Shelter in a Storm (Elyu Series #2)

Chapter 36

"God, what am I doing...?" I whispered to myself, leaning against the couch where Enrique is sleeping.

His sister wasn't even kidding when she said he can't handle his liquor! Ni hindi ko man lang nakausap nang matino ang lalaki. Nagtaka lang ako kung bakit bigla itong tumahimik at mayamaya, nakatulog na sa upuan!

I wanted to punch myself for even asking him to drink! Wala naman akong napala bukod sa pagod ko sa pagbubuhat sa kaniya sa loob dahil hindi ko siya pwedeng iwanan sa labas habang bumabagyo.

My eyes drifted to the clock above the wall. It's almost four in the morning. I stifled a yawn and glanced at him once more. He looked so peaceful... just sleeping. The worries and exhaustion are gone from his face.

Lumapit ako sa mukha ng lalaki habang mariing nakatitig sa unang markang nakuha niya sa pagsusundalo. How did this happen? I want to hear the story. Pagbibigyan niya ba ako kung tatanungin ko?

I wanted to trace the small scar with my fingers but I held myself back. Kung baliktad kami ng posisyon ngayon, malamang ay nagalit na ako. Tumayo na ako at kinumutan si Enrique bago nagtungo sa sariling kwarto para sa wakas ay makapagpahinga.

A few hours into my sleep, I heard noises outside. I glanced lazily at my clock, noting that I only have afternoon classes to attend today. Ipipikit ko pa sana ulit ang mga mata nang maalalang narito nga pala si Enrique sa boarding house!

I swiped the blanket away and jumped from my bed, my heart beating wildly. Is he the one making noises outside? Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko, kinakapa kung saan nanggaling ang kabang nararamdaman gayong hindi naman ito ang unang pagkakataon na kaming dalawa lang sa iisang bahay.

I took a deep breath and tried to fix myself before going out. Hindi ako makapaghilamos dahil nasa labas ng kwarto ang CR kaya pinunasan ko nalang ng wipes ang mukha ko. Naglagay ako ng kaunting polbo at kaunting lip tint para hindi ako masyadong maputla tingnan. Saka pa ako dahan-dahang lumabas.

He was gone from the couch. The blanket I gave him was neatly folded atop. I could smell the coffee brewing from my kitchen and the sound of bacon sizzling.

"Wala kang hangover?"

Enrique shrugged, with his back still turned from me. I guess he heard me the moment I stepped out of the room.

"Hindi naman siguro ako magkaka-hangover sa ganun ka-konting alak."

"Pero nalasing ka!" I giggled, trying to picture his inflamed face last night. Tulog na tulog talaga ito at kahit anong tapik ko sa mukha ay hindi nagigising!

Enrique only groaned as a response, transferring the newly-cooked bacon into a separate plate. I leaned against the doorway, watching him with amusement in my eyes.

"I really did not expect this from you. You're an army officer and for you to get so easily drunk seems so... out of character." Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong mag-komento.

Enrique was silent for a bit, taking in my words. Then, he turned to me. "Do you want me to drink?"

"Huh?"

"I'll start drinking from now on."

"Hindi naman yun ang ibig kong sabihin!" Bawi ko kaagad.

"Ayaw mo?"

"I'm just... pointing it out." Naupo ako sa lamesa nang maglagay na siya ng mga plato't kutsara. "You remind me of Ivo. It's... cute."

Enrique was silently pouring my coffee into my mug. I mumbled a thanks and waited for him to join me. Nang makaupo ang lalaki, natawa ulit ako.