LYALL'S OBSESSION

CHAPTER 4

Lyall's sleep was still deep when I woke up that night. Para pa itong linta na sobrang dikit sa akin at dinantayan pa talaga ako. He should be thankful, he's handsome. I slowly untangled his embrace before heading to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. Then, I left the room and went to the dining area where I found Ninang, Ninong, and Lain already eating. They looked at me as they sensed my presence.

"Halika na, 'nak! Pasensya kung nauna na kaming kumain sa inyong dalawa ni Lyall," sabi ni Ninang at tumayo siya para kuhanan ako ng plate

Dinamba ako ng kaba baka kasi alam nilang nasa kwarto ko ang hudyo nilang anak.

"I knocked on your room, but no one answered. I also went to Lyall's room, and it was the same. He must be tired from the trip, coming from another country," Ninang added, which relieved me.

"Please sit, Nathalie," Ninong said, and Lain even pulled a chair next to him.

I immediately went there and sat down.

"Thank you, Lain," ngiting sabi ko.

He smiled back at me sweetly.

"No worries, gwapa!" magiliw na tugon niya.

I shook my head at the nickname he called me. I started eating my food. Actually, I'm having second thoughts about whether I should wake up Lyall. He's sleeping so soundly.

"Oh, by the way, Elizabeth told me that you'll be watching the game tonight," kwento ni Ninang.

I nodded in response. "Can I po?"

"Of course, Nathalie. Just make sure not to stay out too late. Delikado pa naman ang panahon ngayon." Paalala ni Ninong sa akin.

"H'wag kang lumayo kila Elizabeth. Marami pa namang loko-loko sa paligid, Nathalie." dagdag pa ni Ninang.

Nginitian ko sila.

"Don't worry po, mag-iingat ako. Tsaka, uuwi po ako ng maaga," paninigurado ko sa kanila.

"Too bad, I can't join you, Ate. I have to work on my thesis," pagsingit ni Lain sa usapan.

"It's okay, Lain. And what you're doing is right. Prioritize important things first," nakangiting sabi ko.

He looked stunned for a moment, then laughed softly.

"I don't understand what you're saying, Ate Nathalie. I'm starstruck by you. You're really beautiful. You may seem fierce, but you're really kind," he praised, making me blush.

"Maganda talaga 'yang inaanak ko, Lain. At tsaka, off-limits na 'yang Ate Nathalie mo kaya humanap ka nalang ng iba," sabi ni Ninang.

Napaawang naman ang bibig ni Lain sa sinabi ni Ninang, habang ako ay nakasimangot at nakita 'yon ni Ninong kaya natawa ito ng mahina.

"Off-limits? To whom?" Lain asked.

Magsasalita na sana ako upang linawin ang lahat nang unahan ako ni Ninang.

"To your brother! So behave, Lain. Unless you want to get beaten up by your kuya."

"Ninang! Stop trying to set me up. I told you that I don't like gurangs," sagot ko.

Pinanlikahan ako ng mata ni Ninang. "Edad lang ni Lyall ang matanda, 'nak. Malakas pa 'yun bumayo at gumawa ng isang basketball team na mga bata!"

Nabuga ni Ninong ang kanyang iniinom. Mabilis tumayo si Ninang upang daluhan ang asawa. Si Lain ay ang lakas ng tawa niya at halos mahulog pa siya sa kanyang upuan.

"T*ngina, hahaha!" tawang tawa sabi ni Lain habang nakahawak pa sa kanyang tiyan.

"Watch your mouth, Lain!" saway ni Ninang sa anak niya. "Ano ka ba naman, Lach. Hindi ka ba marunong uminom?!" galit na tanong ni Ninang.