Ineffable Euphoria

Kabanata 21

Kabanata 21...
Hatred

Malakas na kulog at kidlat ang nagpagising sa tahimik kong pagtulog.

Nang nilingon ko ang orasan sa aking bedside table ay nakitang alas sais na ng umaga, pero mistulang gabi pa rin sa labas dahil sa dilim na gawa ng makapal na ulap.

We've been getting heavy rains since it started raining again the other day. Mas malakas nga kagabi dahil talagang tumama na ang pangalawang bagyo sa aming bayan. Mula kagabi nga'y nakasubaybay ako sa balita dahil talagang nag-aalala ako dahil mabilis bumaha rito.

We are fortunate to have a two-story house and land in a high area.

"You're up early,"

Mula sa pagsimsim sa aking kopita, napalingon ako kay Apollo na umupo rin sa kabilang dulo ng couch.

"I'm so worried. The news just reported the flood in our neighboring town's was waist-deep last night."

Apollo has been stuck with us for four days now, not that I'm complaining about it. He's actually a lot of fun to be around. Iyon nga lang ay ang mga business endeavors nila nina Kuya ay na-delay rin.

Well, I guess everyone's agenda outdoors got pushed back.

"Damn..."

"You're not used to this weather, aren't you?"

Apollo chuckled. "Kinda,"

Natawa na lamang din ako.

"Yeah, the rainy season here's definitely harsh, but in summer, there are actually tons of beautiful sceneries here." I laughed at my own country's promotion. "But right, you came here for business and not vacation,"

"Hm... I'll probably visit for vacation though. I'll definitely visit again," he smirked, his tone suggesting.

Nanliit ang mata ko bago s'ya inirapan.

Do I forget that he's been hitting on me for the entire time he's been stuck in here with us?

We continued to watch the news for several minutes until Kuya Jyair called us for breakfast.

Habang kumakain ay sunod-sunod din na messages ang natanggap ko mula sa Viber group chat naming mga guro.

Mamamangha siguro ang nakaraang ako kung sasabihin ko sa kan'yang for the past 6 years, hindi ako muling sumubok maging active sa mga social media. Ang tanging mayroon ako ngayon ay Viber and Skype.

Gumawa ako ng Facebook at Instagram noong college, pero dalawang taon na yata ang nakalipas nang huli kong buksan ang mga iyon.

"Kuya, do you think is it possible na to go to the grocery store? Or just some mall nearby?"

Mabilis na kumunot ang noo ni Kuya Zyair.

"Why? We already have loads of groceries here."

"It's not for us, obviously." I roll my eyes. "Marami raw evacuees sa school, there will be distribution of relief goods later. We were asked to help, and I also wanted to. Gusto ko rin sanang may dala papunta roon,"

"I think the flood has already reseeded a little. Pero paniguradong madulas pa rin ang kalsada. Ipagda-drive na lang kita," si Kuya Zyair.

"I'll come too." Dagdag ni Kuya Jyair.

"Hindi na kailangan-"

"Kailangan mo rin ng taga buhat,"

"But Apollo will be left here, right?" Pagbaling ko ng tingin kay Apollo.