Aga was 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled time he set last night.
Mabuti't maaga kaming natapos ni Regine sa pag-aayos. I couldn't hide my excitement. When I told my boyfriend I'd be free to meet him today, kulang na lang ay tumalon siya sa tuwa. Ako rin naman. Imagine finally meeting your boyfriend after two weeks of not seeing each other? Yes. That's it.
"Tara na, Lei. I'm all dressed up," Regine shouted outside. I stood up and then looked at the mirror again. I made sure I look beautiful today. Hindi pwedeng maging pangit sa harap ng boyfriend ko. Baka ipagpalit ako.
Nag-suot ako ng mas kumportableng damit since Aga told us we'll have to ride his tricycle going to the terminal. Kung magd-dress ako, baka pagdating namin doon, hindi ko na maintindihan ang itsura ko. So instead of wearing my favorite dress, I wore my boyfriend jeans tucked in a white button-down polo.
"Hoy! Naligo ka yata sa pabango?!" Regine exclaimed the moment I went outside my room. Kagaya ko, she decided to just wear a pair of jeans and polo shirt.
I chuckled, "Hindi. Ininom ko. Bakit? Ikaw rin naman, ah. Makikipagkita ka kay Vince, 'no?!"
Regine rolled her eyes, "Hindi, 'no. I'll just roam around the mall. Ayaw ko namang sumama sa inyo ni Paulo. Baka mamaya, you'd do cheesy things tapos gawin niyo 'kong audience."
I went down the stairs whilst Regine followed behind me. And there I saw Aga sitting down with Manang Sally and Pauline. Bumabangka na naman si Aga at tawang-tawa na naman ang mga kasama niya.
Pagkakita sa amin ni Regine, agad na tumayo si Aga, "Tara na?"
"Oh, mag-iingat kayo, ha. Aga, mag-ingat sa pagm-maneho. Umuwi kayo agad. Huwag nang magpapagabi. Naku, Aga. Huwag kang hihiwalay sa kanila't baka maligaw 'yang mga alaga ko," Manang Sally smiled at me and then looked at Aga.
Aga then nodded his head and assured Manang Sally, "Awa, 'Nang. Potang alas kwatro, muli na kami."
(Opo, 'Nang. Mamayang alas-kwatro, uuwi na kami.)
"Aba, siguradwan mu. Dening kayabe mu, pota malili la. Emu la lalakwan, ha."
(Aba, siguraduhin mo. Itong mga kasama mo, baka maligaw sila. Huwag mo silang iiwan, ha.)
"Opo," he replied.
Nginitian ko lang si Manang. Parehong-pareho talaga sila ni Manang Yoleng. When I was younger, kulang na lang, isulat niya sa papel lahat ng bilin niya sa akin every time I go out with my friends especially at night. She cares so much and that's probably the reason why I drew closer to her.
"Osiya, sige na. Mag-ingat kayo. Aba, pagka-ganda ganda naman ng mga alaga ko. Baka mamaya, lingunin kayo nang lingunin ng mga tao sa mall. Naku."
Regine chuckled, "Manang, kami lang 'to. Wala 'to. Kami lang talaga 'to."
After bidding our goodbyes, dumiretso na kami sa labas ng bahay at saka kami nagtinginan ni Regine once we stood beside the tricycle. Kung tutuusin, kasya naman kaming dalawa dito sa loob pero kung 'yon ay kung gusto kong magusot ang damit ko. Hey, don't get me wrong. I just really want to look nice and neat, okay and besides I spent almost an hour ironing my clothes last night.
"Naku, don't give me that look, Lea," Regine shook her head.
I wiggled my brows and just hoped that she falls for my look but she didn't as she went inside the tricycle without uttering anything. Ayan. Si Regine yata talaga ang magiging katapat ko.
"Bakit? Anong problema?" Aga turned to look at me.
"Ay, naku! Hayaan mo na 'yan, Aga. Umaarte lang."
"Bakit ba?" he asked once again, "Wala kasi tayong choice, eh. Kung gawa lang 'yong daan, 'di na natin kailangang mag-tricycle."
Regine looked at me and threw me a teasing smile, "Hindi malulukot 'yang damit mo kung 'di ka gagalaw dito sa loob. Dalian mo na. Nagugutom na ako. O kung ayaw mo, maglakad ka na lang. Doon, sigurado ako, walang gusot 'yang damit mo. Nga lang, pagdating mo sa mall, 'di mo na mararamdaman 'yang paa mo."
