Prelude
"Kamusta, Sien? Nagustuhan mo ba?" Ngumiti si Tita Marta sa akin.
Tumango ako at ngumiti habang tinatanggal ang sandals ko.
"It's one of the most prestigious universities here, kaya maganda talaga." Aniya.
Pinanood ko si Tita na inaayos ang laman ng handbag niya. Naka-formal dress siya at mukhang papasok na sa trabaho. Umupo ako sa sofa at isinandal ang ulo sa backrest nito.
"I'll take the entrance exam next Monday, Tita. Ihahanda ko lang po 'yong mga documents na kailangan." I said.
She glanced at me and nodded. Napalingon ako sa may hagdan nang makita si Tito, naglalakad pababa at may hawak na attache case.
"Oh, Sien. How's your visit?" Tito Cesar asked.
"Okay naman, Tito. Magte-take po ako ng entrance exam sa Monday." Simpleng sagot ko.
"Galingan mo ha? Huwag kang mag-alala sa gastusin at kami na ng Tita mo ang bahala ro'n."
"Thank you, Tito." I sighed and stood up.
Hinarap kami ni Tita pagkatapos niyang mag-ayos. Nilapitan niya si Tito at humawak sa braso nito.
"We should go. The hospital is paging me, kanina pa." Si Tita.
They both glanced at me. I smiled and went to them. Hinalikan ko sila pareho sa pisngi bago umatras.
"If you need anything, you can message us, okay? And if you're planning to go out, take care. Do you have enough money?" Tanong ni Tita.
"I still have enough, Tita. Don't worry, po. Mag-iingat din po kayo."
"Alright. I'll process your card one of these days." Ani Tito.
Hinatid ko sila hanggang sa may labas ng bahay at hinintay na makaalis ang kanilang sasakyan. The guard closed the gate afterwards and I went inside the house again.
When Monday came, I went to Saint Louis to take my entrance exam. It was a bit difficult, but I managed to answer every question. The result will be out less than a week, so we were advised to call it a day and go home.
Pumunta ako sa mall malapit sa university at doon nagpalamig. Umiinom ako ng milk tea nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone na nakapatong sa lamesa.
My brows arched when I saw that it was my recent ex-boyfriend. I puffed a breath in annoyance because he's been calling me non-stop since last week, but I intentionally don't answer his calls.
I inhaled before answering the call. He won't stop if I don't shut him off.
"What is it, Federico?" I can feel the irritation in my voice.
"Wow, ikaw pa ang galit ngayon, Siennen? I've been calling you the past days! Sinasadya mo bang hindi sagutin ang tawag ko?" Tumaas ang boses niya.
Inilayo ko ng kaunti ang cellphone sa taynga at bumuga ng hangin. I really hate his temper.
"I've been busy."
"Busy? Don't give me that shit, Sien. Ano? May bago ka na naman?" Agresibo niyang tanong.
I rolled my eyes and sipped on my drink. Well, I can't blame him. He knows my reputation. Why the hell did he court me in the first place if he's going to use my past against me?
"I'm busy, Federico. Iyan lang ba ang itinawag mo?" Nangangati na akong putulin ang tawag.
"Did you really left Manila? Nasaan ka ngayon?" His tone calmed a little.
