Tadhana

Kabanata 5

This day was well-spent but exhausting. Too many emotions overflowed. Too many thoughts flooded my mind. Actually, words are not enough to explain everything.

"Kumusta ang pag-uusap niyo kanina? Napansin kong may pahabol siyang sinabi sa'yo ah," bungad ni Liah nang makapasok siya sa kwarto. Instead of answering her, I diverted her attention to another question. "Si Miguel ba ay nagpapahinga na?" She answered by nodding her head.

"If you don't want to answer my question, then it's fine. I will not pry you," she assured me. Maybe because she noticed that I'm not yet ready to answer her. I'm glad she respected my decision. After the short talk, I changed my clothes into a silky night dress and did my skincare routine. Afterwards, I tried to sleep by doing every position I know but here I am, still wide awake and kicking. I feel frustrated right now because I need to sleep.

Dahil ayaw talaga akong dalawin ng antok ay bumangon ako sa kama at bumaba para pumunta sa kusina. I opened the fridge and poured for a glass of milk. I drank it once before brushing my teeth again. Pero imbis na bumalik sa kwarto ay naisipan kong pumunta sa terasa namin at umupo sa duyan. There, I let the night breeze caress my body, not minding if I'll shiver because of the cold. What a tranquil night. However, my reverie ended when I sneezed loudly.

"Geez, kailangan ko nang pumasok baka sipunin pa 'ko. Nice timing as always."

No choice. I went inside and returned to the room. Dali-dali din akong humiga dahil medyo nakaramdam ako ng kiliti ng antok. Not long after, I drowse off to sleep.

It's the bright sun rays that woke up me next morning. I thought this will be just a normal day. But I was wrong, especially when I saw a notification on my phone. I opened the text and I couldn't hide my shriek. It was from an unknown number, but I immediately recognized the owner of the number after reading his message. Kinikilig na naman ako. Para akong feeling teenager ngayon, medyo nakakahiya.

Unknown number:
Good morning, Keesh. This is Israel. Are you free today? Can we meet? But if your schedule is full, I understand.

Before replying, I renamed the name to Israel with a heart emoji at the end.

Me:
Good morning too! I'm free today. Saan tayo magkikita?

Kasesend ko pa lang pero agaran ang reply niya.

Israel:
I have work. Can we meet at the mall near my office?

Me:
Of course, let's do it at lunch time?

Israel:
No problem. See you later.

I wanted to reply and have a longer conversation, but I stopped myself. I should be contented with what we have. Hindi na din ako bumalik sa pagkakahiga dahil 9 am na. Instead, I looked for an outfit. This is not a date, I know. This is just a simple meet up, but I want to make effort.

I scanned my clothes and decided to wear a black tube with tunic cardigan for the top and a dark skinny jeans paired with black boots. Also, I put some light make up to complete the look.

"Ayos na ayos ka ata, 'nak. Saan punta?" iyon ang bungad ni nanay nang mapansin akong pababa galing sa taas.

"I'll meet someone po, 'nay. Don't worry hindi po ako magpapagabi," even at the right age, I know my Nanay still gets worried tuwing late akong umuuwi. So, I try to always update her of my whereabouts.

Dahil ayoko mang-istorbo, sumakay na lang ako ng taxi at nagpahatid sa Manila. While stuck in the traffic, I sent him a message informing him that I'm already on my way. It took a while before he replied, "Okay, sa Pound na lang tayo magkita." Hindi nagtagal ay umiikot na 'ko sa loob ng mall. Pinuntahan ko agad 'yung sinasabi niyang kakainan namin, habang naglalakad ay tumunog muli ang phone ko.