Something That Glitters

18 // A Whiff of Forever

After what felt like a year, we finally reached the ground. When we got out to the street, Archer was still busy on his phone that he didn't notice us right away.

Tumalon ako sa harapan niya. His eyes slammed shut as he slightly jolted. Humagikhik ako. "Hi, blooming morning!"

I just loved it when he closed his eyes in intense amazement because of yours truly moi. Chills! I had to do a quick hair flip before he opened his eyes. I just really had to because I felt like I earned it.

"Why are you still sleepy?" biro ko habang malapad na nakangiti.

"Good morning to you, too, Snooki," he just said after he gained his composure back. "And Auntie."

I pouted for the umpteenth time. Akala ko naman special na ako!

Tumango si Auntie bago pumasok sa backseat ng sasakyan. I shrugged. Well, at least, I got to sit in front.

I didn't know exactly where the fitness gym we're off to, all I knew was that it's in Bronx. I wondered what Archer and I could do there while we wait for Auntie.

As we were stuck in traffic, Auntie received a call. She answered it, and on the other line was the beautiful fine wine, Mrs. Boyers.

"Yes... I can close the shop on weekends. Actually, we are closed today." Auntie chuckled.

Yup, today's a Saturday, and Daily Bloom took a break—for Auntie's zumba! 'Cause I guess, priorities? And in my honest opinion, the answer to that was a gleaming yes. I mean, I didn't know Zumba, but anything that would bag you a good booty was totes a priority! Any opposing notion won't be up for discussion. Periodt!

"Next week is fine. Yes, Mrs. Boyers, I will be in contact with you prior the trip."

I peeked at Auntie through the rearview mirror. While my eyes exhibited confusion, I was also hopeful because I thought I already knew what it was about. When Auntie caught me looking, I mouthed, "Sama po ako?" to which she nodded to as an answer.

Roooad trip!!!

After a braving the bumper-to-bumper traffic, Archer finally pulled over in front of a fitness studio. Dapat ay bababa rin ako ng sasakyan para ihatid si Auntie pero pinigilan niya ako.

"What time will we go back for you, then?" I asked my flower boss instead.

"'Di na, 'di na! Matanda na ako, kaya ko na 'to." Auntie waved her hand dismissively. Nagtanggal siya ng seatbelt at tsaka hirap na hirap bumaba ng sasakyan. Naku, Auntie, good luck talaga sa Zumba mo.

"Yes, you're old, alright," I jested. At syempre, inasikan ako ni Auntie kaya ngumiti ako nang pagkatamis-tamis para pambawi. Nahuli ko namang napangiti si Archer sa gilid ko. Syempre, maganda kasi ang katabi niya.

Kumembot ang puwet ni Auntie nang talikuran ako at lumakad papasok sa studio. O, baka 'di kumembot, hindi ko sure. Pero alam kong mana sa 'kin iyon kaya alam kong kembot 'yon!

"Hindi natin susunduin si Auntie mamaya?" tanong ni Archer nang makaalis kami.

We're hitting the urban road to I-didn't-know-where. But maybe we were already driving home. Alam ko naman 'tong si Archer, e, sobrang slow boy! Kaya ako na talaga ang nagpe-pave ng way para hindi na siya mahirapan sa 'kin. Char! Ang assuming ko talaga, I love it!

"I guess not? Sabi niya 'di ba, na big girl na siya? So, baka she's not lying naman na kaya na niya 'yon. Also, saan tayo pupunta?"

"Uhm... home?" His face flushed a faint red. Nahihiya siya!

I laughed and sat comfortably while I watched the street. "Sure. Let's go home. But I'm changing my mind, sunduin na pala natin si Auntie mamaya."

Oh, 'di ba, paving the way!