As Promised (Ferrer Series #1)

Kabanata 9

"Oh, my gosh! I-I'm so sorry! Sorry, sorry!" agad kong inabot sa kanya ang tissue at hindi magawang ako ang magpunas dahil nasa bandang dulo ng t-shirt niya ang natapunan ng kape.

Napakagat ako ng labi nang punasan na niya ang t-shirt niya, umaasa na matatanggal kahit papaano ang mantsa. Mariin akong napapikit.

"I'm sorry, po," kinagat-kagat ko ang kuko ko dahil hindi siya sumagot. Bumuntong hininga lang siya at nag-angat ng tingin sa 'kin.

'Pag minamalas ka naman talaga!

"It's okay, don't worry about it," aniya. Umiling-iling ako.

"I'm really sorry," napabaling ako sa mga papel niya at muling napapikit. Exams are coming and I ruined his reviewer! Damn it!

"What's happening? Are you guys okay?" narinig ko ang boses ni Alli at lalo akong nahiya. Hidalgo na naman!

"Natapon ang kape niya," mahina kong sabi.

"It's fine, it was an accident," ani Thomas Miguel.

"Kuya, you're reviewer is also drenched in coffee. How will you study? Exams are on Wednesday," mahinanong sabi ni Alli.

"There are pages that were spared. Luna Madelaine was able to detach them before getting soaked by the coffee."

"I'll rewrite it for you."

Napalingon ang dalawa sa 'kin nang magsalita ako.

"What?" si Thomas Miguel.

"I swear, I have a good penmanship. I can also copy yours if you'll pass it to your prof. I have pens like the one used on your reviewer," alok ko. Muling nagsalubong ang kilay niya habang tinitignan ako. Para bang hindi niya maintindihan ang sinasabi ko.

"I can also finish it fast! I promise, you'll be able to study as soon as possible!"

"That's unnecessary, Luna," aniya. "You don't have to, it was an accident."

"Please, let me," naluluha kong sabi. "I won't be able to be at peace knowing that I startled you."

Lumambot ang kanyang mga tingin, at nawala na ang pagkakunot ng noo.

"Look, that subject's not on my Wednesday sched, don't worry."

"Just let her, Kuya," ani Alli. "Are you sure about this, Laine? We know it's not your fault. It's an accident and you don't have to be punished for it."

"Let me do it."

Nagkatinginan ang dalawa. Alli's stern face made Thomas Miguel sigh defeatedly.

"Alright. Talk it out. I'll go back."

Pinanood naming maglakad palayo ang kanyang kapatid bago ko naramdaman na bumaling siya sa 'kin.

"What time do you need it? I swear, I'll be fast," tinignan ko ang limang pages na basa ng kape. Medyo nanlumo ako nang makitang halos hindi na mabasa ang mga nakasulat do'n.

"Hey, you don't have to do it," aniya.

Umiling-iling ako. "Please? Pambawi lang! I forgot that you're easy to startle."

Bumuntong hininga uli siya. "Okay, but you don't have to rush, alright? I've already read those pages, so this is really unnecessary."

"I'll give it to you here in the café," pagpapatuloy ko. "Or I can hand it to you in school. Which is more convenient for you?"

"Whatever you want, Luna Madelaine."

"Okay. I'll hand it you tomorrow morning. Do you have a copy of this? Para may makopyahan ako ng notes mo," natigilan ako nang maisip na ito nga pala ang kopya niya. Muli ko iyong tinignan at mukha namang kakayanin ko ang pag-intindi sa kaunting burado na mga sulat.