lilies.

58

Kabanata 58

We stayed in Thailand for a few days. It was fun. We availed a tour last minute. Gab partied at night, while I read my book. Rai would always join me the first few days but I told him to have fun with Gab. He used to like parties before we met.

We also booked a nature tour. And for me, that's the highlight of that trip. We explored the countryside of Thailand. I specifically like Chiang Mai.

Right now, I am preparing for my birthday dinner. Grandma decided to do it in our mansion. Mommy's at home so we'll go there together.

This is the first time I take too long deciding which dress to wear. I never think about my outfits but since Rai's coming, I feel like I should look extra nice.

I am choosing between my black halter neck long dress or should I stay modest with my black long sleeve dress. I feel more me if I stayed modest but I feel like it's different today, it's my birthday.

I ended up wearing the halter neck long dress. I decided to wear two necklaces: the one Rai gifted me last Christmas, and Mommy's gift on my last birthday.

My phone beeps while wearing the necklaces. Tinapos ko munang isuot iyon bago ko kinuha ang cellphone.

Rai:
What color are you wearing?

Me:
Black, why?

I stared at my phone for a few minutes. I checked on a few apps while doing so, but I didn't get a reply. I organised a few things in my bag and I'm good to go. Sa baba ko na lang hihintayin si Mommy.

"Lily, may bisita ka," salubong sa akin ni Yaya Sita.

Kumunot ang noo ko. I never expected guests, especially during summer vacation. I'm not even sure if Wendy and Steve remember where I live. Wala rin naman kaming usapan ni Rai. Si Gab? Yaya Sita would immediately tell me if it's Gab. Kung si Gab nga, hindi ba siya nagsasawang makita ako? Halos isang linggo kaming magkasama. My god.

Sinundan ko si Yaya Sita sa living room. I saw Rai there wearing a black ribbed knit sweater, rolled up, showing his arms, a black loose trousers, and black leather shoes. His hair is in his usual dishevelled style.

I slowly felt stuffy. It's like the world suddenly becomes so small and then it sinks. I finally absorb the heaviness of our situation. Rai's my boyfriend. I never even ask Mommy if she'll allow me to have a boyfriend. Hindi pa ako tapos sa college. And now Rai's here.

Tumayo siya mula sa sofa namin at doon ko napansin ang nasa kamay niya. It's a bouquet of pink roses. I stopped coming near to meet him. He also stops when he's a meter away from me.

"I haven't given you my gift yet. Ito muna for now," He said then handed me the roses. Kinuha ko iyon. Inamoy at niyakap.

Umalis na si Yaya Sita at kaming dalawa na lang ang nasa living room.

I stuck my tongue playfully, not hiding my smile. I really appreciate him being like this. I mouthed something to tease him, "Kiss."

I bit my lower lip when I saw how his stance became tense. This is the first time he ever entered our house. Parating nasa labas siya para sunduin ako.

He stepped forward to close our distance. Napaatras ako dahil hindi siya tumigil kahit sobrang lapit na namin sa isa't isa. My playful smile faded. Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang braso. He looked at me teasingly, then he smirked. Nanlaki ang mata ko at sinubukan pang umatras ulit pero pinirmi niya ako.

"Hey!" Impit kong puna sa kanya, "Mommy's here."

Suot niya pa rin ang mapang-asar niyang ngisi. He swiftly leaned forward and our lips touched. Napatalon ako sa ginawa niya! He chuckled.

Hinampas ko siya ng mahina, "Paano pag biglang pumasok si Mommy?" I whispered so low that I couldn't even hear my voice.

He lightly tapped my hair and only laughed, "Stop teasing me then."

Ngumunot ang noo ko. I pouted.

"Since it's you, I'll always give in easily."