Some Mad Hope (ML, #4.5)

Kabanata 31

Kabanata 31

Ease

I grabbed my black sweater as soon as I walked quickly inside my room. Nagmamadali 'kong nilikom ang aking telepono at nilagay ito sa aking sling bag. Of course, I calmed myself before I did all of these. Newt sensed my tension. Kalmado lamang siya sa pagtingin sa akin nang magpaalam ako sa kanila that I have an urgent thing to do...and I need to meet-up Amber as soon as possible. Mabuti't hindi gaanong nagtanong si Mommy Theresa at Janella. Conrad just gives me a look like who the fuck will call me at this time? And it is work related? But Conrad never speaks that words.

And my boyfriend? He follows me. Pinaiikot-ikot niya ang susi sa kanyang daliri habang nakasunod sa akin. I never said a word. And he is very patient, waiting for me to tell what's wrong for my immediate actions.

Tahimik kaming bumaba at sumakay ng elevator. I am being texting my messages to kuya that I am on my way. Ilang beses akong nagbura at nagtipa ng mensahe sa kaba. I leaned on the cold wall of the elevator. Hindi 'ko maiwasang hindi tignan si Newt. He is looking at me, still waiting.

"You don't have to go with me," ani 'ko sabay tingin sa kanya.

Newt shakes his head. Nakasandal ang kanyang likod habang nakalagay naman ang kamay sa bulsa ng pantalon. His normal look, the brooding one always intimidate me a little. Like it is making me give in. "If you want to, I will not go with you. But your eyes tell me not so, angel."

I gulped big time.

Bago pa man ako mapabuntong-hininga ay napakagat na ako ng pang-ibabang labi. Napatingin na lamang ako sa aking tsinelas. He could read my emotions that easily. He knows me too well that I can't hide things without a doubt.

"It is just...nothing," awit 'ko.

"Can I least drive you home in the office?" aniya.

The elevator pinged on the UG of the building. "After you," aniya. I stepped out the elevator. Sumunod siya sa akin hanggang pumunta kami kung saan ang kanyang truck. "I mean, is it the office, Mags?"

Umiling ako bago kami pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan. Habang kinakabit 'ko ang seatbelt sa akin ay naramdaman 'ko ang pagtingin niya sa akin. He sense my lies. "Don't make drop you off somewhere," and he cursed under his breath.

My gaze raked his face. "Sa bahay."

Tumango lamang siya at patuloy na pinaandar ang sasakyan. The air suddenly became thick. Tension is clearly surrounding me. I could feel that my lungs are needing some air to breathe. Why can't I say it? I don't want them to know it! That's it!

"Okay, sa bahay niyo," ulit niyang tinig.

Minutes had passed no one is saying something. Maybe he doesn't want to pry me. I understand it. But when I am about to blurt out my sudden actions ay siyang salita naman niya. "Mags, Mother wants to see you. Mayroon ka bang bakanteng schedule this weekdays or weekend?"

I blinked. I am trying to come up with relevant answer but I don't know why I get mad. Quickly. He is just asking me if I have time for his family. But, the pent-up emotions I have in my system is fucking me up. Hard. My breathing is heavy.

This is so crazy!

Humalakhak siya bago magsalita muli. "She just wants to see how gorgeous my girlfriend is. Mother told me that maybe, I am the first one to get married because I was telling her every time we met about you. That I am pretty messed up in love..." tuwang-tuwa niyang sunod. He cups his jaw while smiling widely. Nakaantabay naman ang isang kamay sa pamamaneho. Inalis 'ko kaagad siya ng tingin. I gripped tightly the seatbelt. My nose is almost flaring.