What If's

CHAPTER 28

It's already past six in the evening but the house is awfully quiet. Everyone was still at work and Andrea went out to shop. I could've come with her but I still value my limbs and coming with her meant that I could lose them.

She likes to go on a shopping spree and fighting over with over customers because of sales was also her thing. I really don't get her need to bargain when in fact she can afford for the regular price. She's a shopaholic but at the same time a cheapskate.

"Ang laki ng bahay wala namang tao na pwedeng kausapin. Kahit aso wala!" I murmured to myself as I bury my body in the stack of pillows I purposely gathered in the middle of the living room. I was going to make a pillow fort but it's not fun doing it alone.

"Hellooo...anyone there?" I said even though I know that no one would answer. I'm going crazy again.

A shiver run down my spine when I felt a gush of wind pass through my back. I'm startled. How is that even possible when the windows are all shut and the air conditioners are on normal temperature?

Could it be a ghost? Huh, ang tanda mo na, naniniwala ka sa ganyan?

I laughed at my thoughts...Yeah, I'm really crazy.

I was about to get back to playing with the pillows when I felt it again. Okay, maybe the ac is just broke—

My thoughts were interrupted when the lights suddenly went on and off. I tried to keep my calm and rationality when the sound of falling pots from the kitchen caught my ears. My body is shaking uncontrollably, my palms are sweating despite the cold air that's coming from who knows where. I tried to compose myself but my mind went into shut down when the lights died, completely.

SHIT!!!

With the little strength I have left, I went running towards the door not minding the total darkness. I was running on adrenaline, abandoning all rational thoughts and with one goal in mind...to get out of the freakin' house ASAP!

I was panting when I reached the curb one block away from our house. I didn't even know that I can run that fast!

I am still catching my breath; both hands were placed on my knees as I try to even out my breathing. Kaloka! Minumulto pa yata ako ni lola.

Ilang minuto pa ay um-okay na ang pakiramdam ko. Napalinga ako sa paligid...madilim na rin at ako lang yata ang na sa labas. Hindi naman nakakatakot kasi may street lights naman at isa pa napaka sarap sa pakiramdam ang simoy ng hangin.

Napagdesisyonan ko nalang na maglakad-lakad tutal malapit na rin naman ako sa may park, isang kanto nalang. At isa pa medyo ayoko pa umuwi sa bahay hanggang hindi pa sila nakakauwi.

It sure is starry tonight. The sky looks pretty. This view is so rare to find when you're in the city that's why everytime given a chance I always stop to look and appreciate.

I am almost near the park because I can see the familiar flower bushes when a bright light blocked my vision. The heck! Sinusundo na ba talaga ako ng mga ancestors ko? 'Wag po muna, bata pa po ako.

"Where are you off to, young lady?"

My silly thoughts about my ancestors vanished when I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes to verify, and I was right.

"Eh ikaw? What are you doing here at this hour, as far as I remember taga kabilang village ka ah?"

Instead of answering my question he moved to shut the cars' engine and got off. "Aren't you aware of the dangers of going outside alone at night, Alexandra?" His voice sounded calm but I knew better, he's trying to keep his cool despite his obvious worry.