Unexpected Paramour

7

Nagising ako nang madaling araw. Ginala ko ang aking tingin nang mapansing hindi 'to ang kwarto ko. Napahawak naman ako sa ulo ko dahil ramdam ko ang sakit at kaunting pagkahilo.

I rushed fingers through my hair to fix it. It was a bit messy because I think, I overslept. Nakarinig ako ng mga bulong-bulungan sa baba kaya't maingat kong hinakbang ang paa ko. If I'm not mistaken, it's Josiah and Angela's voices.

"What the fuck, Josiah!? Ang akala ko ba ay hihintayin mo siya?! But look at what you did!" rinig kong sumbat ni Angela.

Tahimik akong dumungaw sa baba. Sa hallway kasi, may parang terrace so you could see what's happenin' downstairs.

Napailing lang si Josh, he caressed his jaw, matalim ang binatong tingin kay Angela, "I fell out of love, Angela. Now, would you please stop overreacting?" His breathing went ragged.

"P-paanong nangyari 'yon? Wala akong maintindihan, Josiah!"

"Simply because I met the girl online. S-she's stunning, a'right? Then.. that's it. Niligawan ko, she emerged from the c-country she's been livin' just t-to be with me." He played with his fingers.

"Bakit kayo nagtatalo?" I curiously asked.

They both looked at me with shock expressions on their faces. Angela promptly walked to assist me. She lend her hand and I accepted it. Medyo nahihilo pa rin ako, so she made me sat on her vintage couch.

"Wala naman." Angela responded, "Oo nga pala, we decided not to bring you home yesterday night kasi baka mapagalitan ka ni Tita." umiling pa ito at inabot ang mainit na tsokolate sa'kin, "You're wasted af, Irene. Here, drink this first."

I patted her lap with chinky eyes, "Sorry for the inconvenience, dai."

"Kailangan na nating umuwi." Josiah suddenly bring up the topic.

Tinignan ko naman siya, "S-sige. Sorry." I kissed Angela's cheeks and bid my goodbye, "Uwi na ako, ingat ka dito, ah?"

____

"Bakit ka naglasing?"

Mahigit kinse minutos na kaming angkas ng kanyang motor. Binabagtas namin ang daan pauwi. Hapon na rin pala.

"M-may problema kasi sa bahay." I kinda lied.

"Liars go to hell." And it's my weak spot. Hell, I couldn't live there, it'll be burning my soul yet I won't die.

"I won't lie anymore but.. I'll keep my reason as a secret."

His deep voice answered me, "Na kahit ako ay hindi allowed malaman?" he didn't spoke for a sec, "Malay mo.. I can help you."

"Of course." I told him, "Of course, you can't."

Bakit kasi hindi na lang ako? Fuck, you've been giving me such hints that could make me fall  harder than you can ever think of.

I tightened my hug as he drove faster. The cold breeze that has been kissing my skin melts my heart. I bit my lip to suppress a sad smile. Kailangan happy lang. Life isn't longer enough, why wouldn't I suppose to enjoy it?

But happiness can't be with you at all times. Sometimes, sadness will get in the way.

Nang makarating kami sa tapat ng bahay ko, agad siyang umalis sa motor at tinanggal ang helmet ko. He removed his, too. I jumped off the motorcycle and poke his shoulders.

Nilingon niya ako, "Hmm?"

I moisten my lips first before opening my mouth to speak, "T-thank you sa paghatid. Goodnight." With that, I turned my gaze off of him.

He reached for my hands and told me this, "Irene," he sighed, "Hindi ka kaya palitan nang kahit sino sa buhay ko. 'Wag mo sanang isipin na pabigat ka."

'You're welcome' lang naman ang kailangan ko. Hindi ko alam na 'you're welcome speech' ang sagot niya.

"Have a goodnight sleep, Miss."

Let's sleep together, then? Char!

Pumasok na ako sa loob ng bahay. I took a glance outside to see Josh standing straight as he wait me to finally enter the house. I waved my hand to tell him that I'll be goin' inside.

I take steps to move indoors. I pulled the screen door, Mama is looking at me. I was about to greet her when I felt the sting on my face. She slapped me that almost made my system wake up.

"Kailan ka pa naging lasinggera, Cassirene!?"

Inangat niya ang kamay niya, I saw her phone, its my gift. I'm happy to know that she started using it.

Respect the oldies. Respect. Calm down your nerves, Irene. May utak ka, chismosa lang 'yon.

But why the heck she captured that photo of me and Angela in the store, buying a dozen of beer in can!?

____

Short and lame update for y'all. Anyway, I'm so happy with 200+ reads! I couldn't ask for more. Just those loyal readers is enough for me to continue. I love you all! Please keep safe. God bless, sweets!

Errors ahead. Kindly correct me if you saw one.