Nakakainis talaga 'tong pinsan kong 'to! Hindi ko rin mabasa minsan ang ugali. Sometimes, she'd be so nice and would adjust for me pero minsan naman, she gets really worse than I could imagine.
"Ah, ayaw mong malukot 'yong damit mo?" Aga asked me as he scanned my polo.
Napataas ang kilay ko nang magsimula siyang ngumisi sa akin na para bang hinuhusgahan ang pagkatao ko. Bakit ba, ano bang mali sa paghiling na sana hindi gusot ang damit ko pagdating namin sa mall, 'di ba? Wala naman.
But then again I remembered the first meeting we had. His speech is still vivid in my mind like it only happened yesterday.
"Sana dahil alam mong pupunta ka dito, hinanda mo muna sarili mo para mag-adjust sa ganitong pagkakataon. Walang reyna dito. Kahit gaano kayaman, kahit gaano kaputi, kahit gaano kaganda– kung kailangan mong maghintay, maghintay ka."
Ngayon, kung kailangan kong mag-adjust, maga-adjust ako. That's it. When I saw that he's about to open his mouth to speak, I raised my hands to stop him, "Okay. I'm getting inside. Don't say anything anymore. Tara na."
He softly chuckled, "Mabilis ka palang kausap, eh."
Regine giggled when I sat beside her inside the tricycle, careful not to lean on its side kasi takot naman akong baka ma-mantyahan ang damit ko. Dammit. I sometimes hate that I grew this way. Ayaw kong sobrang arte ko minsan. Kaya lang, hindi ko masisisi ang sarili ko. Natural na sa aking gustuhing maging presentable ang itsura ko kapag haharap sa ibang tao. Lalo na sa boyfriend ko, hello.
"Wala pang sinasabi si Aga, tiklop ka agad. Anong telepathy meron kayo? Parang meron kayong... pagkakaintindihan, ah. Yie!" Regine whispered. Hindi ko na pinansin dahil kung papatulan ko pa, baka maki-tsismis pa si Aga sa amin at kung ano pang isipin.
Okay na sana ako dahil nakuha ko na ang dapat kong maging pwesto sa loob when Aga peeped inside to smirk at me, "Kung talagang mahal ka ng boyfriend mo, kahit marumi 'yang suot mo o hindi plantsado, mahal ka no'n."
--
Wala pang 15 minutes ay nakarating na kami sa terminal. Aga talked to Mang Meo first to tell him he'd leave his tricycle for a while. Mang Meo probably recognized me because when our eyes caught each other, he nicely smiled at me and nodded his head.
"Magbalik kami muring agad, 'Ma. Pakilawen-lawen mu nyamu, ne? Salamat."
(Babalik din kami agad, 'Ma. Paki-tignan tignan mo na lang, ha? Salamat.)
"Uwa, sige. Mimingat kayu. Kakilala me pala i Ma'am?"
(Oo, sige. Ingat kayo. Kilala mo pala si Ma'am?)
"Opo. Saka ku nyamu i-kwento keka."
(Opo. Saka ko na lang ik-kwento sa'yo.)
"Kapag nagu-usap usap sila dito in Kapampangan, alam mo, pakiramdam ko, para akong nasa ibang dimension. Wala akong maintindihan! Teach me some words naman!" Regine told me as we watched Mang Meo and Aga.
"Wala rin akong alam," I replied and then followed Aga to wherever his car was parked.
Kung kanina'y nagkatinginan kami ni Regine sa tricycle dahil hindi kami kasya, I'm pretty sure we exchanged looks because of surprise. Aga stopped right in front of a blue FJ Cruiser. FJ Cruiser?! If I'm not mistaken, this costs 2 million or more than that! He really is that rich but he never brags about it! I wonder if he uses this, though, and how could he just leave this here? Paano kung gasgasan ng mga loko-lokong tao 'to o 'di kaya, matamaan?
Aga smiled at the both of us and then went inside to start the engine. He rolled the window down and told us to get inside. Yes, very gentleman, thank you.
Inunahan na naman ako ni Regine sa loob na para bang magkakaubusan kami ng pwesto dito sa sasakyan, "Oh, doon ka sa harap. Kasi hindi natin gagawing driver si Aga dito. We asked him a favor na. He's not here as a driver. Doon ka sa harap umupo."
