heaven has gained an angel

11. Dinner Date

Chapter 11: Dinner Date

Prism

I told my manager I'll out extra early today, pinayagan naman ako basta meron akong valid reason. I even planned to tell a lie but it's not the right thing. That's why he teased me when I said I'm going off on a date. Mabait manager namin, my reason became valid enough.

When the hands of clock stops at 6 PM, nagpaalam na agad ako sa kanilang lahat.

Before going home, I went to the nearest flower shop to buy a bouquet. Hindi ako masyado pinatulog nito kagabi. Hindi ko alam kung anong gift ang ibibigay ko kay Ayara until it end up here, flowers. Sa ilang buwan ko siyang nakasama, she is not materialistic girl yet I know, she deserves everything. Ito lang tanging bagay na naisip kong ibigay sa kaniya.

When I reached home, I took a shower to refresh myself. Nakahanda na ang susuotin ko sa gabing ito. I decided to go all-black. Black polo, black pants and black shoes, even my belt is black.

"'Ma, alis na po ulit ako," pagpapaalam ko kay Mama sabay halik sa pisngi nito. Katatapos lang niyang mag-practice maglakad. She was lying down at the bed and watching TV, resting.

"Ang bango mo naman. Where are you going?" she asked but when she saw the bouquet in my hand, a teasing smile escaped to her lips. "A date?"

Napahawak ako sa likuran ng batok ko. Nahihiya ako ngumiti at tipid na tumango. Ito 'yong unang beses na magpapaalam ako sa kaniya na aalis ako dahil may pupuntahan akong date.

"Kay Ayara?"

"Sino pa po ba?" I replied, smiling. "Birthday niya po ngayon, may dinner date po kaming dalawa," I added.

"Kaya pala sobrang guwapo," she complimented. "Okay, son. You take care, alright?" she said in a soft-toned motherly way.

"Yes po. I'm not sure po kung anong oras ako makauuwi, 'wag niyo na lang po akong hintayin, matulog na po kayo," bilin ko.

"Sige lang, 'wag mo akong intindihin. Just enjoy this night with your babe, you deserve it."

-

Ayara texted me by 7:30 PM, magkikita kami sa tapat ng isang convenience store. She already gave me her phone number last night, less hassle if we need to contact each other. Hindi siya madalas online sa social media niya at ganoon din naman ako.

Nauna akong nakarating. She's not here yet. Madilim na ang paligid at pansin ko rin ang mga taong naglalakad na pauwi.

I texted her.

Prism:
Nandito na po ako. : )

Ayara:
Wait! I'm on my way.

Prism:
Ingat sa daan.

I stared at the boquet while waiting. The usual red flowers that are fastened and tied together by pink cellophane wrap. I suddenly smile from the idea that this would be the first time I'll give flowers to a girl. I've never expected this. I hope she will like this.

"Para sa 'yo," pagbibigkas ko habang kunwari ay nasa harapan ko na si Ayara. Napailing-iling ako. "Parang labag sa loob ko ibigay 'tong bulaklak."

Hindi naman ako napapansin ng mga taong nadaan kahit kausap ko ang sarili ko. Kung mapapansin man nila, okay lang. They don't even know me.

"Flowers for you," sabi ko habang nakangiti. Bahagya akong napakamot ng ulo. "Ang baduy! Okay na sana kaso 'di bagay sa akin, paano ko ba ibibigay 'to sa kaniya?" I was a little frustrated.

I used to say I'm not good at this and it's all evident now. Hindi ako marunong mag-approach ng babae. Kahit simpleng pagbibigay lang ng bulaklak, pinoproblema ko pa. Hiling ko sanang takasan manlang ako ng pagkatorpe ngayon.