Behind Curtains (ONGOING)

Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2

Christmas

I think it had been years since I last woke up feeling this relaxed.

Walang inaalalang trabaho; walang inaalalang oras.

Walang inaalalang ibang tao; walang inaalalang problema.

And for waking up before the sun rose, I felt thankful, too. Because that just meant I still had enough time to look presentable before making my way down and availing my room's complimentary breakfast buffet.

I have plotted my staycation as delightful as a solo guest could muster. That's why today, I will be spending my entire afternoon at the hotel spa, because that's what I need, and that's one of the many things I missed spending money on. What's more satisfying now is, I get to use my own sweldo for it. The knowledge that I still have enough left for back-up is making me feel proud of myself, too.

Hindi katulad dati that I had to rely for my monthly student allowance, or have Keith treat me... pinilig ko ang aking ulo and sighed.

"No, Layla, you are not allowed to feel repentant today," I muttered to myself as I made my way to the bathroom. "Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

I had spent months saving up for this week. To re-live some luxury I longed for after running away twice, and working non-stop.

This was the week I'd be celebrating all the occasions I inadvertently avoided for the majority of the year. From my own birthday, down to my brothers' graduation parties.

Itong linggong 'to kapalit ang pagpasawalang-bahala ko sa lahat ng lumipas na day-off's.

"Good morning, ma'am, a table for one, po?" bati sa akin noong host when I showed him a ticket.

I chose to wear an all-white ensemble, and adorned myself in gold, to hide the fact that my ballet flats cannot even amount to how much a seat in this buffet costs.

"Yes, please..." I smiled, lalo na noong nakitang wala pang masyadong guests sa paligid. "Can I sit somewhere near the bacon tray?"

Walang ka-abog-abog kong tanong. Screw embarassment, I woke up the earliest for this.

For the love of freaking bacon.

The host looked amusedly at me, but catered to my request nonetheless.

"Is this table, alright, ma'am?" aniya, inilahad ang isang corner table, na tago sa maaaring maging crowd and nearest to the bacon platter.

I smiled at him as he helped me to my seat, habang nag-sa-suggest din sa akin ng mga stations na maaari kong puntahan kung gusto kong magpaluto.

"Enjoy your breakfast, ma'am."

Oh, I will. I thought to myself as I nodded.

I probably had the best table in the house, if I categorize it under seats-best-for-people-watching. And I like doing that. I like looking at all these fortunate human beings, chatting, with their morning faces and busy outfits as I sipped on my third cup of coffee.

Also, I like eavesdropping, too, if the conversation was interesting enough.

An invasion of privacy, maybe, but if the two people involved in the conversation had voices as deep and as gravelly as these men sitting at the table near me had, wouldn't you wonder what they were going on about?

It didn't help that they were the only ones in business suits, too, who didn't look old enough to be my uncles.

"Seriously, man, you're not coming home for Christmas?" tanong noong lalaki sa kaliwa. "Maman is gonna get pissed."