lilies.

70

Kabanata 70

"Eh ngayon, Gab? Nagbago na ba ang isip mo?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Pinagulong ko ang swivel chair papunta sa cubicle kung nasaan ang table niya.

"Bom dia," bati sa akin ng ilang mga employees na malapit sa pwesto ni Gab. I returned their greetings with a smile and a nod.

Nilingon ko ang kaibigan na abala sa pagbubukas ng computer niya.

"You've met different people every night, during meetings, and even business trips, why don't you just choose among them?"

"Because you're the safest choice?"

"Tigilan mo ko, Lily, I have things to finish before we fly back to PH tonight."

I leaned even closer. Desidido na kumbinsihin siya, "If you say yes, you would only see me when I'm not busy, and when is that? Wala! I would be so busy, I won't nag you. Ngayong hindi ka pumapayag, I have all the time in the world to convince you."

"Lily, you're asking for something irrevocable!"

"I told you, if we do it here. Pwede!"

Marahas siyang nagbuntong-hininga. Halos makitaan ko na ng usok ang dalawang butas ng ilong niya. Tinuro niya ang pinto palabas ng office ng department nila.

I smiled wryly.

"Out! Please...lang," nagtitimpi pero iritadong utos ni Gab sa akin.

I make a face to him. Sumunod din naman ako sa sinabi. I won't waste my chances here. Ayokong galitan siya at baka mas lalong hindi siya pumayag.

I'm not bringing anything to the airport like how I didn't bring anything with me 2 years ago when my Grandma and Mommy decided to send me to Portugal to work only for MECA Homes but projects are mostly based in Europe. Well, I did bring something before; my tote bag which mostly consists of my phone, passport, lipstick, and my vintage handycam which I used to bring anywhere with me. Now, I left it at home somewhere there. I don't know. Even that old phone or the lipstick, I'm not sure where they are.

Kumakaway-kaway si Gab papunta sa kung nasaan ako sa airport. May bitbit siyang pagkain habang bitbit ang backpack niya at tulak tulak ang itim na malaking maleta.

"Wala kang dala?"

Inilahad niya sa akin ang sandwich na dala niya.

How dare he act like he didn't throw me out this morning?

I glared at him.

"Don't give me that glare. Gutom lang yan!"

He never changed. He still always thinks that food solves every problem in the world.

When I think of him accepting my proposal, my mood immediately shifts. I received his sandwich peace offering, and smiled sweetly.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya nang makita akong ganon. He moved two steps backwards.

"Let's board later. Hear me out. You're rejecting me without even hearing me out yet. Like you're forgetting, who made your parents allow you to drop out from law school. Like someone magically gave you a high paying job and acknowledged your great credentials. Sino ba 'yon?"

I put my hand on my ears and came closer to him waiting to hear his answer.

"Tangina mo, Lily."

I chuckled. "Hear me out!"

"Malapit na magasgas yang linya mo na yan. Sulitin mo na! Sige, magsalita ka na."

Umayos ako ng tindig. I exhaled and look at him with my serious, sincere eyes.