Date With The Arrogant

Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Ten

“How’s he?”

I was really shocked by his presence. Of all people, it was Finn who came here rushing. He was gasping heavily when he entered this room. Did he run going here?


He looks… worried? OWS?! Si Finn magwoworry? Isang malaking himala naman un pag nagkataon. But no matter what his reason is, his just very presence made me feel somewhat at ease.


“Are you just going to stare at me for like forever?” He said.

Tss. Okay na sana, panira lang talaga ng moment ang kayabangan nya.

My eyes are still puffy because of my over crying a while ago. Bigla naman daw akong nahiya sa itsura ko. He was wearing dark blue long sleeve polo which he folded until his elbow. His hair is in a cute messy style. He looks like a model. Samantalang ako, nakasimpleng white shirt at skinny jeans lang. I wonder kung muka na kong zombie ngayon. I didn’t even put face powder kanina dahil sobrang anxious ako after hearing the news about my father. Baka sobrang oily na ng mukha ko.

But anyway, bakit pa ba ko mahihiya? At saka, bakit ko pa ba poproblemahin ang itsura ko? As I’ve said, my father is my most priority right now. We don’t even know kung kailan sya gigising. Sigh.

“Why are you here?” Tanong ko sa kanya. Bakit nga ba sya nandito? Di kaya concern talaga sya?

He was puzzled for a moment. Parang naghahanap sya ng isasagot sa tanong ko? Suuss. Ayaw pang sabihin na nag-aalala sya eh.

“Ahm. Of course it’s because of my book. Do I have any other reasons para magpunta dito?” He raised an eyebrow.

So, pumunta lang sya dito dahil sa book? Tss. Akala ko pa naman tinubuan na sya ng pakialam eh.

“Diba I told you kanina, I’ll just give you the book tomorrow. Di mo ba ko nagets kanina?” I said in a high pitch tone.

He got a chair and sat next to me. Tiningnan ko lang sya habang papaupo sya. My dad is in front of us. Nasa gilid kasi kami ng hospital bed while facing him.

“You know Psycho, a deal is a deal. I always see to it that I won’t ever break a deal. You said you’ll return my book on Sunday. And it’s Sunday today, dummy.”

Why does he always call me names? Di ba nya naapreciate ang pangalan ko? Sigh. Tsaka hindi ba nya maintindihan? Something happened kaya naman, di ko nabigay ung book nya at di rin natuloy ang supposed-to-be-the-best-date-ever day. Tsk.

“Sorry, okay? If not just because of this situation now, I could have give you your book and you wouldn’t wait for me that long.” I sincerely apologized. Yes, I’m really sincere. Knowing Finn’s temper, he must have been really mad earlier since he was waiting for me.

An awkward silence followed. He did not speak. His mind seemed to fly far away from here. He’s just looking at the infinity.

But I was really surprised by the next thing he said.

“Five years ago, I was in the same situation as you.” I looked at him confusingly but he did not mind me. He just kept on talking while still looking at the very infinity. “The only difference is it was my mom who was on the hospital bed like this.”

My eyes grew wide as he said it. His expression changed a bit. He is… sad? His eyes are like longing for someone… someone… that won’t ever come back.

“I was 13 years old then. I didn’t know what exactly is happening to my mom. She looked so pale and weak while lying on that bed. My dad was crying as she talked to us as if she’d never see us again.”

He sighed. I don’t know what I felt while looking –rather—staring at him. It’s like I also feel the pain he’s feeling while remembering what happened with his mom.

“According to what I heard, she had a colon cancer.” I covered my mouth when he said that. I was really shocked by what he told me. Does it mean…


“Yes. She died of that cancer. I never knew what exactly her disease is during that time. I thought she just had fever or something minor abnormalities in her body.” He let out an exasperated sigh.

Tears started to run down my cheeks again. I felt sympathy towards him. Losing a mother at that age is really painful.

I was just crying. I wanted to hug him but I couldn’t. Nararamdaman ko din ung sakit na nararamdaman nya. I can’t see through him pero alam ko na nandun pa din ung sakit na dulot ng pagkawala ng Mom nya.

