Chapter 44
My lips pursed as I stare at my phone. Huminga ako ng malalim at luminga sa paligid.
Gabi na pero marami pa ring estudyante. I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it's already seven in the evening. Katatapos ng klase ko. Naka-upo sa bangko mag-isa at naghihintay ng reply mula kay Axev.
Sien:
Do you want to have dinner with me?
It's been two days since I talked to him over the phone. I didn't receive any messages from him within those days. Hindi rin kami nagkita. I couldn't send him any message since I don't know what to say. I want to apologize again but I convinced myself that it's fine, I apologized over our call.
Is he busy? Huminga ako ng malalim. If only I could take back my message. It's been fifteen minutes but there was still no reply from him. Pumikit ako ng mariin at sumandal sa upuan. Mahangin at malamig lalo't gabi na pero may coat naman ako.
Pinalipas ko ang labin limang minuto pa pero nang wala pa rin akong matanggap na reply ay nagpasya na akong umuwi. I'm tired but I still have so many readings left. Kaya naman nagpasya akong sa labas na mag-review dahil baka makatulog lang ako sa condo.
After I took a shower, I fixed my things and put them in my bag. Naka-casual lang din ako. I went to a coffee shop. Dito madalas nagpapalipas ng gabi ang ibang estudyante. The ambiance makes you feel comfortable and focused.
Pasado alas otso na nang makarating ako ro'n. Sa may gilid ko napiling umupo. Ang pahabang lamesa ay nakaharap sa glass wall at kitang kita ang mga gusali sa labas. I immediately ordered coffee and settled down.
I opened my laptop and began reviewing some of the eBooks I got from my classmates. Suminghap ako nang naramdaman ang lamig. It's air-conditioned and I forgot to bring my coat! Ano ba 'yan, just when I need it the most. Nakakatamad bumalik sa condo lalo't naglakad lang ako. Hindi naman malayo pero aabutin ng labin limang minuto. I need to carry my things again if I go back.
I looked at the time, it's already nine in the evening. Sumagi sa isip ko ang message para kay Axev. Bumuga ako ng hangin at akmang ibabalik na ang cellphone sa bag nang mag-ring ito. My eyed widened a little when I saw that it was Axev.
My heart pounded for no apparent reason. He didn't reply for hours and now he's calling. I swallowed the lump in my throat before answering the call.
"Hello," I greeted lowly.
"Hey," his voice was raspy. "I'm sorry, I just saw your message."
Hindi ako agad sumagot. Perhaps, he was busy. Huminga ako ng malalim at tumikhim.
"It's fine." I wanted to add that maybe he's busy.
"Did you have dinner already? I'm still at the office, I'm going home now. Let's have dinner if you still-"
"Tapos na," marahan kong sinabi.
Bumagsak ang mga mata ko sa binabasang libro. Hindi ko alam kung bakit naninikip ang dibdib ko. He was silent for a second.
"Then, can I see you?" He asked breathily.
Umawang ang labi ko. I'm busy right now. I'm aware that I have a lot to read but...
"Uhm... alright."
"I'll go to your condo."
"Wala ako sa condo. I'm at a coffee shop."
He asked for the address before dropping the call. Suminghap ako at hinilamos ang kamay sa mukha. Kahit tapos na ang tawag, malakas pa rin ang pintig ng aking puso. I tried to continue reading but the words seem to spin around that I couldn't concentrate. Every time I hear the chimes on the door, napupunta do'n ang tingin ko.
