Jacket
I immediately looked at Third upon hearing that. "Yeah, you should join me. On the way lang din naman," he said and why does it appear to me they already planned it na talaga. Am I just too assuming?
I turned to my Mom and saw 'that look' on her face. I tsk-ed in my mind. She also mouthed FRIENDS while her mouth is point-kissing Third. I sighed. I think... it's good.. Besides... I need to reconcile my feelings and just be a good friend to him!
I finally nodded as okay. Akala ko aalis na but they discussed a few things so I take time to answer my discussion forums online in advance. When I side-eyed them cleaning their scratches and compiling the papers back in the folder, I fixed myself. Not long enough, Third is reverently marking his thank you then asked goodbye to my parents. The same I did in a sweet manner.
He opened the car for me and I instanly went in. Tumahak siya sa driver seat para sumakay na rin. Here I go again! I can freely smell his mabangong pagkatao.
I saw how his eyes made sideways after looking at my legs. He coughed a little that's why I feel uncomfortable. Dapat hindi na lang ako nag-shorts if only I know in the first place na rito pala ang ending ko! Pero ano bang masama kung naka- shorts ako! It's mabanas kaya. It's still summer!
I pulled my short down pero wala pa ring changes dahil talagang shorts nga siya. It was called for that.
I heard Third make a sound. I was addedly nervous. I'm not used to his presence. I don't think I can ever be. It's not helping pa that it's nearly a month since I've felt how's his presence like!
Eventually, I felt Third turned to get something from the back of his car. I was a bit shocked because we came so close to each other when he moved and leaned in. Mas nagulat pa ako when he handed me a.. jacket? Hindi naman malamig... And.. I'm quite used to cold.
I'm literally clueless by his action that I couldn't take the thing he's offering. Nor did my mind have its process due to the sudden approach of his body to mine, the moment he took the jacket from the back seat.
"Cover it," he finally snapped out habang iniiwas ang niya ang gaze niya sa hita ko. That's when I made a move from just staring.
"Oh... Uh...uh..." I'll stutter! What should I say?! What should I say?!
"T... thank you?" My mouth and words feel like a traitor! Why would my tone become a question! Hindi ako makapagsalita nang maayos! My face is so heated at his sudden behavior!
And my heart! Oh no! I don't want to say anything about it! But... my heart heated also! I feel safe, secure, and protected by him. It feels like so much home that there's nothing I could get afraid of. He's such a genuine gentleman. I knew it, he's so nice inside!
I picked up the jacket in his hand and put it on top of my legs. It smells so good and alluring that I wanted to breathe his jacket all in na hindi ako mapapahiya! He sighed after that and said something I didn't expect he would actually say.
"Do you really go out like that? That is too short and revealing." He then put the keys on.
I was shocked. Really!? He was saying that as a citizen of the US?! Don't get me wrong... women there used to be undeniably more revealing than me, and!.. It's just stupid shorts! Every girl wears shorts this summer!
The car is now moving when I talked back. "Didn't cross my mind it's a problem to feel bad. I feel comfortable wearing this. And... sakay naman ako ng sasakyan. No one can judge."
He looked annoyed now making me more confused. What is so much to be bothered and mad about?
"Sure you do and sure there's none," he sounded irritated.
What the? Is this for real happening?!
I stayed silent. I just grabbed my phone to ease up my nerves and get over this restless ambiance. I was about to text Mia that I'm coming over when I thought that it would be more fun and exciting for her if I surprise her. I should buy her foods also, para sabay na kaming kumain ng meryenda later.
I hesitantly looked up to Third. Nakailang pabalik- balik ako ng tingin.
"What?" he asked without looking.
I grimaced. I'm the one making a mess of myself! He pushed me to gather my nerve because I don't have even a bit of choice. He slightly glances at me when he sensed I was looking up at him steadily this time. "Can we drop by somewhere where I could buy food?" I finally let out.
He looked baffled like he was thinking if hungry ba ako because I was searching for food. "Dadalhin ko kay Mia," I cleared out.
Tumango- tango naman siya. "I know a place. What are you searching to buy?" He asked while giving me a peek as he drives.
