Sign
I was going down the stairs when I saw Mommy going up. "I thought you and Dad already left?" I curiously asked. Habang nag- aayos ako kanina sa vanity mirror ay narinig ko ang pag- alis ng car nila.
"Oh, bumalik kami cuz I forgot the document na pipirmahan ngayon ng mga Vilienthal."
"What about it?" I asked.
"Nothing dear," she slightly shook her head. "You going somewhere?"
Ohhh, I forgot na magpaalam sa pagsama ko today kay Third. I slept early yesterday night and they left too soon earlier. The case is, I'm having my work-out kanina that's why I didn't get the chance to speak it to them. I was about to text them anyway.
"Yes, Mommy dearest. Tita Yelena asked Third for my time to accompany him to the mall. He messaged me last night." I said, closely watching her reaction. But I saw her not having a hint of tease at all.
Mom nodded and slowly smiled. "Good to hear that sweety. I was supposed to tell you also to be friendly to Third. His parents are leaving this week."
I nodded. It's fine with me actually to additionally occupy myself. We just finished a bundle of paper works for the midterm of this first semester. I'm not that busy right now. A short break is almost near too... and I guess, I have more time to be friends with him if will be given a chance.
"I'll be friends with him, Mom.. since I think he's this kind. Medyo quiet nga lang," I answered.
"Sa first stage lang 'yan, Avi. You two must bond most of the time to unleash yourselves and be close to each other." Was she seriously encouraging me?
Well... yeah, I agree na kailangan friends nga kami ni Third. Since two parents have a good embodiment, it's fruitful that we're paying attention to one another and getting to know each other better. "I'll try Mom," I said with a small smile plastered on my face.
Dumeretso na'rin ako sa pagbaba after makapagpaalam nang maayos kay mommy. Pagkalabas ko ng main door ng house, nilabas ko na rin ang phone ko to ask Third kung nasaan na siya.
Before I could type a message, I heard his familiar voice. I looked forward and saw him talking to my Dad. I moved my feet to go near them. They immediately looked at me nang malapit na ako.
Oh. Third looks good in his outfit! He was wearing a fitted sweatshirt tucked in his pants, together with loafer shoes that perfectly matched his suit. He's wearing also a Gucci belt and an expensive wristwatch in his left hand.
Sobrang bango pa ng apperance niya. And I wasn't wrong! Amoy na amoy ko ang expensive perfume niya mula here where I'm standing at! Nakabog pa nga ang pabango ni Dad!
"There she is," si Dad. "Anak paalis pala kayo ni Third. You.. haven't told us."
"Goodmorning," I greeted Third first before facing my Dad. "I was about to tell you kanina pero hindi ko po kayo naabutan ni Mommy. But, nakapagpaalam na po ako sa kaniya sa stairs. I bumped her so..." Just me, being polite.
Perfect time na lumabas si mommy na may hawak na envelope. "O, hindi pa kayo nakakaalis?" she asked.
Third and I exchanged glances first before he talked. "We were actually leaving na po... Uncle, Auntie," magalang niyang sabi.
"O, siya sige, mag-ingat kayo, 'ah." Dad went on my side as he gently tapped my back. "Third be careful on your drive, take care of Avi," Dad further reminded.
"I will, sir. Don't worry, she'll be safe and sound till I got her home," Third reverently announced. I looked at him and gave him a smile which he also returned.
Napangisi si Dad sa sinabi niya. "I trust you, son. Enjoy your day, the both of you. You two should get going now para makauwi rin kayo nang maaga."
"Bye Avi, bye Third," Mom joined. I just hugged them and kissed their cheeks while saying I love you before proceeding to the car.
Third opened the door of the shotgun seat for me before turning around and entering the driver's seat. I am putting on my seatbelt when he got in the car. His perfume was all over! It calms my nerves. Ang sarap bumiyahe ng ganitong ka-comfortable! He's neat and organized!
When he started the engine, he asked me. "Did you have your breakfast?"
Actually, I haven't still. I don't have spare time to eat dahil saktuhan lang ang naging kilos ko kanina sa house. I'm really famished so there's no point in lying. Besides, I think he hasn't eaten yet. It's still so early right? I checked my phone and saw that it was 7:04 still. Sobrang aga pa nga.
The car is now moving when I answer, "Hindi pa... You?" I returned the question.
"I still haven't. You wanna go first to a coffee shop?" he casually asked.
"Sure."
At gaya nga ng sabi niya, we stopped in front of Starbucks. Agad naman na rin kaming bumaba at pumasok sa loob. When we got in, I went to the counter straightaway.
"Good morning ma'am! May I take your order?" The barista girl said energetically. She looks so young and kind. I can sense how sweet and innocent she is. I flashed a genuine smile before saying my order.
We are halfway on our eating nang tumikhim si Third. My gaze on the southwest veggie wrap I was eating moved up to him when he started talking after sipping on his latte. I have my almond milk on the other hand.
"You want anything else?" He normally bit his lip.
