Scandalous Affair: Atlas Mate

02

O L I V I A   V A L E Z

I prefer the moon over the sun, but I always appreciate the mighty sun. However, no tendrils of mist had appeared by now. The windows showed little but a bright early-summer day, with the sunshine almost blinding. My mouth stretched a little wider as I yawn. I tilted my head more to see the peaking sun above the sky. A smile crept into my lips as I savored the heat of the sun. 

The chirping of the birds and the low cold whistle of the wind made me sleepy again. The trees swayed along the breezed of the five AM wind. I should savor the cool air right now, and later it will just be a hellfire all afternoon. Philippines summertime was like living in the sun. 

Nag-unat ako at muling humikab. Nagbihis ako ng pang jogging attire. As much as I feel dull and unsatisfied with my summer vacation, I don't want to be unfit. I gasped audibly when I opened my door, and Mr. Mate's morning face greeted me. Mukha rin itong na tigilan nang mapagtantong kaharap lamang ng kwarto ko ang kaniya. This is a nightmare. 

His sun-bleached hazel, disheveled hair made him look more Godly. Namumungay pa ang mga mata nito na kaniyang kinukuskos pa. Nabitin sa ere ang kaniayng paghikab nang makita akong natigilan nang makita siya. Slowly a lazy grin made its way to his lips.

"Good morning, Kiddo." 

Mr. Mates's raspy morning voice made my throat dry. Hindi ko namalayang napalunok na pala ako ng aking laway. He looked sideways as he scratched his nape and stretched it side to side, making his bones cracked a little. My eyes followed his every moved shamelessly.

"Uh, no good morning too?"

Natauhan naman ako dahil sa sinabi niya, kaya agad akong napakurap nang madaming beses. I licked my lips, and I saw how his eyes followed my tongue. Mr. Mate blinked and looked away.

"Why are you taking the room across mine?" I didn't mean to say that, but it just slipped away.

He combed his unruly hair and let his hands rest on his head, "Well, in case you had a horrible nightmare and would like someone to read you a story and make you feel better." he said mockingly.

Agad akong nagtimpi at itinikom ang bibig. Masyado pang maaga para mainis. 

I just smiled at him and said, "Good morning, Mr. Mate. Have a nice day."

Good, Oly. That's the prim and proper you. 

I went to our kitchen with a satisfied smile to drink lukewarm water first before starting my morning jog. Before I even took a step downstairs, I heard him murmur something that made my ears twitch from annoyance.

"She sounded like a robot. I'm not surprised if she'll grow up as an old maid." 

Agad na bumaba ang aking labi mula sa pagkakangiti dahil sa 'king narinig. Umagang-umaga ay naiinis na agad ako. It only takes one person to ruin my morning, and I hope he won't ruin my whole day. I can't let that happen. Don't let that man shake you, Olivia. You are better than this. 

Pinilit ko ang aking sarili na ganahan sa pag-jo-jogging, kahit na paulit-ulit kong naririnig ang sinabi ng matandang 'yon sa 'kin. Dumagdag pa sa pagkairita ko ang painit na painit na sinag ng araw. Kung kanina ay natutuwa pa ko ngayon ay hindi na. Huminto muna ako mula sa pagtakbo, at inilagay ang aking kamay sa 'king tuhod habang humihinga nang malalim. Tumayo ako at inilagay ang kamay ko sa aking baywang, at binuksan ang dala kong bottled water. Pagkaubos ko ay pagalit kong niyupi ang bottled water at buong pwersang itinapon 'yon. 

"Fuck!" I cursed with all my anger and annoyance. 

Mas maganda kasi 'yung inilalabas ang emosyon para mabilis maka-move on. Ang kunot ng aking noo, at ang pagkayuyukom ng aking palad ay agad na nawala nang may dumaang trabahador. Ngumiti ako rito nang pagkatamis-tamis at binati ito ng magandang umaga na akala mo ay hindi ako nagwala kani-kanina lang.