“I just hope your dad will recover soon.” Pagkaraa’y sabi nya then he looked at me. “While your father is still alive, always tell him how much you love him. Kasi when my mom died, hindi ko man lang nasabi kung gaano ko sya kamahal. I was just staring blanky at her not knowing what to say or tell her.” Ramdam na ramdam ko ang kalungkutan nya habang nagsasalita sya. His heart is wounded.

I was really speechless. Wala akong maapuhap na tamang salitang sasabihin sa kanya. I looked at my dad.

Oh God, please let my dad live longer.

Silence engulfed the whole room afterwards. None of us tried to break that silence. He was just looking down while I on the other hand was just looking at my dad.

We turned our heads when someone entred the room. It was my mom. Mukang nagulat sya dahil may kasama ko. Tiningnan nya si Finn.

“Ma!” I hurriedly went near her and hugged her.

“Your dad will be okay Laine. Don’t worry. He’s a strong person. He won’t leave us that way.” Mom said as she’s caressing my back.

Medyo lumakas naman ung loob ko sa sinabi ni Mama. Tama, kaya yan ni Papa! Di nya kami basta iiwan lang! Nang maghiwalay kami ni Mama, tumingin ulit sya kay Finn.

He stood up and greeted my mom. “Good morning po.”

My mom nod and greeted him back too. “Kaibigan mo ba ang anak ko?”


“Po?” He smiled reluctantly. “Opo.”


Woossshhhooo. Opo daw? Kaibigan nga ba? Lagi akong inaaway, kaibigan? Hahahah

“O baka ikaw ung date sana ni Laine?” Ano ba tong nanay ko. Napaka straight forward naman.

Bago pa sumagot si Finn eh, sumabat na ko. “Asan pala si Carl, Ma?”

“Aun. Kasama ng Auntie Melissa mo. Nagkasabay kasi kami papasok dito. Sinama nya si Carl, bibli daw sya ng prutas. Ayy sandali, sasamahan ko na nga sila. Dito ka muna, bantayan mo ang Papa mo, baka tumakas. Sige, Hijo, aalis muna ko ha? Pakisamahan mo muna si Laine ha?” Yun lang at umalis na din ang magaling kong ina. Tss.

“Your mom seems nice.” Maya-maya’y sabi ni Finn.

“Hmm. Yeah she’s really nice.” I said. “When my mom asked you if kaibigan kita, why did you say yes? Hypocrite.” I rolled my eyes. The ambiance of the room seems lighter. I’m sure na hindi matutuwa si Papa kung forever na lang akong iiyak kaya dapat tatagan ko din ung loob ko para sa kanya.

“Well, I was just being respectful. It would be rude if I would answer no.” He said as he sat down the couch there. I followed and sat beside him. Maliit lang ung couch na un, just enough for two people kaya naman medyo malapit ako sa kanya.


“How come you know how to be respectful and rude at the same time?” I asked teasing him.

“Tss. Because I’m cool.” He answered simply. Yabang! “You have a brother?” Bigla ay tanong nya.

“Yes. My super cute brother.”

“I hope he doesn’t inherit your mental issues.” Sabi nya then he got one of the magazines at binuklat nya yun.

“Bipolar ka ba?” Tanong ko. Kasi naman, kanina lang medyo emo sya tapos ngayon ang lakas na naman nya mang-asar.

Mukang nagulat sya sa tanong ko at napatingin sya sakin. “Tss. Pyscho. I’m not like you.” Iiling iling nyang sabi then tumingin ulit dun sa binabasa nya.


“If you’re a bipolar then I am --as what you said-- a psycho. Then do you think na bagay tayo?” I grinned then lalo pa kong lumapit sa kanya.

Nagulat sya sa paglapit ko sa kanya. “Hey Psycho, don’t go near me. Ayokong mahawa ng kabaliwan mo.”

I laughed hard as I look at him. Nakataas ung magazine sa muka nya tapos napacrossed legs pa sya dahil sa paglapit ko.

Nakakatawa ung itsura nya. Hahahahahaha. I was just laughing while looking at him. Sya naman, nakatingin lang sakin. Then suddenly, nagsalita sya.

“You seem to be better.”

