Touched

Thirty Eight

Thea Elise

An older version of Getchen Moreau greeted Oliver and I with a warm smile.

Niyakap nito ang kapatid tapos bumaling sakin.

"Oh mon Dieu, is that you, little L?" She kissed my cheeks and gave me a quick hug. "You look stunning mon cher."

"Bonjour Teacher G. It's been a long time. You look gorgeous yourself. Ollie mentioned you got married.." Lumingon ako sa paligid ng Fairmont dining hall para sana hanapin kung may kasama siya.

"Yes dear, he's in charge of the kids tonight. Nasa taas na sila" She giggled. "Oh god, Teacher G..Was I that terrible back then?Je suis désolé mon cher. (I'm so sorry my dear.)"

Ngumiti na lang ako sakanya at nilingon ang palapit na din na sina Nicky at Archer.

"Your lessons were nightmares for us. You were unbearable. Honestly." Natawa na lang ako at umupo na sa tabi niya.

"I was really that horrible huh? Sabagay hindi nga ako nito pinansin ni Ollie ng ilang taon. You have to understand, my father was so strict back then.Since ako panganay, nasa akin lahat ng pressure, hello I was like 15 back then,pour l'amour de Dieu(for the love of God!). Kakatubo pa nga lang ng pimples ko tapos kailangan ko ng mamahala ng isang investment firm? Tapos ittrain ko pa kayong dalawa? Kaya siguro naibunton ko sainyong dalawa ang pressure. I am deeply sorry Thea dear." Paumanhin ulit nito.

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at pinisil ito.

"It's okay. I've learned a lot from you. Hayaan na natin yun." I assured her.

"Oh,Dieu merci (thank God)." Nagliwanag ang mukha niya. "Ikaw kumusta ka na? I heard what happened. I'm sorry about your parents and everything." Sinserong pahayag nito.

"I'm okay. Honestly, I am happy now. Greer makes me happy." Napangiti ako ng sumagi sa isip ang cute kong baby girl, which reminds me, after the ball makikita ko na ulit siya.

I miss tucking her to sleep, I miss her silly questions and her tiny kisses lalo na pag may gustong hingin.

"Good to hear, now where's the wine when I need it?" She motioned for the waitress to come near. "Dear, can you please take out your 2012 Domaine Ramonet?"

"Of course Ma'am. How about you Miss?" the waitress turned to me.

"Oh, just water please." Ngitian ko ito tapos bumaling sa direksiyon ni Nicky nakakadating pa lang at parang tuliro na umupo sa katapat kong upuan.

Agad naman akong tumayo pata lapitan siya ng nakita ang takot sa mga mata nito.

"Hey, you okay? Dapat hindi na kayo pumunta dito, balak ko namang kumain lang tapos babalik na lang din agad sa hotel."

Pilit na ngumiti ito sakin.

"I'm fine. Besides, I can't let myself live in constant fear."

"Okay. I'm here. Ano gusto mo? You wanna drink?"

She sighed.

"Maybe vodka can calm my nerves down. The brownies aren't working."

"Okay, done." Tinawag ko ang waitress at nag order ng inumin.

-----

"Ladies room lang ako N." Paalam ko sakanya.

Tumango naman ito, na halatang tipsy na.

Well at least kalmado na siya.

Tipsy na din ako at patapos na din naman na kami. Actually ngayon nanaman lang kami uminom after three years.