The Great Escape

Kabanata 5

Kabanata 5

Gone wrong

Ephraim made a thumbs up for the little girl. Humagikgik naman ang bata at tinuloy ang ginagawang pagpipinta.

"Are you bored?" He suddenly asked.

I was still wondering why he told me to wear a black outfit. Kung ospital ang punta namin, bakit kailangang nakaitim pa? Wala namang dress code para sa mga bibista rito, as far as I'm concern.

Ngumiti ako at umiling. "I was entertained watching the kids. It's been a while since I last visited a hospital."

Nilingon niya ako. Bahagyang tumagilid ang ulo niya kaya napa-kunot ang noo ko. Anong ginagawa niya? At bakit niya ako tinitignan?

His eyes remained locked on mine as his thin lips slowly curled for a delicate smile. Hindi nagtagal, bigla siyang humalakhak. He then pursed his lips to prevent another chuckle. Really. What's wrong with him?

A few seconds after, he moved his head, slighty slanted.

"What are you doing?"

Umayos siya ng tayo at hindi na rin nakatagilid ang ulo niya. He put his both hands inside his jeans pocket before clearing his throat.

"I was just trying to memorize your face. Was it uncomfortable?" Tumango ako. "I apologize for my behavior, then."

And why would he try to memorize my face? Wala namang masama sa ginagawa niya kaso hindi talaga ako kumportable kapag may tumititig nang malalim sa akin. Especially a stranger like him.

Maaaring wala siyang masamang intensyon tulad ng kung ano ang perspective ko sa kanya pero I should always leave a benefit of the doubt. He's still considered a stranger afterall.

"Why?"

"Because I don't think we'll be seeing each other again," tipid siyang ngumiti.

Ah. So that was the reason why he's staring at me. Hindi na rin ako nagulat dahil in-expect ko na 'to. A good looking man like him won't settle for a socially awkward girl like me. I have no bitter feelings as well.

Nakagugulat nga na inabot pa kami ng ilang oras bago niya sabihin sa akin ito. He'll probably going to ask me to go home or take his leave any moment from now. And it's okay.

"I'm sorry but I have to go. My driver will take you home."

I watched him turn his back against me without saying a word. I just stood there until he was already gone.

I was glad that the date was over but at the same time, I felt happy that the date happened. Not only because I was able to see this philantrophic side of Ephraim, but because I appreciated life more after seeing these cancer patients.

Because as a kid who grew up without a father, I developed a huge void in my heart. I was always arguing with my Mom and I blame her for not having a Dad. I was insecured with my classmates' complete family back when I was on elementary. But eventually, naintindihan ko rin. Walang kasalanan si Mommy. She was also heartbroken like me. Baka nga mas nasasaktan pa siya kesa sa akin.

"Ano ka ni Kuya Ephraim?"

I hung my head low to look at the little girl who pulled the hem of my shirt. Nakilala ko agad ang batang babae bilang si Tamara.