Freaking Romance in Progress (Double Trouble Series #1)

POHEO 24

Chapter 24

Reunion (Part 2)

   

After pouring me a drink, Thea looked at me intently. Kinuha ko iyong shot glass at mabilis na nilagok ang laman noon.

I smiled at her but I just probably looked constipated. Kaya iniwas ko na lang ang tingin sa kanya, nagkunwaring nakikinig sa pinag-uusapan ng mga nasa harapan namin.

"I'm glad you really came, Colt," matigas na Ingles na sambit ni Allan.

Nakakalat kami ngayon sa living room. Imbes na mag-videoke, pinili na lamang nila na mag-sounds. Matapos ang enkuwentro namin kanina, hindi na iyon nasundan pa. Hinayaan ko na lang siyang tangayin ng mga kaibigan namin kalaunan.

Colt smiled at Allan and I was still not very used to it. Kung siya pa rin ang dating Colt na kilala ko, mas kapani-paniwala pang hindi niya papansinin ang patutsada ng mga kaibigan at magsusungit na lang nang wala sa lugar.

"Of course I'll come," lapag niya ng kanyang baso. "I wasn't able to join for the past years because of heavy schedules and necessary matters. At isa pa, it's a celebration."

Humarap siya kay Ghunter na tahimik lang na nakadekwatro.

"Happy birthday, man. I'll give my present later."

"No need to bother, but thanks," sambit ni Ghunter sabay angat ng kanyang baso bago ito inuman.

Napasalin naman ako ng akin. Hindi ko na hinintay pa si Thea na gawin iyon para sa akin dahil sa bigla niyang pananahimik.

I played with my glass for seconds before lifting it up. But before I could even part my lips to welcome the liquor, his voice made me stop.

"You seem to be drinking a lot." Colt tightened his jaw. "Don't get yourself drunk, Coleen. You know you're a lightweight."

Sandaling umawang ang bibig ko, hindi pa rin napoproseso ang mga sinabi niya. But then, did he just call me by my name? I should expect this, right? But personally hearing it makes my heart tremble.

And what? I'm a lightweight? Tss. You're one to talk.

"I can handle..." sabi ko na lang.

He nodded.

They continued talking but I could sense his gazes on me from time to time. I'm getting conscious whenever his eyes remain on me but I tried to act all natural.

Ilang sandali pa, biglang tumayo si Thea.

"Can you please turn that thing off? I want to sing."

Medyo malamlam na ang mga mata niya, mukhang natamaan na nang kaonti sa inumin. Pero kilala ko 'yan. Kaya niya ang sarili niya. Kapag hindi na kaya, aakyat na sa kuwarto para matulog.

Jonathan turned off the speaker. Tumayo siya at inalalayan si Thea, guiding her to the song book. I could hear him asking her if what song does she like to sing, ngunit naagaw nila ang atensiyon ng lahat nang bigla siyang tinulak ni Thea.

"Can you just fuck off?" iritado niyang bulyaw kay Nate. "Stop acting as if nothing happened. Nakakapagod na kayong mga lalaki! You're just a pain in the ass! All of you!"

My jaw almost dropped because of the ruckus. Awtomatiko akong lumuhod papalapit sa kanya nang nagsimulang magsibaksakan ang mga luha niya. Even Abby tried to help her but Thea just shook her head at her dismissively.

"Stay away for a moment, Abby. I can do this."

I sensed a tint of bitterness in her voice. Determinado akong lapitan siya. Kahit itulak niya rin ako, wala akong pakialam. Kaya nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang ako ang dumalo sa kanya't hinayaan niya lang ako.