[DIALOGUE]
< RIGO'S CAR. EVENING. >
Naipit sila sa traffic kaya naman hininaan muna ni Rigo ang music para kung may gusto matulog, pwede magpahinga.
Evie could not rest however.
She was seated in between Jachin and Abe, while Fatima was beside Rigo in front of them.
Jachin was silent since they left the airport. Tahimik nitong pinanonood ang mga sasakyan sa labas.
Evie
Jachin. . .
She tapped his forearm, pero hindi siya nito nilingon.
Evie's lips protruded in a pout. But she tried again.
Evie
Jachin. . .
Two taps on his forearm now.
Nang lumingon ito ay inangat ni Evie ang kamay niyang kanina pa may hawak na baked bread.
She left one for him.
Evie
Mila said you wanted one.
Jachin stared at it for a few seconds before finally taking it.
Evie smiled and mentally cheered. At least he wasn't complete mad at her.
Jachin
Evie, ba't 'di mo 'ko sinasagot? May nagawa ba ako?
Jachin softly uttered, so as to not disturb everyone in the car.
Evie shook her head and rested her hand on his forearm.
Evie
Well, I was a bit busy, yes. Pero. . . you wouldn't understand.
Evie
I'm sorry for ignoring you.
Jachin
Try me.
Jachin
Maiintindihan ko.
Evie
It's about. . . you.
Nag-init ang pisngi ni Evie.
Kumunot ang noo ni Jachin at itinuro ang sarili.
Jachin
Ako? Bakit?
Evie
Just. . . I can't say it right now.
Napabuntong-hininga ito bago marahang tumango.
Jachin
Okay. . .
Jachin
'Di mo na ba ako iinbox-zoned?
Evie quickly shook her head.
Jachin
Okay. . .
Evie
Galit ka ba?
Jachin
Hindi. . . na.
Jachin's eyes wandered on her face, his eyes stopping for a bit on her lips.
Jachin
Paano ako magagalit sa mukhang 'yan?
Evie
My face?
Patagong ngumiti si Jachin at kumagat sa tinapay na binigay ni Evie.
Jachin
(whispers) Maganda.
Evie wasn't able to hear it because Rigo suddenly turned up the music, but she was glad that Jachin ate the bread.
Evie's remained on Jachin as he ate, watching his expression if he liked it.
Evie
Yum?
Jachin nodded.
Jachin
Ikaw ba gumawa nito?
Evie
Yes, kagabi ko ginawa. I was actually making it for. . . you.
Jachin
Tapos binigay mo kay Mila?
Ngumuso ito and Evie just wanted to poke his dimple.
Evie
Parting gift ko na sa kanya. I can do some more for you.
Jachin
As an afterthought.
Evie
Nooo. You were my first thought. Kasi nga. . . hindi kita sinasagot.
Jachin just chuckled. He loved teasing her.
Jachin
Pero 'wag mo na ulit gagawin 'yon. Kinabahan ako kasi akala ko may nagawa akong mali.
Evie wasn't aware, but the way she softly pats Jachin's forearm was making him feel things.
Evie
Okay, I understand.
Evie
Are you okay?
Jachin shrugged.
Jachin
Medyo hindi. Pero magiging okay din ako.
Evie's eyes softened.
Jachin
Ikaw? Nagkausap kayo ni Mila?
Evie
Yes. . . last night. She told me things and apologized. Why did she apologized?
Nagkibit-balikat si Jachin kahit alam niya kung ano ang dahilan.
Jachin
Some other time maybe I'll tell you. . . pero ngayon, mas okay siguro na hanggang doon lang muna.
Evie
I know it's important.
Jachin
'Wag mo na muna alalahanin.
After a while, Evie nodded in understanding. It still wasn't clear to her what Mila was apologizing for, but she at least knew that she needed to let that out.
Jachin leaned towards Evie.
Jachin
Pwede akong matulog dito?
He pointed at her shoulder.
When Evie nodded, Jachin rested his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.
It might be the best nap he had in a while.
* * *
#ATSWHIwp
BINABASA MO ANG
as the stars would have it
Storie d'AmoreAFTER HEARTACHES SERIES #1 Evie Santandes was always the odd girl, and she was fine with it. Between caring for her three cats, all with different personalities, volunteering at a local veterinary clinic, and studying, she doesn't have much time on...
