Hearth in the Mist
I remember those were the early days of me realizing I might have a crush on a guy four years older than me.
The usual practice of staying late at school to hang out with my classmates became less frequent because I wanted to go home and see him.
His treatment towards me didn't change, thouggh. We rarely talk or converse. Mama often asks me to call him every lunch, and supper. And he also sometimes knocks on my door to call me for breakfast.
Of course, I'll just say yes, hindi ko mabubuksan, baka mapagalitan ako ni mama. Because I don't look 'presentable' enough every morning with my unruly morning hair.
We often meet at our library too. Where I'll read my usual romance novels and he'll read his engineering books. Or sometimes when we both do our home works.
He's still cold and serious, and I can't seem to break into him. It's like looking for a hearth in a cold, misty town. But there's a part of me that hopes I can. That I could find the warmth that resides in him.
The last week of October came, and with it was our first semester midterm exams. He had been here for almost two months already.
"Are we meeting up at your home?" Jay, a classmate of mine asked me. We're partners for an assignment in entrepreneurship.
"Okay lang ba?" I asked. "I'm fine if sa inyo tayo pero mama won't allow me. Okay lang sana ni papa pero strict si mama, e..." Napakamot ako sa ulo ko.
Jay boyishly grinned at inakbayan niya ako, "Of course! Okay lang. I understand tita." Sabi niya.
"Thanks, Jay! I'll chat you the address."
"Okay! See you on Saturday!"
On that Friday's supper, all four of us were seated at the table. I decided to remind mama about Jay coming here sa bahay. I already told her about it, though, but I only mentioned a classmate will be coming. Hindi pa niya alam kung sino.
"Mama," I called. My mom looked at me and her eyebrow shot up, "My classmate will be here bukas, he'll arrive probably sa morning around ten, I'm planning dito nalang din siya maglulunch." I said.
"He?" Mama asked while narrowing her eyes at me. I sighed, remembering her intense distaste for me hanging out with guys. She's so protective of me that she said she'll only allow me to hang out with guys if I'm already in college.
"Yes mama, he." I said. "I don't have a choice. Our teacher picked our partners."
Mama nodded slowly while wiping her lips with the table napkin. Papa chuckled.
"Hayaan mo na, mahal. Our daughter is old enough already."
"Yes, I know." My mom said. "Who is he?" my mom turned to me.
"Jay mama."
"Jay? Jay Bautista?" Umiling iling siya. I dramatically sighed again realizing what she's about to say, "That boy had a crush on you for two years, hija! Since ninth grade!" She said.
I saw how kuya Levi stopped moving, both of his hands were holding his utensils and it was rested at the sides of his plate. He wasn't looking at us but I know he is listening. Napako ang tingin ko sa kaniya. His face was down while looking on his food.
"How about now? Crush ka pa din non?" my mom broke me off of my thoughts.
"H-Huh?" I slowly looked back at my mom.
"I remember him giving you flowers when you were both ninth grade! The flowers he picked weren't even nice and fresh! And he gave you a love letter!" mama lamented as if it's a big deal. As if the flowers and letters were for her!
