-
"Sure, Gentleman." I accepted his hand gracefully without breaking our gaze.
As we make our way to the dance floor, all eyes are on us. I don't want to draw attention to myself, but the way they gaze at us is overwhelming. It's full of wonder and admiration. However, some of them have puzzled expressions on their faces, probably because of seeing a new face, which is me with this lovely man. I can't stop myself from looking down. I'm concerned that someone might recognize me.
"Hey." Tawag sakin ng kasayaw funny how I let a stranger dance me in finest. "Everything okay?" His forehead knotted.
I shrugged. "I've wanting to call you Henry, but I know that's not right." I pointed.
At first he looks confused, but later on a smile slowly rises on his lips. "Henry Nicholas, Damsel."
I stared at him deeply. "For real?" Hindi makapaniwala kong tanong na ikinatawa n'ya ng mahina.
"Sì. Theron Henry Nicholas but you can call me Yours." Nakangiti nitong sagot. Maharot ka ha. "I also know your name, but I'm blocked." He said while scratching his brow. Oh shy boy makayours ka lang kanina e.
I softly chuckled, but it turned out seductively holy sesami seed. I saw him gulped. "Dane." I said while drawing circles on his nape. We are still dancing in sync and his hands are gently caressing my sides. "Dane Perez but you can call me Master." Pabiro kong pakilala not minding his touches dahil hindi naman 'yon in sensual way.
I heard him laugh in amused. "I like you." Pag amin neto na ikinawala ng ngiti ko. "I mean, I like your vibe. You seem interesting and I think we will click." Akala ko naman kung ano sopas 'to mansyado ha.
Napa ohh nalang ako. "We're clicking now huh." Paguyam ko.
"I assume." Assuming pala e. "Btw, magisa ka lang ba? I've been eyeing you for awhile before approaching you kanina." Ang creepy naman pala neto baka stalker ko 'to ah. "Hey, I'm not what you think I am, okay." Natatawa niyang paliwanag mukhang nabasa niya ang isip ko. Maybe because of my expression well 'di niya 'ko masisisi na isipin ang ganon e hindi ko naman siya kilala.
Nagkibit balikat lang ako bago sumagot. "Sure, you're not. And no, I'm not alone sinamahan ko lang 'yong kaibigan ng mama ko." Kumunot naman ang noo niya.
Sino nga naman bang sasamahan ang kaibigan ng magulang niya diba ang bobo ng palusot pero wala na 'ko pake sa iisipin niya. Besides hindi niya naman ako kilala personally.
"Hindi ka pa ba hinahanap?" He sounds concerned kaya nginitian ko siya mukha naman siyang mabait kaya I decided to keep his company tonight wala e no choice kidding arte pa ba ako isang Nicholas na ang lumapit sakin. I don't know them personally, but I know they are famous in cosmetics and personal care industry. Also I know their company, Nicholas and Smith Parfum, from my time in the United States. Their brand is one of the most famous and exclusive nowadays kaya hindi nakakapagtakang andito ang anak nila sa isang grand party. Actually hindi ko alam kung anong party 'tong dinaluhan namin ni Mommy basta sumama nalang ako.
"No. Ano ako bata." I chuckled.
We stared at each other for awhile bago siya magsalita.
"You look familiar." He said while studying my face. Bigla naman akong kinabahan dahil baka kilala niya ako personally or what omg baka kampon ng ama kong si Zeus 'to at pinapahunting na 'ko dahil sa paglayas ko. Gusto ko lang naman mamuhay ng normal at maganda.
Chos.
Well hindi naman siya familiar sakin pero I recognized his family name. "I'm just no one but a gorgeous woman." Proud kong sagot.
"Adequately, I agree." He agreed. "But I think I already saw you before. If I was still sane that night I would have remember you for sure." Dagdag niya pa na parang inaaalala ang gabing 'yon.
Teka kailan naman ang sinasabi nito sa pagkakatanda ko wala naman akong nakakausap na kasing gwapo niya before. "I can assure you I don't have twin, but when is that night?" I asked in curiosity.
