Ang Karibal kong TOMBOY!

Chapter 8: USELESS TALK

“Little one…”

“Shan.” Nagulat ako nang magsalita si David. Nasa harap ko na pala ito. Damn. Palagi kong naalala ang kagabi.

“Hmmm?”

“May client sa baba na nag-iinsist na ikaw daw ang maghandle sa kanya.” Nagkunot ang noo ko. Sino? “He said his name is Francis.”

Napatayo ako bigla. “David, you handle him. I’ve got a lot in my hands.”

David smirked. “A lot on your hands?” Tinitigan ako nito. Sumeryoso ang dating, “Shan stop acting childish. Let’s see. You want ginger tea? Chef baked some lovely brownies. I’ll get them ready. I’ve already deposited Francis in the meeting room. I’ll see you there.” Tuluy-tuloy nitong sabi bago talikuran ako at umalis.

Ayun, nakanganga ako. Ano ang pumasok sa utak nun?

“Shan...” isang malapad na ngiti ang sumilay sa maayos na mukha nito.

“Francis. Sit. Now tell me about what you want us to do for the party.”

“I’m not a dog. And you are too hasty. Hindi ba pwede magkumustahan muna.” Dinig na dinig ko ang pagkainis nito at nakita kong nawala ang ngisi nito. Ano na naman ba ang problema? Hindi naman ako ang lumapit nito ah.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think that was necessary. I hear you’re quite a busy man.” Bumalik ang ngiti nito. One hand running through the well furnished arm of the chair he’s now sitting.

“It’s good to hear you’re updated. But hopefully not all.” Mapanunuya na ang ngiti nito.

I shrugged. Hindi na ako comportable sa pag-uusap namin. “No. Only some tidbits from Mikaela. We had coffee earlier.”

“I see...” Dinig na dinig ko ang boses nitong parang hindi naniniwala.

 “Now let’s dispense with this useless talk and get back to business...”

“What if I want to talk about useless things.” Grabe. Two years niya akong pinagtabuyan at ngayon parang pinagtitripan na naman ako.

“I don’t. Now, if you’re so keen on talking crap, I’ll take my leave.” Akmang tatayo na ako.

“It’s a big party. Gagawin namin sa mansion about 300 guests. My brother wanted it to be the best because dad is picking up his years. It may be his last.”

Napatingin ako ng diretso. “Tito Fred? Impossible.”

“I thought we would dispense talks like that?”

“You’re father’s health is not useless talk.”

“He misses you dearly.” Nahirapan akong huminga. Hindi naman kami close ng Dad ni Francis. We met only once when there was a party at my friends place and they just happened to be invited as well. He was a cheerful man and very kind.

“I remember how he took a plate of brownies and we ate it all. The other guests were angry at us. He looked so healthy back then. He even challenged me to go mountain climbing with him.”

“Yes and I remember getting angry about that. I mean flirting with my date.”

“I was not you’re date. Teka. Bakit ba natin ito pinag-uusapan?” I tossed him a leather-covered book. “That is the portfolio for our dishes and desserts. The other one contains the theme for that evening. I suggest you use the under the sea theme. I remember him telling me na nagkakilala sila sa may dagat.”

Binuksan niya ang portfolio. “What’s your specialty here?”

“The steak but I wouldn’t recommend it. Your dad might find his way to one and get a heart attack there and then.”

Tumawa ito. “You’re right. I did love the food you served during the expo. Let’s just have those?”

“Very well, then we are done? My assistant will give you the details for the deposit and the full payment.” Tamang-tama rin na dumating si David na may dalang tray.

“Shan here is your tea. Mr. Garcia coffee deluxe. The chef has baked brownies.”

“Thank you David.” Sabi ko. “But i’m afraid we are finished with the details.”

“That fast?” Hindi mapigilan nito ang pagkabigla pero mabilis din nitong itinago sa poker face nito.

 Tinitigan nito sandali si Francis na ngayon ay mukhang galit na rin.

“Yes. Well, I’ll be leaving.”

“Why not take a break and enjoy the food with me Shan.” Sabi ni Francis. May paghahamon ang boses.

“I’m afraid not.” At tuluyan na akong lumabas at dumiretso sa opisina ko.

“Why did you run away?” pagbubukas ni David ng nakapasok na ito sa opisina.

Napangiting aso ako. I trust David in handling business but I could never trust him about anything personal. Kahit sino, hindi ko makayang ipakita ang tunay kong nararamdaman.

“I did not. Marami akong gagawin kaya iniwan ko na siya.”

“Shan. I know you. Even if you don’t admit it. I know when you’re running away. I know when you’re happy and I know when you are hurt.”

Napatingin ako kay David. Ano ba’t parang iba ang ihip ng hangin ngayon ni David.

“You treat him differently.” Tumingin siya sa glass wall. “You don’t have that usual air of yours whenever he’s around. Para kang aso na minamaltrato at nakasuksuk ang buntot sa ilalim nito. Kanina nagmamadali kang umalis hindi pa man tapos ang usapan ninyo. Ngayon ang kamay mo ay nanginginig pa rin.” Bumuntung hininga ito.

“You’re just overreacting.”

Tinutuk nito ang mga mata nito sa akin. Kitang-kita ko ang pagmamakaawa sa mukha nito. Bakit? “I know you already know but refuse to believe this Shan . I am deeply attached to you. I have this need to get closer. And I’d be damned if I can’t tell how emotionally involved you are with that man.”

“Stop this! What are you talking about?!”

“I’m talking about how much I love you!”

Mabilis itong pumaikot at tinukod ang isang kamay sa upuan ko habang ang kaliwa ay dumagan sa aking leeg at kumunot ito para hawakan ang aking buhok. Maynaramadaman akong kirot. Sumeryoso ang mukha habang nakatitig sa mga labi ko.

“I know when I feel my position is endangered. I do not want to lose you.” Malapit na sa aking mukha ang mukha nito. Ramdam ko ang mainit nitong hininga. Para akong bunawian ng dila. “Tell me Shan! Is he the reason why you are like this right now?”

“David... Stop this! I’m s-scared!” Natigilan ito. Umungol ako. Unti-unti itong lumayo.

“I’m sorry. Please excuse me.” At tuluyang nag walk-out.

hi po.... thank you sa patuoy na pagbabasa. medjo dramatic ang buhay ko ngayon kaya eto ang nagawa ko... hihihi. hope you guys like it. feel free to make comments and give advises. i'm open for those... if you're too shy just message me i don't mind.

#youaremyfantasymydreammyaspiration