Tranquility In Havoc

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Green-Eyed Monster

Present

Malaki ang ngiti ko nang makalabas sa clinic ni Dra. Suarez, a psychologist and a family friend. She said that I'm getting to the road of healing from the trauma.

I'm so happy and relieved that finally, after a decade of carrying this burden, I'm finally getting it out off my system. Though, I need to attend few therapy sessions to fully recovered, at madali na lang iyon.

Siguro a year or two is enough para gumaling ako kung nagpaconsult ako ng professional help dati. It's really true that the effective way to overcome a fear is to face it. Kaso kabaliktaran ang ginawa ko, lalo na don sa siyudad na masyadong malayo ang dagat kaya di ko gaanong pinagtuonan ng pansin ang pagharap sa takot ko. I ignored it, and as possible, I avoided it.

I took my time as I walk along the sidewalk. Naalala kong may nadaanan akong cafe sa malapit. It's still ten in the morning, di ako nakainom ng kape kanina and I want to drink one now.

Tumunog ang wind chimes nang bulsan ko ang pinto ng isang maliit na cafe. High & Low Degree is the name. I like it, and I also like the ambiance, simple at malinis.

Since it's Monday, and school hours, iilan lang ang estudyante na andito. May iilan ding mga nakacorporate attire at busy sa kani-kanilang gadgets. I picked the location close to the glass wall. It's a two seater table, I wouldn't be afraid to sit alone since madami namang available na pwesto. Ibinaba ko ang dala kong wristlet sa lamesa saka kinuha ang wallet at lumapit sa counter.

A smiling lady greeted me. I smiled back and ordered Iced-Latte and one slice carrot cake. I felt so light approaching my table with my order until I saw a man wearing a white long-sleeves, paired with dark blue faded jeans who's sitting across my seat. Nakasalikop ang dalawang kamay nito sa ibabaw ng mesa at seryosong-seryosong nakatitig sa glass wall na nasa gilid. His eyeglasses are atop the table.

Pinalibot ko ang tingin sa paligid. Umusbong ang irita ko nang makitang madami pa ring available chairs. So, bakit sa pwestong obvious naman na may nakapili na siya umupo? And does he know I'm the one who picked the location?

Nananadya ba siya?

Even with my blood boiling I confidently approach 'my' table and placed my tray. In my periphery, I saw him got alerted and sat upright while looking at me. Pinanatili ko ang pagiging walang pakialam sa presensiya niya kahit sa totoo lang ay gusto ko na siyang palayasin at ayaw ko siyang ka-share ng table. I chose this table first, dapat siyang mamili ng iba.

Umupo na ako at saglit na hinalo ang Iced-Latte gamit ang straw saka sumipsip ng kaunti bago kinuha ang cellphone sa wristlet ko at nagpakabusy sa kakascroll sa social media.

Minutes passed, gusto ko nang kumain ng cake kaso nakakailang ang kawalang hiyang pagtitig ng lalaking nasa harap ko. Di ata uso ang kumurap at mahiya. His audacity is unbelievable after all the things that happened.

I heard him cleared his throat and I hated myself for momentarily stopped from whatever I'm doing. Pero agad rin akong napabalik sa ginagawa and proceed in slicing a piece of cake to eat. Like, why would I care of his presence? Sino ba siya?

"Can we talk?"

I stiffened when I heard him finally talked but I still continue. I forked the cake and placed it in my mouth without throwing a glance at him.

Talk? Kami? Asa siya.

He cleared his throat again so I sipped on my coffee.

"Angelie? Just for a minute, please?"