Sunken Promises

Kabanata 11

My brows furrowed as I was sitting down. Ano naman ang kailangan naming pag-usapan? And why is he acting like nothing happened during the New Year's eve? Why does he keep approaching me shamelessly?

Gustuhin ko man siyang itaboy ay hindi ko magawa. I don't want to be rude. I hate him but I don't go against my moral principles.

"What is it about?" I flashed a feigned smile.

He smiled back and sat in front of me. Inilapag niya na rin ang in-order niya sa mesa. I couldn't tell what specific drink he ordered but I knew it was a hot one because of its container. Ang pink drink ko kasi ay nakalagay sa isang transparent na plastic cup. He also ordered one bagel.

"About us," he looked at me intently.

Huh? Kailan pa nagkaroon ng 'kami'?

"Sorry, what did you say?" I showed a hint of irritation but he didn't seem to care about it.

He didn't even bother to take the hint! He's being insensitive again. I want to walk out but that will also be rude. Sampalin ko na lang kaya siya? I'm losing my temper here!

"Let's start again. This time, seryoso na," sumimsim siya ng kape niya. "I'll court you, Lyzel."

I can't help but let out a sarcastic laugh. Hindi ko maintindihan ang sarili ko. I never use sarcasm. Hindi rin ako madaling mairita. Maybe it's just because I hate him as a person in general.

"I told you, you were just a summer fling," I sipped on my drink. "It was all just infatuation, Dev. I never even got to the point where I actually liked you."

Sa totoo lang ay mas nagustuhan ko pa si Keith kumpara rito kay Devan. Keith was humble and thoughtful. Alam niya rin kapag naiirita ka na at hindi pa. I don't mean to compare but I just can't help it!

"That's why I'm going to court you. I will make you fall in love with me. Maghihintay ako kahit gaano pa katagal," seryoso niyang sabi. "Iba ako sa kanila, Lyzel."

Wow. Hindi naman cliche. Medyo lang.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.

"Lyzel, please... Just give me a chance," aniya kaya lalo akong nairita. He even reached for my hand!

"Can you please stop?" I tried to sound as calm as possible.

I'm trying my best to remain calm and composed. Ngunit kaunti na lang talaga ay mapuputol na ang pasensya ko.

"Give me a reason why I should. I just want you to be mine. Please, Lyzel..."

"I-I... have a boyfriend."

I wanted to slap my self for not saying that sooner. Sana ay sinabi ko kaagad iyon para nanahamik na siya kanina pa lang.

Saglit siyang natahimik nang sabihin ko iyon ngunit hindi na ako makapaniwala sa kapal ng mukha niya nang magaslita siya ulit.

"You're not yet engaged yet, right?" he glanced at my right hand. "Pwede pa."

Binawi ko ang kamay ko sa sobrang iritasyon nang sabihin niya iyon. Ang kapal naman ng mukha niya! Alam ko namang desperado siya e, hindi niya na kailangang ipangalandakan.

"Excuse me?" inis kong sambit.

"I'll court you. Sa ayaw mo't sa gusto."

Gusto ko siyang sigawan at sampalin pero nanatili akong kalmado sa inuupuan ko. I forced a smile before glancing at him.