as the stars would have it

106

[DIALOGUE]

< PUB. EVENING. >

The place wasn't so bad. Sa labas pinili ng mga pinsan ni Jachin na umupo.

Jachin glanced at her.

Jachin
Okay ka lang?

Evie
Oh. Yes, sorry! Natulala lang ako.

Ngumiti ito bago marahang inabot ang kamay niya.

It was now like an unspoken thing between them. Whenever Jachin felt she was overwhelmed or anxious, he'd offer his hand for her to hold.

Like now. She was a little nervous to meet his cousins.

Jachin
'Di mo kailangan mag-alala sa opinion nila. They already like you.

Evie looked up at him, nibbling her lower lip.

Sumunod ang mga mata ni Jachin sa labi nito.

Evie
I'm just a bit worried.

She pinched her index finger and thumb to show him how much.

Jachin
'Di mo sila kailangan i-impress. Pati ako.

Evie
I just want to make a good impression.

Jachin
Para?

Evie
So that they will like me. . . (whispers) for you.

Evie didn't think Jachin caught the last part because he didn't react and it was too noisy.

Jachin bent down a little closer to her to meet her eyes and Evie struggled to keep looking at him.

He made sure she was the only one who's going to hear what he was about to say next.

Jachin
But I like you. Counted na ba 'yon?

Evie felt her breath catch at what he said. Napatitig siya sa mga mata nitong nangungusap.

His eyes gleamed with adoration.

Evie
Ohh, uh. . .

Before she could answer, may tumawag na dito kaya napunta ang atensyon nito sa ibang tao.

Stephen
Huy, ito ba si Evie?!

Kinabig siya palayo ni Jachin sa pinsan nito, but Evie walked back towards his cousin.

Evie
Yes, I am! It's nice to meet you.

Stephen playfully bowed to her with his hand on his chest.

Stephen
Stephen Deogracias, madam. Pinsan ni Jachin. Also, ako 'yong nakausap mo sa phone niya.

Jachin
Nakakabwisit ka pa rin dahil do'n. 'Di na ako pwedeng makatulog pa nasa paligid kita. Tsk.