The Laurier Series 1: The shades of golden sunset

01

Just as when the classical music that's been playing for the whole day finally stopped, natapos ko na rin ang ipinipinta kong larawan.

"Wah! Kapagod." Bungad sa akin ni Eleonor pagkapasok niya ng kwarto ko. Agad siyang umupo sa sofa na malapit sa coffee table kung saan mabilis niyang inilapag ang bit-bit niyang bag. Agad naman niyang niyakap ang maliit na unan at saka pumikit.

"Dun ka magpahinga sa kwarto mo." I let out a deep sigh before I stared at my artwork, mesmerizing every little details of it.

An overwhelming dark place full of unknown people with their faces smudge with the color of white as if it was unrecognizable-blurry.

"Maganda, mas maganda kung may buhay naman sana." She mumbles at my back. "Ang boring tingnan. " She even added with her chin on her hands.

"Then go make your own artwork black sawan-swan." Iritang sagot ko saka sinamaan Siya ng tingin. "And, why did you come in here with those shoes. It looks unsettling." Inis na tanong sabay tango ko sa suot niyang pointe shoes.

"Wala namang atraso itong sapatos ko sayo hah." She pouted.

"You're judging my masterpiece eh. Serves you right." I scoffs. " Lumayas ka na nga. " Inirapan ko siya bago tumalikod para maglakad papunta sa banyo at maghugas ng kamay kong puno ng itim at puting pinta.

"Wow, parang hindi pinsan. Tsss." She scowl. After a few seconds, she just left without any word. Kahit goodnight man lang sana. Mukha talaga siyang bibe.

Naisipan kong tumambay muna sa terrace para tingnan ang paborito kong parte ng gabi, ang mga naggagandahang tanawin. The silence of the night, views of city lights, constellations of stars, and moon shining in silver coy, everything's just so-perfect.

I tilted my head as I close my eyes. I felt a relaxing sensations by the cold breeze touching my skin and brushing my hair.

Akala ko ay mababalutan na ng katahimikan ang mundo ko ng biglang pumasok nanaman si Sylvia dala ang ilang unan niya. She's wearing a pair of pajamas, she yawns as she walks closer to my bed. Hindi pa nga siya nagpa-paalam ay agad na siyang nag dive pahiga sa kama. Kaya naman pala hindi nag goodnight, dito matutulog.

"Let me sleep with you." Nakadapang sabi niya. Those words is translated into 'goodnight'

"Sweet dreams. " I softly said before letting her dozes off.

Hindi ko alam kung anong oras akong nakatulog. That night, when I crawled beside Sylvia, ang ingay niyang matulog, I couldn't even sleep! That's why I let my mind wander. I was painting pictures in my head. I'm trying to put bright colors, but things' just hard to mix up. After that, my mind just went snapped.

I felt a warm cozy touch on my face-a touch of sun rays passing through my window. Nasilawan pa ako kaya naman ay hindi ko maidilat ang aking mga mata ng husto.

It's weekend, I planned to do something for myself so here I am now standing in front of the mirror inside of my bathroom, brushing my teeth. I took a bath first before getting myself settled.

I wear a white shirt tuck in a high waisted jeans paired with black ankle boots. I even styled my medium long straight hair into waterfall and put a small amount of face powder on my face.

Pagkalabas ko ay bumungad sa akin ang isang Sylvia Eleonor Laurier na naka bihis panlabas. Her hair was tied in messy bun, she was wearing a white turtleneck and black skirt with buttons paired with black strappy heels.

"Where are you going?" Tanong niya nang sabay kaming magglakad pababa ng hagdan.

"Just chilling out. Maybe, maggo-grocery na rin." I calmly answered.

"Grocery? Tapos ganyang outfit?" Angal niya saka tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Parang may sinabi akong 'maybe'? "Anyways, I forgot to tell you something last night. May bagong bukas na museum sabi nila. Wanna come with me? You'd probably like it there. I'm just going to check something kasi." She said as she took her car keys while her eyes focusing on the screen of her phone, typing.

"No, I'm good. Baka mag-mukha akong third wheel." I refuse as I also took my car keys.

"Third wheel?! What the hell does that even mean?" Nagsalubong ang kilay niya."Hey, wala pa akong boyfriend, okay?! I was just busy talking with some friends." Pagpapaliwanag pa niya.

I know, nang aasar lang talaga ako.

"Who knows?." I just smirk as I walk pass her, crossing my arms on my chest, feeling quite satisfied by her annoyed face. Agad na akong dumeretso sa parking lot.

-

"I want to order uh, caramel macchiato and blueberry cheesecake muffins please." I said when it's finally my turn to oder. The cashier and the barista were both staring at me.

Ganda ko ba Naman.

"Gracias." I smiled as they finally gave me my order. After having my breakfast, I drove my car to the mall to go shopping. Pero wala akong nagustuhan kaya naman ay dumeretso ako sa marketplace kung saan pwedeng mag grocery.

"An apple a day. Keeps the doctor away." Bulong ko habang naglalagay ng tig-iisang mansanas sa tulak-tulak kong cart.

"Miss." A baritone voice called. Akala ko ibang tao ang tinatawag niya. Not until a tall man, with wondrous eyes blocked my way. "Miss, I was calling you for like, hundred of times. But you weren't listening." He stated as he finally caught my attention. He looks annoyed. He even snapped his finger right in front of my face dahil sa nakatunganga na ako sa kaniya.

"Huh? W-What do you want?" Nauutal na tanong ko.

"This one's yours right?" He asks, showing me my brooch." Holy-- Hala, my hair is ruined. " Nagaalalang sabi ko saka kinuha yon sa kaniya.

I quickly tried to put my brooch back to my hair. Medyo messy na yung hair ko, I'm struggling to put it back since wala akong mirror.

"Let me help you." He insisted as he batted my hands away. "You're worried but you look calm." He unbelievably scoffs.

"Well, it's just me." I replied. "Thank you, by the way." I smiled once he's finish.

"Mind if I ask for your name?" He asked as he put his hands in his pocket.

"Well, I'm Peony." I let out an awkward laugh. " Peony Levine Laurier."

"Peony like the flower?"

"Yeah. It was also my favorite." I bit my bottom lip, trying to stop the urge to smile. "And you are?"

"Aaron. Aaron Damien Young." And with just one smile of his, my heart was irrevocably gone.

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