Hook Me Up (Completed)

106

ANAIS’S hair was pulled in a tight ponytail. Suot din nito ang uniform sa trabaho niya sa coffee shop. She was adviced to take a rest from working muna, but she needed the income. Ayaw niya na wala siyang savings, lalo na't third year na siya next semester. Mas magastos 'yun.

She looked at the small mirror at her wall nang mapadaan siya on her way out. Maputla pa rin ang labi niya, even her skin. Medyo namayat nga siya. Still, she ignored it. Ang tagal din niyang nakahiga sa clinic. She should be okay by now.

Saktong bukas niya ng pintuan niya, may bumungad na lalaki.

Si Kolin.

Si Kolin na hindi niya ine-expect na makikita niya ulit.

Si Kolin na hindi niya ine-expect na gugustuhin siyang puntahan ulit, without her begging him to.

Si Kolin na miss na miss na niya.

"Uh, hey..." Kolin was the first one to break the silence. Itinaas nito ang hawak-hawak nitong paper bag. "I brought foods."

Anaïs didn't know what to say. She wasn't expecting him to be casual. Hindi nga niya ine-expect na kakausapin pa siya nito.

"Uh..." She attempted to say something pero walang nalabas. She was still shocked.

Nang makalipas ang ilang segundo at hindi pa rin nasagot si Anaïs, Kolin finally noticed what she's wearing. A baggy jeans and a blue long-sleeved polo na may logo ng coffee shop malapit sa school nila.

Nangunot ang noo niya, realizing where she's supposed to be heading out.

"Nasa clinic ka lang kanina," Kolin pointed out. "Papasok ka pa?"

"I need to."

"Sinasakit ka na, Anaïs. Magpahinga ka naman muna."

"You don't understand, okay?" She sighed. "Kailangan kong mag-trabaho. I need to fend for myself."

"I don't understand because you wouldn't let me. Sa halip na hayaan akong makiramay sa'yo, pinapalayo mo pa ako," Kolin answered. Malalim na ang paghinga nito.

"Ayokong ma-drag ka sa shits ko sa buhay."

Napapikit nang mariin si Kolin. Why was she concluding things without even talking to him?

"You're not gonna drag me down, Anais. Ako ang hihila sa'yo pataas. Just please..." his voice trailed off. "Please let me be there for you."

"Kolin naman..."

"We've been friends since we were kids. Siguro naman, may karapatan akong manatili sa buhay mo, 'no?"

Anaïs just stared at him.

"Ayokong umasa sa'yo, Kolin. My only source of income now is my small business at 'yung part-time job ko. My schedule will be packed. Wala akong masyadong magiging oras sayo if I want to survive. I have tuition to pay, all while paying for my rent and bills. Kailangan ko rin mag-aral. Mauubos lahat ng oras ko sa mga 'yon," Anais rambled. "I don't want to unfair to you."

Kolin didn't think twice.

"Then move in with me."

Umawang ang bibig ni Anaïs, not sure what to say. Saka lang na-realize ni Kolin ang sinabi niya. It made his ears turn read. Nakakahiya.

"Ano..." Nagkamot ito ng ulo. "Hihiwalay kasi ng condo si Ate Klea at Kendy. Wala nang gagamit nung kwarto nila at sayang naman. It'll help you to. At least nasa iisang bahay tayo kahit busy ka..."

"That's a big step, Kol..." Iyon na lang ang nasabi niya. It caught her off-guard.

"Suggestion lang naman," Kolin smiled. "I just want to make us work. Hindi ko kasi kayang makita ang sarili ko na iba ang makakatuluyan," he said, honestly. "Pero kung hindi ka pa komportable, hayaan mo na lang sana akong tumulong sa ibang paraan."

"I'll think about it."

"Ha?"

"Yung sa paglipat..." she finally gave in. "But I really need to get work."

Umiling si Kolin saka ito mahinang tinulak papasok. "Magpapahinga ka ngayon."

His voice sounded firm and serious kaya hinayaan na lang ni Anaïs.

Miss na rin niya talaga e.