War in Katipunan

Kabanata 16

‘Nasa may grandstand na rin ako’

After sending the text, agad akong napalingon nang may kumalabit saakin. Narinig ko pa ang tawa ni Luthor dahil sa naging reaksiyon ko. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin pero agad ring ngumiti.

“Kanina pa kayo rito?” He asked. Tumabi siya saakin. Pareho na kaming nakatingin sa bandang tumutugtog sa stage.

“Hindi naman masyado. Kasama ko sina Fita.”

“Alam ba nila na kasama kita?” I looked at him pero agad ring nag-iwas ng tingin nang makita kong nakatingin din siya saakin. Come to think of it, I didn’t even told my friends that I’ll be with Luthor. I was so sure that they’ll have their own acquaintances tonight so why bother? I’ll just tell them that I’m with some… friend.

“Uh, hindi. But I’ll text them para hindi rin sila mag-alala.” Tumango lamang siya. When I looked at him, he was already watching the performance of the next band. I didn’t bother to take my eyes off him. I was so overwhelmed that he’s here with me.

Nag-aagaw na ang liwanag at dilim. The sun is already setting. The colors of sunset were reflecting his eyes. It was a beautiful view actually. I’ve seen so many sunsets. Dito man sa Manila o sa Batangas. I’ve always fascinated by sunsets. On how the sky changes its colors. How different shades of colors were seen on the sky.

I loved sunsets. But I never knew that I will like it more now that these colors were reflecting Luthor’s eyes. Our friendship was an unexpected one but it makes me happy that he’s still here, with me.

“Hey, Lola Amour is performing.” I was driven back to reality when Luthor spoke. Napalunok ako nang makitang nakatingin siya saakin. Napansin ko rin madilim na pala. At ilang banda na rin ang tapos nang mag-perform. Gano’n ko siya katagal na tinitigan? At nakita niya ring nakatitig ako sakaniya? Bigla akong tinubuan ng hiya.

I looked at the stage and he was right, one of my favorite OPM band is performing on stage. Though they are still getting ready, I know they’ll be playing next.

“Do you want something to eat? May malapit na nagtitinda rito.” I looked at Luthor again. I was too pre-occupied that I didn’t even notice the time. I didn’t even notice my own hunger. Ganoon ba ako ka-fascinated sa physical appearance ni Luthor? Really?

“Yeah, I’m a little hungry.”

“Stay here. I’ll buy us food.” Tumango na lamang ako. Umalis na rin siya para bumili ng pagkain. He was half running. Nang mawala siya sa paningin ko ay agad kong kinuha ang phone ko at nakita ang mga texts doon nina Fita. It was all the same, asking where am I. I decided to just text Fita.

To Fita:

Hey girl, I’m still on the grandstand, don’t worry. I’m with a friend. I know you’re with your friends too. Just enjoy and don’t worry about me. Please tell Rafa too. Thanks! 

She replied my text with an okay. Hindi na rin ako nag-reply at itinago na ang phone ko. Lola Amour already finished performing a song when Luthor came back with foods on his hands. At may dala pa siyang plastic bag. Naningkit ang mata ko.

“I bought shawarma, pizza and donuts,” he raised his hands. Mayroon nga roon ng mga sinabi niya. “And I bought water and juice too.”

“Thanks.” Kinuha ko sakaniya ang shawarma. Bahagya siyang tumawa bago inilapag ang mga binili sa bench na malapit saamin. Tahimik kaming kumain at nanood ng mga performance.

To my surprise, naubos namin ang lahat ng binili niya. Even the juice! Another band was already playing when he stood up at nag-ayang makihalo sa crowd. Sumama na rin ako sakaniya. It was already quarter to eight at ilang minute na lang ay magsisimula na ang fireworks.