Cake
Habang kausap si Liam, hindi ko mapigilang humanga. Rhi was right, he is smart. Mapapansin mo iyon sa pagsasalita pa lang niya. Sporty rin kasi yun ang pinag uusapan namin ngayon.
“I am actually here for the fiesta, it's been a while.” Matigas na ingles nito.
“Ah, oo. Ilang linggo na lang rin ‘no?” Patukoy ko sakaniya.
He nodded, “Hmm,"
Tumango-tango naman ako habang nakatingin sa kaniyang mga mata. Tila nahihipnotismo sa kaniyang nagniningning na kulay asul na mata. It felt like they want me to drown in his gaze and I'm up for it. Totally drowning with his soft gaze towards me.
I was like that for a moment. It seems like he was enjoying it. Me being drowned in his guys, melting the soul in me. It's as if intentional.
Rhi then exclaimed. “Hay, magkakasundo talaga yan. Parehong mahilig sa ‘hmm’ eh.” At unti-unting lumalayo sa amin. I looked at her with widened eyes. She just smirked at me and looked at the sky. “Ano bang meron dun?” Aniya na parang kinakausap ang mga ulap.
Tinignan ko naman pabalik si Liam. He looked at Rhi like Rhi has some disease in mind.
I laughed awkwardly, “You’re early to be here, though?”
He looked at me, “Hindi naman. I usually come here 3-4 months before the fiesta, ngayon lang naging isang buwan kasi naging busy sa trabaho.”
Tumango ako. Tinignan ko ang kalangitan. Ang maitim na ulip ay unti-unting nawawala. My mouth stretched for a smile. Para itong kumakalma pagkatapos maglabas ng kaniyang hinananaing.
“I also want to play here." I looked at him, brows forrowed. "I mean, join the basketball game in our town.” He explained.
I stilled looking at him curiously. He smiled.
“I missed playing basketball but I don't know if I'm qualified though.”
That gave me an idea. I looked at him with a smile on my face. His brows furrowed, eyes stayed at me reading me. I shrugged it all off.
“Why wouldn't you be not qualified? You live here.”
“Yeah, certainly. Last 5 years ago, I tried pero hinarangan ako noong mga kalaban, iyong mga kalapit na barangay? They said I shouldn't play because I was a hella balik-bayan.” He said.
“What!? They can't be serious! You're a Natividad for fuck sake!” Rhi said bursting.
“Frhiana, your mouth!” Liam said warningly.
I looked at her, shocked at the sudden information. Then back to Liam. He looked like he's just cool with it. Never minding the fact that he's a Natividad. Wow.
The Natividad's are known in our town. More specifically, here in Leyte. They are known for their humble personalities and kindness towards people. Some says the men in them are ruthless in the business. Though, their leadership can’t be questioned because they lead their company great.
Tinignan ko pabalik si Rhi, she looked at me and chuckled. Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin ko kay Rhi at Liam. Then Liam suddenly spoke.
“Goodness, that's not a reason for me to say so that I can enter the game, Frhiana.”
Rhi then rolled her eyes, “Well then, my great cousin. I tell you not to waver because you will play whether they like it or not.”
My eyes widened as I looked at Rhi more. She mouthed 'what?' and just giggled.
The man beside me then sighed, "I'll try to see if I can play, Frhiana. Wag mong gagamitin ang apelyido ko." He said seriously. His voice colder than the wind around us.
