ang tono nito. Mistulang may balak gawin ang naisip na plano.