Ah, so that's her agenda. I rolled my eyes at her and shook my head and then whispered, "Magkaka-araw ka rin sa akin, Regine."
"Sinumpa pa ako! Pumasok ka na! Baka mamaya, nasa mall na si Paulo."
I expected his car to be a bit messy but I was surprised that it's clean and organized. Hindi rin masama ang amoy sa loob. Compared to Miguel kasi, pakiramdam ko, mas magulo ang gamit ni Aga but I'm wrong.
"Sa mall na ba tayo didiretso? Doon ba kayo magki-kita?" he asked and wore his seatbelt.
I did the same and replied, "Yeah."
"Okay."
Regine was the only one who kept on talking the whole ride. Parang lahat ng makikita niya sa paligid o mapapansin niya, sinasabi niya. Isa lang 'yan sa gusto ko kay Regine. When I drive with her, she'd keep me company. Lalo na kung gabi, talagang she'd stay awake and talk to me just to make sure I won't feel sleepy or I won't fall asleep.
"By the way, Aga, matanong ko lang. Since Miguel told me he graduated from UP. Paano kayo nag-aral before? Magkasama kayo sa iisang section?"
"No'ng casa kami, yeah. Hanggang Advanced Casa pero no'ng nag-Elementary kami, naghiwalay na kami ng section kasi baka maguluhan 'yong mga teachers namin sa amin, eh."
"Anong section kayo?"
"Hinayaan ko na si Miguel sa Star Section tapos ako sa 2nd. Pang-matalino 'yong star. Eh sa 2nd, pang-guapo."
"Wow, ah!" I couldn't help but snicker. Napakayabang naman pala!
"Ah, ayaw maniwala! Tanungin mo pa. Section nga namin laging nananalo kapag may contest sa school... 'yon eh kung hindi sasali si Miguel. Kasi siyempre, bukod sa guapo, eh, matalino rin. Kaya kung sumali siya, baka wala kaming ilalabang representative."
"You're so hard on yourself, Aga! Grabe! For sure naman, matalino ka rin. Huwag ka nang humble. Aware naman kaming lahat, huwag mo nang i-deny," Regine chuckled.
Aga shook his head, "Mas matalino si Miguel kaysa sa akin. Tignan mo, kaya naging Professor, eh. Mataba utak. Ako kasi mataba lang."
Napatawa ako nang malakas sa sinabi niya. Whether it's a joke or not, it's funny! I mean, totoo naman din kasi na mataba talaga siya. Pero kung mataba siya, eh 'di mataba rin si Miguel.
"Wow, Lea! Kung maka-tawa ka diyan, ah. Payat ka, girl?"
I looked at Regine and raised my brow, "Tumatawa ka rin naman, ah. Payat ka rin ba?!"
Aga chuckled a bit upon hearing our banter. Oh how I wish, we'd stay like this forever. Magkakasundo kami ni Aga kung ganito lang ang atmosphere naming dalawa. I think, Regine is a big help, too.
"By the way, Aga, kailan kaya magagawa 'yong daan doon sa San Pedro? Ang hassle rin pala kasing bumiyahe tapos lilipat ka ng sasakyan, 'no? Kami nina Tito no'ng nagpunta kami, dalawang tricycle kami kas-" Regine stopped to look at me, "Kasi, oo, Lea, tama ka ng iniisip! Mataba ako."
"I'm not saying anything!" I defended kahit natatawa ako dahil 'yon naman talaga ang balak kong isingit. Naunahan niya lang ako.
"Nakausap ko si Tito Eddie the other day, 'yong Engineer, sabi niya baka sa susunod na linggo matapos nila 'yan. Nakakatulong din kasi na maaraw para matuyo agad 'yong semento," he replied.
I nodded my head and looked at the road. Masarap talaga sa pakiramdam na makakita ng kaunting sasakyan sa daan. Manila is too congested already. Naisip ko nga na siguro dapat, bawasan nila ang mga sasakyan. Dapat hindi na pinapayagang mamili ang mga wala namang garahe. Kasi obstruction din naman 'yon.
