Winning Hurricane

XXV- Acetaminophen

"She can't come."

"Oh sayang. Nga pala, here's my boyfriend.." she looked at the guy lovingly as she hooked her arms on his. "Kent."

We all welcomed Kent. Umupo sila sa side ni Cyclone. Amanda became the life of the group, as always. When the program start doon lamang medyo tumahimik si Amanda.

We were all looking at the emcee when I felt Hurricane's hand on mine under the table. He gently squeezed it habang naka focus lamang siya sa unahan. Nakatingin lamang ako sa kamay namin.

His hands always felt warm.. I wonder when this will turn cold..

Agad kong inabot ang wine gamit ang isa kong kamay at mabilis na ininom yon. Naramdaman ko ang pag-tingin ni Cyclone pero hindi ko na siya pinansin. Humigpit ang hawak sakin ni Hurricane, mukhang nakita din ang bigla kong pag-inom.

Napatingin ako sa kanya pero lumagpas yon kay Barb na nakatingin sa kamay namin. Agad nag-tama ang tingin naming dalawa bago siya ngumiti at umiwas ng tingin.

Is it possible.. to feel the pain in her eyes?

No. I'm just thinking things. Bakit naman siya mukhang nasasaktan, they're just friends right?

Chandy, please. Clean up your thoughts.

18 dance came and Hurricane had to let go of my hand dahil siya na ang makikipag-sayaw kay Light. Kasunod lamang siya ni Cy na kakaupo lamang ulit.

I watched how Light's eyes twinkled as she saw her brother. She's happy he came, I can say the same for Hurricane.

"So.. I guess, open na for courtship si Light?" Amanda teased Cy who in return rolled his eyes.

"Tss, she's the suitor okay?"

Amanda and Barb laughed. I smiled in my head, understanding his words. They talked more about Light's adventure to courtship nang makabalik si Hurricane. He smiled at me before placing his hands again on mine under the table.

"Hey, no alcohol tonight right?" sita ni Hurricane kay Barb nang uminom to bigla ng wine.

"Wine lang naman."

Lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sakin hanggang sa tuluyan siyang bumitaw at bumaling kay Barbara. "Kahit na, magda drive ka pauwi." His voice authoritative. Parang napipikon pa na tumikim si Barb ng wine.

"Why don't you just drive her home? Delikado nadin for a girl na mag-drive mag-isa hon, especially malayo ang Tagaytay." Amanda advised kaya lahat kami napatingin sa kanya.. her smile have other meaning.

Agad napatingin sakin si Cyclone but I remained calm. Wala namang clue si Amanda na kami na ni Cane.. and she's somehow right. Sabay naman silang pumunta dito, better off sabay nalang din sila umuwi.

I can handle myself perfectly. I always can.

"And gosh, it's your job as her boyfriend!" she added.

Barb coughed as Hurricane looked at me in defense.

"Oh gosh, hindi ba? I'm sorry! Yong tinginan niyo kasi!" then she laughed, "Ganyan kami ni Kent noong mag best friend palang kami." She teased.

Biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko. Gusto kong burahin sa isip ko ang sinabe ni Amanda.. kasi.. kasi akala ko ako lang ang nakakakita.. ako lang ang nagbibigay ng malisya..

But hearing another person seeing and stating it..

Pero no, Chandy.. don't go there. Respect their friendship. It's platonic. You have to understand it.