Ravaged (CHURCH SIBLINGS 3)

CHAPTER 26

I tried my best not to feel awkward around Kuya Abe kahit pa na gabi-gabi na yata siyang dumadalaw sa panaginip ko. It's not a wholesome dream! Something is wrong with my brain that I wanted to visit a therapist.

"Something's bothering my girl?"

My gaze went to Ralph's when he check on me. Kakahatid lang sa akin ni Kuya Abe— I told him about my dream, nahiya lang ako na aminin ka siya ang kasama ko sa ginagawa kong mga kamundohan sa panaginip ko.

"Nothing. May napili ka na?"

Tinaas niya ang dalawang black shoes, it's almost similar with each other maliban sa ang isa ay may shoelace. "Can you pick for me?"

I tilt my head sideways, imagining how the shoes will look like to him. "Ikaw ba which one you like the most?"

"Hmmm You, I like you the most."

Wala akong iniinom pero nasamid ako at napaubo. He's doing it again, complimenting me out of nowhere.

"I love you, Cay. Pick na, please?"

I pursed my lips. I don't want to say the words yet. I want to give myself time to reflect and be sure with my feelings before spitting those three words.

"Ito nalang." Tinuro ko sa kanya ang walang shoelace. Binalik niya ang isa tsaka niya ako hinawakan sa kamay para hilahin papunta sa cashier.

I was looking at Ralph's face the entire day when we're on a date. What I feel for him is so odd— minsan kilig na kilig ako sa kanya, minsan parang wala lang. I don't know where am I heading with all of this confusing feelings pero sana mahulog ako sa kanya ng tuluyan at hindi namin masaktan ang isa't isa.

I spend more time with Ralph if there is a chance. I am trying a little too hard with falling inlove with him the way he's inlove with me. I know in every day that I am telling him I am getting there I kind of deceiving him. But what should I do? Who would blame me? I don't want to lose him.

"Mom, can we talk?"

Hindi ko makausap si Kuya Abe kapag tungkol kay Ralph, siya sana ang tatanongin ko kung anong pwede kong gawin pero nasasabi ko pa lang ang pangalan ng boyfriend ko marami na siyang excuses na ayaw niyang pakinggan. I guess he isn't the type that wants some dating gossips. Mas gusto pa nga niya na tahimik lang kami at nanunuod ng Dubai Bling habang kumakain ng snacks na gawa ko.

"Later, anak. A little help muna?"

Inabot niya sa akin ang menu at iPad. I love baking but I really don't like hanging around Sweet Spice, ginagawa akong waiter palagi ni mommy. It's a very tiring job, hats off to everyone who's doing it for years.

"Mommy please? Urgent?"

"Wait lang, anak. Mommy will have to to do some back office job."

I sigh. Maraming costumer ngayon since it's already holiday season. I can't blame mom for being busy. Masama ang pakiramdam ko pero tumulong na rin ako. Kinabahan ako nang pumasok sa shop si Ralph kasama ang pinsan niya; I know her since she's Kuya Adi's ex-girlfriend. Lalo akong nilamig sa loob ko nang makitang may kasama pa silang dalawang matandang babae na sa hula ko ay mommy nila.

"Miss Cay, pwede ba kayo na kumuha ng order ng bagong dating? Tinatawag kasi ako sa taas."

I can't argue anymore. Lahat may trabaho ako lang ang nakatayo at nakatulala. Dahan-dahan akong nanalangin na sana walang sabihin si Ralph. I already told him few times I wasn't ready with meeting the family, I hope he will understand it now.

"Good Afternoon. Are you ready to order na po?" tanong ko kaagad nang magkalapit ako sa mesa nila.

Nakatingin lang ako sa gawi ng dalawang matanda. I didn't dare looking at Ralph or Laureen. Nanginig pa ang kamay ko nang iabot ko sa kanila ang menu. I am pretty confident with myself but this isn't the right time yet.