"Hugo," his mom called him.
Tuwid ang tayo ko habang ang kamay ni Hugo ay nasa baywang ko. I was about to leave after finishing my meal in front of Hugo. Hindi siya umalis sa table ko magdamag. I couldn't remember our whole conversation because it was all an argument. Ngayon, hindi ko alam kung bakit siya nakasunod sa akin.
I just let him tail me just so Jasmine could see us. My satisfaction.
We stopped in front of his parents' and his rumored fiancé's table.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Rachel Carvajal. She looked at me without a happy reaction on her face. Meanwhile, Jasmine was glaring at Hugo's hands on my waist. Lumapit ako ng kaunti kay Hugo. He gripped my waist.
"Nichoella Dela Rea, is it?" Jasmine's mother asked and smiled at me. Kita kong peke iyon.
Tumango ako at hindi nagsalita.
"Long time no see, hija." Hugo's mother said. "You've grown a lot. Well, congratulations on your success."
I smiled. "Thank you, po." nilingon ko ang Papa ni Hugo. "It's nice to see you well, po, Mr. Carvajal…"
He shifted on his seat to smile at me properly. They aged so beautifully. My mother always says before that the Carvajals don't age and if they do, they age like wine. Naiirita siya doon. My mother was very insecure. Still.
"Hijo…" Rachel Carvajal looked at us awkwardly. "Aren't you supposed to rest, hijo? Kakarating mo lang."
Nagkatinginan kami ni Hugo. Nanliit ang paningin ko. He clenched his jaw and gave her mother a meaningful look.
I leaned towards him. "You followed me here?"
"No," matapang na sabi niya.
"Don't be ridiculous, Hugo." bulong ko pa sabay irap.
"We're staying at the other hotel, Hugo. I'll help you check in after dinner." Jasmine asked, energetically.
Kumunot ng kaunti ang noo ko. As if he couldn't do that alone!
How dare she? She even has a face to show in front of me. Kumukulo ang dugo ko tuwing tinititigan ko siya ng matagal. Actually, she's really pretty. Her hair is chest length, pale skin, skinny, cat-eyes and flawless skin. Iyon lang, it's such a waste.
"It's okay, I'll be staying here."
Tahimik akong nakahalukipkip. I know my aura doesn't look nice and I'm in front of Hugo's parents but I don't care. I don't have time to be nice. I can't be nice, especially that I'm in front of the rat.
"Here?" Rachel asked.
"Well, I thought you'd stay with Jasmine, hijo?" Jasmine's father interrupted.
Ngumisi ng hilaw si Jasmine. "Dad, it's okay. Baka nakacheck-in na si Hugo dito."
"Did you, Hugo?"
Oh, god. Why does it look like they're pushing her to him too much?
Sarkastiko kong tinitigan si Hugo. Inalis ko ang kamay niya sa baywang ko. Pinilit niyang ibalik iyon pero lumayo ako ng kaunti. I heard him sigh.
"I have to leave na po," I said politely.
Rachel nodded and looked at her son. "Sure, hija. It's good to see you here."
Naglakad ako paalis. Ramdam ko ang paninitig ni Hugo sa akin habang inaayos ko ang sunglasses ko at nakayukong umaalis.
"Hugo, stay here..." I heard Jasmine say before completely leaving the restaurant.
