OS #4: Claws of Dominance

15th Dominance

Encounter

Wala na ako sa mood habang naglalakad pabalik ng business building. Nakasalubong ko pa si Gabriel na agad nahalata na ayaw kong magsalita. He just let me be which I am thankful for. Hindi ko kasi alam kung kaya ko bang hindi ibuga sa kanya ang inis ko.

Hindi maalis-alis sa isipan ko ang nakita kanina. Para iyong sirang plaka na paulit-ulit sa aking utak.

What annoys me the most is that mukha silang bida ng isang romantic series na may smooth sailing na relasyon habang ako naman ay isang kontrabida na naghihintay lang ng tamang timing para sirain iyon.

It just perfectly describes our situation... more like 'my' situation.

I didn't expect to see them together... together in the same school, same course, and same damn car.

Are we even as close back then as they are now? He was so different, more chill, and approachable. Hindi kagaya sa akin nuon na ang cold at distant.

Although I can't help but notice how he is also different physically. I saw photos of him on social media especially when he is tagged by his friends but I still can't believe how he changed.

With his clean cut, it emphasizes his jawline and nose. His relaxed-looking amber eyes are also the second highlight of his face with his sweet smile. His broad shoulders and lean body were evident through the white polo shirt that he paired with black trousers.

He looks so neat and proper... just like Raniel.

His style grew mature and the way he walks was so light and lively when he approached her. Not how he was back then with me, heavy and fast-paced.

Mas naging iritado ako sa pagkukumpara. Alright, he changed. I changed too and it is fine, should not be a big deal at all!

He can't expect the same old me two years ago too. Life challenged me and it taught me to be independent and self-conscious so if I can't make him mine again... then I will have him see how huge his loss will be.

Pero ayaw ko muna siyang makita ulit. Bumabalik lang kasi sa akin ang nakita ko. I wasn't prepared for Raniel and neither I am prepared to see the both of them together!

Napapikit ako sa pinaghalong pait at tamis na lasa ng matapang na alak pagkatapos ko iyong nilagok.

"Dahlia, take it slow. Kadarating lang natin."

Napatingin ako kay Gabriel at umiling. "It's better to start it right away, Gab! Time will be wasted!" Pasigaw kong sagot at napangiwi pa sa pahabol na halang sa lalamunan.

Tatlong araw na ang lumipas simula nung pagpunta ko sa school niya at heto kami ngayon, parehong nasa isang kilalang club. He did said he wants us to go downtown and so when I did ask for it yesterday, he agreed.

Muli kong sinalinan ang malaking baso na may ice mula sa tower bago mabilis iyong inumin. I smiled with the familiar yet always sour taste.

Kahit mapait ay nagdadala ito ng init sa aking kawatan. It gave me a different comfort of warmth and it helps me have fun too.

"You should taste this! Sayang ang pera mo." Sabi ko sabay abot ng baso na ikinalaki ng kanyang mata. Siya kasi ang nagbayad ng tower namin kahit sabi ko hati na lang kami.

"B-But-"

"Sshh!"

Inilapit ko ang baso sa kanyang labi kaya kinuha niya iyon at agad nilagok na ikinatawa ko. "There you go!"

Ayaw pa kasi na expert din naman sa pag-inom. Though, it makes me wonder why he is so used to drinking when he doesn't give the impression that he likes it.