Embraced By The Howling Winds (Antique Series #1)

Chapter 5

 
Chapter 5

My heart hammered after hearing Clajj said that. I looked away and crossed my arms over my chest, "Whatever, Clajj."

Narinig ko ang mahina niyang pagtawa pero hindi ko nalang iyon pinansin. I never dared to gaze at him again until we reached Rio de Janiero.

Clajj parked the car in front of Tita Zadie's house and we helped each other to get our things at the back of the car. Wala sa huwisyo kong inabot sa kaniya ang  shopping bag na may lamang ball cap.

"Why are you giving this to me?" He confusedly said after checking what's inside the shopping bag.

"Christmas gift maybe."

He looked at me with amusement, "Really?"

"Kailangan ba talagang may dahilan kapag nagbibigay?"

Clajj took my hand and place the car's key on my palm. "In your case, yes."

I sighed because of the teasing smile that crept his lips. I shook my head and gave up, "Whatever you say and think."

Naglakad ako papasok sa bahay nina Tita Zadie. Zai and Josh are sitting comfortably in sofa. My heart skipped a beat when I heard a familiar voice from the kitchen, so I hurriedly go there, and I wasn't wrong to see Ate Mavis, conversing with Mama and Tita Zadie.

"Ate!" Tawag ko. Tumakbo ako papalapit sa kaniya para yumakap.

Ate hugged me back and smiled at me after withdrawing from the hug. "Good to see you again, Nach!"

"Kailan ka pa nakarating dito? Sana man lang nagsabi ka para nasundo ka namin sa airport."

Ate shook her head. "It's okay. I can manage. By the way, how are you?"

"I'm okay, just a bit tired. Kararating lang namin galing San Jose."

Ate nodded and we walked our way towards the living room. Bigla akong nagtaka nang sundutin ako ni Ate sa tagiliran kaya napatingin ako sa gawi na sinesenyas niya. Nakita ko si Clajj na inilalapag ang mga pinamili ko sa sahig na katabi lang din ng pinamili ni Zai.

Napalingon siya sa akin, pero himala ata na hindi nanunukso ang tingin niya. He's been teasing me since earlier and I don't know where did he get the guts to do so. Well, he eyes right now looks drunk. His hair is bit  disheveled.

Mabilis akong umiwas ng tingin. I don't like how he make me feel foreign feelings. Ate Mavis shrieked, and I took it as a signal that she'll spend some of her time talking to Clajj. Hinayaan ko silang dalawa na mag-usap. Sa ilang taon nilang hindi pagkikita, nararapat lang na mag-catch up sila sa isa't isa.

Bumalik ako sa kusina dala ang groceries na pinamili ko kanina. Clajj looked at me as if he wanted to help, but I just shook my head and mouthed him I can manage.

Kahit nandito ako sa kusina kasama sina Mama ay rinig na rinig ko ang pagtawa ni Ate Mavis. Given the fact, they're really close even though they haven't seen each other for years.

Nagpresinta akong tumulong kay Mama sa paglalagay ng mga eating utensils sa mesa. Matapos iyon ay nagpaalam ako sa kaniya na uuwi ng bahay para magbihis at iuuwi ang kotse.

Matapos kong magbihis ay agad akong naglakad patungo sa bahay nina Tita Zadie pero nasa daan pa lang ako nang tumunog ang cellphone ko at pangalan ni Owen ang nakalagay roon.

I'm still hesitant whether to answer the call or not. The call ended, but it rang again and his name flashed on my screen.

I puffed a loud breath and answer the call. "Hello?"