I think about something Mia wants. Ah, I think milk tea and nachos will do so that's what I told Third.
"Okay, we'll be there in any minutes," he said.
I am in awe thinking about how he familiarized all the sites in this place. Didn't he just get back here in the Philippines and thereby he's suddenly more expert about directions than me? Well, what would I expect from a smart man like him?
Afterward, we stopped in a place where different stalls of food and beverages are colossally lined up. Malaking type siya ng commercial building. I was about to open the car when he stopped me. I immediately looked at him with a clueless face on.
"Wait there." He prepared to go out.
Huh?
As soon as he got out, he stopped, not completely closing the door. "Tie up the jacket on your waist. Madaming tao sa labas. Baba ka nalang whenever you're done." He shut off the door, not wanting me to counter back.
He delivered it casually like it wouldn't affect me at all! I was left dumbfounded here. Oh...gosh! Why is he being like that? My heart won't stop beating so fast! I don't know how to respond, but... my heart feels so glad! It feels like a warm hand just touched it!
I wasted no time so I elevated my lower body and put the jacket around my waist. The jacket was big so it totally covered my bare legs. I picked first the compact mirror inside my shoulder bag and looked at my face. I have so many baby hairs so I put the cascading ones behind my ear. I took a peek outside and saw Third typing on his phone. I put back the mirror and then I prepare myself to go out.
When I closed the door, I walked toward Third's position from the other side. He turned off his phone when he saw me coming, glancing first at my legs. He sighed in relief and then motioned me to follow him so that's what I did.
While walking, everybody's sight was on us, surely not all of them but most of them. If I know... na kay Third lang naman talaga ang attention nila.
"Can you wait here?"
I instantly turned to Third. "Huh?"
"I left my wallet in the car. I'll go back for it."
"Oh, okay, sure." Tinuro ko ang bench sa nadaanan namin before sitting. "I'll wait you here."
I looked around after Third left. The stalls are uncountably lined up here with different foods and drinks. On the other side of the place, there are some tables and chairs. The place is not that pretty big but it was spacious. Medyo mabanas lang din because it's an open space.
It's actually my first time having in here. I didn't notice it before. I wonder if it was situated here a long time ago or a new place lang.
"How come you know this place?" I asked Third. He was already back with his wallet.
He looked down dahil he's way taller than me. "I used to eat here with my college friends back then."
Napatango- tango ako roon. I wanted to ask why he didn't continue his studies here similar sa sinabi niya about last time na rito siya nag- start. Nonetheless, I'm still hesitant to open up a conversation with him, thinking he might not get along because of his distinctive silence in talking about himself.
Surprisingly... parang bigla ata akong nagkaroon ng guts. "Why did you move out? Hindi ka ba nasiyahan dito?"
Napataas ang kilay niya bago tumuloy magsalita. "I really do enjoy in here. Think I have reasons."
Reasons? What does he mean? Is him... transferring to another school out of the country fine with him or not? I wonder about his emotions about it.
"Why? Dahil ba hindi mag- stay ang mga magulang mo rito? Aren't you fine being alone?" I asked.
Third laughed. My body tensed up because of the sudden shiver within.
Why he sounded so sexy and attractive? When others would laugh... kung hindi ako matatawa dahil sa nakakatawa ang boses nila, kikilabutan naman ako dahil sa pangit ang sound! It's unplesant in my ears.
He shook his head out, still laughing a bit like he didn't expect the words to come out of my mouth. "Are you talking back about your reflection on me?"
Woah. I think he seems to be easy now while talking to me. I was actually happy about it. The sound of him laughing was so good in my ears.
"I think I am more independent than you," dagdag niya, and he still has this smile on his face. I didn't see it coming. I feel like he is gagging me about it.
"How could you say that, huh? You don't know me that well!" I fired back. He just chuckled and didn't say anything. The conversation seems to catch his interest and intention. He's enjoying it huh?
"What are you going to buy?" pag-iiba niya.
I searched for a stall that's selling milk tea. Doon ko lang din na- realize na may mga botique ng damit sa kabilang building. How can I never know this place?
