Conquering Love over Lust

Kabanata 4

I wake up the next morning feeling dizzy. Masakit ang ulo ko. Napuyat kagabi.

I pouted upon remembering what happened last night. Parang may pumipintig sa sentido ko nang pilitin kong bumangon.

Nagtiim-bagang ako nang makita kung anong oras na mula sa nakasabit na wall clock. Kasalanan ito ni Sai! Halos hindi niya ako pinatulog kagabi.

I lost my balance causing me to fall from the edge of my bed. Nagising ang diwa ko dahil sa malakas na impact ng pagkakabagsak ko.

I can easily ignore him but when he told me he'll find out where I live and promise me he'll pester me for the rest of my life if ever I won't pick up his call, I got terrified. The devil knows how to play his card.

Pasalamat siya at guwapo siya, may sense of humor, at masarap kausap. Hayun! Nagtetelebabad kami the past 3 nights. Wala yata siyang magawa sa buhay. Bored or he wants a challenge at nakita niya iyon sa akin.

Nagkuwentuhan lang kami ng mga kalokohan namin noong highschoo days. At kung ano-ano pang kabaliwan namin sa buhay.

He's not boring at all. He's interesting, I admit. But it doesn't mean, I like him already.

It would take him passing a needle's hole before he can make me fall. Promise, cross my heart. Mamatay man siya.

Napabuntong-hininga ako when some fragments of our conversation last night, echoed in my mind.

"Let's date, Veniece." Napakagat ako nang labi sa pangalang itinawag niya sa akin. I didn't plan to make him believe my pseudonym. Napilitan lang akong mag-imbento ng pangalan so he'll let go of me after our unexpected encounter sa mall.

I am actually planning to change my number. Pero heto nga, ang kulit. Siguro naman kapag nagsimula ang pasukan hindi na magkrukrus ang landas namin. I mean he's a college graduate already.

"I kissed dating goodbye." pambabara ko.

"I'll court you." pangungulit niya.

"Marunong ka?"

"Of course! Anong tingin mo sa akin?"

"You don't. For sure, women flocked at your feet."

"That's a lie. Because if that's the case I won't be having a hard time wooing you."

"Look for another girl. I'm still studying."

"Then, I'll be your inspiration."

"Baka distraction," saad ko.

"Saka, I'm only 18. That would make you a cradle snatcher."

He sighed. "I'll wait. Until you're 19?"

"Huh?"

"Kapag 19'dihan mo na."

"Haha. Waley..." I laughed without humor.

"What will you do tomorrow?"

"Bahay lang."

"The day after tomorrow?" pangungulit niya.

"Do the laundry." simple kong sagot.

"Next Monday?"

"School."

"Want me to drive for you?"