Roller Coaster

RC --- Chapter SIX

You have to walk carefully in thebeginningof love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip. – Jonathan Carroll

I glanced outside the window as I positioned my body more to the right, temple leaning on the window glass. Miguel was on my left, concentrating on the road while driving.

He already explained why he had to ignore me awhile ago, seemed reasonable but a part of me still thought it’s unreasonable thus the almost silent treatment I was giving him. Haha! Akala ba nya siya lang marunong maging pipi? Aba, mas magaling ako dun.

However childish it might look, I couldn’t elucidate why I wanted to behave this way, just that I’m completely irritated by what he did kaya syempre, hindi ako basta-basta bibigay.

“Let’s have dinner before I send you home.” Miguel stated breaking the roughly two-minute ice.

“I’m not hungry.” I plainly answered. I leaned on the seat, crossed my arms around my chest and shut my eyes trying to imply I’ll be sleeping off the whole trip. Hopefully he would get the message.

Apparently he didn’t as he parked the car near a cozy two-storey seafood restaurant and stepped out almost immediately afterwards. He went to my side and gently opened the car door.

Would it be too much if I grab the door closed and lock myself inside? For a split of a second, I thought of giving in to the idea but heck I’m a 21-year old woman acting like a 16-year old teenager who was having lover’s quarrel with her boyfriend.

Kung nakikita ako nina Lexy ngayon, sobra-sobrang kantyaw siguro ang aabutin ko. I am so not acting like myself.

So, I got out of the car and simply started to walk towards the restaurant. Needless to admit, I was famished, might as well grab the chance of dining with someone on an elegant restaurant rather than eating yakisoba or refrigerated pre-cooked meal alone.

A well-dressed waiter with warm smile instantly approached us when we were at the entrance. “Good evening Mr. Torralba, Madam! Right this way.” He politely said and escorted us up the mezzanine.

It was small area with a single good-for-two table in the center, overly decorated with candles and flowers. I would have loudly laughed on how weird it appeared if it weren’t for this guy behind me who totally killed my humor.

The kind waiter pulled one chair and I sat on it. I warmly said my thanks and focused my attention on what seafood could satisfy my hunger as I scanned the menu.

“Yung dati sa akin John.” I heard Miguel ordered. The waiter made an affirmative reply and patiently waited for mine. After a few minutes of food deliberation, my stomach finally gave in to shrimps and salmons.

“Are you still mad? Or are you just too hungry to even have the energy to talk to me?” Miguel asked after the waiter excused himself. He was staring at me. Half serious and half mocking but obviously wanting to hear just the truth.

I shifted my gaze on my left where a large window overlooked Manila bay. The scene was serene and romantic with sparkling lights coming from the lighthouse and a few yachts on sail. It eased my feelings, “Angry at you of course.” I softly answered.

There was a moment of stillness before he spoke again. “You know, I planned on bringing Kathleen here tonight.”

Okay, that just ruined the moment! Akala ko ba hihiwalayan na nya yung babae? My brow automatically raised so as my blood pressure and was on the verge of walking out when he continued.