That Summer In Brooklyn

Chapter 21

21: Don't Fight The Feeling

Max

"WALA na bang tawad 'to? Chosera ka porket nakita mong mayaman mga kasama ko,"

I watched Bea as she made a deal to help Nana Zeny in buying pasalubong for her friends in the Philippines. Hindi na ako magawang sagutin ni Bea dahil dumating si Nana. Naghisterikal pa nga dahil akala nag-propose na ako. It's a good thing that Bea knows how to reason out just to calm Nana down. Hindi naman siya tutol, suportado pa nga niya kaso hindi naman proposal ang nangyari.

I'm just telling Bea that I'm content and willing to cherish the remaining month with her here. But, Bea didn't say any words even a banat that she always says whenever things are getting serious. Huminga akong malalim at sinundan lang silang dalawa ni Nana Zeny na mag-ikot sa tiangge sa Downtown, Brooklyn. Kung saan-saan kami dinala ng kalikutan ni Bea kaya si Nana nag-timeout na ako iniwan na sa aming dalawa ang pamimili. Nagpaalam itong uuwi na at mag-commute na lang kesa ihatid ko pa at balikan si Bea.

Nana knows that we both need time alone because of the awkward air I created.

"Bea I --"

"Bea!" sigaw na pumutol sa sasabihin ko dapat.

Siya na naman?

I know her but I didn't greet her. Kausap na niya si Bea ngayon at hindi na ako makasingit. Ngayon daig ko pa ang may alagang dalawang toddler. I just shook my head in disbelief.

Sinundan ko lang sila buong hapon hanggang mapagod at umupo sa hilera ng wooden bench sa Brooklyn Bridge Park. Nagpaalam si Bea na bibili ng ice cream kaya iniwan kaming dalawa ni Del doon. Sabi ko sasamahan ko siya bumili pero mabilis na tumanggi at tumakbo palayo. I remember when she said a while ago that she's marupok, that's why I shouldn't come close to her. I smiled like a ridiculous man on earth.

A camera sound garnered my attention.

"Did you just took a photo of me?" tanong ko kay Del.

"Yes, for Bea. Sabi niya remembrance daw." Natutop niya agad ang bibig. "Secret yun dapat. Nakakainis kasi yang blue eyes mo!"

"What's wrong with my eyes?" I asked.

"Tanong mo kay Bea." I just shook my head.

"Is that a hobby or profession?" Turo ko sa camera na hawak niya.

"Hobby nung una pero profession na. Family business din sa Pilipinas kaso... ah basta dinala ko lang dito sa Brooklyn lahat." There's an unexplainable sadness that crosses Del's eyes. "Ikaw... you're all over the internet. A successful, rich business and hottest bachelor in town, kaya natatakot si Bea."

This girl researched me on the internet. Utos din kaya ni Bea o curious lang siya sa akin? I may be all over the internet, dating an actress or a famous sports enthusiast for a week. But that's before Bea came crashing into my life. I just like her. Like crazy.

"Natatakot?"

"Kasi hindi kayo pareho ng status. She's nobody while you're somebody. Secret din yan dapat at hindi ko alam bakit ako ang cupid niyo. Try nyo mag-usap, no?"

As if we can talk if you're around. I wanted to voice that out but, I hope Bea can read my mind.

Escape ni Bea ang mga kilala niya para hindi kami magkaroon ng oras na kami lang dalawa.

"Pinag-uusapan niyo ba ako?" tanong ni Bea ng makabalik.

"No." Sabay naming sabi ni Del na pagkuha ng ice cream sa kamay ni Bea ay nagpaalam na aalis na. Bea called her but she just waved her hands at us and didn't turn back.