Rhythm to My Chaos

Chapter 6

#NewClassicRTMC

Chapter 6
Boyfriend

"Kuya Ike, sasama ka po ba ulit kay Ate Aleena next week?"

Dexter finally showed his sweet, respectful side to Ike after they bonded while playing guitar. Whenever Ike was playing guitar to show example how to play a certain chord, I could see Dexter's eyes filled with admiration and respect.

Seeing them get along so well brought a smile to my face. And just like Dexter, I couldn't help but admire Ike because of his skills, patience, and good character. He's a man of honor. In my opinion, he could be the standard for what kind of man a woman should look for.

It was funny how my judgement of him turned 180 degrees from the first impression I had. He's way far from those swindlers. I was dumb to try and group him with those kind of people when he's nothing like them. He's a great and talented person that I feel very lucky I got to know him.

"If she'd let me come, I don't see any reason why I won't," Ike smiled as he answered Dexter's question.

Mabilis akong nilingon ni Dexter. Lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ang aking braso. Ibinigay ko naman sa kanya ang aking atensyon.

"Ate Aleena, isama mo po ulit si Kuya Ike, please..." Dexter gave me those puppy look in his eyes which made it hard for me to resist.

Napaangat ako ng tingin kay Ike. He was wearing a smile with an underlying emotion that I couldn't figure out well. He nodded once at me, like giving me a signal to grant Dexter's request.

"Kung gusto niya namang sumama ay walang problema," sabi ko na lang.

Dexter's smile went up to his eyes as soon as he heard my answer. Kinulit niya agad si Ike na sumama sa akin sa susunod na linggo. Matagal din bago niya kami tuluyang pinakawalan. Kung hindi tinawag ni Kapitan Flores ang anak ay baka magtagal pa kami sa labas.

"Saan na tayo ngayon?" tanong sa akin ni Ike habang tinutulak ang aking bisikleta palabas ng harapan na bakuran ng bahay. "May kailangan ka pa bang puntahan o gawin?"

It was almost five in the afternoon. I didn't have other things on schedule except for the gig at seven or eight in the evening. But I thought that maybe I could grab an early dinner with him before the gig to thank him for helping me out.

"Wala na pero may gig ako mamayang gabi," sagot ko sa kanya. "Siguro ay daan muna tayo sa bahay para kuhanin ang gitara mo tapos maglakad na lang tayo papunta sa resort."

Ike nodded, agreeing with my plans. "Okay," he said and easily got on the bike. "Let's go."

Once again, he offered me his hand. Tinanggap ko iyon agad at naupo na sa likod ng aking bisikleta. Taking a deep breath, I gathered a lot of courage to wrap my arms on his waist just like earlier. Kita kong bahagya akong nilingon ni Ike. He flashed a small smile before he looked forward and start pedaling.

Unlike riding with him for the first time, I felt more comfortable going back. I guessed it was because I was already familiar with the experience, or maybe we grew a bit closer during the time we spent together with Dexter. I didn't have the exact reason to explain how I was feeling, but I was sure that it felt great.

The sky was burning in crimson red as it slowly set down to end the day. It gave me a warm feeling while the cool breeze from the sea was blowing our way. I unconsciously laid my head on his back, feeling a bit dozy. Riding a bike on a nice weather and mood made me feel light and airy.

Suddenly, I felt Ike's hand on my lower back as he slipped his hand in between the guitar and my back. It was like he was trying to support me. I got worried because he was driving the bike using one hand only. I lifted my head a little to check on him, and he gave me a quick glance.