Sa isang ikot ko, I saw a milk tea store... and perfect! May katapat siyang bilihan ng nachos. I pointed it to Third. "Doon ako, I'll buy milk tea and nachos. Ikaw? Do you want?" I asked. He shook his head.
"Ayaw mo?" I asked again. Just maybe he misses this place as well as the food here.
"I already ate at your house?" he reasoned.
"Pwede ko naman... ipa- take out. You can eat at your place!" I insisted.
Third smirked.
"A silly babe," he mumbled to himself.
Did.. I hear it right?
"What?"
He smiled. "Nothing, I said I'm full."
"I-if that is... mamaya mo na lang kainin pag- uwi mo nga sa inyo? Oohh! I remember! You were still with Tita and Tito nga pala in one house. What do you think they want?"
I wanted to bring food for them also! I'll just give it to Third. Pero parang nakakahiya ata na snacks lang ang ipapadaka ko. On the other hand... pwede namang dumaan nalang kami sa restaurant to buy proper foods. Right!
"Daan tayo sa malapit d'yan na restaurant? What do you think? Ano bang gusto nina Titang pagkain?" I asked him.
Third appeared so amused by the kind of stare he was giving me. "You're talking... much," he commented.
I stopped for a while and watched him. This must be the first time I literally talked to him.. this much.
"I said I'm fine. Dinamay mo pa sina mama," he chuckled.
I pouted my lips. What is he talking about? I'm just being nice lang, e...
I saw how he avoided his gaze on me and cleared his throat. Pareho kaming natigil to find a safe way to ignore each other for a second. We need a time-out. We both observe the surroundings awkwardly.
Pagkaraan ay tumingin ulit ako sa kaniya. "Are you sure? If you really don't want... sina Tita nalang."
He suddenly held my arm and pulled me. He... touched my hand! My cheeks warmed and I can hear my heart from outside! My feet can't do a thing but followed his steps because my body came not to be productive just by his touch!
We stopped exactly at the place of milk tea store. He set our hands free from each other's hold at hindi ko alam kung gusto ko ba to finally breathe properly! I'm honest...a part of me asked for more hold of his hand.
He faced me, making both the inner and outer parts of myself nervous again. I can still feel his hold on my arms...
I saw him smirk at my reaction. "I told you, you don't need to. Busy sina Mama and it's expected they'll arrive later at midnight." He put his hands in his pocket. "You buy here, I'll just look for something at the other building." He then took a glimpse of my legs.
Why does he keep looking at it? It's already covered like what he told me to do!
Hindi ko nalang masiyadong pinansin because he's being odd again of leaving me here. "May bibilhin ka?" I asked.
"I'll see," he said curiously. "Hmm... balikan nalang kita rito?" Third didn't wait for my answer at agad ding tumalikod na. I'll shrug my shoulder at humarap na sa girl na nagtitinda sa stall.
I saw how her eyes are twinkling. She didn't even notice that she has a customer. I coughed a little to get her attention, but I didn't get a response. Mukhang nag-da-daydream siya... She adjusted her sight like she was following her sight to someone. I'm confused about her... so tiningnan ko rin.
There I saw Third na lumiko para pumunta sa other building, hanggang sa hindi na siya makita kasi nakalayo na.
Wait... what?!
Si ate talaga... masiyadong showy, at halata! May intention pa atang unahan ako sa crush ko! Poor her. I know Third, kaya mas may chance ako sa kaniya! I just laughed at my own thought and nag-start nang umimik to wake ate up.
"Ate... Can I buy?"
Agad naman siyang nagulantang sa'kin at medyo nahihiya pa nga ang look niya sa akin. "Naku! Sorry po! Hindi ko kayo napansin! Kanina pa po ba kayo diyan? Sorry po talaga. Ano pong order niyo?" Medyo taranta niyang sabi.
I laughed a little. "Take it easy, it's okay..." She grimaced.
"Can I do two red velvet, please? Venti- I mean both large," I ordered. She eagerly nooded at nagsimula na sa kaniyang trabaho. Mano-mano ang kaniyang paggawa.
I looked at the stall of nachos and saw a small line of people who are going to buy. If I'm going to add myself on the line right now... pang- third ako. I was bothered na baka matagalan ako kung mamaya pa ako ro'n pupunta kapag humaba na ang pila. Bumaling ako kay Ate.
