So Close

XVI

Ponggay and Jema were still catching up in the living room.

"Pongs? So where are Deanna's parents?" Jema asked curiously.

"Ahhh Well, everyone knows na nasa ibang bansa sila. Only Deanns and I knows na nasa province lang sila sa Negros. Umuwi sila dito sa Pinas mga 7 years ago. Tito is concerned kasi baka pag bumalik sila dito sa Manila, baka mapahamak sila. Si tita kasi ayaw na talaga sa ibang bansa. Honestly, it's really complicated. Maybe one day, Deanns can open up about it..." Kwento ni Ponggay.

"Does she visit her parents there?" Jema continued asking.

"Ahm, last time syang pumunta dun was when hinatid nya parents nya. Never siyang bumalik after nun. Deanns and her dad are not really in good terms after her dad decided to sell the house and when her parents found out that she's gay." Salaysay ni Ponggay.

"Buti nakaya nya..." Jema commented.

"Well, kinaya naman. Look mag 2 years na yung business niya. She's stronger than ever!" Pagmamalaki ni Ponggay.

"So sakanya talaga tong business?" Jema asked.

"Yes. She's our boss. Pero not a day na tinuring nya kaming mga employee nya. Alam mo you should meet our friends - yung mga minementor namin. Join ka one time sa photoshoot, tapos ayain natin si Deanns na magouting or side trip...." Masayang sagot ni Pongs.

"That will be nice! Basta pwede ako... May office ba kayo?" Jema asked.

"We really don't have an office, pero registered kami as DW Photography and events. Most of our transactions are online and we meet up with clients lang. You know what, I'm really excited to work with you for ate Ly's wedding. Sabi nya magaling ka daw na author." Ponggay said excitedly.

"I am excited din sa project. Hindi naman kagalingan sakto lang." Jema said.

Natigil naman ang usapan nila ng makareceive ng tawag si Ponggay.

"Excuse me Jema, tumatawag si ate Ly." Paalam ni Ponggay.

Tumango lang si Jema at nagpunta namang garden si Ponggay.

"Bored ka na ba?" Tanong ni Deanna na halatang kakarating lang.

"Hindi naman... Masayang kausap si Pongs eh..." Sagot ni Jema.

"Eh mukang nilaglag na ako ng bestie ko ahhh. Parang ang dami mo ng nakitang pictures ko simula nung bata." Natatawang sabi ni Deanna habang umupo ito sa sofa sa may kanan ni Jema.

"Ang cute mo nga eh. Nakakatuwa kayo ni Ponggay. Lalo na tong picure nyong kumakain ng Cheese Ring!" Jema chuckled.

"Patingin nga..." Sabi ni Deanna habang tumabi ito kay Jema.

Pagkatingin ni Deanna sa picture ay agad naman itong napahalakhak.

Napatitig at napangiti naman lalo si Jema and unconciously commented, "Ang cute..."

"Huh?" Tanong ni Deanna pero tawa pa din ito ng tawa.

"Ahhh sabi ko ang cute nyong dalawa!" Jema exclaimed.

"Akala ko ako lang!" Deanna laughed again.

Nagkatinginanan naman sila pero halatang natatawa pa din.

"Ay wait, may picture si Pongs dito sobrang matutuwa ka..." Sabi ni Deanna habang may photo album na hinahanap.

Wala pang isang minuto ay nakita na nga nya ito.

"There you are!" Deanna said excitedly.

Mabilis nyang binuksan ang album at pinakita kay Jema ang picture.