The Antiquity of Us (La Fortuna Series #2)

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

Love

"I have a surprise!" Nisa exclaimed and raised both her and Ahab's intertwined hands. "We're dating!"

Muntik ko nang maibuga ang iniinom kong iced coffee nang marinig 'yon. We were at the Bistro because they told me that we needed to celebrate something. Akala ko naman ay dahil 'yon sa katatapos lang na Midterms last week pero 'yon pala...

"Wow, I can't believe it!"

Totoong nagulat ako. I mean, I thought they were compatible but I never expected them to happen this fast.

Nisa gestured her hands in an embarrassed manner. Kaharap ko silang dalawa ni Ahab na ngayo'y nahihiyang humahalakhak. I gave them a teasing glare.

"How did it happen?"

Ngumuso si Nisa. "Well, it's a long story, you know? Like, ano kasi. OMG! Shet ka, babe!"

Napakurap-kurap ako sa pagkamangha nang hampasin niya ang balikat ni Ahab. They both giggled when he hugged her and kissed her cheek. Nagpalinga-linga ako at nakitang nakuha nila ang atensyon ng marami. Ang PDA!

"It's a long story, Yonie... pero you know... ah basta! E kasi, crush pala ako nitong si Ahab noon pa!"

"Luh?" Umiling-iling si Ahab sa 'kin at tinuro si Nisa. "She's the leader of my fucking fanbase! Siya pala 'yong may pakana ng survey kung sino ang pinakaguwapo sa room! At siya rin ang pumirma sa halos kalahating anonymous person doon!"

"Oh my god, you're such a scammer!"

"Hindi ah? Honest kaya ako!" Nagtitigan sila. Nang kumalas na'y sinipat ako ni Ahab. "Ikaw, Yona, kamusta ang lablayp niyo ni kadete?"

Nisa shrieked. "Ay, true 'yan! Alam mo ba ang cousin ko, sa LAFOMA rin siya nags-study tapos he seems so stressed talaga everyday kasi super hirap and strict daw ng rules diyan, tapos look at you, girl! Binibisita ka ng kadete mo! Unfair ha?"

"True love na talaga 'yan!"

Hindi ako nakaimik agad. Ano bang sasabihin ko, e wala naman akong balita tungkol kay Atlas simula noong nag-usap kami last Friday? Eksaktong isang linggo na ang nakaraan simula no'n at ni isang paramdam, wala akong natanggap. Well, that's what I wanted anyway. Who was I to complain?

"Are you guys free later tonight?" pag-iba ko ng usapan. "We don't have anything going on right now. I want to hang out with you both since I was too busy last week. Pambawi lang."

Sumimangot si Nisa. "Ang wrong timing mo naman, Yonie!"

"Huh? Bakit, may gagawin ba dapat kayo?"

"Well, Ahab and I made a reservation at this five star hotel—"

"—with a rooftop restaurant."

"Yeah, yeah," aniya at sinipat saglit si Ahab bago ako tinignan ulit. "That's what he said. So ayon, we're going to Iloilo City at around 5 PM kaya hindi ka namin mapapaunlakan ngayon."

Ahab smiled at me. "Don't worry. Next time, we'll include you in our plans. 'Di kasi kami nakapagtanong kasi biglaan ang lakad ngayon, e."

I gestured a no through shaking my palms. "It's fine. Naisipan ko lang na imbitahin kayo sa bahay para makapag-bond naman tayo."

"Sorry talaga, Yonie! Next time, okay?"

Kahit nanghihinayang dahil naghanda ako sa pag-aakalang papayag agad sila, pinilit ko ang sarili kong maging masaya. They were perfect for each other so I was delighted that they were now dating.