KABANATA 16.
Paskuhan.
THE DAYS came by so fast. I didn’t even notice the changes in my lifestyle so far. Araw-araw akong nagj-jog sa park na malapit sa tower namin simula nang mag-Christmas vacation. At araw-araw ko ring nakikita si Luthor doon. Sabi niya’y palagi raw siyang ando’n kina Ate Lilac. Hindi ko nalang pinansin.
These past few days madalas ding wala si Fita. Hindi naman ako nagtatanong dahil baka may inaasikaso lang siya. Hindi na rin ulit nag-aya mag-party sina Rafa dahil baka raw hindi na ako sumama sakanila sa Paskuhan. As if naman na hindi nila ako iiwan kapag ando’n na kami.
“Spica, okay ka na ba?” Nilingon ko si Fita na ngayon ay nakasilip sa pinto ng kwarto ko. Tumango ako at tuluyan niya nang binuksan ang pinto. She’s wearing a Harry Potter inspired dress. She looks oozing hot.
Nag-suot lang ako ng black off shoulder top and black high waist pants partnered with a black boots. May dala rin akong white cap at sling bag para paglagyan ng phone at wallet ko. After applying powder, sabay na kaming lumabas ng unit ni Fita.
It was three thirty PM when we arrived at the UST grounds. Medyo marami nang tao ro’n. May nakikita rin akong mga pamilyar na tao na pakalat-kalat sa UST grounds. Agad rin naming nakita sina Rafa at Adi. They’re not hard to find dahil nags-stand out silang dalawa.
“You guys are medyo late ah.” Sabi ni Rafa habang sinasalubong kami.
“Atleast we came, right?” I chuckled. Sabay sabay na kaming pumunta sa UST grounds. Habang naglalakad ay hindi ko napigilang iikot ang tingin ko. I know that I’m looking for a specific person. Pero kahit anong lingon ko sa paligid ko ay hindi ko siya makita.
Luthor didn’t text me kung saan kami magkikita. Ang sabi niya lang ay magkita kami bago magsimula ang fireworks. Many bands will be performing tonight and we agreed to watch them together. Pero ngayon, ni hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya o kung saan ba kami magkikita? Maybe I’ll just text him later?
Nang makarating kami sa grandstand ay may nagp-perform nang banda roon. It was ‘The Juans’ I think. The band was quite famous these days kaya’t maraming manonood. Though I listen to some of their songs, I’m not really a fan. Surprisingly, we found our way to be in front of the stage. Hindi ko alam kung paano kami nakalusot sa rami ng tao na naroon.
Hila-hila ako ni Fita at may ilang nakakabangga kaming estudyante. Pero dahil masyado silang tutok sa banda, hindi na rin nila kami sinaway. When we reached the front row, napakapit ako sa barricade na ando’n. Guards and medics were everywhere too. Talagang prepared sila sa event na ito.
Sa tatlong taon kong pagpunta-punta sa Paskuhan, kahit hindi naman ako rito nag-aaral, ay medyo pamilyar na rin ako sa UST. But I’ve never been to UST’s med school. Gusto ko sanang itanong itanong kay Rafa kung pwede ba kaming pumunta sa med school next time pero agad ko rin akong umatras.
Ano nalang ang sasabihin nila kung sasabihin kong pumunta kami sa med school? Wala naman akong ibang kakilala na nagm-med school. Si Luthor lang talaga. Panigurado’y pauulanan nila ako ng tukso kaya ‘wag nalang.
Pinilit kong ituon ang atensiyon ko sa banda na tumutugtog sa harap pero dinadala talaga ako ng isip ko kung saan. I don’t to be some uninterested guest lalo na’t nasa harap kami kaya’t nagpaalam ako kina Rafa na aalis muna ako. Sumang-ayon naman sila agad at mag-text nalang daw.
Nang makaalis ako sa crowd ay agad kong tinignan ang phone ko. I immediately opened it when I saw Luthor text. He texted!
