Jade's POV
I was unaware that I was already staring at her. She's a goddess and I was definitely under her spell. Her voice is soothing as if the song was only just for me.
Sino ka ba talaga?
Unknown Number Calling.
I was immediately awaken because of the phone call.
"Hello? Who's this?"
"It's your Ahia Paul, Jade. How are you?"
"Kuya?! I'm fine, really. How about you? Kamusta ka dyan?" This is a very happy day, indeed.
"Ok lang. Ganun padin. Dada's been searching for you here in L.A. Akala niya siguro nandito ka parin. I just wanted to know if you're alright dyan. Have you met some friends?" He asked.
"Yes. Her name's Nica and she's been planning her wedding next week. Invited nga ako eh and that's really good kasi wala naman akong gagawin dito kung hindi ang tumambay lang. Okay na yung may napupuntahan ako paminsan-minsan." I said.
"That's good, shobe. Basta ang mahalaga, ligtas ka dyan. Be safe always, okay? Take care."
"Yes kuya. I'll hung up now, may gagawin pa kasi ako. Bye!"
I sat on my bed reflecting on what just happened.
Did I just dream of that girl at that restaurant? What's happening to me?
I perfectly remember the pair of round eyes, her lips that red, and her tattoo on her wrist that's very visible.
I shrugged.
"Maybe you're just curious to know her, Jade. Don't overreact!"
But you can't stop thinking of her!
"Ugh! I need to get out!"
I got up and went to the bathroom to shower. Pagkatapos nun pumunta na akong walk-in-closet ko para mamili ng isusuot ko.
Saan naman kay ako pupunta?
I decided to call Nica para narin magtanung-tanong.
"Hello, Nics? Is there any club na malapit lang dito? I just want to relax sana and check it out. Do you have any places to recommend?" I said.
"Uhh there are two bars na malapit dyan sa building. One's for hard parties and all samantalang yung isa naman parang pang chill lang talaga. Kung gusto mo dun ka na sa mas peaceful. Hahaha. It's undeniably a place for thinking." She replied.
"Okay. Can you send me the name of the bars?"
"Sure. I want to go sana with you kaya lang I'm so tired from our meeting with the wedding coordinator eh. Katatapos lang din naming halos kaya sabi ni Vince magpahinga na daw muna kami. Basta! Kung pupunta ka man dun, just tell that I'm your friend para papasukin ka na agad. I'm a shareholder din kasi doon sa clubs na yun."
"No! It's cool, really. Okay. Thank you! Bye!"
Nica texted me the names of the bars and umalis na ako para puntahan iyon. Inuna ko yung mas soothing na place and I must say, para nga itong exclusive bar. Sinabi ko yung pangalan ni Nica sa bouncers and ayon nga, pinapasok na agad nila ako.
The place is nice and simple. Para naming hindi ito bar? I went to the table and ordered a drink.
Hay. Bakit kaya ang saklap ng buhay ko? May pamilya akong sobrang arte, at ex-boyfriend na manloloko. Hindi ko talaga matanggap kung bakit sa akin pa talaga nangyayari 'to.
I was already halfway through my drink nang may tumabi sa gilid ko.
"Chief, yung akin ha?" Said the lady.
That voice.
Tumingin ako sa gilid ko and siya nga, the lady that I've been thinking of since I laid my eyes on her.
Andito siya!
"Wow. You're back for good ey?" The bartender said.
"Yes. That part's should be in the past. Haha!"
I was clearly listening to their convo kaya lang umalis nadin agad yung babae.
"Excuse me. Do you know that lady?" I asked.
"Yes. That's Ma'am Althea. Palagi 'yang andito. She considers this place as her thinking area." He said.
Althea
After finishing my drink, umorder parin ako ng isa and went to the balcony of this bar. Ang ganda lang talaga dito.
Ang ganda lang kasi kitang kita mo ang lahat. It was like a way for calming oneself. I was staring at the city lights when someone talked at my side.
"Hi. Ikaw nanaman." She smiled. Thousand volts were sent when we had our eye contact.
"It's you." I nervously said.
"Huh? Haha. Hi. My name's Althea. You've been very familiar today." She said while waiting for our handshake.
I was speechless. Siya nga! Oh god.
"Hello? Am I talking to a wall?" She laughed.
"Uhh sorry. I'm Jade. I saw you singing at Runner's Kitchen. You were so good!" I said when I touched her hand.
And that was it. Parang may kuryente na dumaloy sa katawan ko. Kinakabahan ako sa mga nangyayari at feeling ko sasabog na ata ako. My breathing has changed and nararamdaman ko na halos ang pagbeat ng heart ko.
"Ohh. Kaya pala you look familiar! I saw you there when I was singing. Hahaha. I'm one of the owners of RK. It's a business with some of my colleagues." She smiled. Shit.
"Is that Batchi one of your friends? I-I'm sorry. It's just that narinig ko kayong nag-uusap habang pinipili ka niyang kumanta." Nakakahiya!
"Hahaha! It's fine. Yes she is. Isa din siyang owner dun." She said while looking at the buildings.
"She?" I said.
"Ahhh. Batchi is a butch lesbian. It's fine. Hahaha!" She looked at me.
"So, what brings you here?" She said as she smiled. Feeling ko talaga magbblush na'ko!
"Problems. Haha. I want to forget things for a while. And luckily, this place has been a really nice spot." I said.
"True. Kaya madalas talaga andito pagkatapos ng trabaho ko sa RK."
There's an awkward silence na nangyari bago ulit siya nagsalita.
"Alam ko na! You want to go somewhere quiet? I know a place para mailabas natin mga sama ng loob natin." She said.
"Really. Is it ok to join you? Baka naman I-" She stopped me by touching my cheeks.
"It's all good. Kahit kakakilala palang natin eh magaan na ang loob ko sa'yo. Come on let's go buy some beers para naman mas lalong sumaya! Tara na?" She happily said as she held my hand.
"Okay." I said while looking at our hands.
Oh great gods. What am I feeling?!
