Gayuma Ni Maria (One shot)

Gayuma Ni Maria

"That's him. He's the one."

Nilapit ko ang mukha ko sa screen para titigan nang maayos yung picture sa laptop screen. It's a guy wearing a blue and white dri-fit shirt. He's looking up at the ring. A basketball ring.

"You want me to date a basketball player!? Anikka naman! Nang-aasar ka ba?" I say and faced my best friend.
"Oh come on, Audrey. You'll love him." Sagot ni ng best friend kong loka-loka.
"Basketball player siya." Sabi ko naman at tumayo mula sa swivel chair. Pumunta ako sa kama ko para mag-basa ulit ng libro. To escapre reality. Charot.
"I know, I know. You have history with basketball players. But, Audrey, he's not just a basketball player. Peter is more than that." Sagot naman ni Anikka. She sits at the other end of the bed.
I squinch my eyes at her. "What is he, then? What makes up this Peter?"
Ngumiti siya. "You have to go on the date so you'll find out."
"No." Simpleng sagot ko.
"Please, Audrey. Do this for me? Alam mo namang hindi kita ipapahamak--"
"Are you kidding me?" I say cutting her off. "Anong hindi ipapahamak? You set me up with that stinky dude who didn't pay for the food he ordered! Cheap! Okay lang sa akin ang mag-bayad sa date, alam mo yan. But at least, contribute something!"
"Si Ben ba yun?" Tanong ni Anikka na natatawa.
"Stop laughing." Sagot ko naman at natawa rin. Binato ko siya ng unan. "Yes, that was Ben. The sharp shooter, or so he says."
"That was one time, Audrey. Please, please. Pretty please. Ignore the fact that Peter's a basketball player. You'll love him. You'll love Peter."
I rolled my eyes. "I doubt it."
"So, payag ka na?" Tanong ng best friend kong nakangiti abot tenga.

Tinignan ko lang siya ng masama.
She squealed. "Yes! I knew it!" Tumakbo naman siya papunta sa kwarto niya.

Another date, another boy.
Same story, different boy.

How has my life turned into this? A series of dates with a series of boys. Not one has turned into a successful relationship. Ni wala nga man lang second date. The worst dates are with basketball players. It's not just them...it's just, it doesn't click. Hindi ko alam. Siguro dahil ang first date ko noon ay isang basketball player. Si Martin. Na ubod ng hangin. Parang napunta sa ulo niya yung hangin sa bola. Not saying every basketball player is like that. Pero simula nung naka-date ko si Martin, every time na lang na may nakaka-date rin akong player, wala, hindi na nagki-click. Disaster ang date.

How can Anikka blame me for feeling like this towards this date with...what's his name again? See?! Nakalimutan ko na agad. Damn, I can't wait for the date to be over.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pogi points 1.

Dumating ba naman sa tapat ng bahay ang isang black Bentley car. Classic. Though nung una, medyo natakot ako. Siyempre, baka saan ako dalhin nun! Hindi ako agad-agad makakahingi ng tulong. However, Anikka assured me that she knows this part of the plan.

I slid into the backseat. Inayos ko ang dress kong sapphire colored. It's just about the right length, a few inches above my knee. I wore a crop top leather jacket since it is a bit chilly due to the Ber month weather. I also use my favorite silver purse, it's my mother's. Lagi ko 'tong dala sa mga date since it gives me comfort. Parang pakiramdam ko, kasama ko lang si mama, even in spirit. Though that'd be weird if she is actually there. You don't bring your mother to your date, do you?

A few minutes have passed and we have reached an establishment. It's a 4-storey building. Ang ganda sa labas, sobrang modern ng design. I got out of the cab and walked towards the entrance. When the doorman opened the dark, wooden doors, I was greeted by the beauty of a grand lobby. Fairy lights cover the railings of two grand staircases.

"Whoa." I muttered. At the top of the staircase, is a man leaning and smiling at something. He's facing the restaurant, I presume. I tilted my head. Parang bigla ako naiingit sa peacefulness ng aura niya at kung ano man yung nginingitian niya. Slowly, he turned around and our eyes locked. Cheesy it may seem, my heart beat faster.