Napatingin ako sa kanyang pinggan na may laman pa rin habang naghihintay sa kanyang sagot.
"I was born in New Zealand but we went here when I was seven. We lived here for years but my parents decided to go back to where we came from so we went back there. But I decided to take my college here."
I nodded my head, amazed, not because of what he said but because he is speaking longer than usual. And he was sharing things about him and his family.
"Are you planning to go back there?"
Hindi ko alam kung bakit biglang sumagi sa akin na baka hindi naman talaga siya magtatagal dito at uuwi rin sa kanyang mga magulang.
"I was planning to." he said slowly.
"So you're leaving. When you graduate?" I raised my eyebrows when he remained looking at me for a few seconds before answering.
"I said I was planning. But I don't know now."
Oh. He changed his mind?
"But I think you'll have more opportunities outside the country, so leaving is a better choice." I said nonchalantly and grinned at him when his eyes were never leaving me.
Bumaba ulit ang aking tingin sa kanyang pinggan nang mapansin na hindi na ulit siya sumubo simula kanina.
"I guess you don't really like chicken curry." I unconsciously pursed my lips and sighed.
My statement was like a wake up call to him because he turned to his plate too.
"I like it." he scooped again and continued eating.
"I remember you said earlier you were not planning to eat dinner. You don't usually eat dinner?" I asked curiously.
"I am sometimes too lazy to prepare dinner for myself so I skip."
I almost scoffed at him when he said it like it's not a big deal.
But when I think about it, I also sometimes skip dinner. The only meal I can't skip is lunch because of my friends. They always make sure everyone eats their lunch.
"Skipping dinner is not good." I felt like that statement came out of my nose.
I am in no place to say that because I myself sometimes don't eat dinner.
"I know." he continued eating while I continued watching him.
He is so graceful. His every move was like calculated. Unlike me who seem to not care about my surroundings all the time. Siya kahit anong ginagawa niya ay parang may pag-iingat.
"I can wash the dishes." I volunteered when he was done but he shook his head.
"I can do that. You can wait for me in the living room." he suggested.
At anong gagawin ko doon? I should leave now that we are done eating. 'Yun lang naman ang pinunta ko dito-ang chicken curry.
"I think I'll leave now. It's almost past twelve." I said when I looked at my wristwatch and saw the time.
"You'll leave now?" napatingin ako sa kanya.
"Of course. It's late." I said, stating the obvious.
"Oh. Okay. Did you bring your car? I'll take you to the parking lot." he left the plates in the sink before wiping his hands with a towel.
"Hindi na, dude. I can manage." I said casually and turned my back to leave the kitchen.
I went to the living room to get my keys where I put them earlier, the coffee table.
Chapter 8
Start from the beginning
