Taking The Colors On

KABANATA 3

Amira Dionne

I started as nothing, my future was not really a big deal for me when I was young. My parents are supportive of whatever we want.

In my mind, as long as I can paint, then there is no other job for me. And, I realized that we do not always have money to spend. So, I switched my course into Culinary courses. In that case, I won’t jump far too away from my favorite things to do. In fact, baking is one of my hobbies.

While studying Pastries, I am also taking courses about businesses because I want to have my own shop. Then, when I graduated, my dad gave me a land space as a gift in Makati. I also have extra money because I am starting my business in college, selling sweets and bread to my fellow students and teachers. I am saving my money for my future dessert shop. 

Also, even though I switch courses, my love for the arts stays. I am still doing arts and sometimes, I sell them. I cannot just leave it because it has a huge role in my life.

One Saturday afternoon, while I was talking to my mom since she helps me run the business. I heard a baby girl and her mom talking, I saw how they are both struggling in the arts. I assumed that the mother is not gifted in the arts department. 

“I am sorry, baby. Mommy really doesn't know how to draw that.” Her daughter is on the verge of crying since from what I heard, she wants a bear and her mom keeps drawing something that is not a bear. Then, she starts to throw a fit. 

My mom starts to nudge me, I look at her and she nods her head. I scratch my head and bring their orders with me before heading towards them. I love kids,especially when they are starting to be curious and want to explore everything.

“Wow, your drawings are nice!” It is better for a little girl like her. 

“Really?” I saw a glimpse of hope and happiness on her face.

“Yes!” 

“But, I want bears on it.” and she pouted her cute little lips.

“Do you want me to draw it for you?” 

She looked at me excitedly, “Really?!” I nod my head with a smile.

“Can I borrow your pen?” I asked. She immediately gave me a pen. After she handed me a pen, I said something to her. “Before I draw your bear, you will say sorry to your mom because you threw a fit earlier which is not nice, just because she can’t give you a bear drawing.” 

“Okay… I won’t do it again, Miss beautiful. I will say sorry po.” Then, she looks at her mother. “Sorry, mommy.” 

“Oh, it’s okay, baby.” And, embrace her. She looked at me with a thankful look.

“Okay, I will draw your bear now.” I said before proceeding to her paper. I drew a simple bear drawing and I saw how she started to be amused by my drawing. 

“It’s so cool!” She commented. I chuckled.

“Here,” I gave the pencil back.

“Thank you, Miss beautiful.!” 

“Welcome, baby.” I also told her that her attitude earlier is not nice. Although kids mostly throw tantrums , I think it is better to address it since most parents I know will give everything to their kids and if not the kids will cry out loudly, they will grow up being spoiled brat. 

That is when I had an idea to have my own studio and teach young people arts, different kinds of arts. Basically, a summer art class. And, I allowed their parents to be there too.

Not bad on my first day because there were a total of 12 people who applied. I also met a few gifted students who have a heart in arts and that includes Enzo. He is a handsome little kid who happened to always be with his uncle. 

His uncle, I must say, is handsome. He looks expensive. His name is West and he stood six foot three inches. He has a lean body, I could see his biceps flexing on his every move.

On the second day, there were another 3 people who were in my class, which I am happy even though they didn’t attend the first day. They missed the opportunity but it’s okay, maybe there is an emergency. 

On the third day, I was standing at the entrance when I saw Enzo running in the hallway with a bouquet of flowers in his small hands. West is behind him, walking with his hands in his pocket. I noticed him wearing a Black Colored Ribbed Button Half-Placket Polo Shirt and a slacks. The sleeves hug his strong arms perfectly.

“Hi, Enzo…” I greeted him. 

“Hi, Teacher! Tito and I bring you freshly picked flowers!” Enzo said cheerfully. He handed me the flowers and he removed his shoes.

“Thank you, baby…” I am staring at the flowers and West is now in front of me.

“You’re welcome, po!” Enzo exclaimed. 

“My Tito wants to know if you are free tomorrow?” I looked at West and he was already staring at me. 

“Well, Teacher? Are you?” He asked.

“Uhm, I-I am busy tomorrow…” It is true, I have to make a wedding cake for the Monday event. 

“Oh, work? But, it’s sunday…” His last words are so whisper but I can still hear it.

“Yes, work. I-I have a wedding to attend on Monday and I will be making their cake tomorrow.” I said. He nodded understandingly.

I had fun playing and teaching with the kids, and while I was doing my job, I could feel his stares and it was somehow intense. His stares make my heart pound so crazy, and I feel conscious because what if I am not pretty at the moment? Bakit ko naman iisipin iyon?!

I sighed in much content, happiness, and tiredness when they left the studio. I’ll be seeing them next week again and I am happy that I am finished and fulfilled for the past three days.

Maagang umalis si Dallia kaya naman ako ang naiwan para iayos ang mga gamit. Balak kong bumili ng mga baking ingredients para sa mga cupcakes and cakes na gagawin ko. I have two days to make all the cakes and cupcakes. The bride is a friend of my during senior high school, and when she found out that I make cakes, kinuha niya ako para sa kasal niya.

Pagbaba ko at kumunot ang noo ko dahil naabutan ko si West na nakatayo sa labas ng sasakyan niya. He looks cool standing beside his car while talking to someone on his phone. My car is one lot away from him.

I didn’t pay attention to him, instead I put all the stuff at the back seat when I felt a presence behind me. 

“Saan ka na nyan?” Tanong ni West.

“Bibili ng mga kailangan ko,” sagot ko.

“Tara, samahan na kita.” Hinarap ko siya.

“Ha?”

“Samahan na kita.” 

“Ha? Wala ka bang gagawin?” Tsaka hindi kita gaanong kilala.

“Wala naman, I have nothing to do now. Kinuha na sa akin ni Silas si Enzo.” He scratched his back head like he was shy. 

“Ano…” Hindi ako makahanap ng tamang sasabihin, nakakainis. 

“Hindi ba may bibilhin ka?” Tumango ako.

“Hindi ba nakakaabala sayo?” Tanong ko ulit sa kanya. Mabagal siyang umiling sa akin.

“Nope,” he said. “Halika na?” Tanong niya. Eh ‘di sumama ako.

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