DEAL AND MARRY HER?

Chapter 5

We chose to stay at the library for the sake of secrecy, since soundproof ang area na ito. I thought it was the best place for Jessica to share their story. It wasn't hers alone but also his.

Inilapag ko sa center table ang cake at nagpaalam saglit na kukuha ng saucers. When I reached the kitchen, I grabbed a tray and placed it on top of the counter. Pumasok naman si manang and asked me if she could do anything to help me.

"Ako nalang po manang. Dito po pala magdidinner si Jessica. And paki-katok nalang po kami just in case mom and dad arrived." I answered politely.

"Ku ehh gagabihin na iyong mga iyon. Pero tatawagin ko kayo pagkatapos kong magluto." I nodded smiling. I mumbled my gratitude, grabbed everything and started walking back.

While I was on my way I couldn't stop thinking why Jessica never had the courage to blurt everything out to Rico. It has been longer than I thought. I was always a firm believer of the adage that tells 'if you like or love someone you should tell it to them right away before it's too late'. Kahit walang katugon at least wala kang pagkukulang.

Pagpasok ko inilapag ko agad ang dala kong tray sa table at inilabas ang cake sa box. I heard my own stomach grumbling at the sight of the precious food in front of me waiting to be eaten up. I was really famished. An empty stomach was never a good political adviser. Pagkatapos kong kumuha inalok ko si Jess but she shook her head and told me she wasn't hungry. I shrugged my shoulders and immersed myself in one of the couches.

"Gora na, simulan mo na ang story mo." I muttered in between my chews. "Wait. Naging kayo ba?" I added innocently.

"Hell no!" She rustled at me. I frowned at her sudden outburst. She cleared her throat. "I have always been a subject of bullying since then. Even at a younger age. Gaya nga ng sabi mo dati maliit ako sa edad ko." She stopped for a moment, parang may inaalala. I was pretty sure I had a glimpse of sadness in her eyes. It must be hard for her retelling their story. Lalo na't di pa sila nagkakatuluyan.

"There was this group of girls na palagi akong puntirya. I called them witches before. Si Irish ang leader at pasimuno sa lahat. I never really had a friend back then." She stared at me. Though she didn't utter a word I know how thankful she was we became part of her life. I smiled at her wholeheartedly.

"Until one rainy day. Uwian na, nagkataong na-late si Dad ng pagsundo sa akin. I was sitting sa building na malapit sa gate. Aalis na sana ko but the witches came out from nowhere and took my umbrella away from me. Sinira nila. Wala akong nagawa at tinignan ko nalang sila ng masama. I cried hard. Gustong-gusto ko na silang patulan. But I couldn't even move my feet."

I stood up and drank water straight from the pitcher. Bigla akong nauhaw at na-stress sa kwento ni Jessica. It surprised me to know na may mga atribidang bata talaga sa murang edad. Ansarap kalbuhin. I tapped her shoulders.

"If you're not comfortable telling me this, I will understand." I said in a comforting tone.

She held her hand up. "Nasimulan ko na kaya tapusin na natin. Para naman malaman mo at bawas-bawasan mo ang pang-aasar sakin."

Bumalik nalang ako sa upuan ko. Grabe nabusog ako sa kinain ko sa totoo lang. Pero may pakiramdam ako na mas mabubusog pa ko sa kwento ng kaibigan ko.

"Nagulat ako ng may biglang pumulot ng payong ko in the middle of the rain. He shouted to those witches and I saw them ran away fast. Lumapit sakin iyong lalaki. Pinaupo niya ko ulit at tinabihan. Binigay niya sa akin ang jacket niya since nasira na daw ang payong ko."

I directed my index finger at her. "Oww let me guess kung sino iyon. Hmmm Rico right?"

"Who else could that be? Siya lang naman ang naging kaibigan kong lalaki sa murang edad."