Hidden Anecdotes

Call

He just came from work and left with no choice but to go to the grocery and  be the cynosure. He decided to wear a straw hat, a nerdy glasses and a fake moustache for disguise, just for the fun of it. It made him look ridiculous and still drew attention. But at least, people would have second thoughts before they would recognize him.

He was pushing the cartwheel on the meat and deli aisle of the supermarket when his phone buzzed.

It was a text message from her.He came into a halt and opened the message with a sigh.

---- San ka?

---- Why?

-----  Wala lang. Busy ka?    

---- Wala lang? I'm in a grocery store.

He stopped at the delicatessen products and took some bacon and sausages. He was looking around, taking his time, when he got another text message.

---- Ok

Ok. Just really, how long would a simple 'OK' take for replies? It sure took her a while to type two letter, eh? 

He took a deep breath He was about to keep his phone in his pocket again when it rang.Her name was registering on the screen.

"San ka namimili?" A very bubbly her, greeted him on the other line.

"Somewhere. Bakit?" He pushed his cart again until he reached the milk and dairy section.

"Malapit ka lang?" The tone of excitement was evident in her voice. He could feel her smiling.

Okay. Here we go. - Yup, knowing her well, he knows what it means. She wants something.

"Ha? An-- yes. I mean-- no." He lied. Crossed fingers, hoping she would bite the bait.

"Yes and No?"  There was an I-don't-believe-you tone in her voice. He knew she wouldn't believe him anyway. If she wants something, she gets it in just a nick of time. She doesn't take no for an answer. Reasons and  excuses won't work.

He sighed. You are not a really good liar, he told himself.

"I'm listening.."  She blurted with intimidation.

"No, I can't and yes malayo. Sa kabilang dulo ng Greenhills. "He lied.

She paused for a moment then she slammed his response, "Punta ka dito dali."  She responded in a cheerful manner.

Now, what she's up to? - He thought

"Kabilang dako po ako, Mademoiselle. Sa north ka. Pano ako magmamadali?" He teased. He was smiling - a proud smile. He knew his argument was reasonable.

"Gusto kita makita"

Five words. She was sweet and when she was sweet, he couldn't decline. He knew it was nothing to her. It was normal to her but for him it was so much of a big deal. Those small gestures and 'lambing' meant something to him.

He smiled. Good thing she couldn't see it. Then he changed his voice again to a serious tone. "Namimili pa ko."

"Bili ka panini!"

"Walang panini sa supermarket."

"Find me one. Meron dyan sa dulo ng Greenhills, Alam mo yun Di ba?" He could feel her raising her eyebrows left and right.

He was busted, and yeah he needed an alibi. "Ha? Pautos mo na lang sa iba. Gabi na..."

"Diretso ka nga dito. Sige na.."

"Pagod na ako. I need to rest. I have work at 4:00 tomorrow."

"Naku, parang di ka naman nag sleepover dito. Kunwari  ka pa dyan. Gusto mo rin naman."

It made him chuckle. She was brutally honest . Very. And  that's what he like about her.

"Si *****. Yun, available yun. Lagi pag dating sayo." 

"Ikaw tinawagan ko, di ba?"

"Nasaan ba siya?"

"Malay. Ewan ko."

"Ah, Kaya ako bubulabugin mo? Siya na nga lang tawagan mo."

"Ayoko.." she spoke sharply.

"For sure, gustong gusto nun."

"Ikaw nga gusto ko."

"Siya na Lang. May chemistry kayo a. Galing."

"Hay, sabihin mo na lang kung ayaw mo or gusto mo. Nakakahiya naman kasi----"

"Fine."

"Fine? Anong fine? Oo nga o hindi ang--"

"Dyan ako matutulog. Dinner. Midnight snack. Breakfast. At pati ligo na rin cuz I have work tomorrow early."  He ranted continuously without breathing. That made her hold her tongue.\

"Okay."

"Okay."

He smiled.

She smiled.

End call