Napatigil ako sa pagtawa nung sinabi nya un. Base sa tono ng pananalita nya, nagworry ba talaga sya sakin kanina o feeling ko lang un?


“Nag-alala ka ba sakin kanina?” Tanong ko habang nakatingin lang sa mukha nya.

He paused for moment. Seryoso ung mukha nya. Then he said…

“Bakit naman ako mag-aalala sayo? Tss. Wag kang feeling, okay? I went here not because of you but because of my book. I was worried about my book. Baka kasi mamaya, mawala ka sa sarili mo at kung ano pang gawin mo sa libro ko noh.”

OKAY. Whatever sabi ng isip ko. Kahit ano pang dahilan nya, okay na sakin un. At least, he’s with me at this crucial time of mine.

“OWS? Nag-worry ka sakin eh?” I looked at him mockingly. “Siguro in love ka na sakin noh?” I smirked.

Napatigil sya saglit at tumingin sakin. “In you wildest dreams, Psychopath.” Then he stood up and threw the magazine at me.

ARGHHHH. Ginagawa nya talaga kong basurahan eh! Babatuhin ko din sana sya ng may dumating na nurse.

“Kukunan ko lang po ng vital signs ung pasyente.”

I just nod at her.

“Finnie!” I called him after umalis ung nurse.

“I said stop calling me that name!” He said looking annoyed. Hahaha. Ang cute din nya minsan asarin eh.


“Nagugutom na ko.” I complained. Hanggang ngayon kasi di pa dumadating sila Mama. Hindi ko alam kung sinasadya nila un o ewan. Tss. Pero if ever man na sinadya nila un, papasalamatan ko na lang sya next time. Muahahaha.

“And so?”

“I can’t go. Tingnan mo naman si Papa oh.”

Mukang nagets na nya ang ibig kong sabihin.

“Magpadeliver na lang tayo dito.” Pagkaraa’y sabi nya.

“Ehh matagal pa pag deliver ehh. Ayoko naman ng hospital food.” Reklamo ko. “Ikaw na bumili ng food please?” I pouted. “Masakit na ung tiyan ko eh. Di ako nagbreakfast.”

Mukang naaasar sya. Hahahah. He glared at me. He just kept glaring at me while I’m looking at him with a frown on my face.

“Fine! This will be the first and last time I would grant your demand!” Sabi nya then he walked out of the door.

MUAHAHAH. I WON! LAINE FTW!


I just turned on the TV while waiting for him. Itetext ko sana sila Chix to accompany me here. Kaya lang, baka busy sila eh.

OWS?

O cge na nga, eh kasi okay na un. Si Finn kasama ko sa pagbantay kay Papa.

Di nagtagal, dumating na si Finn na may bit bit ng dalawang plastic bags ng Max’s. Lumapit ako sa kanya then I unpacked the food.

“Tara. Kain na tayo.” Yaya ko sa kanya.

“Ikaw na lang. I’m not hungry.” He said then sat on the couch.

“Ehh? Please? Ayoko kumain mag-isa.” I demanded. May pagka-maarte din pala ko minsan. Hahahah.

“I don’t like.”

“Please?”

“No.”


“Please?”

“Please?”

“Please?”

…


…


…


“Fine.”

Okay. Laine won again! Hahahah.

We just silently eat. Grabe. Nagutom talaga ko ng bongga!

“Why are you still here?” I asked pagkatapos naming kumain.

“What do you think is the reason why I’m still here?” He asked then come nearer to me.

Oh no. Hindi ako pwedeng kiligin. Wala pang malay ang Papa ko for God’s sake!

I did not speak for like a minute.

“Is it because you realized you already like me that you don’t want me to be alone in this room waiting for my dad to wake up?” I said not even breathing.

He grimaced then poked me on my forehead then went away from me. “You’re really funny.” He chuckled. “Why would I like a woman --- err scratch that--- a psychopathic girl like you? If that happens, then most likely, it’s the end of the world too.”

Napakayabang talaga ng lalaking ‘to!

“Ang yabang mo.” Sabi ko habang nakapamewang. “Eh bakit nandito ka pa din? Pwede ka na namang umuwi ah.” I raised a brow.


