This I Promise You

23

Dream

"Can you cut my hair and change its color too?"

Nakita ko ang pagtataka sa mukha ng babae.

"I can, pero (but)...Are you sure? Your hair looks so pretty already."

Tumango at nginitian ko siya. "My name is Rev--Raelynn, by the way. ¿Y tu nombre es (And your name is)?"

"Gabriela."

Nginitian ko ulit siya. "Encantado de conocerte (Nice to meet you), Gabriela."

"Tu perro de aguas es genial (Your Spanish is great)."

My smile slowly faded. I was a bit taken aback by what she said. Damn it! Nakalimutan kong dapat pala hindi ako marunong ng ibang lengguwa dahil hindi naman ako nag-aral noon at laking Pilipinas lang talaga.

You are Raelynn now. Remember that!

"I know some words." Sambit ko nalang.

Tumango-tango naman si Gabriela at nagpaalam na na kukunin lang ang mga gamit niya sa bahay nila tapos gugupitan na ako.

Evan came back afterwards. I was on the patio eating the dessert I received.

Nagkatinginan kami dahil akala ko si Gabriela na iyong dumating. His eyes then drifted to the fried sweets I was holding. Bago pa ulit magtama ang mga mata namin ay tinalikuran ko na siya at humarap na ulit sa dagat dahil wala naman ata siyang sasabihin.

I heard Evan enter his room, so I just waited for Gabriela again.

Mabilis naman ding nakabalik si Gabriela dala ang kanyang mga gamit kaya sinimulan niya na rin agad ang paggupit sa akin.

"Is this enough?"

"More shorter please."

Gabriela and I are the same age, so I told her not to be too formal with me, even if I'm their guest.

She dyed my hair before she started cutting it, and now it's dark brown. I want it to be black, though, pero iyon na ang naging resulta kaya ayos lang din.

Bawat gupit niya sa buhok ko, tinatanong niya ako kung tama na ba ang iksi nito pero gusto ko pa nang mas maiksi. Nasasayangan ata siya sa haba ng buhok ko kaya medyo nag-aalangan pa siya. But I want it to be medium-length.

"Gracias, Gabriela. That was fast." Untas ko nang matapos na kami.

"De nada (You're welcome). Your hair is shorter, so it was easier."

Nagngitian kami, tapos humarap na ulit ako sa salamin para tignan ang aking sarili. My hair is now styled in a medium-length layered cut with a middle part. It was really bouncy, and I liked the glow and texture.

"You did a great job. I like it." Untas ko at nilingon na ulit si Gabriela, pero sabay kaming napabaling sa narinig na kalabog galing sa loob ng bahay.

I don't know what happened, but when I saw Evander, he looked stunned while staring at me. I immediately noticed his slightly wet hair and new pair of clothes. He just came out of the shower.

"What happened to you?" Tanong ko na dahil nakatitig pa rin siya at parang nakakita ng multo o ano.

He then shook his head slowly. "No, but you...cut your hair."

"Yes."

I actually changed the whole style, but yeah, nevermind.

"I should go now."