The Past or The Present?

Chapter 42

I didn't notice the time dahil sa dami narin ng mga preparations na ginawa ko bago ako umalis. I checked the wall clock and it's already 8pm. I clean up my table and check my phone, there's one missed call and it's from Tavin so I decided to dialled his number but he didn't answer it baka magkausap pa din sila ni Mark until now and I hope e maayos na nila kung ano man ang problema nilang dalawa.

I grab my car keys and went outside, I double check the lock and walk towards my car when I saw someone familiar, his walking from left to right and seems thinking about something.

"Vinn? What are you doing here?" Shock is written all over his face he put his hand on his pocket and look at me.

"Well... I run some errand near by and I decided to drop by.." I nod at him.

"Oh is that so... So I'm going... Sorry di na kita naaya sa loob kung maaga ka sana pumunta. So bye?"

"Well... Since I'm already here I would like to ask if- if.. You're free tonight? But it's okay if you dis-" I cut his sentence and answered him.

"Okay. We also need to talk about our trip." He turn his back and walk away kaya nagulat ako but then he stop and look at me again.

"Wait. Did you just say you're going with me?" Then he smiled and grab my hand and there it is again the fast heartbeat and his soft hand. I didn't notice na nakaupo na ako sa shotgun sit. I saw him make his way to the other side at pagkaupo nya ay tinignan nya ako ulit with his famous smile.

"So Ms. Bautista what do you prefer to eat? Your all time favorite paella? Or would you like to have some pasta or steak? Should we go to our favorite hangout?" I didn't know na nakangiti na pala ako sa kanya. He didn't change at all siya pa rin yung Vinn na nakilala ko.

"Well it's up to you. I also miss that place." He then start the engine and drive away.

Tahimik ang atmosphere ng buong byahe namin and he broke the silence.

"Is it okay if we turn on the radio?" I just nod at him. Siguro nga mas maganda kung makinig kami ng music para malessen yung awkwardness namin dalawa.

He started to find some songs then he stop and we started listening to the dj.

"We usually forget the past intentionally because of the pain that they caused to us but should we also forget the person that once became your everything? It is okay to forget but learn to forgive.. For our caller here's the song for you and I hope finally you'll learn how to forgive just like what you said he's still the one."

I didn't know how to react, the dj hit the target! And damn it's bull'seye! Then Kelly Clarkson started singing.

This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it been so long I forgot how to turn it up up up all night long Oh up up all night long

You, where the hell did you come from? You were a different, different kind of fun and still used to feel it now. Now, I got pins and needles on my tongue anticipating what's to come like a finger on a loaded gunnn

I can feel it rising temperature inside me haven't felt it for a longgg timeee

Damn! Seriously! Why now? I can feel the blood rushing all over my face.

I saw Vinn on my peripheral vision trying to change the station but I stopped him.

"What's with this song?" with a sarcastic tone on his laugh.

"It's beautiful.. Don't you think?" I asked him looking directly on his face but he just cleared his throat.

Your hands on my hips and my kiss on your lips and I could do this for a lonnnnng timeeee

I look straight on the road those lyrics how I miss those good old days...

Until tonight I only dreamed about you I can't believe I'll ever breathe without you baby you make me feel alive and brand new bring it one more timeeee

This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it been so long I forgot how to turn it up up all night long oh up up all night long.

Wala ng nagsalita pa sa aming dalawa hanggang sa makarating kami sa restaurant.

Di pa rin nagbabago ito just like the old days. We went straight towards our favorite spot and the waiter give us the menu.

"Good evening sir and mam.. Matagal na rin ng huli ko po kayong makita dito. Naku sir nakabalik na po pala si mam siguro po welcome celebration nyo po ito."

"Ah-eh kuya oho.." Alangin na sagot ni Vinn. Binalewala ko nalang si kuya since mukhang close sila ni Vinn.

"The long wait is over sir di na kayo mag-isa na kakain dito. Same order pa rin po ba?"

"Ahh kuya ang akin po e Seafood Pael-"

"Yes mam Seafood Paella platter request is more on squid and shrimp well done steak less pepper and for dessert is one slice of blueberry and strawberry cheesecake your drinks is peach shake and one glass of water." With wide eyes I just nodded at him and handed him the menu.

"It will take some time we will just serve it to you mam and sir" then he walk away.

"How did he-" then Vinn just smile at me.

"Nagbago na kasi yung mga employees dito after you left I come here every other day with the same food that we usually eat.. Maybe it became a habit then Jake that guy asked me if there is someone that I've been waiting for." I just nodded at him.

What's with him? Ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa loob ng dalawang taon?  I cleared my thought and change the topic.

"So on saturday sa basement na tayo magkikita?"

"Hindi susunduin kita sa unit mo."

"Wag na okay lang naman kung magkita na tayo sa parking di naman mabigat yung dadalhin ko na gamit."

"No I insist."

"You're still the same stubborn Vinn that I met" then I smile widely at him.

"Well you're still the same old Fatima that I met. Those sweet smile." And I blushed sakto naman na dumating na ang pagkain namin.

While on the middle of our conversation we started talking about his career. It feels like it was just yesterday that we had our conversation like this. Our dinner went well.

He drop me in front of my unit and bid goodbye.

"Goodnight and Thanks for your time I really had a great night. Thank you Fatima." Then he kissed the back of my palm, I smiled at him and murmur my thanks.

It feels like we're back together.. I went straight to the living room when I heard Tavin's voice.

"Fatima..."

"Oh geez! Tavin! Seriously?! Are you some sort of a mushroom?" Then he hug me.

"Hey.. What happened?"

"I.need.you.please don't go."