Emerald Eyes

Chapter 15: The Tension

We're now on our way to Chris' house. Since none of us has a car, we chose to ride in a taxi again. This time, kami ni Colleen ang magkatabi sa backseat while Vyl is seated on the passenger's seat. I warned him not to do anything idiotic while we're just meters apart from each other. He's not used going out of the condo afterall. I think he took my warning seriously because he's unexpectedly behaving in front which is a relief.

We arrived at our destination earlier than expected. So, there's only me, Vyl, Colleen, Rain and of course, the owner of the house.

"Hey, this is my cousin Vyl, by the way. Sorry, I didn't inform you that I would bring him beforehand." It was a bit rude of me to just randomly bring a stranger without informing them or even the leader. Although this was partly Colleen's idea.

"There's nothing to say sorry for, Ven. Nice to meet you, I'm Rain Lozano." Rain extended his hand to Vyl to offer him a hand shake and then a memory flashed through my mind rapidly. Before I can react, Vyl raised his hand beside his forehead as if doing a salute.

Napahawak ako sa noo ko nang napanganga ang mga taong nakakita. By that, I meant Chris, Colleen and Rain.

When Vyl showed no sign of lowering his still raised hand, I took the initiative to take his hand away from his forehead. To save him from total embarrassment, and to also save myself for further explanations, ako na mismo ang naglagay ng kamay ni Vyl sa kanina pang nakalahad na kamay ni Rain at ako na rin mismo ang nag shake nito.

And for some reason, Colleen laughed and that made the others laugh too. I sighed in relief.

"You two are an odd pair. Mag pinsan nga," sabi ni Rain habang tumatawa pa rin. Bumitaw na siya sa pagkakamay kay Vyl.

What the hell does that mean? Is it an insult or a compliment? Before I can say anything else, niyaya na kami ni Chris na pumasok sa loob ng practice room.

I sat on the couch and Vyl immediately sat beside me, so as Colleen. Nasa magkabilang gilid ko silang dalawa. Napansin ko namang medyo napasimangot si Rain dahil uupo sana siya sa palagi niyang puwesto, which is beside me. I'm always seated between them for some reason. I look like the only freaking obstacle for Colleen's love for Rain. Like a big bolder stuck on the water's path to prevent it from flowing continuously. It made me feel irritated all the time.

For the first time today, I silently thanked Vyl for coming along. And also Colleen for suggesting that Vyl comes because Rain had no choice but to sit beside Colleen this time.

Chris entered the room holding a tray of food and refreshments. Sabi niya, kumain muna kami habang hinihintay iyong iba na dumating. We're 30 minutes early afterall.

"Hey, will you be singing?" Vyl whispered out of nowhere while we're eating. Tinanguan ko lang siya dahil puno pa ng pagkain ang bunganga ko. "While you're accompanied with some musical instruments?"

I nodded again but this time with a bit of shock because he knows what musical instruments are. Tuluyan ko ng itinulon ang pagkaing kinakain at uminom ng juice bago magsalita. "Where did you learn that?"

"Saw it on T.V," he said with a matter of fact tone. "And we have something similar back in Pluvilia. We call it Glintillant."

Ang haba naman ng salitang banda sa kanila. Too many freaking letters.

"I would like to hear some of your songs too," wala sa sarili kong sabi sabay inom ng juice.

"Then come with me already."

Natawa ako bigla sa sinabi niya. A heartily laugh which somehow made him laugh too, making everyone in the room turned their heads to look at us.