Lost on the Road (COMPLETED)

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

Pasimple kong binuksan ang laman ng mga paper na dala ni Lucas habang nasa banyo siyang naliligo. As I carefully peeked inside the first bag, I saw neatly folded clothes, dresses, casual tops, and even a sweater. They are beautiful and looked incredibly expensive, judging by the quality of the fabric.

The next bag revealed a leather handbag. I ran my fingers over its smooth surface and raised an eyebrow. Lucas didn't seem like the type to know much about women's bags, but this one is undeniably stylish.

Sinunod ko ang isang paper bag. To my surprise, it was filled with skincare products, luxury brands that I'd only ever seen in glossy magazine ads. There are serums, moisturizers, sunscreen and even a sheet mask set.

"What in the world..." I muttered under my breath, pulling one item out to examine it more closely. It felt surreal. Why would Lucas go to all this trouble?

"Enjoying yourself?"

I jumped, nearly dropping the jar of cream I was holding. Lucas stood at the doorway, a towel slung casually around his neck, and a smug grin plastered across his face. His hair was still damp, and droplets of water trailed down his arms.

"I wasn't—" I started, hastily stuffing the products back into the bag.

He chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "Relax, Laure. I said those are for you. No need to feel guilty about looking through them."

Uminit ang pisngi ko. His teasing tone made it even worse. I cleared my throat, desperately trying to shift the conversation elsewhere.

"Nga pala, nakausap ko si Nanay Lupe kanina. Isasama niya ako sa paggawa ng mga vakul at sa pagbebenta. Tinanggap ko na rin para may mapagkakakitaan ako..."

Lucas's smile faltered slightly. "You don't need to do that. Bibigyan kita ng allowance every week, dito ka nalang sa bahay..." sagot niya.

I stared at him, dumbfounded. "Huh? Lucas, I don't want to depend on you. Saka ano nalang ambag ko rito? Ayaw kong iasa sa'yo lahat, ano..."

"Hindi naman ako maniningil..." he countered. "It's not like I'd be keeping tabs on what you owe me."

"That's not the point," I said, shaking my head. "Isa pa, gusto kong mag-ipon para makauwi na rin ako sa amin..."

His jaw tightened at my words. An unreadable expression crossed his face, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. Ngumiti siya.

"Alright," he said after a beat. "If that's what you want." nagkibit balikat siya.

"Salamat," mahina kong sabi. Tumalikod ako, pero naramdaman kong nanatili pa rin siya sa pintuan.

Kinuha ko ang phone na nakapatong sa mesa na nasa gilid ng kama at humarap sa kaniya.

"Ito na pala 'yong phone mo. Salamat sa pagpapahiram..."

"Sa'yo na muna 'yan, so you'll have something to use..." he replied.

I nodded, clutching the phone tightly in my hand.

"Thanks," I said.

He smiled before leaving the room.

Kinabukasan, lumabas ako para muling pumunta sa bahay ni Nanay Lupe. Umalis si Lucas, hindi ko alam kung saan siya pumunta at wala naman akong pakialam.

"Magandang umaga po..." bati ko nang makita kong muli siyang naghahabi ng vakul. Ngayon ay may kasama siyang dalawang dalaga, halos ka-edad ko, mas bata lang siguro sila ng dalawang taon.

"Magandang umaga, Laure. Halika, pasok ka..." nakangiting tugon niya.

Pumasok ako sa loob at nakiupo sa upuang kahoy.