"Ummm last Sunday, I guess I was at Heraxagon Bar." Sunday. Sunday. Last sunday. Oh yeah nung gabing nilasing ako ni Margo that bitch antagal naring hindi nagpapakita 'non.
"Oh you're there too yesterday night?" I asked for confirmation.
"So it is really you." He stated parang nagliwanag pa ang mukha neto. Tumango nalang ako. " I'm glad to see you again, Dane." Galak niyang sabi. "I can't believe I will be able to see you tonight of all places. Maybe because we have an undefined connection. What do you think?" I returned the smile his giving with a grin.
We're still standing in crowd pero hindi na kami nasayaw para nalang kaming nakatayong nauusap dito wala narin ganong nagsasayaw kaya kapansin pansin na kami masyado medyo lumiwanag na kasi ang paligid pero ang isang 'to wala atang pakiramdam.
"What kind of connection ba pldt, globe o converge?" Pilosopo kong tanong masyado siyang nawiwili sa kakalandi sakin e.
Pero ang kegwa hindi manlang natinag mas lalo pang ngumiti adik ba 'to. "Call it anything you want but I assume it is deeper than we could be." Assuming talaga. I gave him a plain smile bago ayaing umalis sa dance floor. Hindi ko na pinansin ang sinabi niya dahil halos sa paligid na ako nakatuon pakiramdam ko kasi may nakatingin sakin na ewan.
Pagkabalik sa table ay marami pa kaming napagkwentuhan nabanggit niya rin saking kasama niya ang Mommy niya kaso iniwan niya dahil ayaw niya makipagusap sa mga matatanda. He also told me na he was supposed to be studying medicine sa UK now pero kinailangan niyang umuwi sa Pilipinas para dito ipagpatuloy ang pagaaral dahil utos ng Grandfather niya.
Marami pang iba madaldal siya kung ikukumpara sakin halos puro tango kung hindi naman ay pambabara nalang ang naisasagot ko sa dami ng kwentong buhay niya pati yung aso niyang namatay nakwento niya din kasi daw napabayaan nung iniwan niya dito when he left to study in UK but all in all I can say that Thery is a nice guy mukha lang siyang badboy dahil sa looks pero napakajolly ng personality niya parang si Morph na medyo bastos pero maginoo ng onti.
And I enjoyed the night with him ni hindi ko na nga namalayan ang oras e natauhan nalang ako ng ipapage ako sa mic hinahanap na pala ako ni Mommy at nakailang missed call na siya sakin ng hindi ko namamalayan pero mas naagaw ng pansin ko ang tatlong missed call mula sa unregistered number ayoko mang magassume pero I have the feeling that it is Anno.
I checked the time on my wrist watch. "Thery." I called him. Nagtaas naman ang dalawa niyang kilay to urge me to continue speaking. "I enjoyed my time with you tonight, but I have to go now." I sincerely said.
He stood up to assist me. "It's fine, Dane. It's my pleasure to have you in my company tonight." He genuinely stated. "But I can still see you right?" Determination is visible in his tone.
I playfully grin. "You might fall in trap, Henry."
"I couldn't care less, Dane." He sweetly smile. Too bad I'm not interested in guys.
"See you around." Then I walk away with a victory smile.
I checked my phone to see a message from Mom. She said na nasa harap na daw siya ng hotel kaya pinapalabas na 'ko. Pagtingin ko sa oras ay quarter to 11 narin medyo ginabi kami ngayon.
"Gracias por venir. Have a good night, Señorita." Nakangiting bati sakin ng doorman ng hotel venue. (Thank you for coming)
"De nada." Nanlaki naman ang mata niya dahil sa hindi inaasahang pagsagot ko ng salitang espanyol. (You're welcome)
Wala naman kasi sa itsura ko ang mukhang espanyol madalas akong mapagkamalang korean sa US 'non e hindi naman jusko namuti lang naging korean na.
"You should tell him to see me, Morph." Buntong hininga ko.
"Parang makikinig naman sakin 'yon e kung ikaw kaya mismo ang tumawag sakanya hindi yung ginagawa niyo kong messenger." Reklamo pa siya.
