The Oleander Woman [Free Space Series #1]

CHAPTER 55: Talk

"Thank you for taking care of my car, Stephanie. I'll be there within an hour."

Hinilot ko ang sentido pagtapos ibaba ang phone. I'm on my way to the place where she celebrated her birthday last night to get my car back. Nagpahatid ako kay Damian, sinusungitan pa nga ako ng isang 'to dahil may naka schedule siyang meeting mamaya.

"You look dizzy,"

"'Cause I am," I said, closing my eyes irritatedly. My elbow is on the car window as I massage my temple gently. 

"But you're okay last night?"

I know. Kaya nga ako nagpasundo sa'yo kagabi dahil nahihilo na ako. Hindi ko rin maintindihan kung bakit bigla akong bumalik sa wisyo after seeing Kaori.

I wonder how we will be able to have a private moment for us to talk. She seems unbothered by my presence. It looks like she... don't care anymore. Yes, we do make eye contact, but that's it. Hanggang doon lang dahil umiiwas ako palagi. I don't even have any idea where to get the courage to look back at her. I feel so weak whenever she's near me. I feel like a small ant inside a big forest. 

I let out a problematic sigh. 

"If you want, I'll get your car for you after my meeting. Sumama ka nalang muna sa'kin, rest in my office while you wait for me." Kinapa niya ang leeg ko pagtapos akong pagbuksan ng pinto. 

"It's okay, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? I'm worried-"

"Thank you, Damian, but you should hurry up. You still have a meeting to attend to." I gently pushed him away as I started walking towards the entrance. "Thanks for giving me a ride." At tuluyan nang pumasok. 

Maaga pa kaya wala gaanong tao sa loob. Puro mga nagtatrabaho lang ang dinatnan ko, mga hindi pa nakasuot ng uniform.

I stayed standing beside the entrance as I looked around to find Stephanie. Nang hindi siya makita, inilabas ko ang phone ko at tinawagan ito. 

I was waiting for her to answer the call when suddenly someone from the back bumped my shoulder aggressively.

"What the heck," sa lakas nito, alam kong sinadya ito at hindi lang basta aksidente lang. Nabitawan ko ang phone ko at nahulog sa sahig! "Don't you know how to-"

I felt my knees becoming weak after seeing who it was.

It was Kaori!

Tinapunan niya ako saglit ng tingin bago bumalik sa paglalakad na parang walang nangyari. The people inside the bar run towards her and welcome her with their sweet and big smiles. Nagsimula silang magpa-autograph at papicture habang ako, naiwang tulala at pinapanood silang pagkaguluhan siya. 

I can feel my cheeks heating up. Embarrassment immediately field my entire body as I bend over to get my phone.

"Tamg! There you are!"

Kagat-kagat ang ibabang labi na lumingon ako rito. Oh! thank you so much, Stephanie! I can't imagine myself continuing to stand awkwardly after what just happened. 

"Looking so beautiful, Tamg!" She held my chin. "Are you okay? Is there something wrong?" Tapos ay makahulugan niyang sinulyapan kung nasaan si Kaori.

This girl!

I nod. "I'm fine."

"Your voice is betraying you," she chuckled.

Sana pala hindi nalang ako nagsalita. I cannot even breathe properly. Ready na akong sigawan kung sino man yun e! Kaso nawala lahat ng tapang ko pagtapos magsalubong ang mga mata namin. Her face is emotionless, yet I can feel tons of emotions from her.