“Didn’t you hear what your mom said? Sabi nya samahan daw kita. I am just following her. And besides, I want to make sure na hindi mo pagbabalingan ng frustration yang book ko.”

“Tss. Whatever.” Sabi ko na lang. Bahala sya sa buhay nya. Hahaha.

---
Hours have passed and wala pa din kahit man lang anino ng Auntie ko, ni Carl at ng nanay ko. San naman kaya sila nagpunta? Hindi ba sila nagaalala kay Papa?

Si Papa, aun. Medyo nakakalungkot lang kasi wala pa din syang malay hanggang ngayon. Pero medyo bumubuti naman daw ung lagay nya sabi nung nurse na nakausap ko. Kaya naman, medyo gumaan na din ang pakiramdam ko.

At kami ni Finn. Aun, nakaupo lang sa couch habang nanunuod ng TV. Di talaga sya umalis eh. Pinaninindigan talaga nyang sumusunod lang sya sa mga mas matanda sa kanya. Sus. Gumaganun pa sya.

“It’s already 7.” Sabi nya pagkatingin nya sa wristwatch nya.

“Kailangan mo na ba umuwi?” Tanong ko.

Nag-isip sya saglit. Pero bago pa sya sumagot, may mga pumasok na sa kwarto. Ang mga magagaling kong kapamilya.

“Ma! Ba’t ang tagal nyo!” Tanong ko sa kanila. Si Finn naman binati lang sila Mama.

“Ehh. Something happened kasi anak eh. Diba Melissa?” Then siniko nya si Auntie. Sus. Style nila bulok.

“Ah-ah. O-oo eh.” Sabi ni Auntie. “Kamusta na pala ang Papa mo? Di pa din ba sya nagkakamalay?”

“Hindi pa po eh. Pero sabi naman ng nurse medyo bumubuti na ung kalagayan nya.”

“Thank God at umayos na ung kalagayan nya.” She said in relief.

“Sabi ko naman sa inyo eh. Malakas yang Papa mo.” My mom said. “Ahh hijo, salamat nga pala sa pasama mo dito kay Laine ha?” Baling nya kay Finn.

“No problem po.” Sus. Parang ang bait nya ah. Hahahah.

“Ate sino sya ha?” Tanong ni Carl. Nakakagulat naman tong batang to. Nasa likod lang pala sya ni Mama.

“Wala ka na dun.” Sabi ko. Hahahah. Mabait akong ate eh.

“Hmm. Laine. You can go home first. Kami na muna ang magbabantay sa Papa mo.” Maya-maya’y sabi ni Mama. “You look exhausted. Mauna ka na sa bahay. Besides may pasok ka pa bukas. Hijo, ikaw din. Pakisabayan mo na din si Laine pag-uwi kung okay lang sayo.”

Siguro sa nanay ko ako nagmana ng diskarte. Hahaha. Galing eh. Thank you Ma! Hahahah.

“Ahm. Sige po.” Sabi ni Finn. Hahah. Feeling mabait talaga to.

“Okay. Pasensya ka na ha? Ayoko kasi na magcommute pa tong si Laine eh. Pero salamat ah.” My mom smiled at him.

“Sige Ma. Alis na kami. Bahala na kayo kay Papa ha. Tawagan nyo ko agad pag nagising na sya ha?” I said as I gave her a peck on her cheek. I then turned to my aunt and kiss her on her cheek too.

“Okay. Ingat kayo pauwi. Salamat uli Hijo.”

“Sige, mauna na po kami.” Sabi ni Finn habang papalabas kami.

“Feeling mabait ka talaga. Tss. Kala mo kung sinong good boy.” I said right after makalabas kami ng hospital.

“Tss. I’m just being respectful and besides I choose people whom I should be kind to. And you’re not part of them.” He said conceitedly.

“Whatever.” Sabi ko na lang. Medyo wala na din kasi akong lakas para makipagtalo eh.

We just walked silently to the parking area. Ano kayang iniisip ng bipolar na to?

