The One Who Stares Behind

KABANATA 41

Someone once mentioned that every ending is merely the beginning of everything else. Yet, I hope that these days won't come to an end.

Not now. Not when there are still parts of the puzzle I'm trying to fit together.

I was astonished by the sight of a man calmly waiting next to his motorcycle. He was simply wearing a plain white V-neck shirt, with sunglasses hanging from the middle, and faded black jeans.

He always has that serious expression with his sharp features. Is this man really fell for me?

"Why the serious face?" Kaagad na nagbago ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito at ngumiti sa akin. Damn. Those. Dimple.

"Kasianna," Ngayon ay nakatingin na ito sa akin at maging ang ayos ko ay pinasadahan niya ng tingin.Ngayon tuloy ay parang hindi ko na siya makuhang tingnan sa labis na pagkailang.

"You look beautiful, as everyday."
Pakiramdam ko ay uminit ang magkabilang pisngi ko sa tinuran nito. "But something is missing."

"What?"

"Your genuine smile."

I didn't want to spoil the day, so I took a deep breath and smiled.

"Are you okay now?"

"Xandrev and I had a fight. It wasn't exactly a fight, but he's been acting differently since he returned," I admitted, hoping to feel a bit better by sharing it to him.

"You care about him." I nodded.
I always do..

"Magiging maayos din kayo. Trust me."

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita nang maingat nitong nilagay sa ulo ko ang helmet habang ang mata nito ay nanatili lamang sa akin. Pakiramdam ko ay sasabog na ako sa sobrang init ng mukha ko.

Hinampas ko ito. Gagong 'to.

"Are we leaving or not?" I asked sharply, but all I heard was his chuckle.

I was surprised when he guided my hands to his waist."Hold on tightly. I just want you to hold on."

God, Lexus. Is it normal here for words to suddenly take on a different meaning?

"I will hold on, Lexus."

Yun lang at naging hudyat na iyon para pahururutin niya ang motorsiklo. Tuluyan na akong yumakap dito at napapikit.

This is peace.

. . .

Have you ever felt like a stranger to yourself? I don't really know myself that well, yet there are people trying to help me find my way.

"This place seems familiar, where are we?" Pagkababa sa motor ay tinulungan na ako nitong tanggalin ang helmet ko.

"I brought you here because I wanted to introduce Lexus Rouge Rosetti." Ngumiti ito at bahagyang inayos ang nagulo niyang buhok.

Shit. Ang pogi talaga ng gago.
Inilahad nito ang kanyang palad sa akin. Litong lito naman akong tumingin dito.

"Lexus Rouge Rosetti,"

Matawa tawa ko itong tiningnan na parang hindi makapaniwala sa iniaasta nito ngayon.

Kung sabagay ay wala naman din kaming naging pormal na introduksyon sa isa't-isa.

"Zafhyrna Kasianna Romero—"

"Better with my last name on it. Zafhyrna Kasianna Rosetti?"

. . .

We were now inside The Enchano. It was loud, and if you're not used to it, the flashing lights could be overwhelming and dizzying.

I took in the surroundings. This place was nicer than Elite Bar. It was more spacious and had a modern design.