A Glimpse in Paradise

Chapter 11

After that night, we often see each other everyday. Sometimes, he brings me some flowers at work and then we eat at the nearest restaurant.

And about sir Amond, we don't talk anymore like before. But time comes that we're in the same classroom or place because of madam principal. That every moment, an atmosphere of awkwardness, occurs.

Today is Saturday and he sent me a message that he'll fetch me this afternoon. That's why I cleaned my room first and did some things I wasn't able to do when I have my free time.

Afternoon came. I fixed myself and prepare. He said he's on his way kaya binilisan ko. All my life, ngayon pa lang ako nataranta. I think, engineer has a different effect on me. Tss. Ang mokong na 'yon?

I heard his car beeped. Knowing na andito na siya, I got my purse and went downstairs.

At si manang naman, kapag si Cyrus ang bisita ay hindi na nagdadalawang-isip na papasukin. I saw Cyrus, sitting in the sofa. Agad naman akong sinalubong ni manang. "Mukhang napapadalas na yata 'yan ha." she's teasing me again.

"Hi." I greeted. Cyrus then stood up and smiled.

" 'Di ka pa prepared n'yan, ha?" pang-aasar niya.

I rolled my eyes while simply smiling. "Mangaasar ka na naman. Tara na nga."

He drives. "Huwag mong bilisan. Baka mabangga tayo." I warned him. "Sus. Kaya pala." sabi niya. I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Kaya pala nabangga ako sayo kasi ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko sa tuwing nakikita kita." sabay kindat. I slapped his shoulder. "Ang corny mo ,ano?" pigil tawa kong sabi.

"Ay sus. Kilig yaaan. Aminin mo na, na-fa-fall ka na sa 'kin." sabay ngisi. I groaned. "Ewan ko sa'yo! Pinaglihi ka yata sa self-confidence ng mama mo."

"Magiging mama mo rin yun." dagdag niya. "Alam mo ikaw, magkaibigan pa lang tayo ganiyan ka na! Tsaka mag-iisang buwan pa lang tayong magkakilala, fall agad? Tanga ka ba?!" I exclaimed.

"Magkaibigan pa lang ngayon. Magka-ibigan na, soon." taas noo niyang sabi. Ayan na naman ang dimple niya sa tuwing ngumingiti siya. "Yung iba nga na-lo-love at first sight eh, tayo pa kaya?"

"Walang tayo engineer." bara ko. "Ay grabe siya. Pag ikaw na-fall sakin humanda ka talaga."

I ignored what he scarcely said.

We arrived at the restaurant. Modern yet fancy. Good thing, I'm wearing dress and sandals. Tapos siya naka white long sleeves na hanggang elbow tsaka sneakers and pantalon. Just a normal night for two people being friends. We just want to have dinner. That's all!

He reached for my hand and we both entered the restaurant.

"Table for 2, sir?" tanong nung babae. "Mukha ba kaming tatlo?" ay shuta nagtaray ang mokong. Na impluwensiyahan ko yata?

The lady in front of us looks like a manager. She blinks and awkwardly smiled.

"Biro lang . Yung pina-reserved ko lang kaninang umaga." sagot niya.

"Name sir?"

"Cyrus Vellejo."

"This way, please."

"Thank you."

Agad namang may lumapit sa'ming waitress and handed us the menu.

"What do you wanna eat?" he asked.

"Just a caesar salad and pineapple juice." I said while my eyes scanning at the menu.

"Yun lang?"