Tila Tala

XV

“Happy new year, Gani...”

[“Happy new year, baby...”]

I automatically smiled. He is being extra sweet now that he finally expressed his feelings. Isagani is being more vocal and showy about what he feels and I am liking it. I can feel he is now more comfortable moving around.

“Are we going out tomorrow?”

[“Where do you want to go, hmm?”]

“Can I... visit your place?”

He smiled and nodded. [“Of course, Tal. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”]

[“Rest now, baby. It’s almost one na...”]

I nodded and ended the call after staring at him for a couple of seconds. Now is not the right time, Tal. It’s too early and fast for you to wait for him to say that.

“You owned this house? It’s pretty nice and big... ikaw lang mag-isa?” I tried to ask, opening a topic.

The house looks like a house in the late 2000s. Not so old, not so modern. There are portraits, paintings, and some pictures hanging on the wall. Masyado ring malinis tingnan dahil hindi puno ng furniture at well arranged ang mga iilang gamit.

Pinagmasdan ko ang mga litratong nakahilera sa side table.

“It’s my Aunt’s old house. Sa ibang bansa na siya nags-stay ngayon kaya hinayaan niya akong gamitin nito. Not totally akin pero nasabi na rin ni Tita na malapit na niyang ipangalan sa akin ‘to. And yes, I’m living here alone.” He answered.

I nodded my head multiple times. Naupo ako sa tabi niya sa hindi gaanong makalumang sofa.

“Aren’t it lonely to live alone in a large house?”

He pout his lips and narrowed his eyes. “It does, but I am already used to it. Ever since.”

“You know what... you are really lucky having Tita Therine and Tito Marcus as your parents who are staying by your side,” he uttered. “I never experienced that. My parents have never been like that.”

Napalingon ako sa kaniya. I met Isagani’s eyes and now, you can’t read any emotions once again. But when he smiled, there was a hint of pain and pleasure in it.

“Kaya natutuwa ako every time your family are including me... it feels like finding a new home— no, finding a home... because I never had one.”

I smiled. He knew how to appreciate every little thing. I cupped his cheeks, not breaking the contact.

“Gani, you are always welcome... my family is also your family.”

I am happy that he is slowly being comfortable telling me stories. From his past, his experiences, his thoughts and feelings.

February 14, araw ng mga puso. I bet, it’s raining of flowers outside.

Lumabas ako mula sa kuwarto, I watched how Daddy kissed Mommy’s temple after giving her a bouquet of flowers and a red velvet box. What a morning full of sweetness of love.

“Happy heart’s day, lovers!”

“Good morning, my Tala,” Daddy greeted. “Mawawalan ba naman ng flowers ang baby ko na ‘yan from Daddy.” He gave me a bouquet but it’s not a bundle of roses. It’s tons of makeup!

“Thank you, Daddy!”

I was humming and jumping a little while walking around the campus, so positive that I will receive even just a piece of roses for today. I am wearing red, at color coding kami ngayon. Red means you are in love. Well, I really am.