Hold You Accountable (Published) | ✓

Kabanata 17

Brown Eyes — Destiny's Child

Kabanata 17

"Happy Valentine's!" Melay presented a rose in front of me.

"Thank you! Happy Valentine's din," I said and proceeded to get my gift for her.

Kinuha ko sa bag ko ang isang balot ng chocolate. I bought this with my remaining savings.

"Bless ka muna kay Tita," I offered the back of my hand.

Melanie laughed at my gesture. "Gaga ka, galing ba 'yang abroad?"

Napalingon kami sa mga tumitiling babae sa may pintuan. Gio was smiling awkwardly while his hand was on his nape.

I rolled my eyes. Akala mo naman talaga shy type ang isang ito.

Gio was being surrounded by girls from other strands with chocolates and letters on their hands. Siguro mga hindi nakakaalam ng tunay na kulay ni Gio. Hindi sila aware na baka masiraan sila ng bait kapag si Gio naging boyfriend nila.

Gio was the boy next door type so I guess he is goodlooking. He's easy to approach and he always has a boyish grin on his face. Pero hindi pa ako nakakakilala ng babaing kinahumalingan niya. Palagi lang niyang sinasabi na hindi siya kina-crush back ng crush niya.

"Adren's missing?" I asked Melanie, noticing that Adren's desk was filled with chocolates, letters and — what the hell Gucci paperbags?!

"Siguro nga, elites only likes elites." komento ni Melanie.

I nodded. He was indeed rich but he was too mysterious for me. Madalas ay may sariling mundo ang isang 'yon kaya medyo malayo rin siya sa'min. Supplier nga lang namin siya ng papel kapag nauubusan kami. May National Bookstore 'yata 'yon sa loob ng bag niya e.

"Anong ibibigay mo kay Sath?" hindi pinalagpas ni Melanie ang pagtatanong saakin.

My cheeks flushed in embarassment upon the mention of his mere name.

Ever since that night, Sath has constantly acted like he's courting me. Di ko naman alam kung mangliligaw ba siya o nililigaw niya lang ako ng landas. I want to ask him but I'm afraid that I won't like his answer.

"Nagpatulong ako sa ano..."

Before this day, I went to Adren and asked for his help to get Ms. Intramurals to help me bake a blueberry cheesecake. He gave me her number and I texted her if she could help. Surprisingly, she extended her help without hesitation. Tinulungan naman ako ni Ms. Intramurals tapos sa kitchen mismo ng strand nila namin ginawa.

"Sa?" Melanie was anticipating my answer.

I laughed and scrunched my nose. Hindi ko nga sasabihin sa kanya! Baka asarin niya pa ako na buti hindi nasunog ang buong kitchen. I wasn't really a cook in the first place so I knew she'll tease me.

"May kukunin lang ako sa TVL."

Medyo tumulis ang kanyang nguso at pabiro akong hinampas.

"Pabitin naman 'to e. "

I laughed at her. Tumayo na ako at nagpaalam kay Gio na pupunta lang ako saglit sa TVL building.

『••✎••』

"Hi, kinuha ko na sa refrigerator 'yung blueberry cheesecake." Ms. Intramurals showed me a box with a ribbon.

"Binawasan ko ng kaunti para matikman mo 'yung ginawa mo," sabi niya sa akin sabay bigay ng isang platito na may lamang blueberry cheesecake at kutsara.

I tasted it and immediately beamed. This is good! Hindi ko inakala na bukod sa sunog na itlog ay kaya ko naman palang mag-luto!

"It's good!" I smiled at her. Ngumiti siya pabalik.