HINDSIGHT

009

“Hey!” I turned my head around when someone greeted me from behind. I saw Theo walking towards me while waving his hand, displaying a dazzling smile. The day has come when we both agreed to meet. There is this sensation I've never felt before. Siguro noong bata ako, oo. Pero ngayon? This would make it the first time. I've realized, during the time we spent in La Union with Dane subconsciously taking care of Chalila, I was seemingly jealous— not in a bad way, though. I envy the way someone takes care of their precious ones. Like how Dane takes care of Chalila kahit na sobra ang mood swings nito at sobrang sungit. 

I never felt that. How I fervently wish for that. 

However Theo, he always emits this warm aura. Like everything around him is light. Parang walang problema at ang saya ng buhay. Swerte sa lahat, including family. He is luminous if you ask me. A totally opposite of me. Feeling ko nga, he is just too kind to reject my invitation. Baka gentleman lang talaga siya kaya niya ako pinaunlakan. But I doubt he is like that, or perhaps this was wishful thinking for him to be. Nevertheless, I could feel it in my core, he has an artless personality. Like he could never commit actions that could potentially offend others. He is a person devoid of malice. 

I got a whiff of his manly cologne. I was waiting for him here at Rendezvous Cafe. This was the only place that came to mind, the very decent one actually. Ang mga pinagtatambayan ko madalas kundi sa likod ng school ay sa bar. Wala namang bar sa ganitong oras and that kinda place is not ideal for a person who’s trying to make an impression, and definitely not the alley at the back of the school. Baka mamaya isipin niya pa bakit sa likod ng eskwelahan gusto kong makipagkita. I couldn't risk it. For the record, I never really mind what people’s impressions of me are. But Theo is a different case. He stirred this dormant feeling deep within me. My pathological people's pleaser tendencies are acting up and what’s unusual is, I don't feel an ounce of hatred. I don't hate the feeling of this. 

All throughout my life, I've been criticized a lot more than I was appreciated. Since a stranger has accidentally entered my life, I wanted to erase my vices. The desire to forget myself grew stronger. I wanted to be brand-new to him. Kahit sa kanya lang. I smiled at him nang makalapit siya and waved back. “Hey,” I greeted him. “I didn't know you knew of this place.” He started and sat at the chair across from mine. “Yeah. My friends and I frequent this place.” In all actuality, August and my repulsive brother owns this place. Yun ang dahilan kung bakit naging tambayan namin ito. They got married at a young age. This place was established to make ends meet. August managed this place and brought it to its finest status. 

“This place is good.” I nodded as a sign of agreement. “So, where do you wanna go? May gusto ka bang kainin? Just let me know what you have in your mind. I wouldn't mind.” He smiled. I rolled my eyes mentally. I hate how smooth of a talker he is. “In all honesty, hindi ko alam.” He let out a small laugh. “No, seriously. Hindi ko naman alam kung anong preference mo sa pagkain or mamaya may allergies ka, eh di mas lalo na akong nagka-utang sayo.” His brows creased oh so gently. “Utang? What do you mean?” There was a hint of confusion in his voice. 

“I puked on you. Caused inconvenience on your part. Ayoko nang dagdagan pa yon.” I explained. He made a self-effacing laugh. “Ano ka ba, accidents happen. At isa pa, hindi mo naman sinadya yun. I’d sue you if you did, though.” Pabiro niyang banat. It was my turn to laugh. I grinned at his remark and slightly bit my lip due to embarrassment. “Ih, still.” Iniling niya ang ulo. “Let's go. Kung wala kang plano, I have.” I was in a state of awe. This guy is unbelievable. 

Tumayo siya kaya sumunod ako. “Where are we going?” I asked him as I followed his tracks. He stopped and turned to face me. “It's a secret for now, missy.” He pinched the tip of my nose and smirked. I threw my hands in the air dismissively. “Fine. Susundan na lang kita.” His brows wiggled at naglakad na ulit. Nakarating kami sa tapat ng isang itim na kotse. Binuksan niya ang pinto sa may passenger side and beckoned me. “After you, milady.” I pursed my lips to the side, hiding my grin. “Whatever.” Sabi ko sabay sakay. Don't be fazed. It was solely a small act of chivalry. Nothing to fuzz over. So I acted like it was nothing.