The fluorescent lights of the supermarket buzzed overhead, like a group of overly-caffeinated fireflies having a rave party. Thank goodness it was a Monday, I thought, as we strolled through the near-empty aisles. Less people meant less chance of awkward cart collisions and accidental grocery cart ballet performances.
A sense of calm washed over me, a welcome reprieve from the usual chaos of my life.
"Buti na lang nag mask ka din," Josh said, his voice muffled by the fabric. "Ayaw ko lang ma expose ka kaagad."
"Yeah. Kailangan nga natin tong pag usapan" I said, tugging at the mask, feeling a little self-conscious.
"Lalo na at di ka naman makikilala. Feeling ko talaga excuse mo lang to para hawakan ako eh."I eyed him suspiciously
He chuckled, his hand tightening around mine. "Siguroooo."
We were definitely a strange sight, a couple in hoodies and masks, navigating the aisles of a supermarket. We were attracting a few curious glances, and I could almost hear the whispers behind us.
"Mukhang tanga" I imagined them saying.
"Baka mga shoplifter yan."
We stopped in the toy aisle, and Josh's eyes lit up. "Tamo oh! Andaming dinosaur!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Para sa anak ko ba talaga yan o para sayo?" I teased him, eyeing the towering dinosaur figures and the plush T-Rex costumes. "Wag mong spoil si Kyle. Ngayon lang to ha. Isa lang"
He rolled his eyes at me, then stomped his foot like a petulant child.
"K fine," he grumbled, his tone laced with mock annoyance.
"Pero kukunin ko tong final boss." He then proceeded to pick out the biggest, cutest dinosaur plushie he could find. I tried to reason with him, but he was determined.
"Bahala ka na nga," I conceded, laughing. "Pero tama na yan parang awa mo na."
Our shopping trip continued with a similar pattern of playful bickering. We argued over the type of snacks to buy, the brand of milk, even the color of the paper towels.
By the time we reached the checkout, I was starting to feel a little frazzled.
"Antay ka nalang sa kotse," Josh said, reaching for his wallet.
"Ako nang magbabayad," I said, pulling out my own card.
"Ay ayoko nga regalo mo?," he insisted, his tone playfully firm.
"Anak ko," I said, my voice getting a little sharper.
"Regalo nga to, baby" He sighed, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Okay pero ako ang bibili ng pagkain." he winked at me winning this round.
We finally made it out of the supermarket, the fresh air a welcome change from the sterile atmosphere. As we drove towards a nearby drive-thru, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. The bickering, the shopping, the constant need to be on guard, it was all starting to take its toll. It was then that it dawned on me.
"Oh my god," I whispered, my hand flying to my mouth. "Nasa condo si Kyle"
The same condo Josh lives in. On the same floor. Two doors down. And I had completely forgotten to mention that.
"Ano yun?" Josh asked, his brow furrowing. "May problema ba?"
"Ano kasi, Josh...," I stammered, my voice trembling. "Nasa condo si Kyle."
"Oo nga, dun nga tayo pupunta diba? Teka san nga ba tayo? Lagay mo na sa GPS" I wonder how he will react.
BINABASA MO ANG
Tangled Strings
FanfictionCaitlyn's life is meticulously planned-work, family, and keeping everything in order. She loves her life, but sometimes, feels like she's missing out on fun. So when she hears a song that makes her heart skip a beat, she finds herself tangled with t...
