One Last Time (R18)

Kabanata LXI: PONCIO PILATO!

Poncio Pilato!

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       I QUIETLY FOLLOWED behind Tita Norin and Annika as they walked ahead.

Since earlier, Tita Norin hadn't stopped giggling, cheerfully sharing random stories with her arm hooked around Annika's—clearly overjoyed that Annika was finally home. Annika, in turn, matched her energy.

"Wow! I'm sure that would look great on you, Keira, dear," malapad ang ngiting lingon sa'kin ni Tita. "I can't wait to see you wearing that. I'm sure you'll draw attention with your sexy figure," she added with a playful giggle.

Nilingon na rin ako ni Annika. "It will really suit her, Mom," she agreed warmly, smiling at me.

Not knowing what to say, I simply smiled back.

Binalik nina Tita at Annika ang kanilang mga tingin sa harapan at ipinagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-uusap.

I let them be. Like earlier, I trailed quietly behind them until the man walking beside me cleared his throat. Hila niya ang dalawang maleta na dala ni Annika kanina.

Bumaling ako sa kanya at nakita ang seryoso niyang ekspresyon.

"I've been hearing praises about your work from the client on that renovation…" Dad began.

Praises? Of course, it's Jaei.

"The project's almost finished," Dad continued. "I'm planning to include you in our upcoming project. It's big, so I trust you're prepared. You'll join the meeting after our vacation. For now, enjoy your vacation here."

Tahimik akong tumango.

Paglabas namin ng airport, dumiretso kami sa hotel kung saan kami magpapalipas ng oras bago bumiyahe. It was almost six, at ayaw ni Dad na maipit kami sa rush hour traffic, kaya past midnight pa kami aalis. Sa mga oras na 'yon, kaunti na lang ang mga sasakyan sa daan kaya mapapablis ang biyahe namin.

"What do you want for dinner, dear?" Tita asked Annika gently when we entered the hotel lobby.

Nasa likod namin si Dad, kasabay ang bellboy na may hawak sa mga maleta ni Annika para dalhin sa floor ng mga rooms namin. Dad booked three adjacent rooms—isa para kay Annika, isa sa'kin, at isa para sa kanilang dalawa ni Tita.

"Busog pa ako, Ma," Annika said sheepishly. "Is it okay kung kayo na lang muna mag-dinner? I want to go to my room right away and rest."

Tita nodded understandingly. "That's fine. You must still be jet-lagged,” she said softly, resting her head briefly against Annika's shoulder. Then she turned to me, gently taking my hand with her free hand, kaya napatingin ako sa kanya at ngumiti pabalik.

I really appreciate Tita Norin. Hindi niya hinahayaang ma-out of place ako, kahit na clingy siya kay Annika.

"Anything's fine, Tita. Ikaw na bahala," I said warmly to Tita nang tanungin niya ako kung anong o-orderin ko.

Ngumiti sa'kin si Tita bago niya nilingon si Dad para tanungin.

Pagdating namin sa floor, matapos maihatid ang mga gamit ni Annika sa room niya, nagpaalam na siya na magpapahinga muna. Dad didn’t object. After that, he turned to us and suggested we head down to the restaurant for dinner.

Habang nagdi-dinner kami, nag-vibrate ang phone ko sa tabi ng plato ko. Naagaw nito ang atensyon nina Tita at Dad sa harapan ko. Pareho silang napatingin sa cellphone ko.

Dad glanced at my phone, then at me. He didn't say anything, but the questions were clear in his eyes.

My lips curled into a slight wince.