Chapter 32: Betrayal
Kristan left without paying for his haircut.
"Let's just put him on our blocked list," Emelyn said, gently spinning my chair. "He could have just stated his name or contact number, and I would let him get away without paying. He's hot."
"Am I not hot enough for you to get the same promo?" I asked jokingly.
She was stunned and stuttered, "O-of course, you are the hottest client I ever had! I was just kidding about that rude guy. Do you want some wine or blood?"
I smirked. "A mixture of both, please?"
"I will charge that man if he comes back," she whispered. "What an impolite jerk!"
I sighed. He did good pretending to be someone else— someone who doesn't know I exist. But somehow, someone who knows that I am in a fake relationship with my mistake from the past.
Hindi rin naman ako magtatagal sa pagpapanggap na ito. Terrence and I both know that I don't like him for me to pretend that I somehow enjoy his company. Sooner or later, he will also find out about my actual plan. I have to act quickly as long as I still have the chance.
I sat there for another two hours until Emelyn finally called it done. She never heard a complaint from me because I know she did her best to give me the best result, which was worth it. She's really the best hairstylist in New York City.
I turned my back, tilted my head in the mirror, pouted my lips, and captured a few shots of myself. Hindi na rin ako nagtagal doon dahil baka kanina pa naghihintay si Kristan. Dinamay ko na rin siya sa bayad ko.
Pagkalabas ko ay umuulan na naman ng niyebe pala. Sandali akong huminto sa paglalakad para kunin ang pulang guwantis sa loob ng pouch ko saka sinuot ang mga 'yon.
My phone suddenly rang. Nung makita ko ang pangalan ni Dylan ay agad kong binalik sa pouch ang cell phone at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
I finally saw him, leaning against the car, crossed arms, and looking straight at me. Kahit na madilim dito at malayo pa ako sa kanya ay napansin kong nakasimangot na siya.
"How long is your hair?" he asked from a distance.
I chuckled. I understand his frustration because I also hate waiting. Paano pa kaya kung dalawang oras pa? My hair is longer than my patience after all.
"Seriously, Nath? Isa-isang hibla ng buhok ba ang kinulayan?"
"My hair deserves all the time in the world!" I stood in front of him, flipped my hair to tease him more. "Swerte ka nga dahil ikaw ang isa sa mga unang nakakita nito!"
His pouted lips stretched into a smile.
"Hello, girlfriend..." he whispered.
"G-girlfriend..." Napaatras ako.
"Oh, shit. We are not pretending anymore?" Kumamot pa siya sa batok na parang nakaligtaan ang parte na 'yon. "I'm sorry. I got carried away."
I couldn't utter a word. Alam kong nagkukunwari lang siyang hindi niya alam na hindi na siya dapat magpanggap, pero hindi ko magawang ipagsawalang bahala ang sinabi niya.
Girlfriend. Why did that sound... foul but good at the same time?
Oh, my feels!
"I was joking..." he flashed a grin.
I swallowed and shook my head. "We better go home now."
Hindi ko na siya hinintay na sumagot. Pumasok na ako sa loob ng sasakyan. Pinatong ko sa hita ko ang pouch saka sumandal sa upuan.
