Beyond His Caution (Lost and Retained #1)

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

Staff

''Kanino galing 'yan?'' turo ni Lucy sa styrofoam na may laman na adobo at kanin.

She's now seating in front of me. Tinatanggal niya ang paper bag na may laman na iced coffee at mga cake doon habang nagsasalita.

When she came a few minutes ago, I replied to Toran's text.

Me:

Mamaya ka na mag text. Enjoy the party.

That's what I texted. After a few minutes, he replied.

Victor Antonio:

Its boring here. Your presence entertains me more. 

Pagkatapos kong mabasa iyon ay saka nag tanong si Lucy. She will probably tease me again but I'll try not to be affected. I won't reply to Toran's texts yet since I don't want him disturbed.

''Binigay ni Toran,'' I answered her. Muli kong binuksan iyon. The smell of chicken adobo lingers for a few minutes. It smells sweet and tasty. Medyo mainit pa iyon.

''Pinadalhan ka dito?'' aniya habang tinutusok ang metal straw sa iced coffee niya.

I nodded. ''Inabot sa akin ni Lionel kanina noong umalis ka. Galing daw kay Toran,'' I shrugged.

''Oh..'' iniwas niya ang tingin. ''Eh 'di ba wala naman siya? Walang nakabuntot kay Sir Badong kanina!'' 

''Oo. May pinuntahan daw silang social function. Baka bukas na pumasok,'' tugon ko. I started to eat. Sakto lang ang lasa ng adobo. The balance of vinegar, bay leaves, and soy sauce made it tasty. Idagdag pa na malambot ang manok kaya masarap kainin.

''Updated ka ha! Sure ka na hindi ikaw yung gusto nun?'' tanong niya at sumipsip sa kanyang kape.

I pursed my lips. I stopped eating for a bit. ''Well.. sinabi niya sa akin na matagal na niyang kilala iyon. We only met him this year, right? So, that's apparently not me..'' 

She pouted. ''Ikaw ba.. gusto mo si Toran?'' she asked. Seems like everyone around us is calling him that as well.

I gave her a smile. ''Hindi naman na importante 'yun..''

The silence embraced us. The splashes of water from the fountain in the middle of the garden, the cats fighting, and the students passing by are the noises that can be heard.

''Kuha ka rito. 'Di ko 'to mauubos,'' I offered to Lucy.

Kumuha siya ng manok gamit ang tinidor niya na ginagamit sa cake. She ate it. ''Ang sarap nito ah! Mukhang pinaluto niya pa!'' 

I continued eating. Nawala na ang antok ko nang mag simulang kumain kanina. Mukhang hindi ko na uulitin ang magpuyat dahil sobrang bigat pala sa pakiramdam. 

''Simula na pala ng season next week! Samahan mo ako manood!'' she excitedly invited me.

''Nakita ko yung instagram post mo. Magpahinga ka naman kanonood sa mga laro no'n,'' I advised. I ate the potatos along with the chicken.

''Wala pa naman tayong ginawa. Please, Lia? Masaya manood ng basketball games. Swear!'' aniya at tinaas ang kanan kamay. There's a sweet smile flashed on her face.

''Pero may readings na tayo na kailangan basahin..''

''We will double time! Please, samahan mo na ako?'' she pleaded with a sweet and baby tone. Both of her hands are intertwined with each other.

I sighed and conceded. ''Oh sige na.''

''Yes! We will watch next week!'' she happily said. She's dancing a little bit.