The Gap Between Us

Chapter 3

Can I

I didn't know what happened that night but it seemed to be an awakening of something inside me.

Realizations after realizations and finally, here I am. Making my way towards living my life again.

Hindi magugustuhan ni Nanay o ni Tatay ang mga ginagawa ko nung nakalipas na buwan kaya babawi ako. I'll start anew again. My life shouldn't be put to waste because I know I'll find my purpose.

Buong umaga kong iginugol ang oras sa paglilinis ng buong bahay at bakery. The house didn't felt this warm and bright since I last opened the windows and curtains.

Tita Leya was also shocked to see me that she even shed herself a tear and hugged me.

"Masaya ako para sayo, Haze. Siguradong matutuwa si Jona at Ali sayo,"

Afternoon came after series of cleaning and short breaks. I even tried to test if the ovens were still working and fortunately, it still was.

I wiped the sweat that was making its way to roll down my cheeks. Binitawan ko ang hawak na walis at naupo dahil sa kapagurang nagsisimula nang madama sa aking katawan.

Sinalikop ko ang aking buhok paitaas habang kagat ng bibig ang panali nang mapaligon ako sa bintana sa bandang kaliwa ko,

Elias, the guy from yesterday had his eyes grew wider. Naibuga niya ang iniinom na sa palagay ko'y kape at mabilis na tumalikod sa gawi ko.

Hindi ko alam ngunit napangiti ako kasabay nang mahinang tawa na lumabas sa bibig ko. His eyes looked so shocked as if he didn't expect that I'd see him peeking at me. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang mabilis na pamumula ng tenga ng binata.

I was slightly shaking my head when my eyes landed on a piece of paper placed under a book on the center table,

Kinagat ko ang labi at napatitig dito habang ang utak ay nagdadalawang isip sa desisyon.

I just found myself walking to the wide open bar of Azura. May kalayuan ito sa bakery ngunit napagpasyahan kong lakarin na lamang ito. Azura is one of the most peaceful towns with less than 10% crime rates.

Mistulang maliliit na langgam ang dagat ng mga tao nang marating ko ang bakuna ng sinasabing bar. Sobrang kitid ng daan patungo sa sentro kung nasaan ang entablado. Isang oras lamang akong nahuli dahil sa patuloy na pagdadalawang isip ngunit tila mapupuno na ang lugar sa dami ng tao.

The ticket was for a back to back concert of different bands in the country where the proceeds will be donated to orphanages. It was indeed promising that it surprised me that a guy like Elias would be inviting me for this. I tried looking for him but it seems that he is nowhere to be found. My forehead creased in sudden confusion and annoyance.

I mean, we're technically strangers. I only know his name though and I'm still confused with his invitation but nevertheless, I'll try to enjoy this night.

Napayakap ako sa aking sarili nang mas humangin nang lakas. Ang wide open bar ay katabi lamang ng dalampasigan kaya nama'y karamihan sa nakikita kong manonood ay nakasuot ng bikini at board shorts. Sa likod ko ang pahabang bar counter at ilang mesa't upuan para sa mga nais uminom.

Hindi ito ang unang beses na nakapunta ako sa ganitong uri ng event ngunit naninibago pa rin ako sa mga nakapaligid.

May isang banda na ang nagsisimulang tumugtog at hindi maipagkakaila ang galing nito dahil karamihan sa mga manonood ay napapasayaw na sa munting galak at paghanga sa banda.

The loud chants almost drowning the band's performance together with the crashing waves covered the entire place. Neon lights and beams were all over the place especially when the sun had set itself down.

Sa sobrang saya ng paligid ay nakita ko na lamang ang sariling nakikisabay sa galaw nito. I danced and jumped in glee as the band became more energetic with its next songs. It was a party.

Dama ang pawis sa aking buong katawan kahit na isang manipis na halter top at maong shorts ang suot. May isang lalaki pa ang sumayaw sa'king likod. I didn't mind even when he started grinding his crotch behind me.

I was a bit tipsy with the drinks that was passed down by waiters. Wala akong tinanggihan bagkus ay inisang lagok ang lahat ng 'yon.

Saglit na nawala ang ingay ng paligid nang huminto at magpaalam ang naunang banda. Malakas ang kabog ng aking dibdib dahil sa hingal at pagod ngunit hindi maipagkakaila ang galak at kasiyahang nadarama.

I felt free. My whole being never felt so alive in a long time.

I was about to make my way to the bar counter when a pair of lean muscular arms suddenly found its way to my small waist.

Agad na nagsitayuan ang aking mga balahibo sa batok nang madama ang mainit niyang paghinga sa gitna ng leeg at tenga, "Guess you had too much fun already ,"

Sa tono ng pananalita niya ay batid kong nakangisi siya. Hindi ko na naibuka ang bibig nang muli siyang magsalita,

"Can I dance with... you?"

❤️