‘Malapit ako sa grandstand. Where are you?’ Agad akong nagtipa ng reply.
‘Nasa may grandstand na rin ako’
After sending the text, agad akong napalingon nang may kumalabit saakin. Narinig ko pa ang tawa ni Luthor dahil sa naging reaksiyon ko. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin pero agad ring ngumiti.
“Kanina pa kayo rito?” He asked. Tumabi siya saakin. Pareho na kaming nakatingin sa bandang tumutugtog sa stage.
“Hindi naman masyado. Kasama ko sina Fita.”
“Alam ba nila na kasama kita?” I looked at him pero agad ring nag-iwas ng tingin nang makita kong nakatingin din siya saakin. Come to think of it, I didn’t even told my friends that I’ll be with Luthor. I was so sure that they’ll have their own acquaintances tonight so why bother? I’ll just tell them that I’m with some… friend.
“Uh, hindi. But I’ll text them para hindi rin sila mag-alala.” Tumango lamang siya. When I looked at him, he was already watching the performance of the next band. I didn’t bother to take my eyes off him. I was so overwhelmed that he’s here with me.
Nag-aagaw na ang liwanag at dilim. The sun is already setting. The colors of sunset were reflecting his eyes. It was a beautiful view actually. I’ve seen so many sunsets. Dito man sa Manila o sa Batangas. I’ve always fascinated by sunsets. On how the sky changes its colors. How different shades of colors were seen on the sky.
I loved sunsets. But I never knew that I will like it more now that these colors were reflecting Luthor’s eyes. Our friendship was an unexpected one but it makes me happy that he’s still here, with me.
“Hey, Lola Amour is performing.” I was driven back to reality when Luthor spoke. Napalunok ako nang makitang nakatingin siya saakin. Napansin ko rin madilim na pala. At ilang banda na rin ang tapos nang mag-perform. Gano’n ko siya katagal na tinitigan? At nakita niya ring nakatitig ako sakaniya? Bigla akong tinubuan ng hiya.
I looked at the stage and he was right, one of my favorite OPM band is performing on stage. Though they are still getting ready, I know they’ll be playing next.
“Do you want something to eat? May malapit na nagtitinda rito.” I looked at Luthor again. I was too pre-occupied that I didn’t even notice the time. I didn’t even notice my own hunger. Ganoon ba ako ka-fascinated sa physical appearance ni Luthor? Really?
“Yeah, I’m a little hungry.”
“Stay here. I’ll buy us food.” Tumango na lamang ako. Umalis na rin siya para bumili ng pagkain. He was half running. Nang mawala siya sa paningin ko ay agad kong kinuha ang phone ko at nakita ang mga texts doon nina Fita. It was all the same, asking where am I. I decided to just text Fita.
To Fita:
Hey girl, I’m still on the grandstand, don’t worry. I’m with a friend. I know you’re with your friends too. Just enjoy and don’t worry about me. Please tell Rafa too. Thanks!
She replied my text with an okay. Hindi na rin ako nag-reply at itinago na ang phone ko. Lola Amour already finished performing a song when Luthor came back with foods on his hands. At may dala pa siyang plastic bag. Naningkit ang mata ko.
“I bought shawarma, pizza and donuts,” he raised his hands. Mayroon nga roon ng mga sinabi niya. “And I bought water and juice too.”
“Thanks.” Kinuha ko sakaniya ang shawarma. Bahagya siyang tumawa bago inilapag ang mga binili sa bench na malapit saamin. Tahimik kaming kumain at nanood ng mga performance.
To my surprise, naubos namin ang lahat ng binili niya. Even the juice! Another band was already playing when he stood up at nag-ayang makihalo sa crowd. Sumama na rin ako sakaniya. It was already quarter to eight at ilang minute na lang ay magsisimula na ang fireworks.
