Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

20

;
Chapter 20

Unang sumagi sa isip ko ang salitang: nakakahiya.

Malakas ang kabog ng dibdib nang humarap sa sinasabing restaurant ni Iverson. I was really surprised that they were already here in Quezon City, sobrang on-time!

Last night, I told Iverson that I would be home at 8PM onwards. Nagbigay talaga ako ng palugit para sa sarili ko. Hindi kasi minsan naiiwasan ang extensions ng mga professors. Mahirap awatin ang isang professor kapag nasa momentum pa rin siya ng pagtuturo.

But then, I didn't anticipate them being on-time. Naghihintay pa lamang ako kanina ng maluwag na jeep nang tumawag sa'kin si Iverson. And out of nervousness, I took the jam-packed jeepney without complaining.

'Di ako makapaniwala na kaya ko palang sumabit sa jeep!

Iverson's parents resorted to meeting me at this fancy restaurant due to an unforeseen event. Ang aga nilang dumating dito masayadong nakaka pressure.

I sighed and quickly noted their timeliness.

Croozian, hindi dapat maulit 'to.

Nasa parking lot pa lang naman ako kaya mabilis kong sinuklay ang buhok ko. I fixed the collar of my wrap front top and I checked my jeans if they were still clean. Medyo pormal na damit na talaga ang sinuot ko para hindi naman ako mukhang indecorous. Halos maligo rin ako sa pabango. Tiyak kong amoy usok ako. Imagine, I freaking had the bravery to take a stuffed jeepney. Wala na nga akong pakialam kung pinagtitinginan ako kanina, e. Tinanggal ko na lang ang ID ko para naman safe pa rin ang identity ko.

"Reservation?"

"Uhm... I'll be having my dinner with the Azconas."

The guy nodded.

"Can I get your name, please?"

"Croozian Azcona..." I answered.

Nagtataka ang lalaki nang sinipat niya ang screen ng isang machine.

"I believe your surname's Gozum, Ma'am."

Shit. Ang bobo!

"Ah, yes! Croozian Neriah G-Gozum."

Agad naman niya akong inimuwestra sa tamang direksyon. I sucked a huge amount of air and stored it inside my lungs for five heart wrenching seconds. Pinisil ko ang gilid ng hita ko nang bumungad agad si Tita Mary.

Her neck was heavily draped with glimmering necklaces, and when she lifted her hand to wave at me, I saw her thick gold bangles studded with blinding rhinestones. Tito Theo wore a casual outfit, same as Iverson. Pero nanibago ako na hindi niya suot ang salamin niya. Sanay akong nakikita siyang suot 'yon ta's tinatanggal lang kapag kukusutin ang mga mata at pipisilin ang matangos niyang ilong.

I felt a little and sweet thump inside my rib cage when our gazes locked before I sat next to him. Bagay na bagay sa kanya na walang suot na salamin. I can clearly observe his downturned eyes carpeted with long lashes.

Nainggit ako bigla. Mahaba rin naman ang pilikmata ko pero 'di sing ganda ng sa kanya.

You'll be fine, Zian. :)

I read that note from his phone when he slightly pinched my thigh and gestured me to look down.

Nilibot ko nang kaunti ang private room. I smiled when his parents smiled at me.

"Let's have our dinner while we're talking, shall we?" Tita Mary suggested.

"Huwag kang mahiya, hija... we asked Iverson about your favorite food. But I hope you'll also like some of my favorites."