I unconsciously rolled my eyes. "Ikaw ang kasama ikaw ang magsabi."
Rinig ko pa ang sunod sunod niyang reklamo sa kabilang linya.
Mula sa makintab na sahig na nilalakaran ay nagangat ako ng tingin sa harapan. The hallway is almost empty, maybe because people are still at the party. There are just three people here, including me. I was busy admiring the interior of the hotel when I heard my name being called. Hindi naman si Morph dahil malayo ang boses ng pinanggalingan.
As I turn my gaze to the owner of the familiar voice I feel my heart jump in shock kamuntikan pang malaglag ang phone kong hawak dahil kasalukuyan kong katawagan si Morph nangangamusta saktong paglabas ko ng hall tumawag.
Back to reality napako ako sa kinatatayuan what the hell are they doing here. I know it's too late to avert my eyes dahil papalapit na sila ngayon sa pwesto ko .
"I'll call you later, Brother." I said. "Yes, everything's fine... Take care too... Send my regards to Apollo." Paalam ko bago patayin ang tawag ni Morph.
"Dane, ikaw nga." He confirmed.
I gave them a plain smile. "Good evening, Ma'am, Sir." Bati ko. Pansin ko ang suot nilang bagay sa okasyon sa loob umattend din ba sila sa party pero hindi ko manlang sila napansin kanina sa loob tsaka bakit naman as far as I know the party is all about business and some politics paano sila nasama 'don. Pwera nalang ku-
"Halos hindi ka naming makilala grabe ibang iba ka ngayon ah." Hindi parin siya makapaniwala sa nakikita. Ganon ba ako kapanget dati para magulat sila ng husto ngayon grabe nahuhurt na 'ko ha.
"Medyo nakapagayos lang po." Magalang kong sagot.
"At first akala ko nga artista ka e kung hindi ka pa nakilala ni Kaye baka nagpapicture na ako sayo." Biro niya pa.
His always likes this even before palabiro at parang tropa lang makipagusap sa estudyante. Ganun siya kabait. Napatingin naman ako sa kasama niyang tahimik lang na nakatitig sakin. All I can see is admiration and longing wh-
"You look lovely tonight, Ms. Perez." I swallowed my breath because of unexpected compliment from her. Bigla bigla nalang kasing nagsasalita at ganun pa sasabihin syempre nakakagulat dagdag pa na ang seryoso ng mukha niya para siyang galit sa mundo.
I awkwardly smiled. "Thank you, Maam, Sir." Pasasalamat ko. "Btw, ano pong ginagawa niyo dito?" I don't want to sound rude, but I'm curious as hell.
"Oh about that. We are invited by a friend sa party dito sa hotel." Napatango tango nalang ako. "E ikaw? May pasok ka pa bukas diba." Daig pa nanay ko magpaalala.
I chuckled to ease the awkwardness I am feeling. "Same, Sir. Sinama lang ako ng kaibigan." I lied.
"Ganon ba. Uuwi kan-"
"Ms. El." Someone interrupt him from talking.
Napalingon kami sa tumawag sakin I know na ako ang tinawag dahil isa lang naman ang tumatawag sakin ng El kundi ang personal butler ni Mommy. "Mrs. A-"
"Give us a moment, Nux." Putol ko rito yumuko muna siya bago kami bigyan ng privacy. Gosh muntik niya ng mabanggit si Mommy.
I looked at their confused faces. "Ah Sir, Ms. Serrano mauuna na po ako." Magalang kong paalam.
"Yes, sure." Alanganing sagot ni Sir Germano. Mukhang naguguluhan parin nila sa pagdating ni Nux.
Hindi ko naman pwedeng sabihin kung sino siya. "Dane." I'm stunned. "Take care. Have a good night." I look at Kaye ng sabihin niya 'yon. She's really full of surprises.
"Kayo rin po." I said in finality bago maglakad palampas sakanila. Ramdam ko pa ang pagsunod ng tingin nila pero hindi na ako lumingon.
