SOLARA’S POV
We’re finally on our way to Eastwood to get dinner. Medyo late na kasi they still have to finish their practice before we go. I texted the folks at home kung saan kami pupunta and kung sinu-sino ang kasama ko. Jeric and Joanne are bantering inside the car and I was listening to them. They’re so cute, parang ang tagal na nila magkakilala and I’m happy that they’re getting along really well because they’re important to me. Wait, is that right? THEY? Pati si Jeric narin? Bakit ba naman kasi ganyan he’s making it so hard to not like him. I mean look at the guy, he’s freaking perfect! Dun palang sa gym I never thought I’d say things like that out loud and worry about him to death. That was so not me. I sighed and that got Jeric’s attention.
“You okay, love?” He asked.
“Hoy love ka dyan. Yeah I’m fine. Just thinking about... some stuff.”
“Stuff about what? Care to share?” He asked then took and gently stroked my hand with a worried expression on his face.
“It’s nothing important. Okay lang talaga ako, swear.” I answered then he gave me an are-you-sure look and I nodded reassuringly.
Suddenly my phone rang and my brother’s name and face flashed on the screen. I picked it up immediately.
“Yes kuya?”
“Hi, baby. You’re going to Eastwood and you’re riding with Jeric right? Paano yung car mo? Paano ka uuwi? Gusto mo sunduin nalang kita after?”
“It’s okay kuya I’ll ask Manong Alfred to get it tomorrow. Also, Jeric said he’ll take us home kahit sabi ko wag na kaso mapilit e.”
“Aba dapat lang. Teka bigay mo phone sa kanya I’ll talk to him.”
“Naman kuya don’t, he’s driving.”
“Then hold the phone close to his ear. Duh.”
“Ugh fine. Bossy pants.”
I looked at Jeric and said, “Kuya wants to talk to you. Okay lang?” He nodded so I pressed my phone on his right ear.
“Yes, kuya? Yes. Yes. Yes, kuya. Of course. Don’t worry I’ll get them home safe. Okay, thank you kuya. Bye.”
Inalis ko na sa tenga niya yung phone so I can talk to my brother then I asked, “Hoy why are you grilling him? What did you say?”
“Grilling agad? Praning ka lang? Binibilin ko lang kayo. Alam mo naman boto ako kay Jeric hindi ko pinapahirapan yan unlike you.”
“Whatever. Sige, bye na.”
“Okay. Mag-ingat ha. Don’t forget to always let me know your location. Text or call me also pag pauwi na kayo. Clear?”
“Crystal. Thanks. See you later. Love you! Bye.”
“Love you too, baby girl. Bye.”
I hang up the phone and the rest of our drive was uneventful. We arrived in Eastwood by 9:30 and we almost gave up because of the parking space. Good thing we found the last four slots left. Every store, restaurant, and establishment is jam packed tonight.
“I told you, nightmare ang dadatnan natin. You guys are gonna get killed,” Joanne said.
“Oo nga kaso nandito na tayo e, wala ng atrasan ‘to. Tsaka lahat tayo pagod at gutom na ayoko na lumipat,” Paulo replied.
“Dito palang mag-decide na tayo kung saan magdi-dinner para hindi tayo pakalat-kalat mamaya less hassle,” Kim suggested.
“Uy in fairness sa’yo Kim nag-iisip ka din ah,” Kevin
