Fragmented Rhapsody

Fragment 35

35
Flowers

"May grocery ka pa?" Caitlyn asked over the phone. Nilipat ko ang telepono sa kanang balikat at pinulot ulit ang mga lapis na nahulog sa sahig.

"Paubos na," sagot ko nang mailagay sa case ang mga nahulog.

"Okay, I'll bring some later –"

"Cait," I complained as my whole attention was then directed to her. Naglakad ako papalapit sa couch ng sala ng condo at umupo rito. "How many times have I told you that I'm buying my own?"

"53 times," she cheekily replied. Napairap ako roon at kinuha ang throw pillow. I hugged it to my chest as I navigate my eyes around my pad, looking over if there's something I haven't cleaned.

"I'll buy later."

"What?! Gabi na! Do it tomorrow para masamahan kita!"

Umismid ako. "Then you're going to pick some stuff and put it to my cart carelessly kahit 'di ko naman kailangan?"

"Oh, please! Kailangan mo ng real food! Bakit kasi puro cup noodles?"

I bit my lip, feeling a little bit melancholic. "Masarap kasi."

"I swear Tito will hyperventilate once he finds out about what you're eating for the past 2 years!"

"I cook too."

"Yeah right," pagsuko niya.

We talked a little bit about our thesis before she ended the call. Tumayo na rin ako mula sa couch at nagtungong glass door para hilain pasara ang kurtina doon. When everything was settled, I turned off the lights and carried my plate materials from the kitchen counter. Pumasok ako sa kwarto at inilapag ang mga ito sa study table.

I changed into my black leggings and pulled my yellow hoodie from the cabinet. Pinulot ko rin ang beige ball cap mula sa likod ng pinto at isinuot ito. I also took my wallet with me and my reusable grocery bag. Tumingin pa ako ng isang beses sa salamin bago nagtungo sa pintuan.

Nang makalabas ako sa unit ay ang nakakabinging katahimikan ng pasilyo ang sumalubong sa akin.

This is exactly the reason why I chose this building. It is by far the most peaceful among all the condo units in Baguio proper. Kaunti lang din ang mga nakatira rito pero kahit ganoon pa man, malapit pa rin ito sa sentro at hindi ka mahihirapan bumili ng mga kailangan mo.

I silently walked towards the elevator and pushed the downward button. The mirrors welcomed me when I got in and my reflection freely emerged from them.

Saglit kong tinignan ang itsura ko sa salamin. Pursing my lips, I wanted to smile. I've never felt this free and happy my entire life. Living independently is hard but is fulfilling on my part.

When the elevator reached ground floor, I immediately heard the soft noise of busy people walking on the street outside the building.

"Good evening, Ma'am Natalia!" bati ng mabait na guard sa bukana ng gusali. Napatingin naman siya sa hawak kong grocery bag. "Ubos na ang supply, Ma'am?"

I smiled at him warmly. "Opo, Kuya. Wala na akong makain," I kidded.

Nagkipagkwentuhan pa ako nang kaunti sa kaniya bago tuluyang umalis. The staff knew me the moment I bought a unit 2 years ago. However, I made a request that they should make it a secret. I didn't want to be in the headlines or trigger an issue that Papa would be involved in.

He was against it at first – me moving out of the house. He didn't want me to leave, but it was what I wanted. I also asked for the hardest requests. I wanted to cut my cards off him. Sabi ko sa kaniya, gusto kong mabuhay sa sarili kong investments. Hindi na ako nahirapan sa parteng iyon dahil matagal na akong may ganoon. It was a privilege I had since I was a kid.