Missing Chances

Kabanata 8

Kabanata 8

"ARE you going home after this, Daru?" Lilah asked while we were waiting for my order to be served.

"Home." I smiled. "Sa bahay na lang ako magluluto at mahirap na at ma-stranded sa daan, may ulan mamaya, right?"

"Yeah." She nodded, smiling. "Buti at may flight pa rin, ano? Nakakatakot kayang bumiyahe ng umuulan."

"True, pero 'di naman kalakasan. 'Di naman magpu-push through ang flight if dangerous for our passengers," I muttered but then I saw my brother entering the airport kaya lumaki ang ngiti ko. "Kuya Macky!" I exclaimed and waved.

He glanced at me, I saw how his face brightened with the glimpse of me, mabilis niyang sinampay sa kanyang balikat ang kulay asul na coat at lumapit sa akin.

"Hi, princess. Going home?" He pinched my cheek.

"Opo." I smiled, nodding. "You? May flight ka? Uulan, ah? Careful, okay? And always pray for everyone's safety."

"I have a trip to Japan." He smiled. "Papa's my Captain."

My eyes widened, tumawa naman siya at inayos ang buhok kong nahulog mula sa pusod.

"It's my first overseas flight, princess, so, I accepted Dad's offer to accompany me." He smiled, his blue eyes shined, making me giggle.

"Wow, Kuya! I'm so proud of you, congrats!" I cheered happily and hugged him.

I heard his hearty laugh, he tapped my back and kissed my head.

"Papa's checking the plane for safety with the maintenance since medyo maulan but we'll be alright, nasabi ko na kay Mama na magkasama kami ni Papa ngayon," he informed. I moved away, really happy with his news.

"Good luck, Kuya! Say hi to Papa for me, I'm going home na for now since it will rain," I said softly and he nodded, nilagay pa niya ang cap niya sa ulo ko kaya sabay kaming nagkatawanan.

"Anyway, Kuya..." I glanced at Lilah who was staring at the both of us with a smile on her face. "This is Lilah, my friend."

Kuya glanced at her, Lilah's eyes brightened and a mysterious smile appeared...I don't know if it was indeed mysterious or I was just being weird.

"Hi, Captain." She smiled. "Marcus Sandejas, am I right?"

"Yes, Miss. Nice meeting you." Kuya smiled formally. "You are?"

"Delilah Vicente," she introduced and offered her hand. "But you can call me Lilah." She smiled sweetly.

"Nice meeting you, Miss Vicente," Kuya greeted and accepted her hand.

I saw how she squeezed my brother's hand, nakita ko pa ang pagkunot ng noo ni Kuya roon at miski ako ay nagtaka kaya tumikhim ako at dumaan sa pagitan ng kamay nilang dalawa.

"Uy, my milk tea is here!" I cheered noong mapaghiwalay ko na sila at mabilis na inabot ang bagong gawang milk tea ko sa counter.

I noticed my brother's forehead was still creased as if he was confused. Si Lilah naman ay nakamasid at nakangiti.

"Nand'yan na rin ang akin?" she asked. I smiled and nodded, inabot ko sa kanya ang kanya bago bumaling kay Kuya na naiwan pa ang tingin sa babae.

"May flight ka pa, Kuya, right? Bye, love you! Ingat!" I chirped and kissed his cheek.

Tumango siya at may ngiti na ulit. Pinisil niya ang pisngi ko.

"I love you too, princess. Take care, okay? Go home in instant baka ma-stranded ka." Paalala niya at sumulyap kay Lilah para tumango. "I'll be going now, Miss, princess..."