After minutes of walking, nakarating na din kami sa kotse nya. At talaga namang napaWOW ako sa wheels nya. OMY! Isasakay nya ba talaga ko dito? Kung napanganga ako sa Porsche ni Bessie Ivan nun, mas napanganga ako sa kotse ni Finn ngayon. It’s just a gray Lamborghini na kadalasang nakikita ko lang sa mga magazines.

Wow. Just wow.

“What? Are just going to stare and drool over my car?” He said annoyingly.

Whtda. Sya na. Yabang nya wah. Tss.

“So you really brought your hottest car just because I told you so?” I asked. Eh diba, sinabi ko naman talaga sa kanya na dalin nya ung hottest car na meron sya.

“Sorry, this is just one of my hot cars. It’s not the hottest though but I thought this car is only enough to make your jaw drop like that.”

Grabe. Wala na bang mas yayabang pa sa kanya?

“Tss. Arrogant. Edi ikaw na! Tara na nga.” Yaya ko na sa kanya then sumakay na ko sa Lamborghini nya. Grabe. Hindi ko akalaing makakasakay sa ganitong sasakyan. Nyahahah.

We’re just quiet the whole time we’re on our way. Siguro sa pagod na din. Nakakapagod din kaya ang umupo at manuod lang maghapon.

“Classmates tayo tomorrow.” I said to break the stillness of the night.

“So?”

“Aren’t you happy? Magkakasama na naman tayo.”

“Not because I accompanied you at the hospital and drove you home don’t mean na close na tayo.” He said uncaringly.

Tss. Bipolar nga talaga to.

I just rolled my eyes. Remember, hindi ako susuko na mapalapit sa kanya. And I know, this is just the very beginning. Muahahah.

“Ano? Tutunganga ka na lang dyan?” Bigla nyang sabi.

Nasa tapat na pala kami ng bahay namin nang di ko namamalayan. Bumaba na ko.

“Thank you for driving me home Finnie.” I said. Nakasilip ako sa bintana ng kotse kasi nasa driver’s seat pa din sya at nakaupo.

“My book.” Tanging nasabi nya.

Wala man lang you’re welcome? Hay nako. What do you expect sa isang Finn?

“Ahh. Oo nga pala. Sandali lang ha?” Sabi ko then pumasok ako sa bahay para kunin ung book nya. Kinuha ko na din ung earphones na binili ko sa kanya.

Pagkalabas ko ng bahay, nakita ko si Finn na nakasandal sa kotse nya.

“Para sa isang book, inabot ka ng siyam siyam?” Sabi nya sa inis na tono. Grabe naman to, para five minutes eh.

“Oh. Ito na po mahal na hari.” Inabot ko sa kanya ung libro kasama na nung earphones.

“What the hell is this?” He’s holding a pink box na may mga ruffles ruffles at ribbon effect pa. Yun ung earphones na pinaghirapan kong ibalot kagabi. Hahahah.

“My gift for you.” I said smiling.

“Tss. I don’t need this.” Binalik nya sakin ung box. “I just need my book.” Then he checked his book.

“Don’t worry, wala akong ginawang masama sa book mo. Tanggapin mo na to oh.” Sabi ko habang pilit na inaabot sa kanya ung regalo ko. “Buksan mo na lang pagdating sa bahay nyo.”

“Tss. I don’t need that. I don’t want to accept any gift from you.” Sabi nya while he goes to his car para sumakay.

Lumapit ako sa may front passenger seat kasi bukas ung bintana dun so nilagay ko na ung gift ko. “Tatanggapin mo to whether you like it or not.”

“You’re really hard-headed, aren’t you?” He sighed. “Fine, I’ll accept it. I’ll go now.” Yun lang ang sinabi nya then he started the engine and drove away.

“BYE FINNIE! THANK YOU! INGAT!” I shouted as I waved sa papalayo nyang kotse.

I can’t help smiling while I go inside our house. I can’t believe na si Finn ang nakasama ko sa ganitong pagkakataon. He accompanied me at the hospital, bought me lunch, ate with me and confessed something serious about his mom. All of that just happened in a day. Our supposed to be date day. Kahit na hindi natuloy yung date na un, I felt contented –no—I felt more than contented.

All negative aura I had this morning was suddenly changed by a person--- ang bipolar na si Finn.



*To be continued*