Roller Coaster

RC --- Chapter NINE.two

November 15

10:00 PM

Robinson’s Condominium

Alex’ apartment

BLAG!

Instantly, Alex pushed Miguel off her sending the latter on the floor. She quickly stood and looked at the recently opened crushed door. Nagulat siya sa nakita.

It bore two people obviously making out. Lexy was preoccupied, busy lip locking with the guy she was with not even noticing Alex and Miguel’s existence. The couple’s snake-like hands roaming around each other’s body. Half of Lexy’s blouse already opened exposing a portion of her chest. The guy on the other hand didn’t have any shirt at all.

For God’s sake Lexy! Alex thought to herself. She glanced at Miguel who had an equally surprised expression. Biglang binawi nya ang tingin dito nung nakita nyang titignan na rin sya ng lalaki.

Then Lexy momentarily broke off from the kiss probably to get some air and it was that time she saw Alex.

“Alex!” There was neither surprise nor shame on the woman’s voice, instead ecstacy was evident. Her intoxication apparent. Alex was about to respond pero nagsalita na ulit ito. “Uy, you have a guy too.” Her laugh echoing in the whole room.

The other guy on the other hand, was still busy exploring Lexy’s treasures. Gross!

“Alex, I’m… we’re gonna go there… Hehe. Enjoy your night sweet.” And they stumblingly made their way towards a room. The room Alex slept in last night.

The left woman felt a sudden gush of blood in her system as embarrassment finally crept in, caused both by Lexy’s action and the scenario she almost allowed.

“Ehem.” Miguel could only manage to say. He was just behind Alex kaya naman napapitlag ang dalaga at dahan-dahang humarap dito.

Silence. Their eyes unable to meet, only roaming sideways.

“I think you’d better go. It’s already late.” It was Alex who broke the silence first as she walked towards the still opened door.

Miguel followed. “I’m sorry.” He said when he was just a feet away.

Alex stood speechless. Pinakiramdaman nya ang kanyang sarili, there was neither anger nor any negative feelings inside, she just really didn’t know how to react. “It’s okay.”

Miguel was hesitant to leave, but he knew he had too. His hormones unbearable he didn’t know if he’d be able to control it if he stayed longer.

But neither of them moved. He didn’t step out. She didn’t back out.

Nagpapakiramdaman sila.

“Give me your phone.” Once again she was the first to speak.

“Huh?” Miguel looked bewildered with his brow raised.

“I said give me your phone.”

Hindi man maintindihan ng lalaki, sinunod pa rin nito ang utos ng dalaga.

Inabot ni Alex ang phone ni Miguel at may tinype, pagkatapos ng ilang segundo, binalik nya rin ito.

Nagtatakang tinanggap ito ng binata.

“I’ve saved Xas’ new number there. I’m sorry about the other one I gave; I didn’t know she changed her number.”

Miguel was speechless, his face blank.

Akmang tatalikod na ang dalaga nang hawakan ni Miguel ang kamay nya.

“Give me your phone.” He said.

“What?”

“I said give me your phone.”

Kahit nagtaka din si Alex, sinunod nya ang sinabi ng lalaki. Kinuha nya ang cellphone nya sa tabi ng lamp shade at inabot dito.

He typed something, after while, she heard his phone ring, and then he gave back her phone.

“That’s my number. I’ve saved it already.” He said habang kinakalikot naman ang cellphone nito. “And this is your number, I’ve saved it too.” Pinakita pa nito ang screen ng phone. Nakasave na nga ang number nya dun, Zee pa ang pangalan.

Silence ulit.

“Why do you call me Zee? That’s not my name.” Alex inquired, this time a small frown formed on her lips.

It was Miguel’s turn to change his expression. He smiled. “It’s unique. I like calling you that.”

Her frown remained but her eyes glowed, it was surprising to feel comfortable and relaxed around him as if it was so easy to let go of any inhibitions.

“Ahmm… about that… ugh! Never mind…” Alex dismissed the idea of talking about the earlier incident.

Miguel grinned, pinched her nose and playfully disarrayed her hair. “Just forget about it, okay.”

She didn’t know if it was the near kiss she was supposed to forget or was it that of Lexy’s scene. Whatever that was, she didn’t bother clarifying. She just nodded.

“Well, let’s call it a night Zee. I know you’re tired. Magpahinga ka na.” Miguel was finally outside the flat.

“Okay. Take care Migz.” She gave him a soft smile as she grabbed the door knob readying to close it.

“I will. You too. Don’t forget to… uhm… lock your door.” He grinned teasingly once more.

It was so easy for them to change the awkward atmosphere. Now there was warmth again. “I always do.” She grinned too.

He turned his back and started to walk towards the elevator. She watched his frame walked away and felt a mild pinch somewhere in her myocardium. When he was finally there, he looked back and waved. She waved back and finally closed the door.

*****

Later that night, Miguel found himself staring at the black sky outside his hotel suite. On his left hand was a glass of liquor and on the right was his phone. The screen showing Alex’ saved number.

He was on deep thought, his mind deliberating. He gulped his drink then closed his eyes.

A few minutes after, he looked back at his phone, at the displayed number, carefully staring at it as though it’s the owner’s face he was seeing not merely a combination of numbers.

He was hesitant. He was uncertain but the most mature part of him overpowered a tiny part of his heart. He touched the screen and pressed delete.

“Are you sure you want to delete this contact?” Were the words displayed next. Am I sure? He thought a second time then sighed. “You are too kind, too caring. It just won’t work.” He whispered and finally pressed on okay.

At the very exact moment, Alex held her phone looking at Miguel’s number. He saved his name as Great Chef, she laughed only briefly before her expression turned serious.

“You are too complicated and right now I have enough complications.” She murmured as she too deleted the contact number.

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