That Day

THREE

MARCO

I closed my eyes. I smelled her breathe. Her scent. Her sexy heavy breathing and intoxicating scent. I'm so trapped in it.

My heart is pounding.

dug dug dug

Nalulunod na naman ako sa ganitong sitwasyon.

My lips are ready to claim hers.

But

"On the second thought, tinatamad akong halikan ka."

I opened my eyes. She's still facing me about ten inches away.

Napakunot ako ng noo. I know my face turned into red. Dahil napahiya at umasa ako.

"Marco, you'll never know me." She winked at me.

Umaayos na siya ng tayo at tinalikuran ako.

May bumusina sa labas. Nand'yan na sina ate.

I clenched my jaw.

Arrghhh. Ginulo ko 'yung buhok ko out of frustration.

"Oh, Marco. I thought you're in Manila na." Nakaupo na pala sa couch si ate.

"I'm about to leave na ate, kuya Dale. Good night." Paalam ko sa kanila.

*****

"Hey!"

"...." she just look at me at lumabas na rin sa gate.

I stepped out of my car.

"Hatid na kita." Sabi ko kay V

"I prefer to walk by myself. Thanks for the concern." At nagpatuloy na siyang umalis.

"You owe me something." She gasped as I grabbed her arm. "Now, do me a favor."

"Okay!" She went inside the car. See, she can't manipulate me.

"Saan ka ba nakatira?"

"What if I tell you na wala akong tirahan. I-iinsist po pa din bang ihatid ako?" She said straight into my gazed.

"At least, may nasabi kang bagay na tungkol sa'yo. Like you being homeless." Boom! Natameme siyang umiwas ng tingin sa halip, inaayos niya ang kanyang seatbelt.

Nagmaneho na ako. Ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko. I don't why?

'Yung mata ko laging dumadapo sa magandang babaeng katabi ko. Tahimik lang siyang naka-upo.

Bigla siyang lumingon sa akin.

"Kamukha ko ba 'yung highway at sa akin ka nakatitig? Baka maaksidente tayo niyan."

Nataranta kong ibinalik ang tingin ko sa daan.

I heard her giggled.

Nilakasan ko 'yung aircon sa car. Pakiramdam ko kasi uminit 'yung paligid between us. I see her smiling in my peripheral vision.

dug dug dug.

"Am I a good kisser?" Tanong niya sa akin. Out of the blue.

I shrugged.

"Then, bakit hindi mo ako pinipigilan?"

I shrugged again. Hindi ko din alam.

"Why do you let a stranger like me to kiss you?

"I don't have any idea. But to be honest, you're my first kiss."

Natahimik siya sa kinauupuan niya bigla.