Mr. Nuknukan Trilogy (d' 3rd) - Ulric

Wishing

It's almost nine in the evening.  Di ako dalawin ng antok.  Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakahiga.  I removed my shirt and don't care if my fly is open.  Dala ang camera, naglakad lakad ako sa buhanginan.  When I look at the sky, I cannot help myself but smile.  One bright star is very near to the waxing crescent moon.  My grandfather used to tell me, at this moment, women are attracting men like bees.

"Hi!" napalingon ako.  It's Pauleen, Troy's sister.  

"Hello Kiddo," hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti ng sumimangot siya.

"Can you please drop the kiddo?  I told you, I am not a kid anymore," kahit nakasimangot, maganda pa rin.

Natatawang napailing ako.  "What are you doing here Pauleen?" tanong ko sa kanya.  "It's late.  You should be sleeping," tumingala ulit ako.  What a beautiful scenery.  How I wish, my shot can give justice to it.

I turn my camera on and zoom it in.

"Like you, I cannot sleep and luckily, I found you here," tumingin ako sa kanya.  

"Are you following me, Pauleen?" nakangiting tumango siya.  I rolled my eyes and positioned myself to take a good shot.  

"Halata ba?"  natatawang tanong niya.

"Yup!"  I adjusted the lens.

"I am your number one fan," ngumiti lang ako.  After I click the camera, I look at the screen.  Okay naman pero hindi ko masyadong nagustuhan.  "I read each and every article about you.  So when I learned from my brother that you are in town, I did my very best to know your whereabouts." 

Pops, I think, it's the other way around....

"Why is that so?"  I asked her

She got beautiful locks and has a big resemblance to Cameron.  Just like Mason, I also like that kid.  I reminded myself to ask Sandra out before we go.

Nahiga ako sa buhanginan at muling itinutok ang lens sa langit.  Napangiti ako.  This is a better angle. But when I click, instead of the moon and star, it's her face!

"Goodness Pauleen!" inis na napatingin ako sa kanya. She's grinning.  "I am taking a shot!" 

"Sorry," at nag-peace sign.  Napailing na lang ako at muling ibinalik ang atensyon sa kinukuhanan ko ng larawan.  She's standing near me and I saw her face looking up in the sky through the lens.  

This is the best shot.

Napangiti ako habang umuupo.  She seated beside me.  "Are you really like this?  Kahit ano lang, kinukunan ng pictures?" 

Tumingin ako sa kanya.  "It's not kahit na ano lang.  Like that," tinuro ko sa kanya ang buwan at bituin.  "It's a beautiful piece of art.  All the things that God created are beautiful...." tumingin ako sa kanya.  She's still looking at the sky.   "Beautiful," No Ric!  She's a kid!  Above all, she is Troy's sister.

Ipinilig ko ang ulo ko.  Tumingin ako sa malawak na karagatan.  "How old are you Pauleen?" 

"Sixteen but I will turn seventeen next week and I want you to come," nakadama ako ng panghihinayang.  I am leaving for Switzerland with Trice and Mason.

"Though I want to.....I cannot," kumunot ang noo niya.  "We are leaving in three days' time." 

Though she looks disappointed, she just shrugged her shoulders.  "I just tried my luck," napakunot ako ng noo ng tumingin siya sa akin at nakangiti.  "A gift will do."  Tumango ako.  

"I will send it to your house,"  muli akong nahiga sa buhanginan at pumikit.

Napalingon ako sa kanya ng maramdaman ko ang paghiga niya sa tabi ko.