Nagmamahal, Paraluman (Completed)

NP11

Pagkarating na pagkarating namin sa building ay agad na akong nagmadali upang makauwi. Maybe I'm just tired and I know he felt it too. Nagmamadali ko nang binuksan ang pinto ng kotse isang mabigat naman na bagay ang aking naramdamang nakapatong sa aking balikat.

As I looked into it, it was Salvador's hand stopping me from the immediate hastiness I'm feeling. His face is crossed suddenly grimmed of my sudden action. His hand remained at my shoulding when he asked me, "Why are you rushing?"

I smiled a little at him hiding this aches I'm feeling. I took a deep breath before answering him. "Pinapauwi na kasi ako ni uncle. Mag-uusap daw kami tungkol sa kanilang pag-alis," pabulaan ko sa kaniya at tinitigan siya sa kaniyang mga mata upang hindi niya maramdamang nagsisinungaling ako.

He just nodded and open the door beside him. Nauna siyang bumaba at iyon pala, he's planning to open the door for me. As I got out, I felt like I was being stung by a needle over and over again. As I walk, more weight is all what I'm feeling as if I'm carrying an elephant. Bumibigat ang pakiramdam ko.

Then suddenly, causing the both of us to stop, my phone started to ring in a full volume. All the people passing as automatically looked at me urging me to answer it. As I get my phone from my bag, I saw Elani's name on the screen.

"Elani..." bungad ko at agad nailayo ang cellular sa tainga nang magtitili siya. I even felt Salvador's hand snaking at my waist. I looked at him crossing my brows before asking Elani.

"Why so happy? Merry Christmas by the way."

"Babe! Val and I was the chosen ones to scoop Grammy's at NYC!" she excitingly chortled that made me smile deep inside.

"Yeah, he just said it a while ago. Congratulations sis, the both of you deserve it."

We continue walking, normalizing the looks the people throwing at us. I just ignored his hands and focused on the line. I'd once heard my best friend's chanted lyrics about them going at Grammy's seeing Grande, Eillish, Cabello, Swift, and many more.

"Thank you babe. Wari ko talaga na Ikaw ang lucky charm naming dalawa ni Val. Kasi alam mo 'yun, mayroong masmagagaling na reporter sa amin ngunit kami 'yung napili!"

I just laughed a little not believing what she's saying. It's very impossible because first of all, I don't have charms. To end this, maybe the bosses just find some qualities for them kung kaya't sila ang napili. Patuloy lamang ang aming paglalakad habang hindi iniinda ang mga taong pinupukol kami ng mapanlait na tingin.

"Nga pala babe, after ni'yo umuwi ni Val please let him drink," tugon niya na nagpakunot sa aking mga kilay. Napatingin din ako sa gawi ni Salvador. Hindi man niya naririnig ang aming usapan, I know nakikiramdam ang isang ito. I never thought this man can drink. Oh well, he's an adult and I think he's responsible enough. "Magpapaparty kasi ako, kung gusto mo sumama sige lang, inom tayo."

"Sure, birthday naman niya. Hindi ko rin hawak ang desisyon dahil hindi ko naman hawak ang bibig ng isang ito. And I need to rest too, Elani. I can't come."

Kung nakikita ko lang ang mukha ng babaeng ito ngayon, probably she's pouting while tapping her feet at the ground, ranting. I laughed at little when heard her ranting sounds.

"Kill joy ka, babe. Ayaw mo talaga? And besides afterwork pa naman ang inuman. Makakanood ka pa sa broadcasting ng jowa mo. Pretty, pretty please?"

I just shook my head even if she doesn't see me at all. I leaned closer to Salvador as people, waiting for the elevator to be opened, looked at us throwing some shades regarding our outfit together. I rolled my eyes and continue talking to Elani.

"Ayoko, Elani. Tamang si Salvador na la'ng ang isama ni'yo. Promise, okay lang talaga."

At sa huli ay pumayag si Elani na si Salvador na la'ng ang isama. Buti't hindi siya nag-aalangan o nag-iisip na mayroon akong galit sa kaniya. I looked at Salvador to clarify my situation of not going at the party later. "Salvador, mag-iinom daw kayo mamaya afterwork. Drink responsibly," I whispered the both of us could only hear.