Surface Tension

27

“Why so glum, chum?” inasar ko si Keefe. Two weeks na mula ng maka labas ako ng hospital at back to regular programming ang buhay ko. It was Monday afternoon. As usual nasa coffee shop kami sa loob ng isang bookstore.

“Miuccia!” I heard a familiar voice called my name. Lumingon ako. It was Olivia.

“Hi Olivia” I greeted.

“Are you on a date?” tiningnan niya si Keefe.

“My friend and I always hang out here every Monday afternoon. It’s go-to-the-bookstore-Day” I explained.

“I see” she replied.

“Who are you with?” I asked.

“B2” she pointed.

“Does your dad know you’re here?” I asked.

“Yes. He’s on his way. He’s buying me a book” she answered.

“What are you doing on this floor?” I curiously asked. Nasa baba kasi ang Children’s section.

“I wanted to buy a drink. I’m thirsty” she answered.

“What do you want to drink? I’ll get you one” nag offer si Keefe.

“You’re Keefe” Olivia looked at him.

“Yes” Keefe smiled. Uminom ako ng frapucino ko.

“My dad hates you” Olivia told him straight. Nasamid ako. I coughed.

“Okay ka lang?” Keefe asked.

“Yes” I lied. Natatakot na ako sa mga susunod na sasabihin ng bata na nasa harapan ko.

“What made you say that your dad hates me?” amused na tanong ni Keefe. Tiningnan ko si Keefe. Susko itanong ba daw talaga?

“He doesn’t like me watching your music video. The one with Miuccia in it. I think he’s jealous. Are you and Miuccia a couple?”

“We’re just friends” Keefe answered.

“Good to hear that” Olivia replied. Natawa si Keefe.

“So do want a drink?” Keefe asked.

“I want an orange juice please” Olivia replied.

“Do you want to eat something?” tanong ni Keefe.

“I want cupcake” Olivia told him.

Olivia was eating her cupcake. Suddenly I heard a phone ringing. May nilabas sa bulsa si Olivia, it was an iPhone5c.

“Dad I’m in the coffee shop. I’m eating a cupcake…… Okay…Bye” nilapag ni Olivia ang phone niya sa table at uminom siya ng orange juice.

“Do you want another cupcake?” I asked.

“I’ll ask my Dad to buy me another one. He’s on his way up” she answered. Na tense ako bigla.

“So what book are you planning to buy?” Keefe asked Olivia.

“I want to read Hunger Games” she answered.

“Have you read the Wimpy Kid series?” I asked. Buti nalang sasamahan siya ngayun ni Lucas bumili ng libro.

“Not yet”

“Buy the first book” I suggested.

“Miuccia” I heard Lucas call my name.

“Hi” I greeted. “Keefe si Lucas. Lucas si Keefe” I introduced.

“What are you doing here?” Lucas asked. Parang hindi niya nakikita si Keefe.

“They always go here every Monday” Olivia answered. “Dad I want another cupcake”.

“Sweetie one is enough” sagot ni Lucas.

“Lucas gutom yung bata, pabigyan mo na” I told him.

“Okay bibilhan ko siya pero pag naging hyper yan ikaw magbabantay?” he asked.

“Ah sabi ko nga huwag na” I replied. 

“Daddy can I hang out with them here every Monday?” Olivia asked. Hindi makasagot si Lucas. “I want to hang out with Miuccia”.

“I’ll think about it” sagot ni Lucas. Alam kong hindi papayag si Lucas sa gusto niya.

“Keefe tara na. Baka ma late tayo sa movie” tiningnan ko si Keefe.

“Manonood tayo?” he asked.

“Diba?” kunwari pinaalala ko sa kanya. I was giving him the look. Gusto ko na umalis kasi I already feel awkward.

“Ah oo nga pala” Keefe went along.

“We need to go” I told Lucas and Olivia. 

“Bye” Olivia greeted.

“Bye” hinatak ko si Keefe.