Pero hindi ko rin masisi ang mga taong bumili ng sasakyan because I'd rather ride my own car than to commute lalo pa't pahirapang mag-commute sa Manila. I tried once and I never dared doing it again. Para akong mahihimatay. Mas nakakahimatay pa 'yong bilis ng takbo ng sasakyang parang biyaheng langit!
"Lapit na tayo. Saan kayo magki-kita?" he asked.
I checked my phone to see Pau's last message. Ang sabi niya, sa loob na siya maghihintay, "Sa loob na."
"Okay," he only replied as he maneuvered to the left. Saka ko na natanaw ang building na malapit sa amin.
Nang huminto ang sasakyan ay sabay kaming nag-ayos ni Regine ng damit. She looked at the mirror to see if she still looks good. Of course she does, we're cousins for a reason! If I look good, she also better be!
Aga turned the engine off and then took his phone to go outside the car. Saka ako nagsimulang mag-alala. Is he going with us?! He can't!
"Reg, are you going with Aga? Magi-ikot kayo?"
"Ha? Bakit naman ako sasama kay Aga? Sa'yo ako sasama!" she replied.
I raised my brow, "Huh? Akala ko ba ayaw mo?"
"Ang arte mo! Ido-document ko kayo ni Paulo. Sinong magp-picture sa inyo?"
My eyes squinted. Pinagt-tripan ba ako ng isang 'to? Kanina lang, sabi niya, ayaw niyang maging third wheel?
"Joke!" she giggled, "Hindi ako sasama kay Aga. Lalong hindi ako sasama sa inyo ni Paulo, 'no. Magiikot ako mag-isa sa mall. Maghahanap ng ipapalit kay Vince."
I laughed hilariously at what she said. Ipapalit kay Vince. Sus, ilang beses na niyang nahuling nambababae 'yon, 'di naman niya pinagpalit. Siya pa ngang pinagpapapalit, eh, "Oh, please do! Please find someone better."
Regine rolled her eyes and made face, "Oo! Hahanapan din kita ng ipapalit mo kay Paulo. Someone better."
"Oh, shut up," I bantered.
"Whatever. Tara na," pag-aaya niya saka lumabas ng sasakyan.
Pagkasunod ko'y nauna nang maglakad 'yong dalawa while I fumbled with my phone to ask my boyfriend where he is. I just hope that he doesn't see me with Aga dahil kung hindi, baka mag-away pa kami. Speaking of, I'd have to talk to Aga pa! Baka ihatid pa ako nito sa boyfriend ko!
Once we're inside, I turned to look at Aga and I was surprised to see him looking at me already. Bago pa man ako magsalita'y inunahan niya na ako, "I know. May pupuntahan din ako dito tapos mamaya, aalis ako kasi may ipapaayos ako. Pero malapit lang. Kuhanin niyo na lang ang number ko para mamaya, tawagan niyo na lang ako 'pag magpapasundo na kayo."
"Oh, Lei, ikaw na kumuha. Hawak mo naman na phone mo."
I rolled my eyes and gave Aga my phone so he could type in his number.
"Aalis na muna ako. I'll text you later. Mamaya na tayo mag-meet," Regine bid her goodbye. Pagkatapos na pagkatapos kong magpaalam sa kanya, she was gone in an instant like she was some bubble I just popped. Darn, super speed.
"Osige, aalis na ako. Mamaya na tayo magkita. Mag-ingat kayo. Huwag kayong bastang aalis dito dahil baka mamaya maligaw kayo," bilin niya, "Tsaka walang lalagpas ng alas kwatro, ha. May gagawin pa ako."
"Oo, sige. Can I have my phone now?" I asked, "I'll just call you later."
He smiled and then handed me my phone. Paalis na sana ako nang bigla niya akong nilingon and then he wiggled his brows, "I declined your boyfriend's call, ah. Nagt-type kasi ako tapos tumatawag. Pinatay ko."
--
But of course I enjoy my boyfriend's company. We both can't stop talking about things we did while we were away from each other and the things we would love to do. He shared stories about his convention while I described the calming vibe of Pampanga.
I missed every bit of him. Every bit of his face, his smile, his voice, and even his touch– yes, excuse me.
"Bub, maalala ko, naalala mo 'yong nirecommend ko sa'yong Computer Engineer para sa company ninyo?"
"Oh, right," I snapped, "Ida messaged me the other day, he'd start his training this week."
