Mi Corazón (My Heart)

Capítulo 10

Almond eyes, small lips and tan-skinned— Felix blinked twice and told himself that the passer-by was definitely not Yradesa. Namalik-mata lang pala siya kani-kanina.

Iba ang pananamit ng babae, masyadong magarbo. Naka-suot ito ng damit Europeo na halatang gawa sa magarang tela. Yradesa's family is rich but her family is not like those typical rich ones who would brag so much about their status when it comes to clothing.

Iba rin naman ang paglalakad nito. Hers was the typical graceful walk of a young woman while Yradesa walked gracefully in a different manner. She drags along her leg in a refined way which reminds him of a lovely dance step that could arouse mixed emotions once observed.

The woman who just passed by has eyes, lips and skin that reminded him of Yradesa— that's it. Para sa kanya, mas maganda pa rin ang kababata niya. Hindi lang niya talaga nagawang mapigilan na mapatingin saglit sa babae habang naglalakad sila nila Basilio sa Luneta. Akala niya kasi ay baka humabol ito sa lakad nila. He was hoping that she would, but of course, he preferred her to stay at home and rest.

Ayaw nga lang niya na naruon kasama ngayon ni Yradesa si Romualdo. There's something about that guy that makes him feel a little uncomfortable. Felix knew that it's certainly wrong to judge someone, but deep inside, it was as if he could sense the guy's real personality and he could smell his intention too. Masama talaga ang kutob niya rito.

"Iyong kakilala?" Nabasag ng boses na iyon ang kanyang konsenstrasyon sa pag-iisip.

He turned to the lady beside him. Estrella's eyebrows were raised out of curiosity. Nahalata pala nito ang paglingon niya duon sa babaeng dumaan kanina.

"Hindi. Mayroon lamang kamukha ang Binibining iyon."

Nagpatuloy sila sa paglalakad habang nag-uusap. Estrella seemed to be in the mood for talking. Parang mas madaldal ito kaysa sa nakaraan.

Napapatingin din siya kela Basilio at Camila. There was an obvious cheerfulness in his sister's aura since this morning, kahit hindi pa sabihin ni Camila, nahahalata na niya ang kakaibang epekto tuwing nakikita nito ang kanyang kaibigan.

Kilala naman niya si Basilio. Hindi siya nag-aalala na malapit ito kay Camila. Matagal na silang magkakakilala. Besides, he's quite a gentleman and he's not the type who would take advantage of any woman despite of him, being popular with girls because of his looks.

The two seemed to be busy with their conversation too, until his friend turned around and looked at him.

"Panciteria, mamaya?" sabi nito sa kanila.

"Basilio, bakit hindi na lamang tayo kumain sa bagong bukas na kainan sa may Binondo? Narinig kong masarap raw ang pagkain duon," mungkahi ni Estrella.

Natigil silang maglakad upang pag-usapan iyon. Nauwi na lamang sila sa botohan kung saan kakain. He would want to be a gentleman and let them decide but Ignacia told them that they will just decide through voting for fairness sake.

Nanalo sila nila Camila na gustong kumain sa panciteria. Sila Estrella at Ignacia lamang ang may gusto duon sa bagong bukas na kainan. Sa susunod, duon na lang daw sila kakain. That would be fair for the two ladies. At least, they have a plan on where to eat for their next leisure time.

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The panciteria was bustling. Akyat-baba ang mga intsik sa pagkuha at dala ng mga pagkain mula sa ikalawang palapag. Punung-puno ng tawanan at boses ng mga tao ang buong kainan. Katulad din ito ng mga ibang araw na pumupunta sila dito.

They had to wait for a few minutes to get a seat for six. Estrella seemed impatient as they waited. Nagbigay na kasi ito ng suhestiyon na lumipat na lang ng kainan. Sakto naman na tinawag na sila nuon para maupo at agad na rin kinuha ang kanilang order.