Love in Shadow

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

"ATE NADIA!" Sabay pang tumakbo sina Snow at Lyric sa aktres. "Dito kana matulog."

"Ha? Bakit?" Napaamang siya. "Bawal na bang lumabas? May curfew ba rito?"

Sabay din silang natawa. "It's getting late, Ate."

"If you're not comfortable to stay here tonight, it's okay," malambing na sambit ni Shadow, hindi na inalis ang braso sa bewang ng nobya. "I'll drive you home."

"Hindi naman sa hindi ako kumportable." Sumulyap siya sa wall clock. Pasado alas dyis na. "Kapag hinatid mo ko, eh 'di mas late kang makakauwi rito."

"Then?"

"Sige na, Ate," pilit ng dalawa. "We baked cookies pa naman for you. Ishe-share rin namin sa'yo ang isang platter na shanghai."

"Babies?" Shadow said in warning tone to his sisters. "Don't pressure her."

Natakam ang dalaga pero hindi niya pinahalata. "I'll stay here."

"Are you sure?" alala ng abogado, kunot ang noo. "Don't mind them. Decide on your own, Nadine Alexia."

"Weekends naman bukas kaya ayos lang," ngiti nito. "Saka ayaw kong mapagod at mapuyat ka sa paghatid sa akin. Besides, first time ko lang mag-oovernight sa ibang bahay."

He bit his lips. Oh, how he loves when Nadine Alexia concerned about him big time. Those little gestures are enough to fall for her even more. He thinks he can't get out in a deep well of affection for her. She's too precious and lovely.

"Kung gano'n, let's have a pajama party!" nakangising sabat ni Rocket, feel na feel ang terno sleepwear na ang disenyo ay sina Tom & Jerry. "Cheers!" At may hawak ding wine glass.

Sabay na napailing sina Snow at Lyric, natatawa. "Mukhang pinaghandaan mo ang gabing 'to ah?"

"Syempre! Nandito ang goddess of beauty eh!" Saka kinindatan ang aktres.

"Tss." Dumilim ang mukha ni Shadow kasabay nang pag-igting ng panga saka lumapit sa kaibigan upang bumulong, "Do that again and I'll take out both of your eyes." He doesn't want her to hear it. She might take it seriously or literally.

"Chill, bro. Masyado kang pikon. Tinitignan ko lang kung talagang mahal mo si Nadia."

"She's my life." Saka siya tumalikod at muling bumalik  sa tabi ng nobya. "Don't mind him. He's crazy."

Natawa ito. "Ano bang sinabi mo?"

"Nothing. Come on." He held her hand. "I'll take you to your room."

"May extra clothes na ro'n, Ate," bungisngis ng dalawa. "Feel free to wear it."

"Thank you, babies," gaya pa niya sa endearment ni Shadow sa mga kapatid. Umakyat sila sa second floor. "Tulog na si boss Seb?"

Tumango ito. "Pagod 'yon."

"Wow, ang laki," namamanghang wika ni Nadia nang makapasok sa kwarto. Pakiramdam niya ay kalahati na 'yon ng condo unit niya. Color pink pa ang interior wall. "Spare room niyo lang 'to?"

"No. I made and reserved it for you."

Nanlaki ang mata niya. "Me?"

"Yeah, you, my girlfriend, my Aphrodite."