Along The Way

Swimming

THEZZA

"Who's Francine, Tita?" I asked again. But still, she's not answering.

"Tita? Thezza?"

We both looked at the door. Symon is back but he's with someone. Halos magkapareho lang sila ng mukha pero mas matanda ang lalaking kasama niya. I wonder if he's Symon's father.

"Rosie! Goodness, pinag-alala mo ako." Sabi pa nung lalaki at saka nilapitan si Tita. I gave them space. Napatingin ako kay Symon.

"Oh, I'm fine, Fred. Don't be such a—"

"Seryoso ako, Rose. Mabuti nalang at tinext ako ni Symon kanina. I called him earlier and I said that I am here already at the hospital. Mabuti nalang talaga at may nakakita sa 'yo kanina sa kompanya. And of course, I'm thankful because you've got some great helpers." He said as he held Tita Rosie's right hand. He was bending his knees and he really looks worried for Tita.

"Thank you, son. And to you, lady. I'm so proud that you're going well with my son. I can see that you're gonna be a really great wife." He said and smiled at me. Napakurap-kurap ako at saka ngumiti pabalik sa kanya.

So I was right. He's Sy's father. Halata naman talaga sa itsura pa lang.

"Can you please leave us for a minute, my dears? And oh, pwede na kayong makabalik sa school but it's already time for lunch so just go back to the house, you both. Ako na ang bahalang mag-excuse sa inyo sa mga teachers niyo. Please?" Tita Rosie requested so we just nodded.

Lumabas kami ni Symon sa room at saka naglakad papuntang labas sa ospital. Napakunot ang noo namin nang maramdaman ang sobrang init na sinag ng araw. We looked at each other.

"So what now?" I asked first.

"Low bat. I can't contact Mr. Henry. Hindi ko rin memorize number niya." He said so I groaned out of frustration. Damn, I'm so so so so hungry.

"I'm so hungry." And I mean it.

"Akala mo siguro ikaw lang." Pagalit na sabi ni Symon. I just rolled my eyes. "Marunong kang mag-commute 'di ba? Let's just ride some taxi. I still got money in my pocket." I nodded and agreed to his decision.

------

We are both silent here in the backseat. I guess, gutom na gutom na gutom na talaga kami pareho.

"I could eat you right now." Agad na kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi ni Symon. His eyes were closed and he's leaning on his seat.

"Don't get me wrong but that's a double-meaning sentence. Medyo bastos pakinggan."

Napadilat siya at tinignan ako. He is now grinning. Goodness, kahit kailan talaga. I rolled my eyes. "Alam mo, ang dumi ng utak mo." Asik ko sa kanya.

"Why me? Ikaw nga itong maka-react nang wagas, e. May mali ba sa sinabi ko? Based on psychology, our brains react—"

"I didn't ask for you to lecture me. Totoo naman talaga, ah. 'Wag mo sabihing inosente ka? My goodness." Napailing ako.

He was quiet so I had to look at him. He's looking at my hand. "Where's the ring?" He asked. I became nervous immediately! Napatingin ako sa daliri ko! Halaaaaa! Nawawala ang singsing! No! No! No! Where is it?!

"I hid it." I tried to sound so real, but I guess it didn't work.

"Your reaction says it all, Thezza." Seryosong saad niya kaya napaamin agad ako.

"I'm sorry, Sy. H-hindi ko nga napansin na nawawala, e. Ngayon ko lang napansin nang magtanong ka. I—oh my gosh.. I'm so stupid. I'm so clumsy! Mamahalin pa naman 'yon. I'm really sorry, Sy." I am really sorry. Hindi ko napansin kung saan ko nalagay o naiwan.