Softly, you whisper

Twelve

Twelve

Nori's soft gasp invaded my ears as she stared at me with wide eyes. Her hurried soft steps echoed in the room as she walked towards her wide window. She opened it softly.

"Zoe!" She whisper-yelled. "What are you doing here?"

Her eyes were cautious. The blue glint of her other eyes could already replace the moon from above. I grunted as I climbed the balcony of her room. I landed safely on my own two feet, with a heavy breathing.

"Hey, baby," I breathed more. "I couldn't sleep so..." I shrugged my shoulders.

Nori stared at me in disbelief. Agad siyang tumingin sa aking likuran at sa paligid. Her shaking hand grasped mine as she pulled me hastily inside her room. Sinaradao niya ang malaking bintana.

"Paano kung nahulog ka?" pagalit ang kaniyang pagtatanong. I had somehow forgotten her other questions as my eyes roamed around her dimly lighted room. It was a simple one with pastel colors and soft like her. It was neat and comfortable to stay in.

"Zoe..." Nori called my name again. "Hindi ka nakikinig sa akin," nakanguso niyang sabi ngunit matalim naman ang pagkakatingin.

I smiled at her and patted her head. "I'm fine. See?" Umikot pa ako para makita niyang wala akong sugat.

"Kahit na. It's not easy to climb my room. Mag-iiwan ka ng bakas doon sa dingding. How would I explain it to my mom?"

"I was in my socks." Tinuro ko ang aking paa. "And it's not easy. I left my shoes in the car."

"What?" Namilog ang kaniyang mga mata. "Paano kung may basag na bote sa daan? Eh di nasugatan ka? And does Tita Ava know that you're here?"

"Nope." I smirked. I snaked my arm on her waist and pulled her closer to me. "I'm fine, alright? Mom won't probably look for me since I was already in my room. Alam niyang nakakatulog ako kaagad."

She just sighed. Palihim akong napangiti dahil kitang-kita naman na nag-aalala siya sa akin. I just had to visit her at this hour since we won't be seeing each other tomorrow. It's Sunday so her Mom will be probably here. Ngayong gabi ay wala rito dahil may business trip na naman daw.

"Buti na lang at wala si Mommy," aniya pa.

I hummed in response as I embraced her. I even inhaled her faint strawberry scent. Halos araw-araw ganito ang amoy niya at hindi naman ako nagsasawa. I probably won't get enough of Nori even if she lives with me permanently. I just missed her even though we've just been a minute away from each other.

"Sa susunod, ha? Magpasabi ka sa akin kung pupunta ka. I'll gladly open the gate and door for you para safe kang makapasok. Hindi pupwede sakin itong ginawa mo."

"Yes, ma'am." I chuckled as she was done scolding me.

Inalis ko na ang hawak ko sa kaniya. Nori held my hand and she pulled me towards her bed. Naupo kaming dalawa roon.

"Your room's cute. Like you," sabi ko.

"Hindi ko naman ito masyadong ginagalaw. I usually stay downstairs where I can see Nana. Kapag tutulog lang ay nandito ako."

I nodded. "Your room definitely screams 'property of Norine Ahava'."

She chuckled at what I said. "Talaga ba?"

"Hmm-mm. It smells like strawberries, the colors are in pastel and this place is neat. Just like you."

Humiga ako sa kaniyang kama. My feet was on the ground. I doubt I could even fit in her bed, baka lumaylay pa ang paa ko. I pulled Nori to lie with me. Inakbayan ko siya para mas lalo pang lumapit sa akin.