lilies.

33

Kabanata 33

"Put your number on my phone then call your number para alam mo rin ang sa akin."

Tumango ako at ginawa ang sinabi niya. I removed my seatbelt. Umikot siya sa pwesto ko matapos bumaba at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. His hand guarding my head. Inilapat niya ang pinto. Ako naman, tumayo na lang sa may gate namin.

I should say goodbye, right?

"Ingat ka," I said it like a script.

Tumango siya. Pinakita niya ang cellphone. "I'll call you."

"Uh, let's just text."

He chuckled. "Oh, okay. You're really an introvert, huh? 100%?"

When he left, I immediately texted his number.

Lily:

Thanks for today. I forgot to tell you.

Pinatawag ko na ang driver para tumulak kami papunta sa mansyon ni Grandma sa Forbes. Nasa hardin si Grandma at nagpahanda ng mga dessert. Kaming dalawa lang naman ngayon dahil susunod lang si Mommy mamaya.

"Your mom acts like she's managing more companies than me."

"She's a doctor, too, Grandma. Reason why she's busy."

Inirapan niya ako. It's not the response that she expected.

"Whatever, Lily. What are your activities for next week?"

"Hmm, mostly school, Grandma. I have a Saturday class in the morning. I'll visit Coach Henry after class."

"You're flying again?"

"Yeah, I have been so busy with learning technical aviation stuff that I haven't been flying for months now."

"Malapit ka na grumaduate, I will let you handle the business after. Learning the whole industry is good for now."

I just smiled.

"So we're moving our dinner to Sunday then? Since you're busy on Saturday? I hope your mom will be free by then."

"I think I can still make it to dinner, grandma, if mom can't adjust."

My phone beeped. I checked it. Rai sent a picture of what seemed to be a class schedule. Is this his?

Rai:

Send yours, too

Oh, agad kong hinanap ang sa akin at sinend din naman agad sa kanya.

Lily:

What for?

Pagkasend na pagkasend ko non ay na-seen na niya agad. So active.

Rai:

I just wanna know. Where are you?

Lily:

Grandma.

Rai:

So...Forbes?

Lily:

How do you know?

Rai:

Your grandma is a family friend. Your mom too.

Oh, really? Habang nasa kotse kami ni Grandma papuntang Makati ay tinanong ko kung kilala niya ang mga Tanada. She answered yes. When she asked why, I just said someone mentioned them at school.

Lily:

I asked grandma. It's true pala.

Rai: