When Playboy Meets The Odd

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

SAGE

I woke up late from my usual routine and it's already 1 in the afternoon. Masyado ba akong napuyat kagabi? I remember processing my college application online. I also applied for a summer job.

Now that I'm eighteen, I want to have some productive days.

Pumunta ako sa kitchen to grab some drink. I open the refrigerator and I saw some finger snacks and a loaf of bread.

Kaya naman pala walang makain iyong Antonio na yun dahil wala palang maayos na laman ang ref ko. Should I buy some groceries?

Napadpad ang tingin ko sa kabuuan ng salas. Now, it looks so much nicer compared yesterday. It doesn't look entirely clean with the boxes still on the corner but it looks better.

Should I organize my stuffs?

I was about to clean the boxes when I realize that this is already someone's work. Ano kaya ang ginagawa ng lalaking yun? Should I text him?

MONSERRAT

Mommy has been busy shopping at kung hindi lang dahil wala akong ginagawa, hindi sana ako sasama. She's been here in this boutique searching for a bag.

"Mom, you have hundreds of bags at home." Biro ko dito. She laugh from my remarks.

"How's this?" Pinakita niya sa akin ang isang white leather mini backpack. Sinimangutan ko siya.

"Nagsusuot ka ng ganyan, Ma?" Tanong ko. "That's for teens!" Pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang bag na para bang hindi ako naririnig.

"I think it's cute." Aniya. I sighed from what she said. Is she serious? I mean, bibilhin niya yan?

"Seryoso ka, Ma?" Tanong ko. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. I stand up straight and look at her directly. "Or maybe, it's not for you? Is it for someone?" Tanong ko dito. Napatigil siya sa pagsipat ng bag.

"It's for someone's child. Magbibirthday kasi." Aniya. Oh, okay. I nodded from what she said.

"That's a great gift." Turo ko sa bag. Mom smiled at me.

"You think?" Tanong niya. Tumango muli ako para matapos na to. Bakit ba hindi pa rin ako tinetext ng Sage na yun?

Mom picked up some brooches at isinama na sa kanyang babayaran. Nahapawak ako sa tiyan ko. I am quite hungry.

My stomach suddenly grumbled. I heard the saleslady near me giggled. I cleared my throat. Nakakahiya pala to.

"Let's go Mom." I said trying to find my composure. I suddenly remember Sage when her stomach grumbled. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam ha.

Dumiretso kami sa isa pang restaurant na madalas namin kainan. Mom order her usual favorite foods same as mine. Palihim akong tumitingin sa phone ko just in case Sage gave me a text.

"Bakit parang tuliro ka?" Tanong ni Mommy ng napansin ako. I shooked my head.

She changed the topic. Pinag-usapan namin ang school ko pati na rin ang business namin. I like talking about things with Mom. I like how intellectual she are while using her words but at the same time with sense of humor.

Dumating na ang pagkain namin, nang bigla na lang nagvibrate ang phone ko. I immediately look at it and saw a text from an unknown number. It's from Sage!

Bakit ngayon pa?

Unknown Number

Are you busy? Please come with me and carry my groceries. Don't you dare be late or I'll kill you with Baltazar!