Almost, But Not Quite (COMPLETED)

Chapter 49

#ABNQ49 Chapter 49

I didn't know what to expect pagdating sa resto. I was seriously just bracing myself for the worst because... because Psalm and Marcus in one place was never a good idea. Matagal ko nang tanggap na kahit ano'ng gawin ko, hindi talaga sila magiging magka-sundo. Yes, hindi sila nag-aaway, pero alam ko na ayaw din nilang magkasamang dalawa.

"Oh, nandito na pala silang dalawa," sabi ni Papa. Agad na nag-angat ako nang tingin, at nakita ko si Marcus at Psalm. Naka-upo silang dalawa sa magkabilang side ng lamesa. Walang nagsasalita; parehas naka-tingin sa isa't isa.

Naglakad na papunta sila Mama sa lamesa, habang naka-tuon pa rin ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Naka-dikit ang mga mata sa nangyayari sa harap ko.

"Let's go," Jax said before gently pushing me forward. Tahimik akong naglakad, diretsong naka-tingin sa kanilang dalawa ang mga mata ko. Nakita ko na sabay silang dalawang tumayo, at saka bumati kay Mama at Papa.

Nang makarating ako, lumapit sa akin si Psalm, tapos hinalikan ako sa pisngi. Napa-tingin silang lahat sa aming dalawa. Alam naman nilang lahat na kami ni Psalm, but we were never really this showy in front of them.

"Let's order first," Mama said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Nasa isang lamesa kami. Katabi ko si Psalm habang kaharap ko si Marcus. Tahimik kong binabasa iyong menu, nang bumulong sa tenga ko si Psalm.

"Congrats," he whispered.

I looked at him, and smiled. "Thank you," I said. "Hindi ka ba hinahanap sa trabaho mo?" tanong ko sa kanya. Alam ko kasi kung gaano siyang ka-busy. Ayoko lang talaga na naaabala siya sa trabaho. I didn't like him choosing between his work and me.

"They're probably looking for me," sabi niya kaya sumimangot ako. "But you're more important than work," sabi niya tapos nginitian ako.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo," sabi ko, tapos tinawanan niya lang ako.

"So, Psalm," my mother said. Psalm straightened his back, and looked at my mom. Muntik na akong matawa sa itsura niya kasi kinakabahan siya. I mean, Psalm has probably met all the powerful people here in the Philippines, pero heto siya at kinakabahan sa harap ng nanay ko.

"Are you already working or will you pursue post-studies?"

"I'm currently working at the embassy with my Dad po," sagot ni Psalm.

"And how's that working for you?" Mom asked.

"It's very interesting, Tita, because I get to meet different people. We're currently designing programs for the OFWs in Spain," sagot ni Psalm. He continued to talk about the different programs he's participating in, and how he's in-charged with showing dignitaries here in the Philippines. Hindi ko mapigilan na mapa-ngiti habang nakikinig sa kanya kasi ibang-iba siya pakinggan kaysa sa Psalm nung college.

He sounded... so mature.

"How about basketball? Narinig ko dati sa inyo nila Matt na gusto niyong maglaro yata? Ano'ng nangyari?" tanong ni Mama habang inaabot iyong baso ng tubig.

"It was just a thought, Tita. Basketball's something I enjoy, but I don't plan on making it my profession," sabi ni Psalm na dahilan para kumunot ang noo ko. He was obviously lying dahil hindi iyon ang sagot niya sa akin nung tinanong ko siya dati. Sabi niya, gusto niyang maglaro. He said he wasn't designed for office work because he found it really monotonous and boring.

Mama nodded. "How about you, Marcus? Nakapag-isip ka na ba kung saang school ka papasok?"

Biglang kumunot ang noo ko sa narinig ko.