ANYTHING FOR YOU

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

We're here in a restaurant near the school. Sabi kasi ni Zachi ayaw daw niya akong ma-late sa class. Kahit 2 hours pa ang vacant ko. We talked about her study. And she have already graduated in college. She's 25 so hindi na ko nagulat pa. Too bad we didn't had the chance to hear her Suma Cumlaude speech.

Pumunta kami sa isang table at naupo na. Zachi is on my side and Gray is in front of us. I looked around. This is a nice place. Nice and simple.

I looked around. And great. Just great.

They're here. Sa dinami dami ng mga restaurant, dito pa. Tinignan ko sila ng maigi. Si Daniel at Mr. Carlson lang halos ang naguusap.

"Hey! What do you want for lunch?" Zachi snapped

"Anything will do." at ibinalik ko ulit ang tingin ko sakanila.

Sinabi na kaya ni Daniel sa kanila? Mukhang hindi pa. Magkatabi si Daniel at Shann at sa tapat nila ay ang mag-asawa. Tinignan ko si Mrs. Carlson. She's really beautiful even she's in her not-in-the-mood face. I mean she looks serious. What more if she's smiling?

The food is served. It looks delicious but too bad I can't enjoy the food. I'm bothered. After what I knew about Magenta. Then seeing Daniel, asking myself why in this moment he's still with her.

"Bakit di mo sila lapitan?" Gray asked. Nakain na siya. Same as Zachi.

Lapitan? No. I don't wanna ruin their perfect happy lunch.

"You're so distracted. Ubusin mo yan. Don't waste food." Zachi commanded. She's really like a big sister to me.

I'll start my food. Isang tingin na lang.

Lumingon ulit ako. I saw Shann's hands over Daniel. Damn it! They're still pretending that they're together!

Humigpit yung hawak ko sa kubyertos na hawak ko. Tss! I'll just eat. I'll talk to him later. Nung sisimulan ko na yung pagkain ko, biglang tinabig ni Zachi yung kamay ko para mahulog yung hawak kong tinidor at kasama yung baso sa gilid ko.

"What?!"

Nagtinginan ang mga tao sa restaurant. Another attention. Ugh! I know they're also staring at us.

Kinuha ni Zachi yung plato ko. At may lumapit samin na isang crew.

"Mam, may problema po ba?"

"Call the chef who made this fucking food. Now." she said with authority. Nagmadaling umalis yung crew.

"Rat poison?" Gray asked. Still eating his food. Zachi nodded.

What?! May naglagay ng rat poison sa pagkain ko. Who could that be?

The thought of Magenta did this popped into my mind.

Bumalik na ang crew kasama ang chef at isang babae na mukhang manager. She isn't wearing the crew uniform. Itinaggi ng chef na nilagyan niya ng lason yung pagkain. Based on his explanations, he sounds like telling the truth.

Tumayo si Gray at pumunta sa working area ng restaurant. Everybody's looking at us. Nakikiisyoso. Tinignan ko si Daniel. He's worried. Pero hindi siya umaalis sa upuan niya at puntahan ako.

"Wala na siya." saad ni Gray nung makabalik na siya.

"I really hate wasting food." mahinahon pero halata ang galit sa boses niya.

"I'm sorry Sandra. Hindi tuloy tayo nakakain." she said trying to be calm.

"I still have an hour and a half."

Tumunog ang cellphone niya. Pero mukhang wala siyang balak sagutin iyon.

"I'm really sorry but. I have to go." hinawakan niya ako sa magkabilang braso. "I can't wait to meet the guy who gave us this special meal." then she smiled. Tinuon niya ang tingin niya kay Gray. In just looking at each other's eyes they can communicate. Wow.