Stray Heart (SC, #5)

Kabanata 6

Sorry for the slow update. :(

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Kabanata 6

Childhood Friends

The sun already set. But there are still flame-like color in the dark sky. The warm winds of the evening nipped my skin. Dala ang tray na laman ang ilang utensils ay dumiretso ako sa backyard area ng mga Henson. Their lot is huge and wide. Puwede pang magpatayo nang  isa pang bahay.

Tanaw ang malaking lupain na puro puno mula rito. But what made my lips parted for seconds is the arrangement of their back. I lifted my head and my eyes squinted for the lights coming from the little bulbs up in the air. The trees becoming shadows in a beautiful way. I don't truly appreciate party. I dislike celebration. The only thing that could save me from it is the alcohol. Back in Cali, when Kelsey invited me to a party. I didn't socialize. I was only in the school party for the booze.

The idea of surprise party for Wesley Henson, Rush's older brother, is from Raina. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang hanga niya kay Wes. Bokal pa rin siya rito pero mukhang wala pa rin improvement or pa'no ba sabihin 'yon? They are not...in a relationship? Is that it? Wala naman ako sa lugar para mag-comment ng kalagayan nila. Kung ano mang mayroon, buhay nila 'yon.

I placed the expensive utensils on their proper order. There is a long table, an luxurious satin cover placed over it. Kailangan 'ko ring sindihan ang mga kandilang nasa mesa. Raina's idea is tiring but it's cool to anyone's eyes. I shrugged it off and continued my task. Dahan-dahan 'ko na lang nilagay sa ayos ang mga kutsara at tinidor sa tamang ayos. Hindi naman karamihan siguro ang pupunta dito dahil isang mahabang mesa lang ang mayroon.

Maybe, it would be an intimate surprise party.

Sumunod na nilagay 'ko naman ang mga goblet pati na rin ang mga plato.

Then out of nowhere a comforting yet emotional music blasted through the speakers. Sleep on the floor by The Lumineers aired in the background. The place became more warm with that kind of sound in the setting. Napakurap at napatigil ako panandali nang usisain 'ko ang musika. I already heard this multiple times but today, it felt different. I wanna know the reason but a devil suddenly appeared on my sight.

"I thought you're anti-social now," ang bungad ng kapatid ni Lucifer, si Rush.

"I'm only anti-social to you," I refuted with a glare that could hurt. Patuloy ako sa trabaho.

"That's so sweet of you. I'm touched." Rush single handed the long lighter while putting a palm over his chest, feigning his concern. "Thanks, baby."

Hindi ako nagpatalo. A small half-smiled appeared on my face."You're welcome, baby."

Then, a glaring competition have been started.

"Oh, what is this sweet conversation I heard?" Halos mapatalon ako nang dumating si tita Delilah dala ang ilang pagkain. Followed by Callie with food in hands too. Their clothes are simple but both of them are stunning. Si tita Delilah, isang mahabang florid dress habang si Callie ay white long-sleeves partnered with plaid brown skirt, high-pony tail with beige ribbon at kulot sa dulo. It's cute anyway. "Ano ba 'yang pinag-uusapan niyo?" Ngumuso-nguso si tita habang pasalit-salit ang tingin sa amin.

Hindi ako makaisip ng palusot. I eyed Rush with a fake smile. I felt tita Delilah's sight ping-ponged between me and Rush. Mukhang hinihintay ang sagot namin. I don't even know what to say! All I know is we are bickering to death! Every freaking time!

"Inaya 'ko lang My na umalis kami..." si Rush, pumalusot.

Nanlaki ang mata ni tita Delilah. Her mouth formed an 'o'. "That means it's a date."