Nux offered his hand for my bag pero tumanggi ako dahil baka mas lalong magtaka ang dalawang propesor.
Nang makarating sa sasakyan ay nagtanong lang si Mommy kung bakit ako natagalan and I told her the truth there's no to hide naman lalo na kay Mommy Dash. Pagkarating sa bahay ay para akong lantang gulay ngayon lang ata ako tinamaan ng whiskey na ininom ko kanina sobrang antok na ako pero kailangan ko pang mag shower anlagkit ng pakiramdam ko kahit mukha pa naman akong fresh. Sa true lang mga mare 'yan lang maipagmamalaki ko sa ngayon ang pagiging fresh sa kabila ng mahabang gera.
Pagkatapos magshower ay hindi ko na natuyo ang buhok dahil bagsak agad ako sa kama. Tatamarin nanaman ako panigurado neto bukas bumangon.
I was about to sleep ng biglang tumunog ang deputa kong phone hayup naman kung sino ka mang tumawag kasing lalim na ng eyebags ko ang gabi oh.
Pagtingin ko sa caller ay unregistered ang number bigla namang pumasok sa isip ko si Anno dahil pareho ang last three digit ng number na 'to sa tumawag kanina. Nagtatlong isip pa ako bago sagutin.
"Hello, ungrateful human." Walang gana kong bungad.
Buntong hininga lamang ang narinig ko sa kabilang linya. "Magsasalita ka o papatayin kita" Inis kong banta naudlot ang pagtulog ko dahil lang sakanya tas hindi siya magsa—
"Stupid." Parang lumundag nanaman ang puso ko dahil sa isang salita na 'yon mula sa linya hilig ba nilang magpinsan gulatin puso ko. Pero teka tangina legit ba 'to tinignan ko ulit ang caller na parang makikita ko ang mukha 'non pero shet it's her. "Are you still there?" She coldly said.
Holy mother earth. "Anno?" My voice is unstable for some reason. Am I nervous?
"Unfortunately speaking. I've been calling you for nth time, Perez. Bakit ngayon ka lang?" May bahid ng inis niyang tanong.
"Demanding jowa ba kita 'di ka pa nga nangliligaw e." Pilosopo kong sagot pero sa loob loob ko ay tumatawa na 'ko.
I heard her deep breath. "Why didn't you show up earlier?" She asked instead.
"Ay may date ba tayo kanina? Di mo naman ako ininfor—."
"Shut your flirty mouth never akong makikipagdate sayo." Natigilan ako sa seryoso niyang boses kaya napataas ang kilay ko kahit 'di niya naman makikita.
Pero napansin kong parang paos siya nagconcert ba siya at namaos ang boses. "Choosy 'kala mo naman yummy." I murmured.
"Stupid." Anak ng makastupid akala mong sinong magan- matalino. Kung hindi lang ako tamad baka mas matalino pa 'ko kay Einstein. "I just want to inform you that you'll be participating as a member of the cycling team. Tomorr—"
"Teka teka anong sinasabi mo hindi naman ako sumali. Are you kidding me?" Salubong ang kilay ko parang sinilaban ang sleeping beauty kong galit sa loob dahil sa sinabi niya.
Rinig ko ang buntong hininga niya. "It's not my problem anymore. Baka may nagsali sayo ng hindi mo alam at hindi ako nagbibiro inutusan lang ako ng Dean kaya wag ka sakin magreklamo." Si Uncle? Ramdam kong malapit na maubos ang pasensya niya dahil sa tono ng boses n'ya plus parang hirap pa siyang magsalita. I didn't say anything dahil iniisip ko kung si Daddy ang may pakana neto and swear if Daddy Ver had something to do with this hahanap na talaga ako ng bagong Ama.
Biro lang baka ako ang palitan pero tengena why naman ganon.
"You will be having a meeting tomorrow with your coach kaya by 7:30 AM asa school kana. The meeting will be held in Dean's office kaya mahiya hiya ka naman kung magpapalate ka." Akapahaba ng sinabi talagang may pangaral pa sa huli ano siya nanay ko. "Perez, buhay ka pa ba?" Pranka netong tanong.
