Can You be My Capillary

05

"Wow! Ang ganda rito! Ang ganda...ang ganda...talaga!"

Sunod-sunod na usal ni Rosie habang mababakas ang labis na pagkamangha sa tono niya. Masyadong maganda ang tanawin at presko ng hangin kaya hindi na ako nakatugon.

I heared the continous shutter sounds of her camera. She was enjoying the view as well as capturing it in every corner.

I like how the way she was enjoying the place where in fact she was throwing tantrums a while ago because of the long ride. I think it was her first time to ride a bus and she doesn't like the experience at all.

She was asking each and every minute if where the hell are we going or have we already arrived to our destination. Her brows were furrowed intensely. I didn't mind to answer and ignored her the whole ride.

Eventually, she pacified and became quiet. But then I could hear a little snore and noticed her head swaying while she's asleep. I got nervous when her head landed on my shoulder. I didn't move. I can't. She moved closer so I craned a little to give her head more space so that she can lean on it freely. I could feel her breath on my neck which sent me chills down my spine.

I want to push her away but to no avail. I just endured the tickling feeling I felt. It's still bearable. Thank, God.

By that time, I got mindful of my breathe. I started to copy hers so she won't be bothered by any sudden movement. I want her to nap peacefully while I'm barely breathing, pretending to be chill reminding myself that I'm okay.

"Tadah!" Masiglang sambit ni Rosie nang ipakita niya sa akin ang mga kuha niyang litrato. Napansin ko ang kuha niya sa akin habang ako'y nakatalikod at matamang pinagmamasdan ang bunganga ng Bulkang Taal.

"You photographed me without my consent. That's a crime." Usal ko na may nakakalokong pagbabanta.

She rolled her eyes on me while zooming in my picture on her gallery. "You really want to take photos of me, huh." Ani ko.

Napansin kong may sarili pala akong album sa phone niya. Puro stolen shots ko. Mayroong nasa library, sa jeep, sa arko ng UST, sa labas ng gate, sa kanto ng Katamanan at iba pa.

"Napaka-feeling naman." She rolled her eyes again and let out a scoff.

"Bakit ang dami kong picture diyan? I hate camera." Sambit ko.

"Wala lang...for memories?" She shrugged her shoulders and pouted her lips.

I saw how a bitter smile drawn on her face while scrolling on her gallery.

Inalis ko na lamang tingin ko sa kaniya at inilipat ito sa bukana ng bulkan.

"Ang liit naman pala talaga ng bulkang Taal, mas mataas pa ata ang burol."

Unti-unti siyang humakbang papalapit sa akin at saka ipinatong ang dalawang siko sa railings. Tinuro pa nito ang bulkan bago saluhin ng kaniyang mga palad ang kanyang pisngi.

"Hindi yan ang Bulkang Taal yung katabi niya." sabat ko sa kaniya.

I saw how Rosie's eyes filled with confusion. "You mean yung patag na yun?" sambit niya sabay turo doon habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Yeah." Tumango-tango naman ako.

"So my whole life is a joke." Nangunguya niyang sabi na sinundan nang halakhak.

Napangisi lamang ako sa kaniya. Papilig-pilig pa ang ulo nito. She was murmuring curses out of disappointment. Nang muli kong binalingan ng tingin ang bulkan ay nakita ko ang pagkapal ng ulap. Inookupahan na nito ang kalangitan na na pagmamay-ari ng kaninang papalubog na haring araw.