A Promise on the Sand (Isla de Negros Series #2)

Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34
Lollipop

After dismissal, Ayla went to the Plaza in front of the Cathedral to meet her friend.

"Ate, palimos po."

"Penge po limang piso."

"Akin na lang po 'yan, Ate," sabi ng bata at itinuro ang plastic na hawak niya.

She released a breath. Pinagkukumpulan na naman siya ng mga batang nanlilimos.

She got her wallet and gave them twenty pesos each.

"'Wag lang 'to," sabi niya at itinuro ang hawak na plastic.

Matapos 'yon ay agad na silang tumakbo para umalis.

"Wala man lang pasalamat," she muttered while shaking her head.

Napaupo siya sa isang bench habang hinihintay ito. The church's bell rang, and she looked up to stare at it. Kasabay n'on ay ang pag-ihip ng hangin. She closed her eyes to savor the air's coolness.

"Ate!"

Pagkadilat niya ay agad na bumungad sa kanya ang nakangiting kaibigan, si Angela.

She also smiled that lit up her face.

"Angela."

Angela giggled and sat beside her.

"Kumusta ka na po?" anito at hinigpitan ang pagkakatali ng kanyang buhok.

"Okay lang. Ikaw? Kumusta papa mo?"

She opened her bag to get her comb and set of rubber bands.

"Come here." She beckoned her and Angela went closer to her while giggling.

"Maayos na po siya. Bumaba na rin ang lagnat niya."

Napangiti siya habang abala sa pagsusuklay sa buhok nito. "I'm glad to hear that."

She tied her hair using her colorful rubber bands.

"Tell me kung masakit."

Umiling naman ito kaya napangiti siya at tinapos nang taliin ang buhok nito.

"Parehos na tayo!" natutuwang sabi nito at napahawak sa kanyang buhok.

"Yeah," she said smiling at her.

"Oh, muntik ko nang makalimutan."

She gave her the plastic bag she was carrying the whole time.

"Nakapanyaga ka na?" Nakapagtanghalian ka na? aniya rito.

Angela shook her head shyly. "Hindi pa po. Nahihiya na rin po kasi akong manlimos minsan. Tinataboy lang po ako, eh."

Nalungkot naman siya sa sinabi nito. "Don't worry. I bought this for you and your father earlier nang mag-lunch kami ng friend ko. You can have that for lunch, too."

Nahihiya naman 'yong tiningnan ni Angela.

"Salamat po, Ate Ayla. Ang dami niyo na pong naitulong sa 'kin. Kahit hindi ko naman po hinihingi," she said, and her cheeks flushed.

Napangiti naman siya rito. "Ako nga dapat ang magpasalamat sa 'yo, 'no. I remember the first time we met each other. Here, on the same spot. I was hopeless and crying...trying hard to find my daughter and her father. You came to me without any hesitation. And even comforted me even if you didn't know who I am."

Napahagikhik ito. "Ate, wala po akong naintindihan."

Napatingin sila sa isa't isa at ilang sandali lamang ay sabay na natawa.