"Ate... Can I just come back later? Pipila lang po ako ro'n..." sabay turo ko sa tapat.
"Ay sige po, ma'am, okay lang po! Tawagin ko nalang po kayo," she answered.
I nodded and smile then pumila na ako roon sa bilihan ng nachos.
Pang-lima na ako ngayon. May nadagdag agad kasi na dalawa kanina. Good thing nalang na pumila na ako ngayon kasi nakakahiya naman kay Third kung pag-iintayin ko pa siya. I looked outside. It's almost dark. The orange sunlight is fighting with the gloom of about to come night. I was sure na na gagabihin ako ng pag-uwi mamaya.
Madami na ring tao. Mga workers at students na nagkukulitan sa gilid. I smiled to myself remembering my highschool days. Parang ganiyan din kami ni Mia at ng mga friends ko dati. We still have so much time to play around and be crazy like those teens— compared ngayong college na kami at madami na laging expected works to track. I miss those moments and times we're free and carefree. Walang iniisip na reports, thesis, finals and such complications. Parang gusto kong balikan ang dati... kahit pansamantala lang.
Kaya to all of the youth now... make the most out of it. Mabilis lang ang panahon so enjoy every bit of the wonderful days. High school is the best part of a student's life.
In a split of time, Third is suddenly walking towards here while holding a paper bag in his hand. I'm already the next one to order after the person in my front. Bumaling ako sa other side ng place at nakita kong nag-ce-cellphone ro'n si ate. Tapos na rin yung milktea dahil nakita kong nakapatong na beside her on the counter.
"I thought you already buy your drinks? Hindi ba... I left you there?" Third shocked the hell out of me. I lightly tapped my chest.
His speed was really something. Nakalapit na siya ngayon sa'kin kaya napabaling din ang mga nakapila kong kasama. They were staring at us.
"Uh, yes. I just went here kasi may pila. Baka lalo pa tayong magtagal... I'll come back there for the milk tea after this."
He peeked a sight at the stall of milk tea. Tapos bumalik ulit sa'kin ang tingin. "I can get it now. You wait for me here."
I was about to stop him pero nakaalis na siya in my front. For sure that's not a question I could decide. I fixed my attention to Third hanggang sa nakalapit siya kay ate na sobrang shocked ang face. Lumingon pa siya rito sa akin at parang hindi siya maka- keep up sa nangyayari.
"Ano pong sa inyo?"
Napabaling ako sa harap ko. I gave my order at humarap na ulit doon sa kabila. I saw Third already moving on his way here. Nang makalapit siya ay saktong na- receive ko na rin ang order. After that, we walked to his car.
"What did ate say to you?" I suddenly asked.
He looked at me with a confused look. Tumikhim ako. "I mean, she didn't ask why her customer changed into a man that fast?"
He laughed a bit. "She didn't... just gave the drinks to me. I told her I'm your company."
Yeah. Good company.
Tumango ako. "Uh... thank you, ah." He just gave me a nod.
While on our way, we didn't talk that much. He just asked me why I'm going to Mia and I also ask him just one single question. "Kailan alis nina Tita?"
He took a glance at me and turned back his attention to the road. "By the end of this week," he simply said.
Minutes after, nasa labas na kami ng bahay ni Mia. I told him that I can walk from the gate of the subdivision, but he insisted to go in. I removed the jacket from my waist, making him look directly in front and totally refusing to glance at my now bare legs.
"Thank you ulit, ah? Ingat ka sa pag- drive," I said.
I thought he'd not let me return his jacket like those scenes I've always read in romance stories. But... he picked it up, making me wrinkle my nose and point my lips. What now? He appeared so protective earlier!
'It's almost dark Avi, No one can glimpse your legs anymore!' The back of my brain said.
I was about to open the car when he spoke. "Take it," handing me the paper bag I saw him holding earlier.
He can't look directly into my eyes now. His eyeballs as well as his body seemed tense. Why the sudden?
"What is it?" I accepted the bag.
The moment I opened and saw it, he simultaneously speaks disturbingly.
"Pajamas."