Napairap nalang ako kahit kailan talaga. "Kasama ka rin ba?" My eyes widened because of what I said damn it why did I ask that I even sounded like a clingy child. "I mean you're SSC President I assume kung kasama ka rin dahil mukha—"
"I'll be there too." She interrupt halos mabulol bulol na 'ko sa pangangatwiran tas puputulin niya lang ako.
How dare she.
But I found myself smiling like an idiot. I shook my head. "Okay." Is all I can say.
"Goodnight." ~tutt~ Syurr- what? Did she just say goodnight seriously e ano naman kung naggoodnight siya para goodnight lang makakatulog naman ako ng wal- teka bakit ko ba binibigdeal yung goodnight n'ya.
God this is crazy magsasalita pa sana ako ng mapansing patay na ang call naknampucha binabaan pa ako. Ang kapal talaga ha pagkatapos maggoodnight papatayan ako e kung siya kaya patayin ko sa sarap. Oh malisyosa sarap ng luto kasi 'yan you know I'm a great cook pwede ko naman siya ipagluto dahil sa magandang serbisyo niya bilang presidente ng school.
Anyway highway, the more I thought about the night I had, the more I realized I was a mess. There were so many unsettled things between me and the people around me, especially with Kaye. As much as I wanted to talk to her to explain my side, the more it ate me up. But honestly, I thought I had come a long way since I stayed in the US. I mean, I have my son and family, who helped me stand again after so many breakdowns.
I have already moved on from my past relationship, which was a great step for me. I finally accepted the loss of my love, which was something I thought I would never be able to do. And last but not least, I am home, finally, after years of battling with myself and the life ahead of me. But I know there is still something missing. And I'm scared of facing it. Alone.
I let out a deep sigh as I sulked in my misery. I should be sleeping right now, but Anno really mastered the art of annoying the shit out of me. What she said keeps bugging my head and it's hella giving me a headache. I'm frustrated and tired masyadong maraming nangyare ngayong araw kaya hanggang maari ay gusto ko ng matulog pero nawala ang antok dahil sa parang pagdagsa sa train ng pumasok sa isip ko ang nangyare kanina.
The party I didn't care about. And this Henry guy, with whom I slightly flirted the whole night. An unexpected encounter with Ms. Serrano and Mr. Germano blew up my not-so-satisfied night, which is completely fine because their presence is totally none of my business anymore. But I can't deny I feel worried about them seeing me at that kind of party guess who knows what they're thinking now. I'm just a 20 year old balik bayan girl mula sa US. Kidding. But really they are not in the mood to show up in front of me. It's kinda awkward and I don't know if it's just me.
I don't know how long I've been thinking about the day until I fall asleep. The next thing I know, it's already sunny which means another day of stress.
I'm now drowning in heat while on my way to Dean's office. It's just 7:20 in the morning and the sun was so freaking mad that I couldn't even open my eyes properly thanks to shining shimmering sunlight, dammit. Lakad takbo ako sa initan dahil open field ang daan papuntang office ng Dean though may malilim naman na daanan pero mapapalayo pa 'ko and sabi nga nila vitamin D ang sunlight kaya magpapasunog tayo ngayon para sa vit d.
Kidding.
And finally nakarating din gosh ang hot ko. Maaga pa naman kaya wala pa siguro sina Anno kaya walang pakundangan akong pumasok.
"Unc-" My mouth was left open while staring at these three cold humans.
Iiling iling sa akin ang Dean habang si Anno ay walang ka emo emosyon ang mukha gayon din ang may katandaang lalaki sa na nakaupo sa harap niya.
I slowly close my mouth because of embarrassment. "Goodmorning po." Magalang kong bati sabay ngiti ng alanganin.
Dean cleared his throat. "Morning. Mabuti naman at andito kana." Pormal niyang sabi grabe ibang iba si Uncle ngayon malamang dahil sa taong nakaharap samin kung wala sila ay baka nabulyawan niya na ako dahil sa bigla biglang kong pagpasok. "Have a sit, Ms. Perez." May diin niyang banggit sa apelyido ko kaya natinag ako sa kinatatayuan.
