Kabanata 9

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Warmth engulfed my system as I drank my cup of barley tea.

I got home past 5pm since I took my time carefully driving in the national road. I was near around our municipality when the rain started pouring again. Deritso agad ako sa kwarto ko kanina at naligo bago lumapit kina mama dahil sa byahe ako galing at para hindi ako magkasakit galing sa ulan. Although I wasn't entirely wet because of my helmet and, Adriano's jacket.

"Pupunta ka ng munisipyo bukas?"

Nilingon ko si mama na naghuhugas ng gulay sa may lababo. Saglit akong napaisip kung bukas ko ba ipapasa ang mga requirements ko.

"Sa hapon ka na lang pumunta dun, madaming tao sa umaga."

I agreed to mama since tomorrow is municipal's market day. Tumingin ako sa labas ng nakabukas na bintana dito sa kusina ngunit kadiliman lamang ang nakikita ko. I suddenly felt the urge to check my phone but I think it's not yet fully charge.

I just stayed in the kitchen and observe mama as she prepares our dinner. She's on her last three years of teaching. Right here from where I seated, my mom's aging look is already visible. I really believe that teaching had somehow made her stressed but she's my mom. She's beautiful.

"Ma, ako na maghuhugas ng plato mamaya." That made her turned to me and smiled a little wider.

"Pati 'yung mga kaldero 'nak, sali mo na."

"Col." Kaldero lang pala, sama ko pa plato ni Chimchim eh.

Pagkatapos naming maghapunan ay pinaubaya ko na sa'kin ang kusina at hinayaan ang mga magulang kong magpahinga sa sala. This are just my small way of helping them and besides hindi naman ako pagod sa byahe.

I was now joining them in our living room when I decided to check my phone. Wala pang ilang segundo ay sunod-sunod na ang pag tunog ng mga notification ko kaya naman ay hininaan ko ang volume ng cellphone. I was contemplating to chat Adriano but then bakit ko naman icha-chat siya? Baka kung ano pang isipin n'on.

Bigla akong napabangon sa sinasandalan kong sofa and that made papa look at me curiously but never bothered to ask. I was surprised to see a chat head with Adriano's profile on my phone screen.

Wow! Two message already? Napailing na lang ako sa mensahe niya. It was sent 4:24 pm. I think few minutes after we parted ways.

Dale Gabriel Adriano:
'Are you home?'

Anong akala niya sa'kin? The flash?

Dale Gabriel Adriano:
'Mag-reply ka, wag kang others.'

He's online right now. I was typing my reply when I notice a three dots beside his picture. What? Another message?

Dale Gabriel Adriano:
'vc?'

Napatigil ako sa pagbabalak na mag-reply. Grabe! Eh siya 'yung the flash dito. Seaman nga!

I excused my self from my parents and told them aakyat na ako sa kwarto. I was on the last three steps of our stairs when my pace becomes quick. I checked my self first in the mirror inside my room when I receive another message from him.

Dalawang segundo! It took me two seconds and I was already irritated.

Dale Gabriel Adriano:
'I mean are u busy?'

I breathed in with my mouth open then exhaled after, I replied to his first message.

'yes 'kol. Safe and sound.'

I look at my reflection and a smirked escape from my lips. Try me, Adriano. I know how small talks worked.

My reply to his chat triggered a series of exchanged messages. And he has humor! He looks intimidating with his serious expression but at times like this, he's a two face person.

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