Napatitig ako but I came back with my senses when I realized what he just said. "No, no I'm fine! I mean... medyo full na rin naman ako rito..." medyo taranta kong sabi while pointing my plate. Napapunas pa ako sa gilid ng lips ko dahil baka may amos pa ako.
Habang nag-oorder ako kanina, he was suddenly at my back without notice. So close to my back! And when time came na magbabayad na ako, hinarang niya ang hand niya sa'kin to say na siya na lang daw. I insist, but the moment he touched my hand and put it down, I lost control and panicked! I just pulled back and let him. Hell, I was so sure my cheeks reddened at that moment!
He nodded a little and we continue our eating. I'm now thinking about what should I buy in the mall. I just would probably go to National Book Store, I guess. Nakahiligan na namin iyon ni Mia as a bonding when we have spare time. Mostly naman ay nasa book section lang ako at naghahanap ng good stories, or kaya... nag- aabang ng bagong published book ng favorite kong author.
"Let's go?" He asked after his time in the bathroom. He took a glance at our finished business on the table. I nodded and we went to the car right away to drive to the mall.
The moment we entered the mall, the guards bowed and pay their attention to me. "Good morning, ma'am Avi! Maaga po tayo ngayon, ah!" magiliw na bati ni Kuya Fred, isa sa pinakakilala ko na sa kanila.
"Magandang umaga rin po sa inyo!" sagot ko habang may malawak na smile sa lips.
"Sasamahan ko lang po-" Napatigil ako. Thinking.
Ano ang sasabihin ko to introduce Third? It's still so awkward for me to say na sasamahan ko ang kaibigan ko. Baka isipin niya na ang feeling ko naman.. cause we're not that close.
Bumaling ako kay Third na nakataas ang kilay sa'kin. Mas lalo lang akong na-pressure! I have no choice! Lalo naman...I can't say na he's my boyfriend kahit na parang ganoon na nga ang binibigay na look sa amin ng mga staff! Umayos ako. I want to act normal!
Napabaling ako sa mga guards na slightly nakanganga, probably waiting for me.
I cleared my throat. "I'll accompany a friend of a family lang po..." I then awkwardly smile. Tumango- tango naman sila. When I turned to Third, I saw how his lips formed into a smirk. I forced myself not minding it at nagpatuloy na.
"Enjoy po, ma'am!" the guards followed.
"Were you always here?"
Habang naglalakad kami ay nagtanong si Third. I was shocked for a moment. Tingin ko ay nag- iimprove na siya.. wow! Nagsasalita na siya... and he's asking me! Gusto ko pa nga sanang punahin. Take notice of it pero hindi na lang pala! Baka mahiya pa siya at hindi na ulit magsalita.
"Uhh, oo. Pag free time... we often go here. I'm always with my best friend." I quite said.
While walking, sunod- sunod na ang tingin sa'kin ng mga tao. I just sighed.
Tumango-tango si Third habang naka- focus ang tingin sa kung saang direction. I turned also to follow his gaze and see what he was looking at. And there I see... a big tarpaulin where my face was placed together with Mom and Dad.
Zinbergh's.
Our surname was written big and clear.
"You taking up all of these?" He faced me.
"I guess so... I don't have a choice, right?" I let out a mini laugh. "It's perfectly fine though," I said with a small smile. "To secure my future." According... to Dad.
He pursed his lips and talked after. "I'm going to buy some clothes and pieces of stuff for my place. Do you have plans?"
"I'll just go to the bookstore later. I think wala na akong ibang gagawin pagkatapos." I answered while still thinking of what should I do.
Tumango- tango siya at tinitigan ako. Medyo nailang ako kaya nag- avoid na ako ng tingin. I just fixed my attention to my manicure-needed nails.
I've got an idea!
"What now?" He asked.
"Let's just see each other later! Pupunta pala akong nail salon... Matagal siya so you can do your shops without being pressured on time," I continuously said.
"If... that's the case, I see you later then," he said while getting his phone out of his pocket. He suddenly stopped when he realized something. Samahan pa ng pagtaas ng kilay niya.
Inunahan ko na siya. "I have your number, I'll just text you."
He sighed at binalik na ang cellphone sa pocket. He moved his head, saying na mauuna na. I nodded and watched him turn his back. Soon I realized I am keeping all my breath until he was gone. I sighed to myself. Not a good sign.
8:30 na natapos ang nail polish ko. Normally, our mall opened promptly every weekend so there's no problem with all the to-do lists of rushed people. That's actually one of the reasons why we captured our shoppers' hearts. We're friendly in the negotiation of time.
My nail is fully dried so I'm not bothered. I'm carefree here while checking out some designer bags when I thought that it's still so early... and Third's probably not yet done with his shopping. He said he would buy some stuff in his condo. I assumed he would get done before long.
Nang wala akong magustuhan ay lumabas na ako... perfect duration na nakasalubong ko si Third. I am going out and he's going in. I got curious but then at a speed of time, my attention diverted when he spoke.
