HINDSIGHT

004

I settled myself across the chair where Aira was seated whilst drying my hair. “I knew you wouldn’t be in the mood for heavy meals, so I prepared some muffins, eggs, and bacon.” She informed me. I could not conceal my smile. Aira knows me too well. “Thank you!” Pagpapasalamat ko sa kanya. “Anything for you, dear.” She gave me a flying kiss. I acted like I was evading it and painted a repulsive expression. “Iw.” I drawled.

Aira rolled her eyes as she took a bite of her muffin. “Ang arte mo.” I just smiled and began to eat. We fell silent for a couple of minutes when I decided to break it. “May kilala kang,” I paused and glanced at her. There's a wondering look plastered on her face. Binalik ko ang tingin sa kinakain ko. I cleared my throat that seemed to be parched, as if anticipating for the impending news I am about to deliver to Aira as well.  “Theodore.” I whispered as quietly as I could. But of course, this is Aira we are talking about. Walang makakaligtas sa matalas niyang panrinig. “Theodore Hendrix? Yeah, I know him.” As I thought. Wala naman atang hindi kilala ang babaeng ito.

“I,” I weighed each word I was about to speak. I took a quick glance at her again before continuing. “We met,” muli akong tumigil. I looked at Aira’s gaze intently. Prophesying what her judgement could be. I know for a fact that Aira’s hobby is taunting and bantering with us every chance she could get. She is sly and known for her antics. But that is what I love about her. The mood is slightly lighter whenever she is around. “At Ground Zero.” Tumango lang siya. I held my laughter. I love the way she attentively listens to my narrative. “And? Ano na kasunod?” Atat niyang tanong.

“Nothing interesting happened, except when I accidentally puked on him.” There was a moment of silence between us before she cackled boisterously. “You what? Omg I could never.” She's holding her stomach whilst wiping her tears as she ceaselessly snorted with laughter. “Wagas ka naman kung makatawa. OA mo.” Naging turan ko sa kanya. Hinampas niya ang table at muling humagikgik sa tawa. “That must have been so phenomenal to him, I venture.” Hirit niya at hindi pa rin tumigil sa pagtawa.

Kulang na lang umiikot patalikod ang mata ko kakataray. “I know! Moreover, it is much of a predicament. I was so horribly mortified!” I frustratingly uttered at kulang na lang ilagay ko ang mga kamay ko sa ulo at sabunutan ang sarili na animo ay nabubuang ako. “I am more than certain that you are. Of course, you should be! Sinukaan mo ba naman yung may-ari ng bar where you frequent!” I slapped my forehead upon hearing her remark. As if I am not aware enough already. “Sige, ulit-ulitin mo pa. Ipamukha mo, oo.” I pouted my lips and devoured the muffin in my hand. Ito na lang ang magiging outlet ko for my up to date dilemma that was caused by no other than myself.

“I couldn’t believe you! Ikaw lang ang makakagawa niyan!” I nodded my head. “It was an accident, okay? I never meant for that to happen.” I explained myself in an ungraceful attempt of redeeming each fragment of my dignity. “Whatever! So what are you gonna do about it?” Iniangat niya ang hita sa upuan. It was always that move which tells you are so invested in the chika. “Well, I potentially plan to apologize and perhaps invite him out for some lunch or dinner.” Aira placed her forefinger on her lips and nodded, as if some sort of connoisseur of advice. “Hmm, that is so unlike you.” I cocked a brow. “I don’t need your approval.” I said with full contradiction.

“This is quite interesting, alam mo ba yun?” I rolled my eyes on her. Basta naman chika, she will never not get disinterested. “Anything involving others’ personal lives and adversities are interesting to you.” I muttered with sarcasm in my tone. She chuckled. “It's my morning newspaper!” she gestured her hands; being proud of her daily handiworks. “Alam mo kasi, girl, you’re not one to initiate an act, moreover a date at that matter!” I let out an exasperated sigh. “People change, Aira.” I countered her remark. “Touche.” I gave her an I know, right? Look.