Every Step Away

ESA36

ESA36

Hezekiah and I didn't meet for two weeks. He flew to Singapore for a business conference for a week and his schedule became really tight because of his absence. Ako naman ay nagpakabusy sa pag-didisenyo ng kanyang bahay. I convinced Dad that I will stay on my condo for a while because all my things are there－for drafting, of course.

Well basically, I spent my two weeks being a cave man on my unit. Hindi naman ako buong araw nagta-trabaho. Sa totoo lang mas mahaba pang walang kabuluhan ang ginagawa ko.

Kieron and Steve are still around. Hindi ko na inusisa kung saan sila tumitigil.

"Dinner out?"

Pinaglaruan ko ang aking buhok habang nakatingin sa telebisyon na naka-mute naman dahil sa pagtawag ni Hezekiah. He calls me every time he's free. We talk a lot about random things but up until now, no one opens up about what happened two years ago and those that are inside it.

I'm still confused about what we are doing and what we are now. But it's okay because it's weird if we talk about it just through the phone.

I guess, we're okay and friends?

"Ahm... do you want to see my drafts?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Tumikhim siya sa kabilang linya. I think he's still in his office.

"No... just dinner."

Napakagat ako ng ibabang labi. Itanggi ko man pero alam ko sa sarili kong sabik na rin akong makita siya.

I missed him for two years! I missed him even if he's around me these past weeks too. Because right now where I can feel that there's still a possibility of me and him... why would I stop myself?

"Okay..." mahina kong sagot.

"I still have some things to check though..."

Inabot ko ang remote ng tv na nasa tabi ko at pinatay iyon.

"Ayos lang. I'll just meet you. Sa hotel ninyo pa rin ba?"

"Do you want to dine somewhere else?"

Napa-isip ako. That's hassle. Mukhang marami siyang tinatapos kaya mas mabuti nang sa lugar nalang kung nasaan siya.

"No, it's fine." sagot ko.

"Okay, baby. I'll see you later?"

Naramdaman ko nanaman ang paglalaro ng mga paru-paro saaking tiyan. Really, Santh? After all these years?

I think I won't get used of him calling me that any sooner because I already accepted the fact that it's over and the only thing that I can hope for is his forgiveness and if I'm lucky enough, is our friendship.

This is beyond...

"Okay..." I whispered.

Hindi ko na hinintay na sabihin niyang ibaba ko ang tawag at iyon na ang ginawa ko. I texted Kieron that I'm going out for dinner before I proceed to the bathroom and take a bath.

Thankfully, hindi naman nakikielam sila Kieron sa mga ginagawa ko. They never asked question unless it's about my whereabouts and more security things that they are concerned about. They are both professional.

I wore a thin strapped white top partnered with a caramel button front skirt. I put a light make up and let my hair down. Sinuot ko ang nude high heels ko at inayos ang mga ilalagay sa sling bag kong dadalahin.

I texted Kie that I'm going down. Of course, safety protocol as they always call it. Medyo inconvenient siya pero nasasanay na din naman ako.

When I heard the doorbell rang, tumayo na ako mula sa couch because I know that's already Kieron.