Faking Delays

74. Suprised

Harris Luigi

  

"EAT, EAT MORE!" Mrs. Lovaton insisted and kept on pouring hot soup on my bowl after I clearly told her that I'm full.

She's Kocent's grandmother, basically the one that raised him after his parents' died. I completely forgot about her when I asked to stay at Kocent for the night.

I smiled and tried to politely refuse. "But, uh, Nana, I don't think I—"

But she shushed me once again. "Ah, nonsense! Look at you, so thin! You look like a twig!" she said then pointed at my muscular arms and chest. I shook my head lightly, sighing. Malabo na ata talaga ang mata ni Nana. "Eat more, hijo, jusko. Do you know why..."

And she kept going and going on about why health is important and why I shouldn't neglect it while pouring more soup. I looked at it and think of excuses. Not that it's not delicious, but I just can't eat anymore 'cause we've been eating for a couple of minutes now.

I looked at Kocent for help who just shrugged while eating more. Of course, what did I expect. He must be used to eating a lot.

My mouth formed a devilish grin when an idea popped into my head.

"Ah, Nana!" biglang tawag ko.

She stopped pouring and looked up at me. "Ano iyon, hijo?"

I scratched my chin and pretended to think of something. "I just remembered, you promised to show me Kocent's baby pictures the next time I visit, right?"

"Harris!" tutol naman agad ni Kocent at tila natigil sa pagkain. "Come on, man, walang gan'yanan!"

Saglit napaisip si Nana at ibinaba ang sandok. Yes, finally! "Talaga ba? Naku, hindi ko na maalala. Naguulyanin na ata ako, sandali. Let me get them. I think it's upstairs."

"Nana!" Kocent whined and followed her upstairs. "Harris is just bluffing!"

I chuckled and transferred the content of my bowl to Kocent's.

I then leaned on my chair and looked at the white ceiling. I haven't heard from Mary and Li since last night.

Damn, Li...

I shut my eyes tightly as memories came flashing back. I really messed up.

Napalingon ako nang marinig kong pababa na sina Kocent. "I can't seem to find it!" reklamo ni Nana pagbaba ng hagdan. "Did you hide it, Kostya?"

Kocent cringed and gave me a shy glance. I smirked. Still shy about his nickname, I see.

"Nana..." Kocent pouted like a kid. "Kocent po."

But Nana continued searching for it in the drawers, not minding what Kocent said. "Saan ba 'yon nilagay, ha, Kostya?" ulit nito.

He conceded and just let her call him that. "Hindi ko po alam," he sighed. "Baka si Tito nagtago."

I looked at the time. "Ah, Nana, it's alright. Next time na lang. Kailan ko na rin po umalis e, it's getting late. My sister must be worried sick."

She finally stopped and gave me a reassuring smile. "Why, of course, of course! Go! And send her my regards, will you."

I smiled. "Will do, Nana." Tumayo ako at kinuha ang susi ng kotse ni Kocent na ipapahiram niya sa akin since I left mine back at the club.

"Right!" Kocent clapped and stood up as well. "I, too, have somewhere else to be. See you later, Nana! I won't be home—oww!"

Bago pa man maka layo ay hinila siya pabalik ni Mrs. Lovaton sa upuan nito. "Finish your soup before you go."

"What?" He looked at me, back at his supposed to be empty bowl, then back at me. I shrugged. "Nana, hindi akin 'to! Ubos ko na 'yung akin!"

She tapped her feet on the tiled floor, hand on her waist. "It's in your bowl, is it not?"

"Nana!" he whined.

"I'll count to three, Kostya..."

He sulked and took the spoon. "Ito na nga," he murmured then simply glared at me.

I smiled in victory. "I'll get going na po, Nana. Eat more, man, makinig ka kay Nana." He muttered a low "fuck you" at me which made me smile as I walk away.

"Do visit soon, hijo!" sigaw ni Nana mula sa kusina.

"Of course, Nana! Bye!" sagot ko naman. I smiled at the thought of having someone who's as excited as Nana to see you visit. I never felt this warmth from my own mother, let alone my father who seldom stays at the house.

I sighed and opened the door to the car. Atleast I have them.

They will do, for now.

I drove away from their residence and headed straight to Mary's house. I hope she's home, though. I'm planning to cook for her, just to make up for what I did last night.

The maid greeted me when I pulled up at Mary's driveway. I nodded as she greeted me.

"Is Mary home?"

"Yes, sir," aniya. "She has visitors."

Bahagyang tumaas ang kilay ko. She never had a visitor in a long while, and now she's having more than one. Who could these people be.

"Hmm... I see." I hurried past her and opened the door to be greeted by backs facing towards me. One... three gentlemen and a woman, all talking to Mary Jane.

"Mary?" I called to get their attention. "Who are..." Humarap sa akin 'yung tatlo whom I instantly recognized. My eyes widen and fixated on the woman who still has her back on me. There's no doubt. It's her!

"Kristeena?" I gently called her name, not expecting her to turn around with a small smile on her face.

"Hello, Harris."

And I felt like crying.

I was supposed to be here to make amends to Mary, but seeing her now, I think those would have to wait.

I gulped and took a step forward. "Kristeena..." Mabilis namang humarang ang tatlo sa harapan ko.

"Kuya? What... I didn't expect you to... where have you been?! Why didn't you call me?!" Her tone changed from worry to anger real quick.

Oh, right, Mary. Damn it. Focus, Harris!

I turned to her instead. "Mary Jane, I'm sorry for last night. I was... not thinking straight. Nabigla lang ako and I panicked."

She crossed her arms. "You should've texted me atleast!"

"I know, I know. I'm really sorry," I sincerely stated.

Mary sighed and massaged the space between her brows. "Just help me prepare something for my visitors."

I smiled and took a quick glance towards her. She doesn't seem to mind my presence here. I hid my smile as hard as I can.

"Sure, no problem." Hinarap ko sila and tried my best to not gawk at Kristeena. "Make yourselves at home."

"We will, thank you, sir," magalang na sagot ni Anjelou at tumango sa akin. I nodded back.

I went with Mary to the kitchen afterwards. When they were finally out of sight, saka lang lumabas ang ngiti na kanina ko pa tinatago.

This is a start and I won't mess this up!

"Look at you, happy as a clam. Tch, I'm still mad at you, you know." Mary took an apron for herself and gave one to me as well. A pink plain apron. I was going to complain, but I'm in a good mood so no. Sinuot ko na lang ito.

"And I plan to change that soon," saad ko nang maitali na ang apron ng maayos. "How about a quick trip to the mall later?" I asked, shrugging. A request that I'm sure she won't turn down.

"Hmp! I guess I can come with you as long as you pay," she muttered, her back on me.

Though I can tell that she's grinning.