Chapter 26
Claimed
It's been four days since we went hiking. Nahihiya ako kay Winter dahil hindi natuloy ang plano naming dalawang araw sa bundok. Umuwi kaming lahat kinabukasan pero nauna si Malcolm, Duncan at Ion lulan ng chopper. Nakokonsensya ako na nasira pa ang bucket lists ng kaibigan ko at ang expectations ng ibang kasama namin. Ini-expect ko rin na maging maayos at masaya talaga ang mangyayari pero hindi ko alam kung anung meron sa araw na iyon. Mula umaga hanggang gabi, lahat ng mga nangyari ay hindi maganda.
I asked my friends if I could go home early, but they didn't agree. Gusto nalang din nilang umuwi. Nang gabing iyon ay hindi ako nakatulog. Ang daming tanong na tumakbo sa isip ko. Gusto kong malinawan tungkol sa mga pinagsasabi nila ni Malcolm at Shane. May kutob akong ako ang pinag-uusapan nila. Ang hindi ko lang maintindihan ay kung bakit galit na galit si Malcolm kay Shane dahil raw siya ay duwag. Idagdag pa si Duncan na mahigpit na pumigil sakin nung awatin ko sana ang dalawa. Kaya may kutob rin akong alam niya ang nangyari.
Also one reason why I couldn't sleep peacefully these past few nights was because of Shane's unanticipated confession. He said several times that he liked me, but I still didn't expect it. Yet I felt nothing when he said it. I was so confused when he said he loves me, because he didn't sound like he was in love. Instead, he sounded guilty. It's driving me nuts. Or maybe I'm just imagining it.
Everyone was quiet inside the jeep on our way home. Snow tried to start a conversation, but the topic quickly died, and then a few minutes of silence took over again.
Nag-angat ako nang tingin at nakasalubong ko ang tingin ni Storm. Nasa harap ko siya at katabi niya si Shane na mula pa kanina ay hindi ko pinapansin. Hindi ko rin siya tinapunan ng tingin. Ayoko siyang tingnan. Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko bang salubungin ang kanyang mga titig.
Storm smiled at me but I just glared at her. This was all happened because of her. If it wasn't for her, we'd probably have enjoyed that day in the spring just like we had planned.
Hanggang sa dumating kami ng bahay ay tahimik pa rin ang lahat. Lumapit ako sa mga kaibigan ko nang kinuha na ng mga lalaki ang kani-kanilang sasakyan.
"Look, guys. I'm so sorry. I ruined our plans."
"No. Really, Zouie. It's fine," hinawakan ako ni Winter sa kamay. "Wag mong sisihin ang sarili mo, okay?"
Tumango ako at niyakap sila.
Minutes later, nakaalis na sila lahat. Marahas akong huminga at pumasok na rin sa loob bitbit ang malaking backpack. Hindi ko man lang nasuot ang mga damit na dala ko.
"Ma?" gulat kong wika ng makita si mama na kampanteng nakaupo sa sofa habang nanonood ng tv. I just got home from work together with Clara.
She was wearing her favorite blouse and a long saya that made her look like a strict principal. Her short curly hair was fixed in her favorite messy updo. Her dark red lipstick was highlighted by her white complexion. She had this glamorous aura around her.
Naunang tumakbo si Clara sa kanya at niyakap siya pagkatapos ay bumaling sa akin.
"Darling surprise! You're finally here," she smiled showing her pair of deep dimples and wrinkles around her eyes then she stood up with open arms. I quickly raced out to her and then hugged her tight. "I miss you." She whispered as I felt her stroking my hair.
"Sa kwarto lang muna ako tita," ni ni Clara. Naramdaman kong tumango lang si mama.
Pumikit ako at ngumiti. I felt like I was finally home when I felt her warmth hug. And it's nice to be home with a tight and warm embrace of welcome from your love ones. It's so comfortable and homey. Parang biglang nawala lahat ng mabibigat na naramdaman ko dahil sa mainit niyang yakap.