Masyado nang maraming tao kumpara kanina kaya kailangan akong hawakan ni Luthor para hindi ako mawala sa dami ng tao. He was walking in front of me at ako naman ay nasa likod niya. It was like he was protecting me from the wild crowd. Or it’s just my imagination.
Nasa may bandang gitna kami ng crowd at medyo maluwag na ang tao roon kaya’t napagpasyahan naming na doon nalang manood. Maganda rin ang view rito dahil medyo malapit rin sa stage.
May mga iilang mga magkasintahan kaming nakita na nanonood rin malapit saamin. While Luthor is focused watching the performance, I am also busy watching the lovers near us. May tatlong mag-jowa ata roon na naglalambingan. Gusto kong umirap at isiping magb-break din sila kalaunan pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko.
I saw how the guy looked at his girl beside her. Is it possible to find true love these days? On this age? I am twenty and I still think that I’m too young for a relationship. Not that I want to be in a relationship, I don’t, okay. But still, I’m curious how it works on people my age.
Sa edad naming ito madalas na maghiwalay ang mga magkasintahan. Reasons? Not ready yet for a relationship or cheating, I guess. If you’re not ready yet for a relationship, why would you enter a relationship? It’s just simple but people like to complicate things. Lalo na ang mga kaedaran ko. Making up excuses for their failed relationships where in fact, it’s their own fault.
Iniwas ko ang tingin ko sa magkasintahan ng makita kong maghalikan sila. I’m not new to live kissing scenes but I think it’s unethical to watch people kiss live.
“I asked you to be with me on this night so we can bond but here you are, being silent.” Napatingala ako nang biglang magsalita si Luthor. Ben&Ben is already performing and as much as I want to listen to them, parang mas gusto ko nalang pakinggan si Luthor.
“I’m sorry. I was just enjoying the performances.” It was a lie, okay. First, I wasn’t really listening to the band earlier because I was busy staring at him. And now, I was thinking of a feeling of being on a relationship. Too much for enjoying.
“Hmm?”
“Oy! Pareng Luthor!” Sabay kaming napalingon ni Luthor sa tumawag sakaniya. I was not surprised to see Alonzo with some of their friends. But I think it was different for Luthor. Kumunot ang noo niya nang lumapit saamin ang mga kaibigan niya.
“Oy, Spica, andito ka rin pala!” Binati rin ako ng ilan pa nilang kaibigan. I just smiled at them dahil hindi ko naman kilala ang iba maliban kay Alonzo.
“Hi!” I greeted Alonzo. It was nice seeing a familiar face after weeks.
“Hi Spica! Enjoying the event?” He flashed a smile and my smile grew wider.
“Yeah, it was fun!” I was now energetic than earlier. Siguro nakatulong din na may nakita kaming kakilala para tumigil ako sa pag-iisip ng kung ano ano.
“Mabuti naman ay nag e-enjoy ka,” He turned to Luthor who’s now behind me. “Bro ‘di mo naman sinabi na kasama mo pala si Spica.” I was unconsciously waiting for Luthor’s answer. Hindi niya rin pala sinabi sa mga kaibigan niya na magkasama kami.
The answer that I’m waiting for didn’t came. Instead, Luthor pulled me beside me. Sa gulat ay hindi na ako nakapalag. Napahawak pa ako sa braso ni Luthor dahil muntik na akong matapilok sa sobrang pagkabigla. I looked at him with wide eyes. Handa na akong singhalan siya dahil sa biglaan niyang panghihila saakin pero agad rin akong na-estatwa sa kinatatayuan ko nang makita ako ang ekspresyon niya.
He was looking at Alonzo coldly and his jaw tightening. I’ve never seen him looking at his friends with this expression. Even with his dark features, he was very friendly to everyone, especially to his friends. Pero ngayo’y hindi ko makuha kung bakit ganoon na lamang ang tingin niya kay Alonzo.
