Hazel's Sweet Revenge

Kabanata 30

*** Hazel's ***

The way I knew Sab before, alam ko nang matalino siya but her ego will always get the best of her. She was too eager to flaunt her confidence. Maliit na bagay pinapalaki. She used to be so dissatisfied with other people's success that their enjoyment was fleeting. She would constantly sabotage it.

I used to hate her before. Lagi akong naiirita sa mga pinaggagagawa niya. I mean, who wouldn't? She would get on someone's nerves at minsan iniisip ko sinasadya niya talaga kaya mas lalong nakakagalit.

But life has its own way. I don't know how people would call it. Maybe the closest was the word destiny. I am grateful that I was given a chance to somehow peel off that tough exterior she has.

I like comparing her to a tiny little bud that slowly blooms into beauty. I fell in love with how she takes her time to grow. As I watched her closely, I realized that I couldn't even take my eyes off of her. I've memorized every detail, not minding the time I've spent admiring her.

I once wished I could unsee it. But the scent of memories created a portal to our past. I tried to freeze the time of my own growth just to not miss a thing of hers. I wish I could, but then every fallen petal made me start all over again.

Hindi ko alam kung paano natapos ang gabing 'yon. Masyadong mabilis ang oras para isipin kung paano nauwi sa masayang tagpo ang pag-uusap namin. I just remember that the night we just had was an extraordinary sight that will remain imprinted on my memory.

Ganado akong pumasok sa opisina kahit kinulang sa tulog. I wore my light pink blazer, and inside is a white embroidered sleeveless top paired with ash gray skinny slacks.

Pagkapasok ko palang ng office ay napansin ko na agad ang white paper cup sa glass table ko. Kinuha ko agad ito at napansin ang nakasulat.

Lunch later? – Sab

It instantly made me smile. Nilapit ko ito sa bibig ko at sumimsim ng kaunti. Plain-brewed coffee. There is no blend of milk and cream, just a minuscule amount of sugar. She remembers.

"Ma'am nandito na po pala kayo. Sorry po kung si Sab na ang bumili ng kape niyo. Na-late po ako ng pasok sorry Ma'am -"

"Carmela..." I cut her off. "It's okay."

Doon lang siya kumalma.

"Thank you po."

Ngumiti ako. "Pakitawag nalang siya please, thank you."

Bibo itong gumalaw at mabilis na naglakad. Inayos ko ang suot na blazer bago sumimsim ulit sa kape na dala niya.

When Carmela brought Sab into my office, worry was painted on her face.

"Hazel... is everything okay?"

Pagkalabas ni Carmela ay saka lang ako naglakad palapit.

"Thanks for the coffee Sab."

Her lips then formed a smile.

"You're welcome."

"And also..." I show her the words written on my coffee cup. "Yes for lunch later."

Mas lalong lumapad ang ngiti niya.

Sab and I never discussed the future. We're only now working through our own aspirations. Hindi pa namin totally napag-uusapan kung anong plano naming dalawa. 

We're just taking our time and spending it with no pressure at all, even if I'm sure she's both my angel and my soul mate. At the end of the day, love is really what we're yearning for.