Capricorn: Still Bound to You ( COMPLETE)

Seventeen

"Mommy, it's hot."

Naaawang pinunasan ko ang pawis ni Neo sa noo at leeg. It hasn't even that long when we went out of the airport, pero basang basa na siya ng pawis! Namumula na ang balat niya lalo ang pisngi sa init ng panahon kahit pa nakasilong kami. He looks irritable and is about to cry now because of the humidity.

"I'm sorry, honey. Papa will come soon with his car. Can you wait for a little bit more?" Panunuyo ko sa kanya. Because I feel like he will cry anytime soon!

We are currently waiting for Vincent here outside NAIA. He borrowed a car from a friend so we can have a ride while we're here. Nasa parking lot iyon iniwan ng kaibigan niya kaya naman nandoon siya ngayon para kunin ang sasakyan. Naiwan kami dito ni Neo para mag-antay.

Ilang minuto pa nang sa wakas ay may pumaradang itim na sasakyan sa harap namin. Vincent went out of the driver seat to assist us.

"I'm sorry I took so long. The parking was packed."

"Papa! It's so hot here. I wanna go!"

Tumawa si Vincent nang magpabuhat sa kanya si Neo at nagpapamadaling sumakay sa sasakyan. Naiiling na hinila ko ang mga bagahe namin para mailagay na sa compartment, nang sa ganon ay makaalis na kami dito. We are gaining a little attention from the crowd. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pakiramdam ko iba ang tingin sa akin ng ilan.

"Uhm, hello! You're a model, right?"

Napakurap ako sa pagtataka nang may kumausap sa akin bigla. A beautiful woman with a really colorful outfit. Anyone could guess that she's rich just by her attire. That's more reason for me to feel confused why she approached me.

And she said what? A model? Wait, don't tell me–

"You modeled for Buccellattie,right? I know it's you so don't say otherwise!"

Pilit kong tinago ang ngiwi ko sa pamamagitan ng ngiti. I knew it. It's about that one time job I had to take in substitute for a friend. It was a favor na hindi ko matanggihan dahil may utang ng loob ako sa kanya. She helped me a lot in law school. Siya minsan ang nagbabantay kay Neo kapag sobrang abala ako sa school. She's one of the friends I acquired while studying.

"Ah, yes. But it was only a one time thing. I can't say that I'm a model. Still, thank you for acknowledging me." Nginitian ko siya ng matamis.

Akala ko aalis na siya pero bigla siyang mas lumapit.

"I knew it! The collection you modeled was on fire! I had to get all set myself because you became popular here in the Philippines. Every socialite knows you, you know! You used to have this huge billboard pa nga from your family, when you passed the bar exam!"

Nagtagal sa isipan ko ang lahat ng narinig mula sa babae. Halos kalahating oras na din simula nang makawala ako sa kanya. Neo is already sleeping next to me while I'm occupied with my thoughts.

"Vince... Did you know that I used to have billboards here?"

Both of them looked at me when I spoke. Vincent is driving while FaceTiming Easton so I'm sure he heard my question as well.

"You didn't know?" Nabibiglang reply niya.

Kunot noo akong umiling. "I have no idea."

"Dear, you were popular there! I thought you knew since it was all over the internet." This time, Easton answered. "I learned your marriage with Vince from the News years ago. You really have no idea how popular you were?!"

"I was studying." Iling ko. "I don't watch news as well. I was occupied with Neo and in law school."

"Makes sense." Tumango tango siya. "You were never into gadgets and social media in the first place. But if you have time to spare, might as well search for your name in Google. You'll see what we're talking about once you do that."