Relentlessly Yours [Completed]

Chapter 15

Nicola, Age Twenty Five
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Nagpa-balik-balik ako sa Africa nitong nakaraang taon. I involved myself with the feeding program and recreation project my father and I created for the people in the village. I am proud to say that we are thriving.

Madami kaming natanggap na donations at may mga donors din kaming nag-commit para mag sponsor long-term. Both Leyton and Reid pledged to be one of those long-term donors, too.

I distracted and kept myself busy by running the feeding program and at the same time, going through therapy for my hand. Mas maayos at nakakapagpinta na ulit ako ngayon although hindi pa katulad talaga ng dati. Hindi muna ako tumanggap ng mga commisions at clients dahil ayaw kong ma-pressure at pilitin ang sarili kong magpinta.

I was in Africa for short periods of time every month. Minsan, one week. Minsan, ilang araw lang. And if I were to be completely honest, it was partly because Kai constantly went home and I made sure to steer clear of him. I avoided him at all cost, the best as I could.

Napatingin ako sa phone ko nang mag-notify 'yon na nakatanggap ako ng text.

Jethro: My birthday party tonight. Don't forget!

Nicola: I'm still recovering from jetlag but I might show up.

Jethro: Not 'might'. Pretty please? I made sure to prepare lots and lots of pastries.

Wala sa loob na napangiti ako.

Nicola: I can make my own pastries.

Jethro: Are you really going to make me beg? If so, then P.L.E.A.S.E

Nicola: LOL. Okay!

Jethro and I developed a very platonic friendship while I was away for two years and especially the past year. Palagi kaming nagte-text at minsan ay video call. He even tagged along with me to Africa to volunteer for a few times.

Pumunta ako sa kabilang kwarto kung nasan ang mini studio ko matapos kong ilagay at ayusin ang mga gamit ko galing sa mga maleta.

Naglakad ako sa gilid para kumuha ng blangkong canvass. I plan to paint something quick and nice for Jethro's birthday. Gusto ko 'ring subukang mag-pinta ulit. Ito ang unang beses na magpi-paint ako since I lost control of my hand after I damaged some nerves when I cut myself three years ago.

Nilapag ko ang cellphone sa mesa katabi ng mga shelves kung nasaan ang iba't ibang klase ng pintura ko. Dad made sure I have everything I needed for painting.

Bahagyang napahinto ang mga paa ko nang nahagip ng mga mata ko ang painting na nasa pinaka-gilid ng studio ko. Natigilan ako ng bahagya at agad na kumabog ang puso.

It was my first painting of Kai when I was eleven years old. When I first started painting, I painted him over and over again. Day and night. I wanted to perfect his face so much, I spent most of my time in this studio just to relieve the unwavering fascination that I felt for him.

Wala sa loob na hinaplos ko ang mukha niya. Nakatingin siya sa gilid ng bahagya at may banayad na ekspresyon sa mukha. I made it like this dahil gustong-gusto ko siyang titigan dati pag hindi siya nakatingin. Medyo tabingi pa ang ilong niya sa painting na 'to. Hindi rin accurate ang labi at panga niya. But I think I captured his slanted eyes pretty well and the youthful look on his slightly round cheeks.

He had a resting serious face and he always looked relaxed and at ease even as a child. Like he didn't care much about anyone around him. He used to always reserve his smiles for me, too, which I loved so much. That and he liked playing with my hair with his fingers as I sketched or painted.

Lahat ng naka display at nakadikit sa dingding ng studio ko ay mukha niya or sillhouete niya pero itong painting na 'to ang pinaka-paborito ko. I contemplated giving this on his twelveth birthday but decided to keep it for myself.