Pansin ko rin ang uneasiness sa mukha niya nagusap na ba sila at para silang namomroblema ng bongga.
Tahimik akong naupo sa tabi ni Anno na hindi manlang ako pinasadahan ng tingin taray ka gurl.
Tumikhim muna si Dean bago magsalita. "I won't last this long. Sir Fred here ." Gaya niya ang kamay sa matandang lalake. "He will assist as your coach for the upcoming sports fest." Straight to the point niyang pakilala sa matandang lalake. "You're part of cycling team, Ms. Perez." He added.
I frowned I knew it and this is bullshit. "Pardon?" I ask kahit malinaw naman ang pagkakasabi niya.
Hindi ko lang matanggap na tama ang hinala ko. "Ms. Echaves I thought you already informed her?" Baling niya kay Anno.
Lumingon muna siya sakin bago sumagot kay Dean. "I did, Sir. As I said earlier, Pere-I mean Ms. Perez, claimed that she did not participate in any way."
"That's true." Sabat ko. Pigil ang tawa ko dahil muntik ng masabi ni Anno ang madalas niyang tawag sakin. Sakin okay lang naman pero syempre dahil siya si Anno at nasaharap kami ng Dean ay kailangan pormal.
"Is that true, Ms. President?" Problemadong tanong ni Uncle tumango naman ang presidente. "Paano na 'yan naipasa na ang list ng official players for cycling team dahil bagong balik lang ng sports na ito kaya minadali ang pagpasa ng pangalan ng manlalaro dahil kailangan ng mahabang paghahanda." Salubong ang kilay ni Uncle nastress ang kapogandahan mo 'cle.
"Ms. Perez." Sir Fred called me. "Are you at least experienced at riding a bike?" He asked.
I shook my head I lied I know kaya napatingin ako kay Uncle na nanlalaki ang mata. Pasensya na 'cle trabahong palusot lang.
"Oh that's bad. I guess." Disappointed na aniya pa.
"Actually, Ms. Perez was just messing around." I look at him in disbelief. No, Uncle what are you thinking. Nilakihan ko siya ng mata dahil onti onti ng lumalabas ang ngisi sa labi niya.
"Four years ago, she entered a road cycling competition. Unfortunately, an accident occurred at that time, but based on what I've searched, she almost won the champion's place." He proudly stated.
My jaw dropped because of what he said. Uncle you betrayed me and I know that you never feel sorry... Tangina naman napapakanta ako ng 'di oras dito.
"Is that so?" Parang nabuhay ang aura ni Sir Fred. "It was great then. I was worried for nothing."
"Por supuesto que no está bien." I mumbled under my breath. Mukang si Anno lang nakarinig 'non dahil siya lang ang lumingon sakin ng nagtataka tho hindi niya naman naintindihan. (Of course it's not okay.)
"But Dean, I never agreed to this nonsense game." I'm trying my best not to get mad pero hindi naman tama 'to.
"Dane, watch your word." Banta ni Dean.
Napabuntong hininga nalang ako. "I'm sorry but not sorry. This is unfair I never wanted this." I hissed. "And whoever lists my name should take responsibility for this joke."
Salubong ang kilay kong sinalabong ang tingin ni Uncle. His eyeing me intently. "I'm afraid we can't do anythi—"
I stood up. "No. This is unbelievable. I won't participate whether you like it or not." And there I can hold it anymore bastos na kung bastos.
"Ms. Perez!" Maawtoridad na suway sakin ni Dean pero nangungusap ang mata nito.
Sorry Uncle but not this time. Not with this nightmare. "I have to go. And never call me again for the same reason." Baling ko kay Anno na kanina pa walang imik.
