I Am a Woman

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

"Do you want that?" Tanong ko kay Verra.

Napansin ko kasi ito na kanina pa pinagmamasdan ang nakadisplay na black fitted dress.

"No, hon." She said, but I can notice that her expression states otherwise.

"Are you sure?"

"U-Uhm, I...I like it, but it's backless. I know you wouldn't want that. I can find anything else naman."

May kung anong humaplos sa damdamin ko dahil sa sinabi niya. She used to wear this kind of clothing, and she limits herself just because she knows I don't want her wearing these kinds. I like how Verra values my opinion and wants my approval, especially when it comes to something she genuinely likes.

But I also feel bad.

Simula kasi nang sinabihan ko siya na huwag magsuot ng revealing na damit ay bihira ko na ito makita na magsuot ng mga ganitong damit.

I should know that clothes play a big role in someone's confidence. It didn't cross my mind that she might be more confident wearing those clothes.

"It's okay. If you want it, then I'll buy it for you." Presenta ko sa kanya.

"But it's backless." Her lips parted slightly as she uttered. Tila hindi nito inaasahan ang sinabi ko.

"It's okay, hon." I assured her. Plus, I know that it will look great on her. I always admire how Verra dresses. She can make simple clothes look elegant.

"I love it when you call me that." Pagpuna nito sa itinawag ko sa kanya. Hindi ko naman maiwasang mag-init ang mukha dahil hindi ko na rin napapansin madalas na tinatawag ko na siya sa ganoong endearment. It just naturally slips into my mouth.

It's funny that now I'm doing things that I used to say corny.

"Are you really sure I can wear that?" Paniniguradong tanong niya. I know she is still somewhat bothered by the thought that I might not like it for her.

"It's actually fine with me if you want to dress like that. I just don't like it when men are gawking at you." Iniwas ko ang tingin sa kanya matapos sabihin yon. But who am I kidding? Kahit naman anong suot niya, revealing or not, ay pinagtitinginan pa rin siya ng mga lalaki.

"Don't worry, hon. I'll only wear it for you." I heard her say and pull me closer to cling to my arms. Kaya naman ang ngiting kanina ko pa pinipigilan ay tuluyan nang kumawala sa aking labi.

I asked Verra if she wanted to fit the dress, but she declined. She said it's adjustable and will fit her perfectly. I don't know how she can say that just by looking at the dress.

I motioned the saleslady that we will get the dress. She immediately led us to the counter to ring up our purchase.

"Thank you, hon." She smiled and planted a soft kiss on my cheeks. I can't help but to also smile with her sweet little gesture.

Lumabas kami ng boutique matapos mabayaran at makuha ang dress na binili namin na nakalagay sa paper bag na may tatak na logo ng brand nito.

Hindi pa man kami nakakalayo ay may isang tinig na tumawag sa pangalan ni Verra.

"Verra!"

Sumalubong sa amin ang seryosong mukha ng kaibigan ni Verra. Wala itong kasama at sa tingin ko ay galing din ito sa pagshopping dahil sa mga paper bag na dala niya.

"Yaran, hey." Verra said, and gave her friend a beso.

Ako naman ay nakatayo lang sa harap nila dahil kahit isang tingin ay hindi man lang ako nito tinapunan.