"Hi," bati ni France nang pagbuksan ko siya ng pinto. Mabilis nalipat ang tingin ko sa batang hawak niya. August, her eyes brimming with anticipation, looked up at me, her feet fidgeting with excitement, as if she couldn't wait to get inside.
Mabilis kong kinarga si August bago pinapasok si France. "Pasok," nakangiting sabi ko.
"I missed you," August planted kisses on my cheeks, her tiny hands gently cupping my face.
"I missed you too, August," I returned the affection, showering her with kisses that made her giggle.
Pinaupo ko si France sa sala para kumuha ng meryenda niya, habang nakakapit sa akin si August. Nilabas ko ang binili kong strawberry cheesecake para kay August kanina sa malapit na bakery shop. Kasabay no'n ay gumawa na rin ako ng juice para sa aming lahat.
"I'm sorry kung kailangan naming ipahatid--"
"Don't worry about it, Ate," France interrupted. "Balak ring pumunta nila Ivy dito dahil nasabi kong ihahatid ko sa condo mo si baby girl," ngumiti siya kay August na kinuha na ang isang strawberry sa top ng cake.
Madaling araw na rin kami nakauwi ni Scarlett kaya hindi na namin nasundo si August sa bahay ni France. May virtual meeting si Scarlett at parehas na coding ang sasakyan namin ngayon.
"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude.
She smiled warmly. "It's nothing, really. Ang problemahin mo 'yong mga kaibigan natin. They will ask so many questions. Kanina nga panay na sila tanong kung bakit ko sa condo mo ihahatid si August," tumatawang sabi niya.
"Hindi pa ba nila alam?" tanong ko.
"Alam na siguro nila; they are only waiting for you two to tell them."
What I truly cherish about our close-knit group of friends is our ability to respect one another's boundaries and give each other space. There's an unspoken understanding among us that allows each person to share their emotions and thoughts in their own time, free from any pressure or intrusion.
Within our circle, trust is paramount. We share a unique bond where we can rely on one another not just as friends, but as confidants. It's like an invisible shield of support that envelops us. We have an unspoken agreement to grant each other the space they need without requiring any explanation.
However, as with any group, there are exceptions, and in our case, it's Eli and Ivy. They are the comedic duo of our crew, always ready with a witty comment or playful banter, even in serious situations. Eli and Ivy are the ones who lighten the mood with humor, reminding us that life is full of surprises, and we should embrace them.
In our friend circle, there's a perfect balance between the deep respect we hold for each other's boundaries and the playful banter that keeps our friendships vibrant. It's a wonderful mix of understanding, patience, and humor that makes our group so special. We're like a modern-day family of friends who instinctively know when to lend a listening ear, when to crack a joke, and when to simply be there for one another.
"Don't tell them na sinabi ko sa 'yo, nagpustahan sila kung nagkabalikan na ba kayong dalawa," France laughed.
"Sila Ivy at Eli ang pasimuno?" I asked.
"Wala ng iba," France confirmed.
Nalaman ni France na nagkabalikan na kami ni Scarlett noong hinatid namin si August sa kanila. Si France na rin ang nagsabi na hindi niya ipagsasabi sa ibang tao, lalo na sa mga kaibigan namin para mainggit daw sila. But I doubt that.
"Kasali rin ba si Architect Villegas?" pang-aasar ko.
Mabilis niyang naikot ang mata niya. "That Villegas is poisoning your child's mind," she bitterly commented.
BINABASA MO ANG
Break Fresh Ground
RomansaScarlett and Artemis are two women from vastly different worlds. Scarlett, born into wealth and privilege, has always had everything she's ever wanted handed to her on a silver platter. She lives in the fast-paced city, surrounded by skyscrapers and...
