Behind the Scenes [Edited Version]

Scene 8

"Nakapag-order na kami," salubong ni Tito Dan sa amin. "I hope it's alright with you."

"We ordered the usual, Ms. Erika, Sir Kevin. So, you don't have to worry," dagdag ni Nathalie.

Marahan akong ngumiti. "Thank you po."

Habang naghihintay ay nakipagkuwentuhan sila sa amin.

"About your offer, Erika," Tito Dan said as he started on his soup. "About the story for the magazine?"

Tumango ako. I remember offering a story for the Summer Love theme of Stardust. "Yes po?"

"I think we should do it," he said, looking over to Nath's direction. "What do you think, Nathalie?"

Nagpunas muna si Nath ng kaniyang bibig bago sumagot. "I think so, too, Sir," she said, smiling kindly.

Tumingin ako sa gawi ni Kevin. He's playing games on his phone, not minding us or his soup. Though, I have a feeling that he's listening.

"I'll try to write drafts, Tito," sabi ko.

"Galingan mo," pabirong sabi ni Tito Dan. Itinaas niya ang kaniyang wine glass malapit sa kaniyang bibig. Bago siya uminom, tinapos niya ang kaniyang sinasabi. "Malay mo, pagdating ng araw, maging regular writer ka na sa Stardust."

Natigilan ako. Lumingon ako sa gawi ni Kevin at nakitang nakatingin na siya sa akin. I saw a small smile resting on his face.

Kumabog ang puso ko sa hindi malamang dahilan. I found myself forcing a smile towards Tito Dan and Nath, though I did not answer.

The waiter arrived with our food and we began eating.

Nasa desserts na kami nang biglang tumayo si Kevin. Walang sabi-sabi siyang naglakad papalayo. Kami naman, gulat at tahimik siyang sinundan ng tingin.

I heard Tito sigh once Kevin turned a corner and got out of our sight. Mukhang sa CR siya pumunta.

"That kid should watch his manners," Tito muttered. "If he wants to inherit my company, he should at least be at his best. Maraming mga matang nakatingin sa kaniya."

Napakurap ako. Then, I looked back to where Kevin disappeared. I was suddenly overcome by a strong feeling of sympathy for him.

"Anyway," Tito said, starting a new topic. He told me about the designs they're developing for the summer issue.

Nang makabalik si Kevin at matapos kami sa pagkain ay nagsimula na kaming mag-ready para umalis. While waiting for our reciept, something got Tito's attention.

"Look at that, Nath," tango niya sa isang table.

Sinundan ko ang kaniyang tingin. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Directly in Tito's line of sight was a couple dining in a four-seater table. One of them is obviously male, judging from his clothes and figure. Meanwhile, the person sitting across him wore female clothes with a figure that is not quite feminine. I have the impression that the latter was trans.

"Clothes are designed for specific people," Tito Dan continued. "May mga bagay sa 'yo, may hindi. Inisip niya sana 'yun bago siya nagsuot ng dress."

Ilang segundong nagprocess sa akin ang sinabi niya. Wait, does Tito mean...

Maya-maya'y naramdaman ko ang paghawak ni Kevin sa 'king kamay sa ilalim ng mesa. Nakita ko ang dismayadong ekspresyon sa kaniyang mukha nang lingunin ko siya.

Mukhang pareho kami ng iniisip.

~*~

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating na rin ang waiter dala ang resibo. The four of us stood up and walked out of the restaurant.