He smiled, "Wow, that's great. He's a credible Enginneer, love. Mapagkakatiwalaan din."
"I trust your taste, bubba," I replied, "I hope he does well. And, oh! Isa pa pala! Good news! May nareceive ka na bang e-mail from Architect Ruiz? Kasi he told me he was very impressed with your portfolio. I'm giving an emphasis to "very" which kinda guarantees you a position on the firm."
I saw how his mouth formed a circle when I told him the good news. Sasabihin ko sana sa kanya 'to thru phone but I thought it'd be better if I tell him about it in person. Mabuti na lang pala, nauna kong sabihin sa kanya bago siya makatanggap ng e-mail from Architect Ruiz.
I know that he's been dying to become a part of the firm and so when I had the chance to kinda make it happen, I did my part really well. Besides he deserves that position as I witnessed how he took baby steps toward his goals.
"Bub, really? No joke?" he asked me in disbelief.
I smiled and nodded my head, "Really."
Ruiz' Architecture and Engineering Firm is one of the biggest AE firms in the Philippines. If my memory serves me well, kinwento sa akin ni Paulo na doon niya gustong mag-trabaho pagka-graduate niya pero hindi siya agad nakapasok dahil mas gusto nila ang may experience. Well, thanks to my connections, too. Wala naman akong dinaya sa portfolio and documents ni Paulo pero I just made sure that the process of his papers are quicker than the others. And I think, nakatulong din na kaibigan ng daddy ni Dawn si Architect Ruiz.
He stood up and then went to me to shower me kisses, "Thank you, bubba. Thank you so much."
I giggled and then pinched his arm, "It's fine. Dream mo 'yan. You worked hard for it."
"But this all happened because of you. Alam mo naman, 'di ba?"
I wiggled my brows, "Swerte mo ako girlfriend mo. Had you not broken up with your ex, you wouldn't have met me."
He smiled and then held my cheek to caress it, "I know, love. I love you."
"Likewise," I giggled.
"Hmmm, bub," he murmured, "What about the marriage? Ano nang nangyayari?"
"Uh," I looked at him, "I'm afraid it's... it'll push through. But, bub, don't worry kasi gagawa naman ako ng paraan. I talked to the guy and had a deal with him. So, sana... sana lang hindi na matuloy."
"Do you often see him?"
Everyday.
Every day.
Every single day.
"Minsan," I lied, "Well, kasi alam mo naman sa probinsya, 'di ba? Parang ang liit lang ng barangay para sa mga tao kasi halos araw-araw nagkikita sila at magkakakilala na talaga."
He nodded his head, "Sana hindi mo siya kinakausap kung 'di naman kailangan. Baka mamaya kunin pang sign nina Tita 'yan para talagang ituloy ang kasal."
"I know. Nagu-usap lang naman kami 'pag kailangan."
As much as possible, I really do not want to talk about it but in our case, parang it's impossible for us to not talk about this marriage. Lalo pa't hanggang ngayon, kami pa rin.
Saka ko naalala ang singsing. Muntik ko nang makalimutang hubarin kanina buti na lang ay pinansin ni Regine. Because if he sees it, my boyfriend would go Hulk-ing.
"Sabi ko naman kasi sa'yo, pwede naman natin silang takasan."
"Hindi naman pwede, Pau. I mean... pwede pero hindi naman gano'n kadali 'yon, 'di ba?"
"Of course," he simply replied.
I sighed and then reached for his cheek, "Bub, we'll both get through this, okay? Just give me more time. Gagawa ako ng paraan."
He only smiled as a response. No matter how many times I assure him that he's the only one I love and that I'm doing my best to get out of this marriage, I know that he wouldn't stop thinking about it.
Gano'n naman talaga, 'di ba? We want assurance most of the time pero kung minsan, kahit may kasiguraduhan na, hindi naman natin mapipigilang hindi pa isipin hangga't hindi pa nangyayari.
I sighed and then stood a bit to give him a quick kiss. There's no other way I could ever calm his heart.
--
It was 20 minutes before 4 in the afternoon when we decided to part ways. I told Paulo that Dad asked someone to drive for us so he shouldn't worry about me. He wanted to meet the driver para ibilin ako but I assured him I'll be fine.
"I'll visit you pagkatapos ng mga inaasikaso ko sa Manila. But for now," he enclosed me in a tight hug, "You take care of yourself, okay?"
