WINSTON AND RINGO (Montana Series 3 | BXB)

32: Gardenia

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There was an awkward silence as we watched the waiter serving our food. Katabi ko si Dad habang kaharap naman namin sina Ringo at Tito Rome. It was a surprising moment. Halata rin sa mukha ni Ringo ang pagkagulat.

We're fully aware that my dad and Tito Rome knew each other, but it's the least of my expectation to have a lunch with them together.

"Shall we," said Tito Rome while staring at the table full of food.

"Sure," Dad responded with a smile, and I had goosebumps while seeing him with a full smile.

Our table was flooded with an impressive display of delicious Italian dishes. We savored each smell, from seafood pasta to cheesy pizzas. I'd been into many Italian restaurants before, but eating with Ringo along with my dad was a new thing for me.

"Winston, do you want some garlic clams soup?" Tito Rome asked.

My dad cleared his throat. "He likes seafood, but he doesn't eat clams," he shared while smiling.

"Oh, I see," Tito Rome responded.

Napatingin naman ako kay Dad. "Alam mong hindi ako kumakain ng clams?" nagtataka kong tanong.

It was surprising to discover that he knew that single detail about me. Akala ko, sa sobrang abala niya sa trabaho at sa sobrang istrikto niya sa bahay ay wala na siyang alam tungkol sa aming mga anak niya.

"Of course, I know it because you're my son," said Dad that pinched my heart. "I also know that you love garlic shrimps but you get easily annoyed in removing its shell."

Natawa naman si Tito Rome. "Kahit naman ikaw, William, ayaw na ayaw mo ring nagbabalat ng hipon."

Dad drew a smile. "I guess, it's true that like father like son."

"I agree," said Tito Rome. "I wish I also have a son."

Ringo poked him. "I'm your son, remember?"

Tito Rome giggled. "Oo nga pala. Anak nga pala kita," pabiro niyang sabi.

As we enjoyed our lunch, the table outspread a peaceful atmosphere that enveloped us. While enjoying the food, we engaged in an entertaining conversations, talking about funny stuffs and random topics about school.

Lalo kong nakilala si Dad mula sa nakatatawang kwento ni Tito Rome tungkol sa kanya. He shared that my dad experienced to climb his window to get in the house after their late night party in college. Tito Rome also shared that Dad was a good dancer back in the days. He even talked about how Dad escaped a group of police while driving without license.

Dad was a normal human after all, experienced so much fun when he was young. Nagtataka tuloy ako kung anong klaseng pagpapalaki ang ginawa ni Lolo sa kanya at nawala ang mga ngiti sa mukha niya habang kami ay lumalaki ni Austin.

Seeing Dad while laughing with Tito Rome made me jealous a little. Hindi ko pa nakita si Dad na makipagtawanan ng gano'n sa amin, pero masaya ako dahil nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makita ang ganoong klase ng ngiti sa kanyang labi.

After spending time at the restaurant, Tito Rome invited us to spend time at the Triangle Park before travelling to Manila. Hindi na nakatanggi pa si Dad kaya naman sumama na kami. I also messaged our coach that I couldn't attend the practice again.

When we reached Triangle Park, we headed to the area of food stalls. Nakalimutan ni Ringo ang uminom sa restaurant, kaya bumili kami ng mineral water.

"Ringo and Winston," said Tito Rome. "You can have your time. Mag-uusap lang muna kami ni William."