"Are you done?" Halatang nagulat din siya habang hawak- hawak ang iba't ibang klase na paper bags.
"Uh, yes! I'm... off to the bookstore actually. I thought matatagalan ka pa? So... I didn't text you earlier."
"It's okay. Go now. I'll just take these to the car then I follow you after," he said pertaining to the paper bags.
"No, no, it's fine! I'm just going to check some books. I'm... not actually purchasing one." Mapapagod lang kasi siya. It's not like it's urgent to go to the store. Besides, I can bring Mia here tomorrow after school katulad ng madalas naming ginagawa.
"I'm buying some things so you don't have to worry. Or you can come with me to go to the car now and just wait for me there," he said after.
"Oh.. Uhh, okay. I... guess. I will just go, too!" I'm tempted! Gusto ko laging pumupunta ng bookstore every time I'm in the mall! One of my hobbies!
When we parted ways again, I stopped in front of the bookstore. I haven't completely entered the store when I saw someone familiar. I leaned closer and my eyes widened. Not just someone familiar! A very familiar indeed!
"Mia!" I saw how her eyes widened too when she saw me. "How dare you go to the mall without me or at least texting me!" pag-ra- rant ko.
I saw her apologetic smile, but instantly hung up when she discovered something. "You witch! Did you know I went to your house to fetch you because you weren't answering any of my calls last night?! I was going to invite you to come with me and yet you're already here?! It's how dare you!"
Mia became like this when someone gets completely on her nerves. And I must say na asar nga talaga siya sa akin! What did I do? I just sleep early that night and when I am about to open my phone this morning, I saw Third immediately! I did not have the chance to even notice her text!
My creased forehead slowly turned into a normal one, before I made a peace sign to her using my two-finger. Tamang pa- cute lang. "I'm so sorry, my dear bella... I wasn't able to read your message. But if you have only given me a call... we've definitely talked over the phone!" Dahan- dahan kong sabi, so worried na mas lalong magalit siya.
"I've been calling you countless times, Avi!" Then she showed me her phone. I pursed my lips and opened mine. I then saw eleven missed calls from her. I furrowed my brows cause I didn't hear any phone calls earlier. I swipe up and saw na naka-silent pala. I totally messed up!
I pulled her inside the store ignoring her angry words. I get the latest published book from one of our favorite authors when I saw one at agad itong dinala sa counter, totally not minding what she's saying.
Nang mabayadan ko na at maibigay sa akin, humarap ako sa kaniya and gave her my cutest smile. "I'm sorry na my precious... here!" I lend him the book that I just bought.
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer.
That's one of our rules. When I or she got mad or displeased, you just have to present the book from both of your favorite authors. And just like that, you can now claim your forgiveness! I am so lucky today that the book is available!
She sighed and showed me the same book from the paper bag she was holding that I haven't noticed earlier. Cat got my tongue! So much truckload for that! I feel bad. I value her so much.
I pouted my lips.
"Sayo na 'yan," she said calmly now. "I'm not mad, I'm just pissed."
What? It's the same!
I pouted more at what she said. She laughed so hard. "It's okay... besides, the guards told you're out with some guy. And there's no one else I could think of but Third." She wagged her brows. "It is so fine with me, precious!" May nakakaloka na siyang smirk ngayon.
I was about to fight my words and explain clearly nang dumating si Third. "Hey," he glanced at me before checking out Mia.
I already told Mia about Third and how his family and mine were literally close to each other. She knew him of course because we both dreamed to be a part of AVIA. But then, they haven't still met properly, or should I say...formally so I introduce them to one another.
"Mia this is Third. And Third si Mia, my bestfriend," pagpapakilala ko. They just gave a smile to each other because again, Mia and I weren't that talkative to someone we just met.
Mia left us soon enough at kinurot pa nga ako sa side- waist when she passed by my side. I made a face and she just waved her hand and gave a wicked smile to me and a genuine one for Third.
Pagkaharap ko sa aking kasama ay malayo na siya. All I can see now is his back as he looked for something while checking each of the things placed on the divider of the store.
I stared at him for I don't know how long. I can't control my eyes as they have their own brain to stay fixed on Third's back. I was praising his clean features while observing how perfect his appearance is, having that mestizo look. He surely does fit my taste!
I looked away when he turned to the side as he checked the quality of the meter stick. I cursed to myself. I can not believe that I enjoy watching him more, instead of scanning the books that are perfectly aligned in front of me just like the way I wanted!
Pumunta nalang ako sa likod para pigilan ang sarili ko sa kakatingin sa kaniya. I just got myself focus on the colorful books upon reading the text in the back until Third called my attention when he reached the counter.
He just bought some measuring tools and pencils inside. Samantalang ako ay walang nabili kahit isa, dahil parang nawala na rin naman ako sa focus after ko siyang titigan kanina na super kong ipinagtaka.
When we left the store, he immediately asked me after taking a peek at his watch. "Lunch?" he asked.
I checked the time. It's still so early for lunch pero pumayag na ako.
I don't know. I just can't and hate to decline his offer. Why?