Niki and Andy

Chapter 29: If Eyes Could Speak, I Wouldn't Have To Talk

Dear Ate Niki,

Here is my advance birthday gift to you. Proof of someone who worships the ground you walk on and regards your existence as the best thing this universe has to offer.

This is just a copy. I have the original hehe

With your permission, I would like to post this on my YouTube account, and title it "A Day in the Life of Niki and Andy'. It's already edited. I can also give you the original video and you can post it on your own account.

Love you, Ate.

xx

Tonet

–

Gustong-gusto nang panuorin ni Niki ang laman ng flash drive na ibinigay sa kanya ni Tonet bago sila lumuwas ni Andy pabalik ng Maynila. Pero kabilin-bilinan ni Tonet na panuorin niya iyon kapag nakarating na sila sa unit niya.

They didn't stay until new year for three reasons: una, maganda ang fireworks display sa Maynila tuwing bagong taon. Pangalawa, Niki got interviewed last Wednesday for a high-paying position na walking distance lang mula sa unit niya at may follow-up interview siya sa January 4. She needed time to prepare. At pangatlo, inaalala ni Andy ang mga pagkain na iniwan nito sa unit na hindi niya naubos.

"Sigurado kang wala ka nang nakalimutan?" tanong nito sa kanya nang makasakay sila ng sasakyan.

"I already triple checked. Wala na nga."

Nasa backseat sina Ponkan at Ashley. Nasa trunk ang mga dala nilang gamit. She was already wearing his jacket that she didn't plan on giving back. Andy was wearing that silly hat again. Wala na talaga siyang nakakalimutan.

"Okay. Sure ka ha? Baka sa mahal na araw na uli tayo makabalik pag nagkataon," sabi nito sa kanya.

Niki rolled her eyes. "Wala na nga. Would you just drive? Gagabihin tayo masyado. Maglalaba pa 'ko pagbalik."

Gusto na niyang makauwi para mabuksan ang regalo na ibinigay ni Tonet sa kanya kanina. Kabilin-bilinan nitong huwag niya iyong bubuksan hanggat hindi sila nakakarating sa condo unit niya. Na-curious tuloy siya kung ano ang laman noon.

Tita Andrea insisted that they bring food back to Manila pero si Andy na mismo ang tumanggi. They still have a few marinated meats back in Manila. Saka yung lumpia at dumplings na ginawa nito, hindi pa niya nauubos.

Pareho na rin silang umay sa spaghetti at fruit salad.

Andy finally started the car. Kumaway sila pareho sa pamilya nito na nasa labas ng bahay at hinihintay silang umalis.

"Ingat kayo!" sigaw ni Angelo sa kanila bago ito pumasok ng bahay.

"Are you really going to wear that hat all the way to Manila?" tanong niya kay Andy nang makalayo sila sa bahay.

"Yeah," he answered nonchalantly. He even checked himself in the mirror and smiled. Niki rolled her eyes. She didn't think he would love the hat so much. E di sana mas inayos niya ang pagkakagawa. Maganda lang iyon sa malayuan, pero kapag sa malapitan tiningnan, one would easily notice how uneven her crocheting was.

But she couldn't deny that Andy looked adorable with it on. Naka-puting t-shirt lang ito at shorts. He was wearing his slides. Pambahay na pambahay ang suot. And then, the hat. Si Niki ang ayos na ayos kahit uuwi lang naman siya ng bahay.

"Gawan uli kita sa birthday mo?" tanong niya rito maya-maya.

Andy turned to her and smiled. "Sure."

"Anong design?"