Roller Coaster

RC --- Chapter NINE.one

 There are no rules according to the universe ... you provide the feelings of having it now and the universe will respond. – Anonymous

“I don’t know how to cook, could we just order for delivery.” Alex insisted as she followed him to the kitchen. She thought he was only going to drop her off sa unit but then he commented he was hungry and so now he was here in her kitchen.

“But you cooked breakfast.” Miguel was going through her refrigerator.

“I only know frying okay. Yun lang yun.” She wanted to shoo him away. The only thing she wanted at that very moment was to sleep.

Nakita nyang naglabas si Miguel ng ilang piraso ng beef, isang onion bulb, mushrooms at nilagay sa sink. “Where are the condiments?” Humarap ito sa dalaga.

Although reluctant, Alex pointed on one of the shelves near the oven. Nilapitan na rin nya si Miguel trying to think of how she would cook the beef. “Okay lang ba sayo kung ifry ko na lang yang beef?

Miguel chuckled. “I don’t like fried foods. It’s too greasy.” Kumuha ito ng tomato paste, sour cream, salt, ground pepper, at grated cheese.

Napasimangot ang dalaga. “So what are those for?”

“I’ll be cooking our dinner.” Miguel answered her query and took one of the aprons at sinuot ito.

“Really? You know how to cook?” Weh di nga?

“No, I’ll be experimenting. Pasensya ha pag masunog ko itong kusina mo.”

Alex’ frown returned. “That’s not funny. Let’s just order food kasi.” She seized the casserole Miguel was holding.

“Haha! Relax Zee. I may not be a great chef but I do know how to cook. Just help with this, will you?” Kinuha nya ulit ang kaldero sa kamay ni Alex at pinalit yung piraso ng sibuyas.

Sumunod na lang si Alex. Miguel started cooking and she was merely his assistant. It was quite a light and tranquil moment, free of strife and arguments. It was a solid 30 minutes of acquaintance. She talked about school, her friends, her shop. He talked about his company, his overseas escapades, and his women.

But neither of them talked about family.

“Yes!” excited si Alex nang natapos ang pagluluto ni Miguel, she already forgot being sleepy. The smell of the newly cooked food was awesome! Hinanda na nya kanina pa yung kakainan nila. Naghain na rin siya ng rice at tuluyang umupo sa isa sa mga upuan. It was the same counter used this morning.

Miguel served the aromatic braised beef. He was entertained by Alex’ animated reactions na ginanahan na rin syang kumain.

“Wala ka bang balak mag-aral kung paano magluto?” Tanong ng binata habang nagsasandok ng kanin.

Umiling lang ang dalaga, hindi ito makapagsalita sapagkat puno pa ang bibig nito. She chewed her food extremely slow as if taking her time tasting the food. She smiled afterwards. “It’s delicious Miguel! You’re good!”

Miguel’s smile was wider. “I know right! How could I be this perfect?” Nagsimula na rin itong kumain. He expected Alex’ smile to turn into a frown but it didn’t.

“I would want to strongly disagree you know, but I’ll give you this day. You are indeed perfect!” She winked at him, still smiling, still enjoying the food he cooked.

“Well I’m glad.” Yun na lang ang nasabi ni Miguel. “You know you should learn how to cook, paano pag nagkaroon ka na ng asawa? Iaasa mo na lang sa mga katulong?”

This time Alex looked at him. “I tried to pero hindi ko talaga siguro linya. That’s why I’ve decided to marry someone who knows how to cook.” Bumalik ulit ito sa pagkain.

“Really? Someone like me perhaps?”

Napatigil sa pagsubo ng kutsara si Alex but it was only for a brief moment. “Haha! Yeah, someone like you except for the part na playboy at mahangin suma total, someone not like you.” She smiled sweetly at tinuloy ang pagsubo ng kutsara.

Miguel smirked. “I thought so.”

At doon natapos ang kanilang diskusyon sa hapagkainan. They both focused on gratifying their stomachs’ desire.

“Ako na lang dyan.” Si Alex after they finished eating. “Dun ka na sa sala, watch anything you want.” Sumunod naman si Miguel at pumunta sa living room while she finished tidying up and washing the dishes.

After 15 minutes, natapos din siya. She went to the living room at nadatnan si Miguel who was watching the business news again. “Do you love business that much?”

“Not really, it’s just that I’m not fond of anything else.”

Napatango si Alex at umupo sa katapat na sofa. She removed her glasses and lightly massaged her eyes. Napagod din siya sa araw na yun in fairness.

“Tired?” Miguel asked after lowering the Tv’s volume.

“Yeah! I haven’t gotten much sleep these past few days.” She closed her eyes and did an Indian seat on the couch.

“I’m sorry for adding burden Zee.” Miguel spoke softly.

“It’s okay. At least it’s all over. We can both move on separately na. I think naman there’s no need to pretend as your girlfriend anymore now that you and Kathleen have broken up.” Her eyes still closed, she comfortably leaned on the couch.

Silence.

“Yeah! And thank you for your help.” His voice was nearer than before kaya naman napamulat ng mata si Alex, tamang-tama namang umupo sa tabi nya ang lalaki.

Their eyes met and stayed for a while as if glued with each other, they couldn’t look away. Alex’ heartbeat suddenly started to race. Miguel’s too. His face starting to flush, her face too.  He felt a lump on his throat, she did too on hers. Alex was frozen still while Miguel…

Well he was…

He was leaning forward… she leaned backwards but there was nowhere to go. Her back was already touching the foam.

At that very moment, everything seemed to have stilled, so quiet. Only two heartbeats audible. One his, the other hers. 

They say there were unpredictable moments when hearts could feel their fated pair. And when they do, the two unsuspecting owners’ indescribable feelings overflow.

He held her gaze. She couldn’t let go of his. Slowly but surely his face was nearing hers. Automatically, she closed back her eyes and so did he.

It was here.

She felt his breath.

He felt the tip of her nose.

BLAG!

*****

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