Still You

Chapter Thirty-Six: Pretend

The morning came, and I couldn't open my eyes very well. Masakit sila at mabigat. Lianna was on the balcony having a phone call. Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa banyo na parang walang buhay.

I looked at myself on the mirror. My eyes were red and they're very much swollen. I can't go out like this. I brushed my teeth and decided to take a bath.

"Serene?" kumatok si Lianna sa pintuan ng banyo.

I turned off the shower and replied to her.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to eat our breakfast here or we go outside with the others?" Lianna carefully asked.

Saglit muna akong napaisip. If I won't join my cousins for breakfast, baka kung ano ang isipin nila. They would probably think there's a problem. Kahit pa medyo obvious na 'yon kahapon ay ayoko namang palalain pa 'yon at hayaan silang mag-alala sa akin. We'll stay here for two more days just so they could rest. I can't ruin this for them.

"We'll go outside, Lianna."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Alright. I'll wait for you here."

Pagkatapos kong maligo ay nag blow dry na rin ako ng buhok doon. I'm wearing a white cropped tube top and an acid washed shorts. Then I put my hair in a messy bun.

Lumabas ako dala-dala ang maliit na make-up kit na mayroon ako. Dumiretso ako sa harap ng isang console table at ipinatong doon ang aking kit. Lianna was looking at me and following all my actions.

"Tapos ka na?"

I glanced at her and shook my head. "Magm-make up lang ako."

May salamin kung saan nakasandal ang console table kaya humarap na ako roon para masimulang lagyan ng kolorete ang aking mukha.

I put a lot of concealer just to hide my swollen eyes. But guess what, they're too swollen to be concealed! Magmumukha lang akong trying hard sa paglalagay ng karagdagang make up doon. I took some face wipes and removed my make up. I decided to wear something light. I still concealed my eye bags but I didn't put too much anymore. It won't work, anyway. Magsa-sunglasses na lang ako.

Huli akong nagpabango bago ko itinago ang aking make-up kit. I took my mirror pink cat eye sunglasses. Sinuot ko 'yon at binalingan na si Lianna.

"Let's go."

"They're with them. You still want to go?" her voiced laced with concern.

Natigilan ako at napaisip kung kaya ko na ba silang makita. It took me a while before I nodded to Lianna. Alam kong hindi maiiwasang makita namin sila from time to time, so I need to get used to seeing them together.

She looked at me intently before she sighed and nodded.  "Fine... just tell me if you want to leave there, okay? I'll make reasons so we could immediately go away." 

I gave her a small smile and nodded. "Thanks, Lianna."

Palabas na sana kami ng kuwarto nang maalala ko iyong cellphone. 

"Wait..." bumalik ako at pumunta sa side table kung saan ko 'yon iniwan kagabi.

I took it and went straight to Lianna.

"I wasn't able to give this back to him last night. Pwedeng ikaw na ang magbalik?"

I saw the shock on her face before she nodded at me. "Of course." kinuha niya iyong phone sa aking kamay.

Pagkarating namin sa restaurant ay naroon nga ang dalawa. Lawrence called me to sit beside him so I did. Yves looked at us awkwardly. Mukhang naalala niya ang nangyari kagabi. Jacob greeted me normally, not wanting to make the atmosphere uncomfortable. I just gave him a small smile.