KATABI KO SI KLEYA SA LOOB NG VAN. We're all crammed inside the Hyundai Staria. Persephone was gazing out the window, lost in her thoughts, while Maurice was flipping through a magazine, his brow furrowed in concentration. And Anastasia and Penelope in the middle row, parehong mainggay sa pinaguusapan tungkol sa mga kesyo kalandian nila.
Kuya Rafael, our driver, navigates through the bustling streets with ease. Jena is on the other side of me, her attention focused on her cat, nestled contentedly in her lap. Bale nasa hulihan kami kasi three seated ‘to and Jena was too shy to sit with the Del Galiego kaya mas pinili ko na lang na dito kami umupo.
Suddenly while staring at Jena I realized she was looking somewhere. Sinundan ko ang tingin niya at nahuli nakatingin siya kay Perse. And I was shocked when I saw Perse was looking at her too! magkasalubong ang kilay nito. I think she was looking at Jena's cat.
“Baka matunaw.” biro ko dito.
She turned to me, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity,”Girl... that twin of Penelope... kanina pa siya sakin nakatitig sakin. Ayos lang ba siya?" Jena inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.
I couldn't resist teasing Jena a bit. "Baka type ka lang," I joked, a playful grin spreading across my face.
Inirapan niya lang ako at umiling na lamang. Tinutok niya na lang ang atensyon niya sa pusa. Suddenly, Kle’s hand rested lightly on my arm. Nasa ganun kami ng bigla magsalita si Penelope.
"Maurice, you should invite Vince para naman may quality time kayo-" but before she could finish her sentence, Maurice cut her off by raising his middle finger.
“How about you, Pen? Nasan na ang babae mo?" anastasia suddenly asked.
“You should ask her nasan ang babae niya at lalaki. Such a playgirl," Maui said.
“Hey! I'm not! Nakakainis kayo!" she protested, though a hint of laughter betrayed her irritation.
Hindi ko rin mapigilang hindi matawa sa pinaguusapan nila. Suddenly, Kleya rested her head on my shoulder, her warmth spreading through me as I glanced down at her. I noticed her gaze fixed on our hands, gently pressing mine as if seeking comfort. sa mga pinsan niya, she was the only one who remained silent, lost in her own thoughts.
Staring at her, I couldn't help but notice the sleepy look in her eyes. "Take a nap," I suggested softly, "I'll wake you up later.”
She looked up at me, about to protest, but I spoke again before she could.
"You're sleepy. Sige na. You can rest on my shoulder.”
“Babawi ako mamaya sayo," promising to make it up to me later.
I just nodded. I hoped her cousins wouldn't mind our quiet moment together. As Kleya nestled her head against my shoulder, I couldn't help but wonder why she seemed so tired. Maybe she had stayed up late, pouring over her assignments or working on a project. Or perhaps she had been dealing with personal issues that kept her awake into the early hours of the morning. Whatever the reason, it was clear that she needed rest.
I gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, silently wishing I could take away her tiredness and replace it with peace.
INABOT NG DALAWANG ORAS O MAHIGIT bago kami makapunta sa Isla Cabana Resort, and one by one, Kleya's cousins stepped out of the van, leaving just the two of us inside. As I waited for Kleya to wake up, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me in the quiet confines of the vehicle.
I noticed her sleeping peacefully beside me. I reached out and gently began to caress her hair, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I watched her breathe softly.
BINABASA MO ANG
Chasing The Wild (Del Galiego Series #2 || ON-HOLD)
Romansa"In the pursuit of her love, I found the strength to chase my own dreams, even if they lead me away from her."
