Reminiscence

Chapter 28 - "Luna"

Corrine's Point of View
It's almost midnight pero hindi pa rin ako makatulog. At hindi ko alam kung bakit. Maybe kabado ako sa gaganaping AFP Party mamaya or something. Basta, 'di ako madalaw-dalaw ng antok.

I stroked Luna's hair as I stare at the ceiling. "Lord, pakisabi naman sa antok na dalawin ako. Gusto ko na po matulog kasi kailangan kong maging fresh bukas," paulit-ulit kong hiling.

Hindi ko alam nga kung bakit 'di ako makatulog. Syempre given na kinakabahan ako kasi makikita ko ulit ang Presedente at ang First Lady na idol ng lahat, including me syempre. O baka naman kasi nasa kabilang kwarto lang si Theo.. Pero bakit naman?? Weird.

Dito ko na pinatulog si Theo kasi nga sabay naman kaming pupunta sa venue at aayusan pa kasi kami bukas. Hassle naman kung pupunta pa siya dito ng maaga or papapuntahin pa yung mag-aayos sa condo niya after kami ayusan ni Luna diba?

After some minutes of thinking about random things, I decided to go down to get a glass of water. I gently removed my arm under Luna's head, kasi ginawa niyang pillow, para 'di na siya magising.

Dahan dahan kong binuksan yung pinto and made my way down to the kitchen. I opened our fridge then I got a pitcher of water and a glass. I then went to the counter and decided to sit there for a while.

Ang lamig ng tubig, lalong nagising diwa ko. I decided to go to the pool area to get some fresh air. Dala ko pa rin yung baso ko. I opened the sliding door and wore my outdoor slippers.

I hugged myself tighter the moment I went out. Malamig pala, pero keri lang. Aantukin ako pag malamig hahaha.

I stared at the moon and suddenly remembered how Theo asked me to be his da — to accompany him pala sa party. Hahahaha, he looked so nervous but he was trying his best not to show it. Hahahaha, his effort. I appreciate it.

I was busy signing papers I brought home when I heard a knock on the door.

"Pasok!" I shouted at the person outside my door. I removed my glasses and turned my swivel chair around to face the one who entered. Si Luna pala.

"Yes? You need anything?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Mommy, I need your help sa garden," malambing na sabi ni Luna.

"Bakit?" tanong ko habang patayo kasi hinihili na niya ako.

"Come see for yourself po, dali," nagmamadali niyang sabi. Hinila niya ako pababa pababa ng hagdan.

"Ano ba kasi 'yun?" sabi ko ulit bago kami makarating sa garden. Hindi na siya sumagot kasi nakita ko na ang dapat kong makita.

I stood there, frozen and not knowing what to do, what to feel, what to say. Theo approached me and handed beautiful flowers. And behind him were our house helpers, with Luna, holding a banner which says "Will you be my date for the AFP Party?"

"Ano itong paandar mo, Bustamante?" I asked, smiling. Hindi ko mapigilan eh.

He slighly looked back to everyone holding the banner and and shifted his gaze at me, waiting for my answer.

"Hahahaha, hindi ba't alam ko na kami ni Luna kasama mo? Understood na naman 'yun, dahil asawa mo ko. Hindi mo na kailangan magpaganito pa.." I told him, but still smiling. Ang hirap palang itago kilig. Syempre, nakakahiya diba pag tumili ako dito. Kailangan kalmado. Dahil after all, he's just asking me to be his date.. It's not like he's proposing to me or asking to his again.

"Corrine?" I went back to my senses when he snapped in front of my face. "I-I'm sorry, you were saying?"

"Anong iniisip mo? You were smiling, while staring at me. Alam kong guapo —" I interrupted before he could finish his sentence. "Ewan ko sa'yo! Iniisip ko lang kung papayag ba ako o hindi?"