Curses and Kisses

XXVIII

P.S: Favor? Can you go at Urbi's tomorrow? There'll be a driver waiting for you. Just tell them that you have an appointment under my name. Thanks!

From: Cade

Are you asleep? If you are, go to sleep. Now. Thanks for today. Your older brother and I are fine, don't worry about anything.

See you in a few days. Kiss Sabrina for me. Love you.

Kay Kuya ako nag-reply dahil hindi ko pa kayang makipag-usap o text kay Cade sa ngayon. Cyto's words about him are still occupying my mind.

To: Kuya Seth

Where are you taking Cade? And what's Urbi's? Anong gagawin ko dun?

He replied immediately.

From: Kuya Seth

I suppose it's time for a new look? Your ash brown hair looks great on you, but Urbi knows the best look for you!

To: Kuya Seth

Will you pay for it?

From: Kuya Seth

🙄
👍

Pumasok na ako sa kuwarto nang mabasa ang reply ni Kuya, I felt sleepy because of his boring reply. When I thought I was already asleep, Cyto's words kept on playing in my head.

"Mahirap din tanggapin na ikakasal ka na sa taong ipinagkatiwala ko na bantayan ka..."

Itinakip ko ang unan sa mukha ko at pilit na makatulog.

"Cyd Thoren, ano ba ang gusto mong ipalabas?"

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Agad kong tinawagan ang kapatid ko nang makadating ako sa Urbi's na sinasabi niya. It's a freaking tattoo shop! Bakit niya ako pinapapunta dito? Akala ko pa naman importante, dapat pala ini-search ko nalang 'to bago ako pumayag na pumunta dito.

"Hello?"

"Kuya! Ano ba 'tong Urbi's na 'to? It's a tattoo shop!"

"Calm down, hindi naman kita inuutusan na magpatattoo, there's someone in there that you might want to see. Kung gusto mong magpatattoo, go on, I'll pay. Magaling naman yung tattoo artist."

"Sino ba?" Tanong ko bago pumasok.

"Basta. I'll end this call, baka tumakas si Arevalo." Bago ko pa tanongin kung nasaan sila ay ibinaba na niya ang tawag. Itinago ko nalang ang cellphone ko at inilibot ang tingin sa shop.

I've never been into tattoo shops before but this one looks decent. Imbes na rock music ang naririnig ko ay mga pop songs from the 2000's pa ang naririnig ko, pati na din ang tunog ng tattoo machine. The lobby is clean and the receptionist doesn't look like an emo woman with matching bubblegums. She even has a gentle voice when she asked what was I doing here.

"May appointment ako? Seth Kijamo." Hindi na niya tinignan ang records o ano niya, tinuro niya nalang agad kung saan ako pupunta.

I was led in a small room with a woman preparing something.

"Maupo ka na. Saan natin ilalagay ang tattoo mo?" Nang humarap siya ay saka ko siya nakilala.

"Ate Urbi." I called in a low voice. She froze the moment she saw me. Naiilang ako sa kanya, she looks so much like him.

"Sapphira." She finally spoke. Ibinaba niya ang pen na hawak niya saka ako linapitan at yinakap.

"It's been years! Ngayon lang kita nakita ulit!" Pinilit kong ngumiti hanggang sa humiwalay siya.