Let Me Be The One

Chapter 36 - Maliit na Mundo

Gail

"Wow... traffic-much!" I told myself as I closed the front door behind me as I walked to the dining table where I placed my take-out food from the cafe across the street.

It would be some rotisserie chicken and steamed vegetables for tonight.

"And you should be placed in some water" I said to the bouquet of flowers that Brent gave me placing them near the sink.

Naglakad ako to my room to dress up for now. Traffic is such a stress. Uuwi ka na nga maiipit ka pa ng mga 1-2 hours. Manila is such a small world with small jam-packed streets. Well, it is lesser today.

As I reached the kitchen again, I took out a vase I kept under the sink, placed some water in it before placing the flowers of the bouquet in it.

"You would look better here" I said carrying the vase to the dining table where I placed it on the middle of the table.

"Ayan... so now for dinner" I said taking the take-out boxes before glancing at the clock.

8:30... darn traffic.

I took my phone and messaged Brent.

Just reached home, babe.
Enjoy your dinner.
Miss you.
<message sent>

I was just about to eat as I placed my phone on the table. Hope he's not stuck in traffic also.

Brent

I was just parking my car on the side of the street when my phone beeped a message.

<message received>
Just reached home, babe.
Enjoy your dinner.
Miss you.
Sender: Gail

I parked a few meters from the house of my cousin. And as I went down the car, I started making a reply to Gail's message, before getting my gift from the trunk.

Just arrived, as well, babe.
Miss you.
<message sent>

Just one day away and I miss her so much.

Nicolo

Marami- rami and nandito ngayon. Pero dinig ko may ilan pang darating maya maya. Naka ilang ikot na ako dito at pang ilang balik ko na rin ito sa bar.

"O, Nics, pre... bilis maubos ng mga inumin mo ha" banggit ni Dindo.

"Oo eh. Nginingitian ko kasi ang mga bisita" tawa kong sinabi ng punuin niya ulit ang tray ko at muli akong naglako ng inumin.

Sa loob ng ilang minuto lumapit sa akin si Andrei.

"Tol, pwede patulong sa loob. Dumami na mga alagain ko sa loob. Kahit ilang minuto lang" banggit sa akin ni Drei bago siya pumasok ulit sa loob.

Pumunta muna ako sa bar, binaba ang tray at sinabihan si Dindo na tutulong lang ako sa loob na tinanguan niya sa pagsang ayon. Tahimik akong dumaan sa garden at pumasok ng bahay.

Brent

After a few minutes, I entered the front gate of Jelyn's house. I know this house well, since childhood. Marami na siyang guests. Better go straight to the house.

"Good evening, Sir" one of the hired staff said as I passed him by.

"Good evening" I answered with a smile before passing some people in the garden.

The door just closed as I neared it to enter. I grabbed the knob and entered the house that had already guests chatting idly near the living room. I wonder where Jelyn was.

"Kuya Brent!" shouted a voice from within the crowd.

Patakbong lumakad si Jelyn to where I was as I held the gift for her.

"Thank you... for coming" she said as she warmly hugged me.

"You are very welcome, my dear Jelyn" I said hugging her back.

"Hijo, buti nakapunta ka" said Jelyn's father, my father's brother, my uncle, as he walked to us with a glass of wine in his hand.

"Not going to miss this one, tito" I said smiling as Jelyn let me go from her hug.

"You have to talk to Mon regarding some of the planning" she said as she pulled me to the dining where the others were.

"See you later, tito" I said as I excused myself and went to talk to her fiancee.

Nicolo

Matapos maglako ng inumin sa labas. Eto ako at maglalako na naman ata ng alak at ilang mga makakain sa loob.

"Tol, paayos muna itong mga baso at tray bago kita balikan maya maya" banggit ni Drei habang nasa malaking kusina kami ng bahay.

"Sige. Sabihan mo na lang ako" sagot ko habang hinihilera ang mga baso na gagamitin.

Sa dami ng mga handa at inumin sa party na ito parang piyesta sa kalye namin. Na abala ako sa mga gagamitin na inaayos ko na di ko napansin na may lumapit sa akin.

"Excuse me" kalabit ng isang lalaki sa bandang likuran ko.