Euphoria

Chapter 16

We stopped at the fancy restaurant in Makati.

The dining-room was exquisite. The walls were covered with a shimmering gold paper and in the middle of the ceiling above the carved oak table was a candelabra.

Down the center of the table was a runner with Celtic design woven in gold and green into the fabric itself. At the end of the table were floor to ceiling french doors, left slightly ajar to let in the scented summer air.

The polished silver cutlery was heavy to the hand and shone brightly in the early evening light.

At each place stood a tall empty wine glass and there were beautifully folded napkins to match the runner. All that was missing was the food and the guests.

Neil prepared this huh? The waiter guided us to our table. And said that our foods are going to prepare soon.

"Are you hungry?" Tanong ni Neil sakin, magkaharap kami ng upuan kaya kitang-kita ko kung gaano kaseryoso ang kanyang mukha at may halong pag-aalala sa mga mata nitong nakatingin sa'kin.

"Not really, as you can remember I was in cafe when you came." I said as a matter of fact. His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched. Is he being jealous again?

"Should I tail you everyday so that I can be at peace that you're not with someone else?" wika niya at humilig sa upuan. I was left half-opened mouth and my eyes stared at him like I found it so unbelievable. He's serious like an ass now. Hindi ko inaasahang sasabihin niya iyon.

"You can't do that thou, aside of you being busy at work I've only knew a few guy friends," saad ko dito at humalukipkip sa aking kinauupuan. I must be teasing him now, hard. Itinago ko ang multo ng ngiti sa aking labi.

He stared at me. Whatever the intent behind his gazed at me, one thing's for sure - he's giving me attention and find an aspect of my personality to be interesting. My heart suddenly flattered. 

"Wanna try it, Yel? I'm also good at that." makahulugan niyang saad. Nagsitayuan ang aking balahibo sa nais niyang ipahiwatig. Damn it! This isn't good so stop teasing him, Yel! Or else you'll have an stalker. Kay gwapo naman stalker kapag nagkataon.

I ignored his words and waited  peacefully for our foods. Trying my best not to say anything nor looking at my front. Abala ako sa kakasuyod ng tingin sa paligid.

I glanced him once a time and found out that he's still looking at me. Ang buong akala ko ay mag-iiwas ito ng tingin  pero hindi niya iyon ginawa, sa huli ay nailang lamang ako kaya laking pasalamat ko nang dumating na ang aming pagkain.

Our attention diverted to the foods in front of us. I only noticed that mostly of the dish that he ordered are vegetables.

Tinulak niya sa direksiyon ko ang "Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts."

"Try it, it's good." aniya. Jusko! Mapupurga ata ako ngayon sa gulay.

"Why mostly you ordered are vegetables?" Hindi ko napigilang itanong iyon sa kanya.

"You're pregnant and you need that." mabilisan niyang sagot. Nakapakagat labi na lamang ako at tinikman iyong kung pao brussels sprouts.
It's salty, spicy, and addicting at the same time, well not bad.

The rest time dinner was filled the quite air. No one of us tried to spoke. It's better I guess than we're trying to talk but ended with argument. 

Neil held my hand habang papalabas kami ng restaurant, we decided to go home after we ate. We still both have  work tomorrow.

My hands were frailty and caution, shaking gently as he held  my hand. In my movements were so much of the woman was and still is.

I think I realized how vulnerable I was and how much of a toll the sickness had taken.