The Story of Us (Sollano Brothers Parents)

Chapter 10

"Hello?" I answered the call while brushing my hair in front of the mirror.

"Busy ka?" Ryle's voice was soft on the other line, but I could hear the smirk behind it.

I smiled a little. "Hindi naman. Bakit?"

"Wala lang. I just wanna hear your voice."

Napapikit ako sandali. Eto na naman siya.

"Corny," I said, trying to laugh it off.

I stood from my chair and peeked out the window, dark na sa labas, pero may mga ilaw pa sa mga poste.

"Buksan mo 'yung pinto niyo."

Napakunot noo ako. "Ha? Anong—"

"Open it. Now." He chuckled. "Trust me."

Kinabahan ako. "Ryle, wag mo akong tinatakot ha. Anong ginagawa mo?"

"Just open the damn door, Maria."

Huminga ako nang malalim, still holding my phone. Bumaba ako ng dahan-dahan papunta sa may front door. Tahimik ang buong paligid. Tapos pagkapihit ko ng seradura at pagkalapat ng pinto, nakita ko siya.

"Hi." Ryle said, may hawak pang paper bag.

Napatalon ako sa gulat. "Tangina, Ryle!"

He laughed. "I missed you."

Tiningnan ko siya mula ulo hanggang paa. Nakasuot siya ng black hoodie at loose gray joggers, nakasabit pa ang shades niya sa unahan kahit gabi na. Disheveled hair, messy but sexy. May bitbit siyang paper bag na may logo ng favorite naming milk tea place. Ako naman nakapambahay lang. Oversized shirt at shorts. Walang suklay-suklay. Walang ayos. Nakakahiya!

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" I asked in a whisper shout, looking around. "Gabing-gabi na, Ryle!"

"Hindi ka sumagot sa mga last messages ko, so I figured I'd visit," he said, like it was the most normal thing in the world. "Don't worry. Wala namang gising na kapitbahay."

"Still! What if may makakita sa'yo? Atsaka baka magising sina mommy and daddy!"

"Tsk. Parang 'di mo ko na-miss." He pouted, tapos biglang lumapit sa'kin at niyakap ako.

"Ryle. . ." I murmured, trying to push him lightly, but he wouldn't budge.

"Hmm?"

"You smell like mint and midnight," I muttered, napansin ko talaga 'yon habang nakayakap siya.

"Saka mo pa talaga nasabi 'yan?" He chuckled, resting his chin on my shoulder. "Gusto ko makita 'yung mukha mong bagong gising."

"Hindi pa nga ako natulog," I said, voice softer now. My hands were just resting on his chest.

Damn it. Ba't ba siya laging ganito?

"Hala," he said suddenly. "Yung milk tea! Baka matunaw!" Tumingin siya sa bitbit niya. "Come on, I brought food din. Fries and chicken. Let's eat?"

"Sa loob?" tanong ko, pero umiling ako agad. "No. Baka magising sila."

Ryle raised a brow. "Then where?"

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya, and I felt him tighten his grip gently. "Sa likod. May bench don, under the tree."

"Let's go," he said, grin spreading across his face.

Dahan-dahan kaming naglakad palikod ng bahay. Ramdam ko 'yung kaba, pero mas nangingibabaw 'yung excitement. Pagdating namin sa likod, naupo kami sa luma pero matibay na bench. He placed the food on his lap and opened the paper bag.