I smiled and then hugged him tighter, "You, too, love. Keep me updated, okay? Eat on time no matter how busy you are and say hi to Princess for me. Tell her I terribly miss her."
"I will. Ingat ka, ha. Samahan na kitang mag-hintay dito."
I quickly shook my head and replied, "No, no. I'm fine here. You go na."
"Sure ka?"
"Yes, thank you for these," I smiled pertaining to the bouquet of flowers he gave me earlier, "These are lovely."
He smiled and than planted a soft kiss on my lips, "I'm leaving na, bub. I'll see you again next time. Message me once you're home, alright?"
"Alright. Bye."
Once I'm sure he isn't around anymore, lumakad ako papalayo at naghanap ng pwesto kung saan pwedeng tawagan si Aga. Regine hasn't texted yet but I'm sure she's just roaming around.
On the third ring, Aga picked the call up, "Hello?"
"Aga, saan ka na? This is Lea."
"Lea? Sinong Lea?" he asked on the other line.
"Lea. Lea Salazar?" patanong kong sagot.
"Lea Salazar?" he asked once again. The area is so noisy that I couldn't hear his voice clearly. Tinignan ko ang cellphone ko to check if this is the one he typed in earlier. Siya rin ang nag-save ng number at pangalan niya dito kaya sure akong siya 'to.
Now, why is he asking me like this?
"Joke lang!" he chuckled, "Papasok na ako sa mall. Saglit lang. Nasaan ka ba? Kasama mo na si Regine?"
Siraulong 'to! The next time, I swear I'm gonna name him Raul! Kinabahan kaya ako!
"Hindi pa. I'll call her after this."
"Okay, sige. Nandiyan na ako. Tawagan mo na siya para makaalis na tayo."
I didn't bid my goodbye and just dropped the call right away. Ganti ko na rin 'yon sa pangt-trip niya sa akin. Sa susunod talaga, sisiguraduhin kong nanamnamin nito ang ganti ko sa kanya.
I dialled Regine's number but my cousin isn't picking it up. Pagkarating ni Aga sa lugar ko ay agad niya akong tinapunan ng tingin pati ang bulaklak na hawak ko. I rolled my eyes when he made face.
"Ganda mo naman?"
"Talaga," I blurted and then waited for Regine to answer my call but my cousin wouldn't do, "Regine isn't answering."
"Bakit ba kasi magkahiwalay kayo?" he asked, "Baka mamaya kung saan naman nagpunta 'yang pinsan mo at mawala pa 'yan. Mayayari ako nito kay Tito Al."
"Huwag kang oa. We are inside the mall. Pwede naman natin siyang ipatawag sa concierge if ever. And besides, I have her number."
"May number ka nga niya pero sumasagot ba siya?" he asked, "Sabihin mo kay Regine, sa susunod, huwag na siyang gumamit ng telepono kung 'di rin siya sasagot sa tawag."
Oh, sige. Ikaw mag-sabi. Para ikaw tapunan ni Regine ng attitude. I only smirked at him and tried calling her once again. Pero talagang hindi siya sumasagot. Regine isn't the kind of person who doesn't answer a call. At hindi rin no'n nakakaligtaang silipin ang phone niya. Kaya nag-umpisa na akong kabahan.
"Can we roam around to look for her? Hindi talaga siya sumasagot."
"Tara," he replied and then started walking.
Tignan mo 'tong bastos na 'to. Kauumpisa pa lang niyang mag-lakad, ang layo na niya sa akin. Ni hindi man lang ako hinintay o kaya sinabayan man lang. Akala mo naman ang lalaki ng hakbang ko! This man is really rude! The R in Raul is Rude!
"Saan ba niya sinabing pupunta siya?" he looked behind and asked.
"Malay ko. Hahanapin ba natin siya kung alam ko?"
"Malay ko rin ba kung sinabi niya sa'yo o may ideya ka?"
"Malay ko," I rolled my eyes and then looked around, hoping to see Regine. Maga-alas kwatro na. May lakad pa si Aga. Inabala na nga namin siya ngayong araw na 'to tapos sasagarin pa namin.
Nasaan na kaya ang isang 'yon?
Muli ko siyang tinawagan pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin sumasagot. Lumipat na rin kami ni Aga sa ibang floor para hanapin siya. Aga seemed worried, too. Lalo akong kinabahan.
