Every Flight Counts

Kabanata 40

Backfire
A/N: Deeply grateful to everyone who've made it this far. I wish someday, we live in a world that gives equal opportunities for all. May we not let the gender roles stop us from doing what we love nor being who we want to be. Let the sky be your only limit. Ily, stellars xx

-

"Why are you so wet?"

Nanlalaki ang matang sinalubong ako ni Zaid pagkapasok ko sa unit niya.

"It's raining mad outside,"

Wala akong dalang payong sa kotse at dahil may open space pa sa pagitan ng parking lot at basement entrance dito sa High Towers ay naulanan ako. Kahit pa tinakbo ko na ang maliit na distansyang iyon ay medyo nabasa pa rin ako.

Lumambot ang ekspresyon niya.

"You should have texted me. Nakababa sana ko para payungan ka," he sighed and didn't give me a chance to utter any other word. "Wait here, I'll get you a towel."

Nanatili ako sa nakatayong posisyon ko at hinintay siya. Mabilis lang naman iyon at agad siyang nakabalik nang may dalang puting towel.

Nilahad ko ang kamay ko at buong akala ko ay iaabot niya lang iyon sa akin pero hindi. Siya na mismo ang nagdala ng tuwalya sa ulo ko.

Zaid was so focused in wiping my wet hair that I suddenly got drawn at this view of him.

The movements of his two hands as they ruffled my hair with the towel were very comforting. It feels so good that I almost wanted to close my eyes.

I heard him sighing. "Don't do that again. Huwag ka nang magpapabasa sa ulan.. I don't want you getting sick,"

Hinanap niya ang mga mata ko at tinitigan iyon. His eyes were filled with obvious concern and worry. The situation seems like  he was sort of nagging me but I can't believe how I was still able to take note that his eyes look like a transparent glass that reflects his soul. It's beautiful.

"Okay?" malambing na tanong niya.

I found myself nodding softly like a child.

He went back to his business and continued drying my hair, down to the sides of my face. Pati ang ilang bahagi ng damit ko na may bakas ng pagkabasa ay marahang dinampian niya ng towel.

Pagkatapos ay binalik niya ang magaang tingin niya sa mata ko. "I'll get you something you can changed into," he mildly said.

Aktong tatalikod na siya nang kumapit ako sa braso niya para pigilan siya.

"Wag na, Zaid. Konting patak lang naman ang napunta sa damit ko," sabi ko dahil totoong hindi naman iyon masyadong nabasa. Lalo pa ngayon na medyo natuyo na nga.

Pumungay ang mga mata niya. "But you'll feel cold.." he breathed out. "Okay.. just cover up with my sweater, alright?" he convinced me.

Wala na naman akong nagawa kung hindi tumango. Ewan ko ba, hindi naman kami nag-iinuman pero parang lagi akong nalalasing tuwing kinakausap ako ni Zaid gamit ang malambing niyang boses.

He gave me a small smile. "I'll get it for you,"

Tumalikod na siya at naiwan na naman ako dun na parang nasa alapaap. My eyes are even blinking dreamily.

Pagbalik niya ay may dala na siyang pale peach sweater. I waited for him to hand it to me so I can wear it but then again, Zaid has his own ways of doing things.