When it Rains (Completed)

CHAPTER 3

"Are you alright?" a man spoke behind me.

I was stumped for an answer. I do feel uncomfortable seeing water flooding around the park, but at the same time, I feel confused about not having panic attacks. What in the world is happening?

I shook my head to regain consciousness and tried to break free from the stranger's arm, intending to drown myself, but he wouldn't let go. "Where do you think you're going? It's raining—"

"And when was it necessary to put your arm around me?" I interrupted him.

"Oh, kala ko kasi iiwanan mo na ako."

"Excuse me, do I know you?"

"Well, accidentally, yes."

Accidentally yes? Ano pinagsasabi ng isang 'to?

When I turned around to face this stranger, he quickly pulled his arm away from me. In front of me was a man, and I think he's already in his late 20's. He's taller than me, undeniably, and he appears to be someone I've seen before.

"Do you recognize me?" he asked.

Saka ko lang narealize na sobrang lapit namin sa isa't isa. I can see much of the details of his face in this distance. My face was a few inches away from his, while we were stuck in the middle of the park.

"You're looking for Arthur Villamore, right?"

He mentioned a name that matched the name on the ATM card I found in the paper bag. He stood beside me and put his arm around my back again as we began walking down the elevated park before I could respond.

I came to a halt just as we were about to cross the flooded street. "No, I can't."

"Com'on, sobrang baba lang ng tubig."

"No."

"Then, I should carry you, hardheaded."

Nang walang pasabi, agad niya akong kinarga na parang bang bata at tinawid ang kalsada. "Excuse me, who do you call hardheaded?"

"Of course, you. Sino ba kasama ko ngayon?"

Hindi ko namalayan na nakatawid na pala kami sa sidewalk, saka niya ako binaba at dinala sa pinakamalapit na store which I found out na isang Pizza Shop.

"Whoo, sa liit mo, ang bigat mo pala," sabi niya nang sinara niya ang payong at nilagay sa umbrella racket.

"Pinilit ba kitang kargahin ako?"

"As if I had another choice. Maswerte ka nga na nakita kita just before the rain pours."

Who is this Arthur Villamore and why is he getting on my nerves? I was supposed to have a panic attack, instead of getting pissed off by this stranger.

"Do you want some hot drinks? Mukhang hindi ka pa nakakarecover eh," sabi pa niya at sumunod na lamang ako sa kanya papunta sa isang vacant table.

He dragged the chair and offered it to me. "Have a seat."

Umupo ako at saka naman siya umalis at nagtungo sa counter. When he came back to our table, he brought a tray with mugs. Binigyan niya ako at tinignan ko ang laman. Amoy ko pa lang, langhap ko ang sarap ng hot choco.

"Buti na lang, may hot drinks sila dito. Enjoy your drink," he said, and we started drinking.

Kahit papaano, nabawasan ang lamig ng nararamdaman ko. I felt relieved as I took another sip from my hot choco.