Arid Trials

Chapter 2

Nudes

"Dad?" I called as I entered the condo. Nilapag ko ang bag ko sa carpet at pagod na umupo sa sofa. The whole day's a torture especially the TOA. But overall it was okay.

"Meow..."

I stared at the cat who sat beside me.

"Hi. Have you seen my Dad?"

"Meow,"

Kumunot ano noo ko. It's funny to think that he understands me.

"Right. Hindi pa rin pala kita nababalik sa Daddy mo. Or is it a Mom?"

"He won't talk. What are you doing?" Si Dad na lumabas sa magic lab niya. He went to me to kiss my forehead.

"Dinner?"

I smiled but I shook my head. I need to go back to TNSB to report this cat. Seriously, kailangan ko na 'tong ibalik sa amo niya. They must be worried. Based on this cat's features, he looks freaking expensive!

"I'll go out for a while. TNSB. I need to hand over this cat." Kinarga ko ang cute na pusa at nilapag sa kandungan ko. He's so fluffy like a ball. Ang sarap ihagis at yakap-yakapin.

"You sure? Want me to drive you?"

I can sense his concern since my face screams fatigue but I told him I'm fine. Nagpahinga lang ako saglit at tumulak na agad sa parking with the cat. Just like last night, nilagay ko siya sa passenger seat.

"Behave, okay? I'll take you home."

He meowed like an obedient kid and I smiled. I started the engine and started driving to the north. I just sang along to my stereo while driving. I don't really have such problems aside from my condition and the incoming disaster. I tend to act on things confidently and I have a very strong principles. Resulting to consistent successes be it academically or... love life. But I don't want a boyfriend as of the moment. I'm living for myself. And I want to keep it that way.

But... hmm... I flirt. Sometimes.

"Here we are..." I announced as I parked. It's still seven and I only have three more hours vacancy since I'm starting my plates usually on ten.

Lumabas na ako ng sasakyan bitbit ang pusa at nagtungo sa guards quarter na naandoon.

"Excuse me sir, hi!" I greeted.

Ngumiti ang nag-iisang guwardia at tinignan ang dala-dala ko'ng pusa.

"Hi! Is there a problem?"

"Yeah, have you received any report about a missing cat? I found this one last night."

Sumenyas siya ng wait lang at may tinype sa computer niya. Maya-maya lang ay may katawagan na siya. I caressed the cat's head while waiting.

"Yes. A cat. Found by a girl last night." Aniya sa kausap sa telepono. "Yes. It's black."

There's a long pause before he sighed and ended the call. Humarap siya sa'kin at ngumiti.

"Someone's reporting it last night. I guess it's the owner but our security lost the contact. I suggest that you should keep the cat for a while and we will just contact you instead if the owner comes back here." Aniya.

Tumango ako nagpasalamat. Sa huli ay umuwi na lang dahil wala pa namang amo na kukuha sa kaniya.

"Sorry cat but you will be with the prettiest for a while," I giggled. "Bear with me, ha."