The One Who Stares Behind

KABANATA 27

I glanced at myself in the mirror once more. Wearing my black tight jeans, white halter top, black leather jacket, brown ankle boots, and black sunglasses, I slipped out of the house.

I got into my car and sped off. Walang pakialam kung may ma-violate na rules.

I took a deep breath without realizing it. I was left out of words to say... I mean, there are a lot of untold stories that need to be unlocked.

Even within my own family, there are hidden stories. Even my true feelings for a particular person are something I'm trying to keep hidden. I suppose that's normal, especially when you're not sure yet.

Since it was still early, I decided to park my car in front of a café. I lifted my sunglasses as I got out of the car.

"Beautiful. The Valderama blood really runs strong in her."

"I doubt it. A Romero. She's the youngest in their family."

These were people who, every single day, chose to talk about others. Because if they talked about themselves, there would be no story. I was never fond of rumors, whether good or bad.

I walked into the café, ignoring their comments. I'm not interested in those kinds of praises..

"Double espresso and croquembouche on my table," I told the staff when I reached the counter.

"To follow, mademoiselle belle ( Miss beautiful)." Magiliw na sagot nito sa akin. Tumango ako bago tuluyang pumunta sa table ko.

Halos mapako ako sa kinatatayuan ko nang mapag-sino ko ang lalaking direktang nakatingin sa akin ngayon.

Napalunok pa ako nang mapagmasdan ang kabuuan nito.
He was wearing a white V-neck shirt with a brown leather jacket and faded blue ripped jeans.

Goodness! Lexus cut his hair short! I won't deny it. He's damn gorgeous.
There's really something about him. Whenever our eyes meet, it feels like I'm being hypnotized.

I clutched my chest, trying to calm my racing heart.

"Mademoiselle belle? Where is your table?"

Agad na bumalik ang wisyo ko nang magsalita ang crew ng café.

"She will be sitting here."

My mouth automatically dropped open at the sound of that voice.

I managed to walk confidently in his direction. There was nothing else I could do since my food was placed there. Besides, I wanted to.

Stupido.

Tatayo pa sana ito upang ipaghila ako ng upuan pero inunahan ko na ito.

"Ako na,"

"You look pretty good with what you wearing but I don't like it when you're expose too much of your skin." Seryosong komento nito bago sumimsim ng kape nang hindi man lang inaalis ang tingin sa'kin.

Bakit ba naisipan ko pang tanggalin ang leather jacket ko? Mabuti na lamang at nakukuha ko pang maitago ang kabang kanina ko pa nararamdaman mula ng magtagpo ang aming mga mata.

"You cut your hair." He just nodded.

What's up with that? I was just trying to lighten the mood, but I only ended up feeling the growing tension between us.

"Because you hate it,"

"Why would I?" Kunwaring tanong ko ngunit ang totoo ay malinaw na malinaw sa'kin ang nangyari.

Lahat lahat. I just need to play the act of pretending.

He smiled at me before speaking again. "Don't you remember anything?"