The Brothers and I

Chapter 23: Yearning Heart

Lorryce

Pakiramdam ko, mapupunit na ang labi ko sa kakangiti. Aware ako na kanina pa hindi mabura ang ngiti sa labi ko.

Sino ba naman ang hindi maha-hype up? Kagabi lang, pakiramdam ko matitikman ko na ang unang failure ko dito sa SPU.

Nanlulumo ako kasi masyado pang maaga para bumagsak, first year pa lang ako. Ang mas masakit pa, babagsak ako hindi dahil deserve ko kung hindi dahil sa kapabayaan ko.

Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin malaman kung saan nanggaling iyong virus na dumapo sa computer ko at kung bakit ba naman sa crucial pa na panahon niya na-isipang manira ng files.

Pero ngayon, para akong nasa seventh heaven sa sobrang ganda ng mood ko. I think I need to share the good news to the reason why I am hyped up.

"Enrico!" I called as I ran to him. Kaagad naman niya akong nilingon and I could not help myself to embrace him tightly. I even squealed the moment I jumped into him.

Muntik na kaming matumba. I felt his body tense in the beginning but he was quick to relax. He had to return the embrace so our balance will be kept. I heared him laugh a bit.

"Easy there, Lorryce. What happened?" he asked.

I took a deep breath first before letting go of him. I still had a wide smile on my face. "Miss Venus S said that my report is impressive... and she loves the shoes," kinikilig kong sabi habang bahagyang itinataas ang aking kaliwang paa para ipakita ang golden shoes na bigay ni Enrico kaninang umaga.

"I think that the dagger shoes did the trick," I said.

"I believe, they're called stilettos," he corrected.

Napangiti at napa-iling na lamang ako sa sinabi niya. But I was proud. He learned that from me!

"But I don't think that it is right to put all the credit on the shoes. I am certain that it's not the shoes, it is you who impressed Miss Salgado."

"Nakita ko iyong ginawa mong paper Lorryce, it was really good kaya hindi ako nahirapang ayusin iyon. If interior design does not work out for you, maybe you should shift to Marketing or Business Ad. You will do really well."

I looked at him suspectingly, "Mahal na Hari, pina-pirate mo ba ako para mag-shift sa department ninyo? Sorry, loyal ako sa Lipad P.Pad."

He shrugged with a smile, "I could try... We should celebrate! How about dinner? My treat."

"Tch, it's always your treat. Nakaka-walang gana."

"Of course, I told you, I don't let the lady pay," he said as he opened the door to the shot gun seat. "Let's go?"

I just made a face at that. I stopped as soon as I was about to enter Enrico's car.

"Ate Margaux!" I called.

She turned to me—surprised at first—but she waved. Kasama ni Ate Margaux ang mommy niya, si SPU VP Lucille Pirreira. Tita Lucille also smiled at us before allowing Ate Margaux to come to me and Enrico.

"Oh wow! What's with the formal attire, Lorryce? Ah! I love the shoes, where'd you get it?" Ate Margaux asked.

"Enrico." I pointed at Enrico who just awkwardly rubbed his nape. "He helped me out with the outfit and with a product presentation. Mag-ce-celebrate kami kasi my professor was impressed with my output. Salamat sa Mahal na Hari. You wanna join us? Manlilibre raw si Enrico."

"I...uh..." Ate Margaux sighed frustrated. "I'd love to but I have to go with my mom, may kailangan kasi kaming puntahan na importante." She warmly smiled and continued, "You two enjoy. Eat for me as well, Lorryce."