His Signs of Affection

Sign No. 14

14

...

“Why can’t we for once?”

There are always our firsts that will remain etched in our minds through our whole life.

Memories that will soon remind us of our glorious past. A past wherein, at least once, we tried to do something that is out of what we think should be.

Marahan kong ikinapit ang kamay ko sa may likuran ni Rupell habang mabilis na umaandar ang minamaneho niyang motor.

The cold air gently brushed through my face as I looked at Rupell’s reflection in the mirror.

He was smiling as we both rode his motorcycle.

It was a very dark night, but it didn’t really speak anxiety.

And for once, I wanted to try.

I wanted to see and feel what loving someone and being loved back is all about. Still, I guess I’m not really entirely sure about this but...

But I’m now wanting to see where this will lead to. For me. For Rupell.

I guess I am.

Pagkarating namin sa bahay ay pinilit ko naring pumasok si Rupell matapos niyang iparada ang kanyang motor. He was not able to reject my offer, and even if he did, he can’t do anything about it.

Naabutan naming naglalaptop sa may sala si ate. Nakalugmok ang katawan nito sa sofa habang may nakapatong na popcorn sa may dibdib.

Sabog ang itsura niya.

“Ate, may bisita ako,” puna ko rito na kinabaling niya sa ‘kin.

Nilapitan ko siya at inayos ang mga gamit na nagkalat sa sala. “Tumayo ka na ate, may bisita pa ako!” pag-uulit ko pa.

Umupo naman si ate habang nakatutok pa rin ang tingin niya sa laptop. Wala ito sa sariling naglakad hanggang sa batiin siya ni Rupell.

“Good evening po,” wika ni Rupell na sinundan niya ng pagtungo.

I noticed how my sister’s eyes suddenly darted at the guy in front of her. Napabaling pa sa ‘kin si ate at napakunot ang noo.

“S-sino ka?” pagbaling niyang muli kay Rupell.

Nilapitan ko naman sila agad at pumagitna. Nginitian ko si ate.

“This... this is Rupell,” pagsagot ko kay ate.

I tried to make my voice as low as it could be but it still surprised her a lot. Her eyebrows suddenly elevated with his lips parting apart.

I talked without voice to stop my sister. “Stop,” wika ko na walang tunog habang nakatalikod kay Rupell.

“B-but are you really the Rupell?” hindi napigilang tanong pa ni ate.

I brushed my hair as I took a deep breath, after looking back at Rupell.

Rupell gently nodded at her.

“Opo. In any case... do you know me po?” pagbabalik tanong ni Rupell dahil kulang na lang ay idikit ni ate ang mga mata niya sa mukha ni Rupell.

She is literally your love expert, Rupell. Tsk.

Marahan ko ngang tinapik ang balikat ni ate kaya napatingin ito sa akin. Mariin akong umiling sa kanya at patagong ngumuso. Para akong nag-sign language gamit lang ang mga mata at labi ko.

Mukhang nakuha naman niya ang ibig kong sabihin.

“A-ah... Ako? K-kilala ka?” natauhang tanong ni ate pagkabaling muli kay Rupell. “Naku hindi... hindi ko nga alam ang pangalan mo eh. Hindi... Hindi kita kilala, promise.”