In Every Hues

Chapter 18

Envy

"We appreciate your effort, but we have some questions regarding of your proposal," saad ng matandang panel.

Biglang hinawakan ni Austin ang balikat ko at napayuko. Namumutla siya, samantalang si Wren sa tabi niya ay pigil na pigil ang tawa.

Gago, dapat maayos kami rito. Bakit mga ganito 'tong kasama ko?

"Putek, umuwi na tayo, please," bulong ni Austin.

I stifled a smile and glanced at Trever, who was really confident. Gusto kong manlumo dahil wala kaming tatlo niyan.

We were all in a white button-up sleeves and black slacks. Kinaiba lang talaga namin ay ang mukha, lamang lang si Trev ng ilang paligo. Gago, ang gwapo, eh.

Kung aso lang ako...

"We're happy to address your concerns, Ma'am. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding our proposal," saad pa niya!

"Anong happy?" nanghihinang bulong ni Austin. "Iluluwa ko na 'tong puso ko sa kaba, dude. Sinong masaya? Walang masaya dito!"

I breathed deeply to calm my nerves down. Sobrang istrikto ng tatlong panel na kaharap namin. Ilang dekada na rin kasi sila sa architecture field, kaya paniguradong maraming nalalaman.

"Your design relies heavily on local materials. Have you considered the availability and cost-effectiveness of these materials for a long-term process?"

"We've conducted a thorough analysis for that. Austin, can you elaborate on this idea in our approach?" pigil ang ngising ani Trever.

Gago...

"Putek," kabadong bulong ni Austin.

Mahinang natawa si Wren. Hayop, ngayon pa talaga! Pinilit kong sumeryoso at mariing napapikit. Kinakabahan na talaga ako, pero natatawa pa rin.

Para kaming hindi college sa lagay na 'to! Kaso sino ba ang hindi kakabahan? Lalo na 'tong si Trever na akala ko ay siyang sasagot kasi confident na magpatanong!

"Our main aim in all this is to do our part in reducing our environmental footprint, while making the most of what's right here in our community. We're all about keeping things affordable and eco-friendly, creating a project that not only makes sense economically but also being environmentally responsible," saad ni Austin at piniga pa ang braso ko nang matapos.

"Told yah, he can do it," bulong ni Trev.

I felt his warm hand touch my back, his long and lean fingers tapping me softly. Umawang ang labi ko at nagbaba ng tingin sa kaniya.

Hindi ba niya alam ang epekto niya sa 'kin? Mas lalo lang nanghina ang tuhod ko! It's been what? Years? Since he touched me like this?

"Mr. Veracruz? Are you still with us?"

Magkaka-realization lang ngayong tinatanong kami tungkol sa model namin! Hayop, walang pinipili!

Napakurap-kurap ako at napaayos ng tayo. "Y-Yes, Ma'am!"

"Idiot," bulong pa ni Trev.

"How do you plan to ensure sufficient storage and water quality for the community?"

Tama na, please. Naba-blangko utak ko! Pwede Filipino?

Nasagot ko naman iyon ng diretso. Pero nang matapos iyon ay iniisip ko pa rin ang sagot ko. I should've answered better.

At the end of the day, we won second place. Tawang-tawa lang kami dahil ang tatanga pa ng sagot namin.

I looked at Trever to see his reaction. Seryoso siyang tumingin sa 'kin na parang inaabangan din ang reaksyon ko. I raised a brow and gave him a downward smile.