Why - a Macolet au

Chapter 2

Colet

We were closing up the cafe when suddenly our Manager approached me.

"Oh Colet, mauna ka na umuwi. Maaga ka kanina dito ah," he said. "Yes po, tapusin ko lang—" I answered but was interrupted.

"Sige na, mauna ka na. May exam ka pa bukas," our Manager insisted, shooing me towards the staff room so I could get my bag.

"Bawi po ako bukas, promise!" I said, thankful. Relief coursing through my tired body. I quickly changed out of my uniform, kept the cap and got my jacket.

I called out a quick goodbye to the others and headed out the door. Metallic bottles clinking in my bag as I rushed home.

As I rode the bus, I pulled out my notes and tried to study for tomorrow's exam. I only got a year left in school then I could finally apply for a high paying job with the degree I'll earn.

Ang hirap maging mahirap. It's the one vital thing I realized these past few years; reality rearing its ugly head.

After a few minutes of trying, I gave up pretending I could absorb anything. Bahala na bukas.

I could blame my part time job—my brain being tired to function. In reality though, all I could think about was the woman who could read thoughts like its the most natural thing to do. It was a rare gift, I've never encountered someone who had it before.

I guess it was luck that I had my own gift as well-the ability to mirror the same gift as someone who's in my immediate vicinity. Being immune to others' gift is definitely a plus.

I wonder if she figured out I could read her mind. I wonder if she's miffed that she can't read mine. I smiled, thinking of the possibilities, if only she's nearby all the time.

I was still thinking about it pagbaba ko ng bus. I did a double take just as I passed by the lamp post.

This is a good spot, I bet I could place one just right here so I could commemorate today. I took out the stencil and one of my spray paints, quickly looked around, and drew.

After a few minutes, I backed up a few steps admiring my hard work just as I heard a familiar voice inside my head.

Huh. Siya pala yon.

It's the woman from earlier today. I tried not to act surprised, pretending that I just didn't hear Maloi's thoughts.

Just as I was deliberating on how I would acknowledge her, we suddenly heard a sharp whistle followed by a booming "Hoy, kayong mga bata kayo, ano na namang sinulat niyo diyan! Pag kayo nahuli ko—"

Shocked at being caught red-handed, we stared at each other for a second, then immediately ran opposite from the security guard who's barreling towards us.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I heard her think just as we breathlessly ran as fast as we can.

We were at a forked road when she suddenly thought Dun ka sa kabila, dito ako. Dali, bilisan mo!

"Okay!" I said out loud, panicking as the security guard was gaining on us. I picked up the pace and ran until my lungs were about give out.

After a few more feet, I eventually slowed down after I was sure that I wasn't being chased.

"Huli ka," Maloi said, appearing in front of me and seemingly energized even after we've ran like we were in a marathon.

I still had my hands on my knees, hunched over, as I try to catch my breath. I'm really not the athletic type.

I laughed, "Dumbass."

"You owe me one though. Tinulungan kitang idistract yung kuya guard," Maloi said proudly.

I sighed, straightening my stance, "Fine. Ano gusto mo?"

Maloi smiled and tilted her head, "I'll think about it. See you around!"

She walked backwards, a cheeky smile plastered on her face, and waved an enthusiastic goodbye.