Ludic Selcouth #2: This Song Saved My Life

Chapter 7

“I’m still feeling drowsy because of tiredness. Just arrange everything and I’ll rest. Leave it to Alectrona!” Napabuntong hininga na lang ako sa sinabi ni Tita Carolina.

Inayos ko sa kusina ang mga dala-dala nilang pagkain habang pasimple naman akong tinutulungan ni Crystal. I was busy putting something inside the fridge when my phone at the bar counter started ringing. Mabilis kong sinarado ang ref at nilapitan ’yon.

It's Mallory again.

“Hey, Mal,” I greeted. Iniwan ko muna saglit si Crystal at lumabas papunta sa likod ng bahay.

“Alec! May Halloween performance ang Ludic Selcouth tonight!” Kumabog ang puso ko sa narinig. Performance... That means... I will see Rush again?

“They are asking everyone to dress dark clothes and put on dark make-ups. We can’t miss this! A wild night is surely waiting for us!” she exclaimed excitely.

“Really? But...Tita Carolina just arrived. I don’t know if I can sneak out tonight.” Nakagat ko ang labi at bumuntong hininga. What a bad timing. Pahirapan na naman ’to.

Natahimik saglit si Mallory dahil sa sinabi ko. Kapag nahuli na naman ako ay siguradong tuluyan na akong mapapalayas.

“Tell your Tita Carolina that you need to stay overnight to a blockmate’s house for your thesis! After their gig, you can just sleep in my condo!” nandedemonyo niyang suhestiyon.

Napaisip naman ako. She’s right. I can make that as an alibi. Hindi naman ito ang magiging unang beses na magpapaalam ako para mag-overnight. She can’t restrict me because what she knows is it’s about university stuffs. Kailangan ko lang mag-ingat ulit kina Iris at April dahil alam kong hindi rin nila ’to palalagpasin.

“You know what, you’re right. I should just bring my clothes for tomorrow,” I answered. Tumawa siya at sinabing siya ang bahala sa make-up ko para mamayang gabi.

Later that afternoon, I started arranging my things inside my bedroom. Hindi pa agad ako makakapagbihis dahil siguradong magsususpetya sina Tita Carolina. Sa condo na lang ako ni Mallory mag-aayos.

Nahalungkat ko ang isang black flowy long sleeve dress sa aking closet. It has a deep v-neckline that will slightly show my chest. I immediately threw it inside the bag along with other necessities.

Nang matapos ay napangiwi ako nang makita ang rami ng mga dadalhin ko. It includes my shoulder bag for the school, another bag that contains my clothes for tonight and tomorrow, and a paper bag where I placed my heels.

It should be fine. Normal lang ’to pag mag-oovernight!

6 pm when I decided to inform Tita about my so called overnight for our thesis. Naabutan ko siya sa living room at nagbabasa ng magazine. Tito Sandro is beside her, watching TV.

I hesistantly approached them. Hindi nag-angat ng tingin si Tita Carolina kahit na alam kong napansin niyang lumapit ako. Si Tito Sandro lang ang agad akong tiningnan at nginitian. “Alectrona... Do you need something?” he instantly asked. I cringed and forced myself to smile at him before I turned my gaze to Tita Carolina.

”Tita...” I called. Doon niya iniangat ang tingin sa’kin at tinanggal ang suot na salamin.

She immediately raised her eyebrow while looking at me. “What?” she asked unkindly.

“I just want to inform you that I need to stay overnight to my blockmate’s house for our thesis,” dire-diretso kong sabi.

Pinagkrus niya ang braso. “Overnight. For thesis. Halloween’s already approaching. I’m sure your thesis won’t be due until next year,” she said, skeptical.