Never Promise Again

Chapter 7

Naya's Point of View

"Thank you."

Tumingin lang ako sa bintana at duon ako ngumiti. I know that was compliment and I also know how to return one, but right now I can't say it. I just can't say that he's handsome or looking good too.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" Tanong ko na lang para maiba ang topic.

"I'll let you know once we get there." Nag-baka sakali lang naman ako pero ayan na naman siya. Pinapa-curious niya 'ko.

"How did you become an intern though you're 2nd year college student?" He asked in the middle of our trip.

"My position as an intern in the university's infirmary was the last position that they offered. However there was no students applying for it kasi raw gusto nila ma-deploy sa ibang hospitals at 'yung iba naman ay gusto raw sa malayo. Kaya in-offer na lang sa'kin and I immediately and gladly accepted it. Experience rin kaya 'yun."

"Did you ask them why did they choose you?" He asked, eyes still in the front.

"Dean's list." I answered. 

"Wow, and they're not mistaken. Being you as intern was their best decision." Sabi niya at muli akong bumaling ng tingin sa bintana. Tingin ko namumula na 'ko sa bawat puri niya. 

"H-how can you be sure about it?" Nahihiya kong tanong.

"I just know it. I know that you're doing your best and you're investing too much on it. I can really see it." Sa sinabi niyang 'yun ay tumingin ako sa kaniya at tumingin din siya sa'kin.

"You're amazing doing all of that." He gave me a genuine smile before returning his eyes on the road.

Ngumiti na lamang din ako. I don't know why he's acting like this, but it makes me happy. His compliment makes me feel that he's appreciating me.

Nag-patuloy lang kami sa pag-byahe hanggang sa inihinto na niya ang kotse. We unbuckled our seat belts and went outside. My mouth formed an 'o' when I learned where are we.

Nasa isang forest park kami. It has white gate serves as an entrance at kahit nasa labas pa lang kami ay nagagandahan na 'ko. We went inside and my jaw dropped while surveying the whole place. Sabi na, e, kung maganda sa labas siguradong mas maganda sa loob.

Ang ganda. Maraming puno at mga benches. Ang peaceful lang at parang autumn season ang dating. Nag-patuloy pa kami sa pag-lakad hanggang sa nakarating kami sa isang simple at maliit na venue. May event dito?

Inabot ni Lux ang dalawang invitation cards sa isang coordinator. "Good afternoon, Ma'am and Sir. Thank you for coming." Bati nito.

"Thank you." Saad namin ni Lux at in-assist kami nila kami patungo sa'ming table at umupo na rin.

Inikot ko ang mata ko sa buong venue. May mga tables na good for two people. Kaunti lang ang mga tao at ang iba rito ay mga nasa mid 30's pero karamihan ay mga nasa mid 20's at 'yung iba ay sa tingin ko ay ka-edad lang din namin ni Lux.

Tumingin ako sa harapan at naruruon ang isang mini stage at may mga musical instruments na nakahilera. May live band pa yata. Ang simple at casual ng place pero ang ganda. 

"Done surveying the whole area?" He asked. I pouted that made him chuckles.

"How did you know this place?" I asked him. I know that this isn't a normal event or venue. Lalo na't kaunti lang din ang mga tao.

"This is a fundraising event organized by my friend." Sabi na, e. Alam kong hindi 'to ordinaryong event pero hindi sumagi sa isipan ko na fundraising 'to.