Nights Like This

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Mad

There are a lot of graduation parties I attended. The one prepared by my family, party with my batchmates and lastly party with my friends. Wala sana akong planong pumunta pero nang sabihin nilang wala naman si Yael ay pumayag na ako. They don't know where he is but they're sure he's not around. Hindi raw kasi sumasagot sa kahit anong message o tawag nila.

"Who are going to be there again?" Rex Niccolo asked. Saglit niya akong sinulyapan bago binalik sa daan ang tingin.

"Kaila, Ethan and Julian. Some of our other friends, too. Nora's not around," sagot ko.

My phone beeped for Kaila's message. Hinahanap na ako. Pati si Ethan ay may message rin. I'm pretty sure I'm not late. Ang aga lang nila dahil panigurado excited na makasama ako ulit.

"You'll be out with your friends, too, right? Saan nga kayo?" tanong ko.

He didn't answer me until we reached the place he's supposed to drop me off. Akala ko ihahatid niya lang ako pero bumaba rin siya at mukhang hanggang sa loob ay sasamahan ako.

"Dito rin."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Akala ko sa ibang lugar?"

"They prefer it here. It's fine so I can watch you," he said and smiled.

"You don't have to do that." I mean, I'll drink for sure but not to the point where I'll get wasted. Iyong tama lang.

"I know but I like watching you so..."

He held out his hand for me. Kinuha ko iyon at sabay na kaming naglakad papasok.

I can't help but notice the stares he's getting. What can I say? He really is attractive. I don't know if he knows that for sure but he must have an idea about it, right? He can pull girls effortlessly.

"A lot of girls would probably hit on you tonight," I said.

"What?" he replied lightly. Parang hindi sineseryoso ang sinabi ko.

"You heard me."

Napatigil siya sa paglalakad kaya ganoon din ako. He tilted his head and watched me intently. I can't do anything but watch him, too.

"If that happens, you don't have to worry about it."

"Bakit hindi?" I'll probably worry... Just a bit.

"It's taken care of. Wala kang gagawin. Ako ang bahala."

I tried to suppress a smile but I failed. Tuluyan na akong napangiti. I'm amazed yet again at how he can make me feel at ease.

Hinatid niya ako sa table namin. Tumili si Kaila nang nakita ako pero hindi agad nakalapit dahil nasa tabi ko pa si Rex Niccolo. Binati siya ni Ethan at Julian pero nanatili ang hawak niya sa akin.

When they're done, he pulled me close to give me a quick kiss on my cheek.

"Enjoy your party, baby," he whispered. "I'll be upstairs."

"Okay. Enjoy ka rin," I whispered back.

Dinumog ako ng mga kaibigan nang iwan na ni Rex Niccolo. They were already shouting their congratulations to me. Nakakabingi at masyadong mahigpit ang yakap nila pero hindi ako nagreklamo.

"Congrats, Bob," ani Ethan. He gave me a tequila shot and raised his glass of whatever.

Tinanggap ko iyon at diretsong ininom. Umasim ang mukha ko dahil sa lemon.

"Thanks, Ethan! No girl tonight?" I asked because it's new. Kapag pumaparty siya ay agad nang sinusuyod ng mga mata niya ang crowd. Looking for prospects, as they call it. Pero ngayon ay talagang nakaupo lang siya at parang walang balak na umalis.