Glimpse Of Us

CHAPTER 16

Rylie's POV

"Are you alright, Lie?" Sebastian ask for the third time.

Katulad kanina, tanging tango lamang ang isinagot ko sa kanya.

My mind can't think straight and I've been so conscious with my actions and words ever since Professor Carlton showed up, kahit mukhang wala naman syang pake alam sya presensya ko.

"Are you still hungry? Do you want to eat something?"

"I'm already full. Besides, you're the one who should eat more. You couldn't even finish the food on your plate." Ang hina talaga nitong kumain. I'm a picky eater too but he's worse than me.

"The chicken's a little bit dry and the soup is too salty. They should've added more butter in the shrimp too. Nag serve pa naman sila ng buttered shrimp tapos titipidin naman nila sa butter." Komento nya habang kinikilatis ang bawat pagkain sa kanyang plato.

I forgot that he's a culinary student. Alam nya kung ano ang kulang at sobra sa lasa ng pagkain.

I motioned him the mashed potato that I got earlier. "Try this then. It's perfectly seasoned and the gravy tastes good."

"Wag na. Baka mabigwasan mo pa ko pag naubos ko yan, eh. Matakaw ka pa naman--Ouch!" He chuckled while caressing the part where I secretly pinched him.

Gagong to. Sya na lang nga ang binibigyan pero nagawa pa kong ipahiya. I know I'm a glutton sometimes, but there's no need to shove it in my face anymore.

I'm already aware of that.

"You two are cute! Are you a couple?" I almost choke from my own saliva because of Mr. Griffin's sudden question.

"No, we're not, Sir." Mabilis na tanggi ko at sinabayan pa ng iling.

Where did that even come from?

"Oh, that's sad. You look good together pa naman." He said but instead of sounding disappointed, I can clearly hear gladness in his voice. He turn his attention to Professor Carlton who never utter a word again ever since the Cortez left our table to be with the other businessmen. "Is there something you want, hon? Dessert? Another glass of champagne?" Mr. Griffin ask pero tanging iling lang ang isinagot nito.

My mood suddenly shift after hearing how he addresses her. Ano bang meron sa kanila? Are they close friends or what? At bakit hindi si Sir Victor ang kasama nya ngayon? Does he know that his girlfriend went to a party with someone else?

And why am I overthinking again? I shouldn't care of whoever she goes with. That's her life and I shouldn't interfere with it. Fuck.

Naputol ang sandaling pag iisip ko ng maramdaman ang paghawak ni Sebastian sa aking kamay. "Your breathing's heavy again, Lie. Are you really sure you're okay? Gusto mo ba munang magpahangin sa labas?" Sebastian ask worriedly. Hindi ko napansin na mabigat na pala ang paghinga ko.

I force a smile at him before removing his hand on mine. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me."

Mukhang nakumbinsi naman sya sa sinabi ko at ngumiti pabalik.

I was busy focusing on my food when I suddenly hear someone speak from behind.

"What a nice surprise. It's good to see you again, Miss Monteverde." Tila nagpintig ang dalawa kong tenga ng marinig ulit ang pamilyar na boses na yun.

Damn, not this woman again.

I turn to face her. Bumungad agad sakin ang mapaglarong ngisi sa kanyang labi.

"Mrs. Wilson, how nice to see you again." I almost puke because of my words.

What so nice about seeing her face?