The Hotel Prince

Dr. Leon

"I am sooo confused." That was Bianca. Iritado ang tono nito, and pasalampak na naupo sa upuan katabi ang mga kaibigan. 

"What's up with you?" tanong ng ka-close nito na si Emma. 

"Why is she even in our group? Are we suddenly becoming democratic and tatanggap na tayo ng scholarship kids in our circle?" Nakataas ang kilay nito, glaring at Yuna's back. Magkasama ito at si Bailey, kasama ang mga theater folks.

"Bianx, you're such a snob," Luke spoke up with a sneer.

"I was born to be a snob," balewalang sabi ni Bianca. "I don't get why all of a sudden she's hanging out with Bailey and you all the time and I have to put up with her being around us all the time." 

"O, pano ako nasali sa usapan?" tawang sabi ni Luke. "You already know she is the Baraquiel's  charge. And she is an intern at the Sunshine Hotel."

"Charge? You mean charity case," pakli ni Bianca na tinawanan ni Emma. "What's so special about her? She isn't even pretty. Or that talented. I don't get why everybody is her friend now."

"I didn't know there was a screening process to be in your circle of friends, Bianx," patuloy na pambubuska ni Luke rito. "How did I get through?" Tumawa ang lahat. "I think you're just jealous that she gets to spend so much time with Leon."

"Ugh, shut up." Bianca rolled her eyes at Luke and continued glaring at Yuna and Bailey, who were laughing at something. 

"I think she's smart and funny," panggagatong pa ni Luke.

"I think you have a crush on her," sabat ni Raf. 

"Like you have a chance. James seems to have set her eyes on her." Sabi ni Emma. "That one gets what he wants. As we all know." Nagpalitan ng makahulugang ngiti ang mga nasa mesa.

"In fairness naman, may itsura siya. Nice legs. Pretty hair." Sabi ni Raf, glancing over at Yuna's direction.

Natawa si Emma. "Sounds like ikaw ang may crush sa kanya, Raf!"

Raf shrugged. "Hey, I'm just a guy with eyes. And I know how to appreciate beauty when I see it."

"Gross," Bianca sneered at him.    

"Let's not get crass. Magkasama lang sila sa play, OK." Pagtatanggol ni Luke.

"Suuure." Nakaismid na sabi ni Bianca. But there was an intent look in her face. 

"Brace yourself. My mom made me invite her to the after-party." Anunsyo ni Emma.

"What!" inis na wika ni Bianca.

"Leon's mom suggested it. I think my mom worships the ground she walks on. Whatever. There will be too many people around, you'll hardly see her."

--------------

"I don't know why I have to take you too," maasim at puno ng reklamong himutok ni Leon. He was driving. Yuna was in the car seat. Papunta sila sa Sunshine Hotel, dahil may shift sila doon nung araw na iyon.

"Huwag mo akong sisihin please. Hindi ako ang may pakana nito," pagtatanggol niya sa sarili.

Leon scoffed. "Of course. Lagi kang napipilitan. Being with me, telling me what to do, hanging out with my friends, rubbing shoulders with the popular crowd. I feel so sorry for you."

Napanganga siya rito. "Telling you what to do??? You? nahulog ka ba sa kama mo today?"

"Yes. You bossing me around, spying on me, reporting to my parents. It's bullsh*t."

Natawa siya nang pagak. "Oh my. Ang lakas din ng powers of self delusion natin noh? Ako pa ang bossy ngayon? Susme. Ano tinitira mo, penge ako. The last time I checked, hindi ako ang nagdidikta kung sino ang pwede kong kausapin at pakibagayan sa school. Hindi rin ako ang nagpapabitbit ng sangkatutak na gym equipment mo sa hapon dahil tinatamad kang dalhin pauwi."