Peace
Danarine's Point of view
Cams left me when we're done eating. Siya na kasi ang magbabantay sa booth nila.
"Dan!" Kuya Sev called me.
He's with Corrine. Himala. Ano kaya ang nagtulak sa kanya para samahan si Cors.
"Nakasabay ko lang siya maglakad papunta dito." Kuya said defensively.
I just smiled at him. Umirap lang siya at nauna nang maglakad.
"It's not what you think Dan. But still, I'd hope that it is though."
Cors said. She smiled weakly and followed kuya Sev. My heart breaks when I'm seeing them like this. I'm the one who witnessed their relationship. Masaya sila kahit minsan may tampuhan pero hindi nila pinalalapas ang araw na hindi magkabati. I saw how lovely kuya smiled when he's with Corrine. But now, I can't see it anymore. He become more reserved.
"Another lover's quarrel?"
Steph said. Bigla siya sumulpot sa tabi ko. Hindi ko man lang siya naramdaman.
"Sana ganun na lang nga Steph."
Tumango lang siya. She knew also what happened to them. Kahit hindi pinapakita ni Steph, I know she's affected to the way kuya and Cors are behaving.
"Dan, I think you better run now. Kung ayaw mong mahuli nila."
She pointed at the two members of karate and judo clubs. They are from the jail booth. I was about to run when they both catch up on us.
"Sorry, Miss Grimley. We've got a big amount for arresting you."
I sighed and surrender.
"See you later, Steph."
"You're just going with them?"
"Don't worry malamig naman doon. I feel a bit tired na din."
Naguguluhan man pero sumang ayon na rin siya sa akin. I don't know who paid them just to be with me. Maybe I'll use this chance to have fun. I hope that stranger will ease my mind.
"Napakalaki naman ang binayad sa inyo para talaga hulihin ako."
On the past years they didn't tried to arrest me. They are afraid of me. Tinakot ko kasi sila noon na kapag sinubukan nila akong hulihin ay hindi na ako papayag na pasalihin sila sa activities tuwing foundation day. It's just my selfish orders and because of my bratty attitude.
"You knew him, Miss."
He smiled and winked at me.
He ignited the light of my curiousity. Maybe it's just a prank from Camilla? Or Corrine and kuya Sev?
Huminto kami sa harap ng isang air conditioned closed tent. May nakalagay na jail booth na sign sa taas. Napailing na lang ako sa pakulo na naman nila. This doesn't look like a jail again.
"Jail booth ba talaga 'to?" I asked them.
"Not your traditional jail booth, Miss."
"I can see that."
Wala kasi ako noong nagcheck ng ibang booths sila Ramon. I trust him naman to his works. Kahit papaano ay maayos naman siya magtrabaho.
"Please get inside, Miss."
He opened the other side of the tent. Pumasok ako sa loob. The inside looked cozy. There's a two bean bags on carpeted floor and a small table. I removed my shoes. I seated on the blue bean bag. May orange juice drink sa table.
"Orang juice?"
The door on the rest room opens. Iniluwa nito si Lance. He look at me without any expression in his eyes. Galit pa rin siya?
"You're the one who paid those guys?"
I asked him. He sat on the pink bean bag infront of me.
"Obviously. I can't wait for later. We both have free time today and yet we can't enjoy it together. This is the only way I think that we can be together without you minding the attention of other people."
Walang preno niyang sinabi. Umiwas ako sa titig niya. How could he be so serious and charming at the same time!
"S-So, what are we gonna do here?" I stuttered.
Hindi pa ako nakakabawi sa banat niya kanina.
"I've paid for three hours. Let's watch a movie."
Tinuro niya ang malaking LED TV sa harapan namin.
"How 'bout snacks?" I asked.
"There's a small pantry there. Or do you want to order from the other booths?"
He pointed on the small door beside the TV. Mayroon ding small fridge rito. May game consoles din kung gusto maglaro ng preso. How can this be a jail? This is too much pampering.
Tiningnan ko lang siya habang ino-operate ang TV. I'd let him chose the movie.
"Are we okay?" I blurted out.
Ilang araw na kaming hindi nagpapansin simula noong nakita niyang nakayakap sa akin si Ethan. Kahit ngayong tapos na ang promotions nila at successful ang album sales nila. Hindi ko pa siya nababati ng congratulations.
"I don't know. Kayo ba ni Ethan okay?" He said without even looking at me. I can sense the sarcasm in his tone.
"Really, Lance? That's what you were thinking all the time? Alam mong walang malisya ang yakap na iyon? Why are you so jealous?"
Tiningnan niya ako na parang may mali akong nasabi. Inalis niya rin ito sa akin at ibinaling ang atensyon sa TV.
"Lance.."
I called his name. Hindi ko na rin alam kung ano pa ang ikinaseselos niya hanggang ngayon.
"Dan, do you still like Ethan?"
Gusto kong mangiti dahil sa katanungan niya. But, his eyes telling me that he's dead serious.
"No. Hindi naman ako papayag na sumama sa'yo dito kung gusto ko pa rin siya."
His lips twitched. Parang pinipigilan ang sarili na mangiti.
"Oh damn." He cursed.
Tumabi siya sa akin at hinawakan ang kamay ko. I hope he can't hear my heart beating loudly. His warm touch melts away the longing I'm feeling.
"Are we good now? Or do you still want me to call Ethan?" I teased him.
Umirap lang siya. He pulled me closer and hugged me. I missed him so much.
to be continued..
