Strange Voices of the Dead

21: The Meeting

"What are you doing here?"

Wicker can't believe he'll be seeing Catherine out of nowhere. Miski ito ay gulat din nang makita siya. He hasn't seen her in a while and he must admit, she's glowing real good right now. The laced up black lantern sleeve dress she wore caught his attention. Red lipstick on, loose powder blended in her bare face and a nude eye shadow with winged eyeliner makes her whole look stunning and magnificent. Nakasuot pa ito ng kumikinang na hikaw at mahabang kwintas pababa sa kanyang dibdib habang malinis ang pagkakaayos sa pusod nitong buhok. She's precious and eye-pleasing than ever before.

"We're here to find a good restaurant to have some dinner and talk about business," Catherine answered with a lippy smile and arched brow. "Olly was right, narito ka nga sa Fawnbrook! How have you been?"

Wicker smiled at her with a dazzle in his eyes. He'd never knew he'll be missing her like hell. "Doing great." He hugged her. "Sorry for not telling you where I am. Been settling things and adjusting my life. Didn't expect it turning to be this great. Really missed you though," he said with a cheeky smile. He kissed her cheeks.

Catherine tapped the shoulder of the guy beside her. "By the way, babe, this is Anton, my friend and my supplier who'd helped me to manage my online apparel shop smoothly. Anton, this is Wicker, my boyfriend," pagpapakilala niya.

Alangan itong makita si Wicker, lalo na noong ngumiti pa ito sa kanya. Nagkamayan silang dalawa.

There's an awkward silence lingers around them. Kahit pa si Annara na nasa gilid lang at nakikinig ay hindi maiwasang mailang. These people in front of her are new to her eyes. Kaya hindi niya magawang maging komportable sa tabi ng mga ito.

Pinagmasdan ni Wicker ang lalaking ito na nakasuot ng plain dark blue na longsleeve na nakatupi hanggang siko. Naka-tuck in ito sa dark levis na suot nito at black shoes na de-sintas. His black, shiny, pushed back hairstyle with the help of pomade for the volume. He looked so casual yet refined. Mukhang anak ng mayaman at tila may negosyong pinatatakbo dahil sa porma at mga accessory na suot-suot nito. Pawang naglalaro ang edad nito sa dalawampu't tatlo hanggang lima. Young and business-oriented.

Mayamaya, matapos gumanti ng halik si Catherine sa pisngi ni Wicker ay tinapunan niya ng tingin si Annara. There's an intimidation intended in her glance. Mas lalo tuloy nailang si Annara sa mga titig nito.

"Who is she?" she finally asked.

Kung matahin nito si Annara ay tila lalamunin niya ito ng buhay. Napansin din kasi ni Catherine na parehas sila ni Wicker na nakasuot ng uniporme. She's not good with it since Wicker is the only one for her. Naiirita siya kapag may kasama itong iba, lalo na't parehas pa ang suot ng dalawa.

"She's Annara, a schoolmate and a friend. Siya iyong ikinukuwento ko sa 'yo na tumulong sa akin when I was struggling my very first day here in this town."

Hindi pakikipagkamay ang ginawa ni Catherine sa kanya, bagkus ay nakipagbeso ito. Nang maglapat ang kanilang mga pisngi ay bahagya itong umirap ng patago.

"Nice meeting you, Annara," she said, faking a smile.

"Nice meeting you too," Annara awkwardly said.

Hindi siya sanay sa ganito. She had known herself since she was a kid, hindi talaga siya gaanong komportable sa ganitong sitwasyon. Lalo na't ang mga titig ng babaeng ngayon niya lang nakita ay tila may nais ipahiwatig.

"Kayo, ano'ng ginagawa niyo rito?" There's an unknown tone in Catherine's voice that makes Annara feel so much discomfort. Parang gusto na lang niyang mag-walk out at iwan ang mga ito.

Natigilan si Wicker sa tanong nito. Ano nga ba ang ginagawa nila rito sa mall?

"Uhm, babe, we bought some school supplies for the research we are making. Look!" Itinaas niya pa ang supot ng school supplies na binili ni Annara kanina.