Inexorable Encounter

Chapter 10

I pressed my lips together when I saw shock on her face.

“I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your name?” alanganin ko pang tanong.

She shook her head and chuckled. “Okay lang, Miss Belle.” She smiled. “Totoo pala talaga ang nababalita sa’yo.”

“Do you really believe with my issues?” I asked with concern.

“Sa ugali mo lang, Miss Belle. Halata naman din sa itsura mo. Pero ‘yung mga sabi-sabi tungkol sa’yo—” She shook her head. “—hindi ako naniniwala.” She smiled again. “Hindi naman na ako ganoon kabata para magpaniwala agad-agad sa mga kuro-kuro.”

My mouth curved into a smile. “It’s good to hear that, Inna. I just don’t like people who believe to rumors.” I scoffed. “But about my attitude, it’s my nature na talaga to be mean sometimes—every time, I mean. I just don’t want to hide myself.”

She chuckled. “Kahit iyon ang sinasabi nila sa’yo, hindi ‘yon ang tinatanggap ng sistema ko,” she stated and shrugged. “Ivories kaya ako. Kahit anong sabihin nila sa’yo, tanggap kita. Tanggap ka namin.”

“What the hell, Inna?” I said in jest. “You’re making me cry,” I expressed. “I didn’t know that I have Ivories in your age.” Then I chuckled.

“Bata ka pa lang inaabangan na kita, Belle.” I smiled. “Kaya sanay na ako sa mga tsismis sa’yo at kahit ganiyan ang ugali mo sa harap o likod man ng camera—” She smiled. “—gusto kita.”

“I’m really lucky to have you as my Ivories, Inna.” I genuinely smiled. “I’m going to hold a small event with Ivories next month, but it’s still a secret.” She nodded. “Just tell me if you want to go so I can make you in the first list.”

She was shocked with what I said. “Ano?”

I gave her a smile. “It’s my first time seeing you, but I already like you so you can call me Belle.”

“Nako, Miss Belle—”

“Belle,” I corrected her.

“Belle,” she shyly repeated and smiled. “Hindi mo na ako kailangan isama sa event mo. Nakakahiya naman ang daming may gustong makita ka. Mas deserve ng ibang Ivories ang slot na para sa akin.”

“You deserves it too, Inna.”

She smiled and shook her head. “Makita lang kita ngayon, okay na okay na ako ron, Belle.”

“But, Inna… you don’t need to be shy.” I paused. “I like you, you know. I love my Ivories. Come to my event and I’ll make sure you won’t feel out of place.”

“Hindi na. Ibigay mo na lang sa iba ang imbitasyon mo.” She chuckled. “Hindi na ako bagay doon, Belle. Kuntento na akong makita ka sa personal. Isang pribilehiyo na nga na napuntahan mo pati na rin ang bahay namin.”

“Are you sure, Inna?” I asked again. “I won’t force you to come, but I’ll will still list your name just in case you’ve changed your mind.”

She nodded. “Wait lang. Iinitin ko lang ang ulam para makakain ka.” Before I declined, inunahan na niya ako. “Kanina ka pa kumain kaya malamang nagutom ka.” She shook her head again. “Huwag ka dapat magpapagutom dahil mangangayayat ka,” she scolded me and went to their kitchen. “May pansit din kami, baka gusto mo subukan? Luto ko ‘yon, baka nga lang hindi ka masarapan.”

I smiled and gave her a small nod. “I would like to try.”

I roamed around in their house and could barely see any pictures. There’s only one and it’s long hair’s recent picture.