heaven has gained an angel

31. Let the Universe Decide

Chapter 31: Let the Universe Decide

Prism

"Hanggang ngayon, hindi mo pa rin pala ako matalo-talo sa pagiging early bird, no?" Ayara greeted me using those words as I stepped in to our room. The smile immediately find its way to my lips. I just miss this, this kind of set up, especially her. Her beauty. A weeks without talking her made me miss her so much. Kagaya pa rin noon, tahimik ang silid, siya lang mag-isa rito habang nakahalumbaba at mapupungay ang mga mata na nakatingin sa pinto, hinihintay ang pagdating ko.

"Good morning," I greeted as I sat beside her. "Natalo kita once," pakikipag-usap ko na parang walang iwasan at ilangang nangyari nitong nakaraang linggo.

"Really? Kailan? Hindi kaya ako nagpapatalo," kunot-noo niyang tanong.

"The day when you watched the sunrise nearby that made me get here before you."

Sandali siyang napaisip. Napatango siya na may kasamang ngisi nang may maalala. Akala ko magtataka pa siya pero mali ako. "Yeah, I remember that. Ayan 'yong iniwasan mo ako bigla, sabi mo, mala-late ka lang pumasok pero ang totoo, you already here. If you don't know, nakita kitang naglalakad paalis no'ng malapit ka na sa akin. And it's not counted. Nauna pa rin ako sa 'yo."

"Nakita mo pala ako," medyo nagulat kong sabi.

"Yup. Hindi lang kita tinawag but I'm sure it's you. Until now I still don't know why you ignored me those days."

Umiwas ako ng tingin. "Ba't ba palagi kang nauuna? You shouldn't take this seriously," I switched the topic.

She let out a small laugh. "Aside sa makalibre ng lunch, para lang sure na hindi ma-late at hindi tamaring pumasok. You know how much I'm thankful to our deal, right? I'm became motivated as I started my day. Clearly, nagbunga naman 'yon since my grades improved. 'Yon naman ang gusto mo, 'di ba?"

"Oo pero baka naman 'di ka nakakatulog nang maayos dahil lang sa deal natin?" concerned kong pagkakatanong.

She chuckled. "I'm just competitive, you know," giit niya. "By the way, hindi rin ako magtatagal. I just wanted to give you my gift," pag-iiba niya ng usapan sabay labas ng regalo mula sa loob ng bag niya. Based on its shape, I already got the idea what's inside of it. "Happy birthday!"

"May regalo ka pa talaga sa akin, ha."

"Of course! It's your day and you deserve a gift from me for being the kindest, sweetest and best person I've ever met," pahayag niya.

"Is this a picture frame?" I asked as she handed me her gift.

"Obvious ba masyado? Buksan mo na lang, dali!" she said excitedly. Pinagsaklop niya pa mga kamay niya.

"Alright," I said as I started to rip off the gift wrapper. Hindi mawala-wala ang ngiti niya habang pinapanood ako sa ginagawa ko. Nanlaki agad ang mga mata ko nang bahagya kong masilip ang nasa loob. "Wow?" Itinigil ko ang pagsira ng gift wrapper at hindi makapaniwalang napatingin sa kaniya. I genuinely smiled. "Really? No way."

That made her smile even more. "Buksan mo na kasi! Dalian mo! Bagal."

Sinunod ko ang utos niya at nagpatuloy sa pagsira hanggang tuluyan ko nang makita ang nasa loob. I guessed right that it was a picture frame but the surprising part was that she drew a portrait of me using an oil pastel. I never expected to receive a present like this on my birthday. This is too much. "You draw me? Is this really me?" I was mesmerized as I stared at it like an idiot and smiled.

She nodded. "Of course, it's you. Who else? Honestly, hindi ko rin kasi alam kung ano 'yong puwede kong iregalo sa iyo. Hindi ka naman mahilig sa perfume, accessories or other men stuff. So, I just decided to draw you since you remind me how talented I am and you are special to me. Also, I want to give you something that would make you remember me. Did you like it?"