That Summer Night of August

Kabanata 43

"Akala ko ba uuwi na tayo, Gabriel?" Hindi ko maiwasang mag tanong kay Gabriel nang mapansin na hindi ito ang daan pauwi sa bahay. "Tim's waiting for me."

I heard him chuckle, "Don't worry, Love. I already texted Tim and your dad." He caressed my thigh with his other hand, while the other remained on the steering wheel. "Tim's already on his freshman year, huh?"

"Yeah, he took BA in films," I smiled. "It's been his dream to take that degree. Before, when our house doesn't feel like home yet, Lolo and Dad wanted him to take Political Science."

After what happened, we haven't heard of my grandfather. And his campaign already started, but I know he's up to something. He won't just let us off that easily. Alam kong hindi basta-basta aatras si Lolo.

"I'm glad he's following his passion," humarap sa akin si Gabriel sandali saka ibinalik ang kanyang paningin sa daan. "Remember when we modeled for his project? Those shots were amazing."

Tumango ako kay Gabriel saka bahagyang ngumiti. I could still remember that moment. I tried so hard avoiding Gabriel that time, but failed. Dahil kahit ano'ng gawin kong pag-iwas sa kanya, sigurado akong babalik at babalik pa rin ako.

"You have a copy?" sumimangot ako saka inalala kung binigyan ba ako ni Tim ng copies ng mga pictures na 'yon. "He never gave me a copy!"

Gabriel chuckled, "Of course I do. Tim sent me a set right after we finished the shoot. I'll send them to you later."

I rolled my eyes playfully, "Typical. Baka alam niya lang na mas need mo 'yon kesa sa akin."

"Or maybe he knew you were avoiding me." Gabriel smirked, his forest green eyes shining with playful mischief as he glanced at me from the driver's seat. His jet-black messy hair kept falling into his eyes, and he casually pushed it aside with one hand on the wheel.

Agad namang uminit ang mukha ko. Kahit isang taon na kami ni Gabriel, hindi ko pa rin maiwasang mamula sa mga gestures niya. He's always been gentle when it comes to me. His words and actions are filled with a tenderness that never fails to make my heart flutter. He always puts me first before anything else, even when it means sacrificing his own needs.

Pabiro ko namang siniko ang kanyang braso, but making sure not to disrupt his driving. "You're impossible, Gabriel."

He chuckled with his voice deep. It filled the small space of the car. Tumingin siya sa mga mata ko at ngumisi, "But you love me anyway." Mahina lamang ang pagkakasabi niya pero ramdam na ramdam ko ang init ng mukha ko.

I found myself getting lost in those eyes, the way they always seemed to see right through me, understanding every nuance of my emotions. Tahimik sa loob ng sasakyan at angbtanging naririnig ko lang na ingay ay ang pagtakbo ng sasakyan, and for a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of us in this bubble of warmth and affection.

Inabot ni Gabriel ang kamay ko gamit ang isa niyang kamay. It was a simple gesture, ramdam na ramdam ko ang namamagitan sa amin—the silent promises, the unwavering support, and the endless love that we both knew would never waver.

A soft smile tugged at my lips as I turned my hand to intertwine my fingers with his. "Yeah, I do," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I always will."

Nang ihinto ni Gabriel ang sasakyan, napangiti ako sa sarili nang makita ang park kung saan kami naglalaro noong mga bata pa kami. Napatingin ako sa kanya, nagtatanong ang mga mata ko pero nagkibit balikat lamang siya saka lumabas. Umiling nalang ako saka sumunod sa kanya sa labas.

"What are we doing here?" I asked, niyakap ko ang sarili ko dahil sa malamig na hangin ng gabi.

"I don't know," Gabriel whispered, but I could still hear it.