"Snacks muna kayo." Malambing na saad ng ginang na sumalubong sa akin kanina papasok, dala niya sa isang tray ang dalawang mango juice, isang plato ng cupcakes at isang plato ng cookies.
"Thank you po!" Nakingiti kong tinanggap ang tray at nilagay sa gilid dahil puno na ang coffee table ng gamit.
"Salamat po Manang Lucy." Saad ni Crimson, I looked at him at sa unang pagkakataon ay nakita ko ang ngiti niya. He was smiling at manang Lucy as he said his gratitude, his dimples showing as his lips stretched into a beautiful smile, his eyes sparkling anew.
Hindi ko man lang napansin na nakatitig na pala ako sa kaniya. I quickly avoided my gaze when our eyes met.
Napaubo ako at nagsimula ulit na magsulat sa papel na kanina ko pa nilalagyan ng mga letra at salita.
"Let's take a break, kain ka muna. Tsaka cr muna ako." napalingon ako kay Crimson nang siya ang unang nagsalita sa amin. Tumango nalang ako sa sinabi niya at tinignan ang mga galaw at lakad niya hanggang sa mawala siya sa paningin ko.
Now that he was out of sight, I could finally entertain my thoughts.
I munched on a piece of cookie as I remember Crimson's smile. The way his eyes slightly squint, how his dimples show up, how he looks brighter and more soft when he smiles.
'I wish he'd always smile' I thought.
"Are you okay?" nagising ang diwa ko nang marinig ang boses ni Crimson, nasa harap ko na pala siya.
I looked at him confused. "Oo naman."
He nodded. "Kanina ka pa kasi nakangiti." I felt my whole cheeks heat up and covered it with both my hands. "W-Wala 'to, may naisip lang."
He hummed as a response.
"Is it good?" bigla niyang tanong, tinignan ko siya nang may nagtatanong na mga mata.
"The cookies. Is it good?" Tanong niya ulit. I nodded frantically, parang mababaliw na yata ako sa kahihiyan.
"Mom baked those, mahilig siyang magbake pero hindi naman namin makain palagi kasi busy lahat ng tao sa bahay. Everyone's barely at home."
I looked at him. Mahaba-haba rin 'yung sinabi niya. At siya lang ang nagkusa magkwento. I smiled at the new achievement I unlocked.
Babad na babad kami ni Crimson sa ginagawa namin kaya medyo nagulat kami nang may pumasok sa pinto.
"I'm home." A deep voice announced, making both me and Crimson look up from our work.
It was kuya Oliver, he looked different but not really. He walked with more confidence and manner, but he abruptly stopped when our eyes locked as if it's his first time seeing me again.
"Who—" pinutol ni Crimson ang tanong niya.
"Knock next time, won't you?" Crimson grumbled. "Nakakagulat ka."
He chuckled, walking his way towards us and extending his hand.
"Hi there, I'm Julian. I'm Crimson's older brother. You can call me 'kuya', ayos lang." My mouth slightly opened in shock. Right, kambal nga pala sila. Nakalimutan ko, nakita ko pala family portrait nila. Pero iba ang vibe niya kay kuya Oliver, ah.
YOU ARE READING
Her Heart's Desire
Roman d'amourA girl with a weak heart falls in love with a boy too distant with everyone. With strong determination and love, the girl tries to make the detached man fall for her before all is too late. [Colors of Life series #1]
