Love Persist

Kabanata 6 - It is simply natural, irresistible, and cannot be denied.

Kinoquestion ko ang sarili ko sa pagsama sa kanila. Dalawang oras na kami sa arcade ngunit hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin nauubusan ng energy si Cerise. Ngayon ay gusto niyang laruin ang air hockey.

"You can't, baby. Hindi mo nga mareach 'yong table, e." It was clearly an excuse because I was already feeling tired, and it was also true that she couldn't reach the top of the table.

She frowned adorably. "You are looking down on me, sissy. Perhaps, are you scared to lose?"

I gasped in shock. "I'm not. I'm not scared to lose"—I pinched her nose playfully—"because I haven't been a loser for once."

She rubbed her nose and glared at me. "You act like a loser though."

"How can you say that?"

"You are picking up a fight with me. I'm still a 4-year-old kid and you're already an adult." She scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

Magsasalita pa sana ako pero hindi natuloy dahil biglang lumitaw si Professor Gil sa harapan namin.

"What are you two doing?"

Nagpaalam lang siya sa amin kanina na pupunta ng restroom. Ang bilis nga niyang bumalik, e. Natakot yata na baka kidnap-in ko ang anak niya at hingan siya ng 100 million pesos.

"Can you play for me, Mom? I know you are going to win because you are taller than her."

"Why, height isn't a requirement in that game."

"Sissy was making fun of my height."

Professor Gil looked over my way with a blank expression. I lowered my head shyly.

Bakit ba kasi nagsusumbong sa Mommy niya. Sumbungera.

"Is that so? If that's the case, then we shall take our revenge on her by bullying you." Professor Gil said.

"Let's prove to her that she's a true loser," Cerise rejoiced.

"I'm not a loser," I said rather defensively.

They just laughed at me.

"Prepare for yourself, sissy. Mommy will beat you."

"Brat," I muttered.

Professor Gil was amazingly good at playing air hockey. I shouldn't have underestimated her, but it was too late already. I peeked a glance at the scoreboard. Isang score na lang ay mananalo na siya. My athletic pride can't take this.

Meanwhile, Cerise was doing little dances while making a sound of giggles, all while cheering for her mom. Professor Gil was standing on the opposite side of the table while holding her mallet. Nasa kaniya rin 'yong puck. Hinihintay ko lang na tumira siya.

"You ready?" Professor asked in a very competitive voice.

"Sandali."

Dali-dali kong hinubad ang denim jacket ko at muling humarap kay professor. Nabigla naman ako dahil hinubad din niya ang jacket niya. Napamaang ako sa lumantad na body proportion sa akin.

"Sissy, let's make a deal! If Mommy wins you'll play with us again next time!" Cerise wasn't asking or placing a deal, it was straight a declaration.

A surprised gasp escaped from my mouth. "Dapat kanina mo pa sinabi sa'kin before nagsimula 'yong game."

She smiled cheekily. "My bad."

I sighed. "If it's the other way around? What prize do I get if I win?"

She grinned mischievously. "Same prize you'd get if you won."

Parang dehadong-dehado ako, ah.

Paglingon ko kay Professor Gil, nagkibit-balikat lang siya. Tinaasan niya pa ako ng kilay habang nakakurba ang mga labi.