Love Persist

Kabanata 15 - Names hold secret knowledge for those who are privy to it.

My thoughts were in conflict at the moment, and I must admit na wala ako sa ideal mental state para iprocess ang mga ito, but now I sat inside the car with Professor Gil and Cerise, heading towards our destination. Habang ang driver ay tahimik lang at maingat na nagdridrive. Kanina lang, Professor Gil gave me a heads-up that we were headed to a villa estate, kaya na-excite na mayroong beach or swimming pool, as well as a house or hotel to stay in. However, Cerise had to shatter my optimistic expectations by revealing that our stay would extend beyond two days and that her titas and titos would be joining us for a family gathering. Syempre nagulat ako kasi una, akala ko weekend lang kami roon kaya hindi ako nagdala ng maraming damit. Pangalawa, hindi ko inaasahan na may family gatherings na magaganap kahit na given na 'yong thought dahil nga may magbibirthday, but I was unsure how to grasp the prospect of being part of such an intimate occasion, knowing na hindi naman ako part ng pamilya nila.

Pinanghahawakan ko ngayon ay ang assurance na binigay ni Professor Gil.

"They are all welcoming and good people if that's what you are worried about. I'm sure you'll get along with them just fine."

Napalingon ako sa direksyon niya. Hindi ko masasabi kung natutulog ba siya dahil nakasandal ang ulo niya sa headrest. Kanina pa siya sa gano'ng posisyon, iisipin mong patay na siya dahil sa posisyon niya.

"Not sleepy?"

Ang puso ko muntik nang lumabas sa ribcage ko. Sabi ko na nga ba hindi siya natutulog.

"Not really, professor. I thought you were sleeping."

She stirred in her seat to sat comfortably. Dahan-dahan lang ang bawat galaw niya upang hindi magising si Cerise na nakasandal sa braso niya.

"Are you feeling hungry?" Professor Gil asked.

I shook my head. "Ikaw?"

Umiwas siya ng tingin at saka sumandal ulit sa headrest.

"I'll just have dinner a bit later."

Alam ko na hindi pa siya kumakain dahil hindi siya nagjoin sa amin ni Cerise kanina nang kumain kami ng Jollibee burgers. Tinabi ko nga 'yong pagkain niya, e, para makain niya. Nang maalala ko, dinampot ko ang paper bag at inilabas ang natitirang pagkain sa loob.

With a curious gaze fixed upon me, Professor Gil observed my action as I carefully unwrapped the burger. Pagkatapos kong tanggalin ang kalahating balot ng burger ay inilapit ko ito sa bibig niya.

"Take a bite, professor."

"I can do it myself."

She was about to get the burger from my hand, but I immediately stopped her by signaling for her to stop moving, afraid she might wake up Cerise.

"Ako na po ang hahawak. Say, 'ah'," I urged as I opened my mouth to mimic the expression.

Her expression was filled with disbelief and mockery as she looked at me. "Mind you I'm not a baby."

Okay, Mommy.

I thought she was going to ignore the food in my hand, but luckily she took a bite of the burger—just as the golden sun broke through the car's window. The sunlight illuminated her face, making her even more breathtaking in my eyes.

"Beautiful."

I realized she was referring to the golden light falling across the city. I looked away from the setting sun to focus my attention back on her, whose beauty unquestionably outshone any sunlight.

None of us spoke again. It was pleasant.