Incognito You

Meeting Halfway

/'A pinch of probability is worth a pound of perhaps.'/
-James Thurber

Rhian

Im in my 6th bottle of beer pero wala man lang akong init na nararamdaman, im in a corner watching all this ramdom people come and go. I propose to Glaiza at this bar, that was one of the happiest day of my life.
Dito na ako dumarecho after umalis sa unit niya, sobrang sama ng loob ko, nandoon na eh, napurnada pa.
Im not a heartless person, alam kong mas kailangan siya ng pasyente niya ngayon pero hindi ko din maiwasang sumama ang loob.

"Another bucket?"

A cute morena girl offered. She looks familiar. One thing you will instantly notice is her beautiful smile and the expressive eyes.

"Sure. You work here?"

"Yeah, the names Jasmine."

She offered her hand na agad kong tinangap, bumalik siya sa counter afterwards.
Huminga ako ng malalim bago inubos ang bote ng beer. I check my phone, its 8 pm pero wala pa ring paramdam si Glaiza, mas naiinis tuloy ako.

"Here you go gorgeous, stop frowning, baka iwanan ka ng asawa mo."

"You know my wife?"

Biglang umarko ang kilay ko, basta magandang babaeng kilala ang asawa ko, masama agad ang dating sa akin. Naphobia na seguro ako.

"I was here when you propose to her and i must say, hardcore yun."

"Okay Jasmine, uhm....out mo na ba? Boring uminom mag-isa."

She smiled and take off her black waist apron. Sumenyas ito sa isa pang waiter at agad inabot ang hawak na menu at apron.

"I own the place, so i say....im off the clock."

She sit on the opposite side at nagbukas ng beer. I knew she was no simple employee because she carry herself in a certain way. Chill lang ito at parang madali makasundo.

"Rhian right? Your names Rhian"

"Uhm...yeah. Sorry, im Rhian."

I offered my hand for another round of shaking. Medyo madaldal ito kaya within an hour, marami na kaming napag-usapan. Nasali sa usapan ang career ko kaya she ask if im interested in helping her friends na nagbabalak magtayo ng negosyo pero walang masyadong alam sa marketing at planning.

"Pag-isipan mo Rhian, parang freelance na din, hawak mo pa rin oras mo. No problem with the clients, marami akong kakilala. So, what do you think?"

"Im thrilled, excited din ako but i need to consult my wife, may history na kami dyan sa mga impulsive decision ko eh."

She softly laugh and ordered another bucket. Mahinhin ito gumalaw pero may pagka bagras din.

Malakas itong tumawa at napaka-carefree ng personality, witty din ito magkwento.

"Tama yan, dapat talaga i-consult muna sa better half mo ang mga ganyang decision. Speaking of her, is she coming?"

"Im not sure, may emergency kasi sa work. Glaiza's a doctor, astig ng wife ko diba?"

Oh my...the 10 bottle of beer's already taking its effect on me, nagiging mayabang na ako. Feeling ko kasi talaga, may gusto itong Jasmine kay Glaiza ko.

"Yeah, swerte mo."

She said in a low and almost inaudible voice. Hindi naman ito nakaligtas sa matalas kong pandinig.

RING RING RING

"Hello Wifey ko."

Nilakasan ko sadya ang boses ko, yung lakas na maririnig ni Jasmine ang word na 'Wifey Ko'.