Spaces Between Us

Chapter twelve

The soft hum of the air conditioning greeted us as we entered the mall. We had agreed to meet my friends at the mini park in the center, so we headed there. Sa lawak ng mall ay nahirapan kaming hanapin kung nasaan sila, basta nagsabi naman ako na sa mini park kami magkikita dahil mahirap sa akin at wala pa akong cellphone para ma-contact sila.

I silently thank heaven and earth when I saw the two at one of the benches. Nakaupo sila at parang nagtatalo na naman yata. But what caught my attention is there outfit today.

A small smile escape from my lips when I remembered that they really prepared for this meet up. Sinabi ko kasi sa kanila na baka mabad shot sila kay mama kaya dapat maging pormal sila. Of course, knowing my chaotic friends, I didn't expect them to take it seriously. Ngayon pa lang na natatanaw ko kung paano sila mag-bardugalan.

Cleo was choking him in the neck when we approached them. God only knows what he did this time to annoy her.

“Hoy, ano ba kayo, nakakahiya.” sabi ko para kunin ang atensyon nila.

Cleo instantly stopped strangling Dan and looked at me. Her gaze shifted to my mom, and she quickly straightened up and dragged Dan with her.

“Good morning, tita Marie. You look absolutely stunning!” Cleo began with a cheerful voice and extending her hand to formally greet.

Mom chuckled softly, looking amused. “Such a sweet talker, pero salamat. Ikaw si Cleo?”

“It's not flattery, tita. It's the truth!” she even exclaimed. Her exaggerated voice earned a sharp elbow from Dan because a few shoppers were starting to stare. “and yes, I'm Cleo, the most gorgeous” she added dramatically.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help grinning. Cleo’s energy could be a lot, but that’s what I loved about her.

“Mahiya ka naman kay tita. . .” Dan straigtened forward and cleared his throat. “Hello po, ako si Daniel.” his tone polite but slightly nervous.

Mom smiled to him as well. “What a handsome young man”

Dan’s ears went red, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Such a softie.

“What's with the sudden outfit change?” I said, stepping between them and crossed my arms.

Cleo wears a tank and loose jeans, which is not her usual style. And Dan wax his untamed pink hair and his shoes. . . Teka, bago ba iyan?

Cleo gasped, kunwaring nainsulto. “Lulu, I always look good.”

“Well, but not like this. . .” I said with a teasing grin. “Tank tops and jeans are not in your cabinet.”

Bumaling ako sa isa. “And Dan. . .” I continued. “Parang pinaligo mo na ang isang bottle ng perfume.”

“Shut up Lulu, we're making a good impression on your mom” Cleo interrupted with a scoff.

“Truth!” he agreed.  “And this is my usual self, pina-gwapo lang” he confidently said, rubbing his jaw.

Tawa lang ang naisagot ko sa kanila. See, even if how much I tell them to be formal lumalabas pa din talaga ugali nila. Well, at least mom knows them already and she seemed entertained. And besides kahit na hindi sila magustuhan ni mama, hindi naman magbabago ang pagtingin ko sa kanila. I know them more than mom knows.

“Masaya ako at nakilala ko na kayo. Pero mukhang nakakadistorbo na tayo sa mga tao, kumain muna tayo.” Mom suddenly said, roaming her eyes at the place.

The two nodded eagerly.

“You're right tita, ito kasing si Dan, pabibo.” Cleo teased and elbowed him.