Napatingin ako sa gawi ni Alonzo at ng iba pa nilang kaibigan. Alonzo chuckled and raised both of his hands. Umiiling-iling pa siya habang tumatawa. Nagkantyawan pa ang ibang kaibigan nila na para bang katawa-tawa ang eksenang nasa harap naming ngayon. While I was so damn nervous, Luthor’s friends were laughing as if we’re on a comedy scene.
“I get it now, okay. Chill, dude.” Natatawa paring tugon ni Alonzo at saka tinapik ang balikat ni Luthor. Nagpaalaman na rin sina Alonzo pagkatapos ng kaunting kumustahan. I just smiled and waved at them.
After Alonzo and their other friends left, Luthor seemed to be on a lighter mood. Ilang minuto pa ay may nagsabing magsisimula na raw ang fireworks. I excitedly grabbed Luthor’s shirt.
“Oy, fireworks na raw!” He chuckled.
“Yeah, calm down. I’ll take pictures.” May inilabas siyang camera sa loob ng itim niyang bag. I didn’t even noticed that he has that bag all along.
“Take pictures of me, ‘kay? I’ll post it on instagram!”
“Sure.”
“Pero manood ka rin ng fireworks, ah! Baka puro ka pictures.” I’m afraid that he won’t see the fireworks display if he keeps on taking pictures. Yes he can watch the fireworks on videos pero iba pa rin talaga kapag sa personal. I’ll be happy if he’ll watch it with me.
“Oo, manonood din ako. And… I’ll take pictures… of you.” Napaawang ang bibig ko sa sinabi niya but I immediately closed it. I just rolled my eyes at him and looked away to cover up my embarrassment. I heard him chuckle. I was about to shout at him when suddenly, the lights from the fireworks flew up to the sky.
Agad akong tumingala at agad na humanga kung gaano kaganda iyon. Many people were right. UST Paskuhan’s fireworks display is one of the best. I just don’t know why it’s much beautiful this year. Or maybe I was just imagining things again. Namangha ako kung paano nagpapalit-palit ang kulay ng mga ilaw sa madilim na kalangitan.
I smiled at the beautiful sight. Agad kong hinila ang sleeves ng shirt ni Luthor. He was just taking pictures and not watching the display!
“Hey! I told you to watch the fireworks! Stop taking pictures! It can wait!” Sigaw ko. pero hindi siya nakinig. When I turned to him again to see if he’s watching the fireworks display, he was still taking pictures! Of me!
Masama ko siyang tinignan. Tinawanan niya lang ako kaya’t agad kong hinablot ang camera sa kamay niya.
“Hey—,”
“Hep! Watch the fireworks na muna. I’ll take photos.” Hindi siya gumalaw.
“Sabing watch the fireworks na muna eh!” Sinigawan ko ulit siya kaya wala siyang nagawa kundi ang tumingala at manood sa fireworks display. I looked at him first to make sure he’s really watching. Mabuti naman ay nanood talaga siya.
Isinabit ko ang camera sa leeg ko at ininutok ang lens kay Luthor. I found a good angle of him and took a shot. After taking several shots of him and the crowd and the fireworks, hinayaan ko ang camerang nakasabit sa leeg ko. Tumabi ulit ako kay Luthor.
“Ano, tapos mo na akong picturan?” Pabiro niyang tanong. I just rolled my eyes at him and we both chuckled. Bahagya pa akong nagulat nang akbayan niya ako pero hindi na rin nagkomento pa.
We watched the fireworks display until it’s done. Medyo mahaba iyon pero napakaganda naman. I smiled widely after the fireworks display. Nakaakbay parin saakin si Luthor.
“Ang ganda no’n!” I said smiling.
“They are. If only you didn’t stop me from taking pictures, I would’ve captured more pictures of you while enjoying the view.” Natawa ako. Hindi ko na binigyang pansin ang pabirong pagsimangot niya.
“But you’ve already taken enough pictures.”
“I don’t mind taking a lot of picture when you’re the subject, Spica.”