"Saan ba sa tingin mo siya pwedeng pumunta?" he asked and looked around.
"Galing na tayo sa Watsons kanina. Doon lang siya madalas nagpupunta. Galing na rin tayo sa Department Store. Galing na rin tayo sa mga restaurants. Wala nang ibang pupuntahan 'yon. She can't tell me she doesn't have signal inside kasi 'yong sa akin, malakas."
"Sa susunod nga, itatali ko na kayong dalawa para 'di na kayo mag-hiwalay," he said, "Baka mamaya kung saan na nagpunta 'yon. Hindi niya naman alam ang lugar na 'to."
I shook my head. Hindi ko na siya masagot dahil nagp-panic na ako. Thirty minutes na kaming nagi-ikot ni Aga sa mall. Masakit na rin ang paa ko. Paulo is calling me, too but I can't just answer it dahil una, nag-hihintay ako ng tawag ng pinsan ko at pangalawa, ang alam niya, pauwi na ako. Baka kung malaman niyang nawawala si Regine, bumalik pa dito at samahan ako.
"May aayusin ka pa, 'di ba? Pwede mo na 'kong iwan dito. Magtitingin na lang kami ng taxi dito pauwi. Magpapahatid na lang kam-"
"Hindi ko kayo iiwan dito. Hayaan na muna natin 'yon. Ang importante, mahanap natin si Regine. Call her again. Magdidilim na."
"Yeah," I nodded and then dialed Regine's number.
Halos mapamura ako nang sa wakas ay sagutin niya ang tawag ko.
"What the hell, Regina?! Where are you?! I have been calli-"
"Saan kayo? Puntahan ko kayo," she asked.
"Kami nang pupunta sa'yo diyan. Nasaan ka?"
"Ako na lang. Nasaan kayo?"
I looked at Aga and the nodded my head. Napahinga siya nang maluwag nang makuha ang ibig kong sabihin, "Nasa third floor kami, sa tapat ng Nathaniel's."
"Nadaanan ko 'yan kanina. Sandali. I'll be there," she replied and then ended the call. Nasapo ko ang noo ko saka huminga nang malalim. Akala ko, magpupunta na kami ni Aga sa guard para magpatulong. Kukurutin ko sa singit 'to mamaya, eh. I saw a chair somewhere near the place and grabbed the chance to sit down.
"Nasaan na raw?"
I looked at Aga and answered, "Coming."
"Akin na nga 'yan."
I didn't protest anymore when he took the flowers from me. Once my hands were free, I massaged my legs. Sumakit talaga ang paa ko kaiikot dito sa mall. Ni hindi nga kami halos nag-ikot ni Paulo. Tapos paglalakarin din pala ako ni Regine?
"Lei."
I looked up when I heard Regine's voice, "Saan ka ba galing? Bakit 'di mo sinasagot 'yong tawag ko? Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap."
"Sorry, hindi ko na napansin 'yong phone ko. Naglakad-lakad lang ako diyan."
I noticed her face. Bukod sa mukha siyang pagod ay parang namumula pa ang ilong niya na para bang kagagaling niya lang sa pag-iyak. Did she watch a movie or something? Kasi kanina, nakita kong showing na ang Filipino Adaptation ng Miracle in Cell No. 7. She cries every time she watches that movie. Walang mintis.
"Tara na. Aga, sorry. Natagalan kayo dahil sa akin. Makakahabol ka pa ba sa aayusin mo? Pasensya na."
"Hindi, ayos lang. Pero sana sa susunod, kapag umaalis ka, tinitignan mo 'yong telepono mo. Kanina pa tumatawag si Lea sa'yo. Hindi ka sumasagot."
Regine nodded her head, "Yeah. Sorry. Tara, let's go home?"
Tahimik si Regine buong biyahe. Tahimik din tuloy sa loob ng sasakyan. I looked at her through the rear view mirror. She looks sad and bothered. The whole ride, sa labas lang siya nakatingin.
I am sure something happened earlier.
Hindi pwedeng bastang mawawala si Regine. Hindi rin pwedeng hindi niya napansin ang phone niya. Her phone vibrates kaya imposibleng hindi niya maramdamang hindi ako tumatawag. Hindi rin siya basta-bastang tatahimik na lang.
Something is up. And I won't stop bugging her later until she tells me what happened.