I quickly turned my head off and walked out of the room. I heard them calling me pero hindi na 'ko lumingon pa. Ngayon ay gusto ko nalang manapak ng makakasalubong ko subukan lang nila. Halos takbuhin ko ang parking lot pero akmang papasok na ako ng sasakyan ng may walang habas na pumigil sa kamay ko buong pwersa ako nitong pinaharap sakanya kaya halos salubungin ko ng sapak 'to. Pero ng akmang ambaan ko ang may sala ay agad akong natigilan ng makilala kung sino.
My hand dropped. "Thery."
He studied me, tilting his head. "Easy, Dane. It's just me." Kinakabahan niyang anas.
I composed myself. "What are you doing here?"
"It doesn't matter. Are you free?" He asked instead.
I gaze at my wrist watch. "Anytime."
His smile widened. "Then come with me, Damsel."
I returned the smile as I nodded. Iginaya niya ako sa sasakyan niyang katabi lang rin ng akin hindi naman siguro masama kung sumama ako sakanya besides I'm comfortable with him and I know wala siyang gagawing masama I also need a company today dahil wala ang best buddy kong si Morph na matatakbuhan pag may problema. Nang makasakay ay tahimik lang kami sa byahe hanggang sa siya na ang bumasag 'non.
"So who woke the tiger?" He jokingly asked.
I sighed. "I'm sorry for almost hitting you." I apologized. "Bigla bigla ka naman kasing sumuluspot. Kabute ka ba?" Sarkastiko kong tanong. He let a soft laugh at panakanakang sumulyap sakin. "Eyes on the road, Mister. Ayoko pang mamatay."
He shrugged. "That's how vows work 'till death do us apart'."
"We're not even friends to be married." Bara ko na ikinatawa niya seryoso 'di ba uso maoffend sakanya mula kahapon puro pambabara lang ako sakanya.
"Aren't we?" Kunwareng malungkot nitong tanong. "Pero kasama mo ako ngayong nagditch ka sa klase mo." I looked at him in surprise how di-. "It's just 8 in the morning, Dane. Obviously you have a class." Manghuhula.
"Well I'm with you now." Walang gana kong sagot.
"Mag U turn na ba ako?" He joked.
"No, just go. Let's unwind least joined me."
"Aye aye master." Hindi ba captain dapat 'yon. Pero sabi ko pala you can call me master.
Tinanong niya pa ako kung bakit ako parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa kaya kinwento ko naman ang nangyare sa meeting. He sided me pero nagadvice din siyang why not try again but knowing me I don't take advice from anyone especially sa kakakilala ko lang.
"Hey, wake up." Pupungas pungas akong nagdilat ng mata dahil sa may tumatapik sa braso ko. Hindi ko namalayang nakatulog na pala ako sa haba ng byahe.
Bumungad sakin ang nakangiting mukha ni Thery. "Where are we?" I tiredly asked dahil inaantok pa 'ko.
Inalalayan niya akong bumaba ng sasakyan niya napakagentleman talaga ng lalakeng 'to. Iginila ko ang paningin ng mapagtantong asa tabing dagat kami.
Gulat akong lumingon kay Thery na tatawa tawa lang. "We're in Batangas." Masigla niyang anunsyo habang nakaopen ang braso animong pinagmamalaki ang tanawin.
Gusto ko mangmagalit sakanya dahil ang layo ng narating namin ay hindi ko magawa masyadong maganda ang ngiti niya at naappreciate ko ang pagdala niya sakin dito. Hindi ako nagsisising sumama sakanya dahil kahit kahapon lang kami nagkakilala ay nakuha niya na agad ang loob ko lalo na sa pagdala niya sakin dito.
I smiled at him genuinely and I saw his eyes widened because this is rare of me. "Good job, Mang Thery. I appreciate your effort." I sincerely said.
"No problem basta ikaw." Sabay gulo sa buhok ko.
Agad ko 'yong tinapik tsaka siya sinamaan ng tingin ayoko sa lahat ginagalaw ang buhok ko e ano ako bata. "Don't do that again." Banta ko sakanya.
"Ohh sorry, Dane." Alanganin siyang ngumiti.
I gave him a warm smile. "It's fine. Let's go."
And for the second time I'm with someone I barely know.
"Shall we?"
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