Beyond Her Abstraction

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8
Wait

Phthalo

It's been a week since the exhibit ended but instead of getting enough rest after a tiresome event, I became a lot busier.

I spent my mornings strolling in the city and my evenings drinking at the loud and alive business park. I went to crowded movie theaters and attended Cerulean's venture plans.

Naging madalas ang gala namin. Umabot na nga kami sa isang resort namin sa Boracay. Ngayon ay naroon na naman sila nina Mauve at iilang kaibigan niya sa San Joaquin para magbeach party. Nagpaiwan lang muna ako ngayon para tapusin itong komisyon.

I did everything I could do to distract myself. I went everywhere I can go to fill the hollows in my chest. Dreaming about her almost every night made me lose my sanity. I had to pull myself back together.

My phone's vibration on the side of my drawing table stopped me from playing with the charcoal pencil on my fingers. I put down the little piece of wood beside the toned sketchpad and lifted my phone. Kunot-noo kong binasa ang text sa ibaba.

Sender:

Can I call?

It was mom. Hindi na napapadalas ang pagtawag niya simula noong natapos ang exhibit. I guess, they became busy with their transactions in Manila.

I didn't answer her text. Tinawagan ko na lang siya agad.

"Hello, mom," I greeted her.

"Anak, how are you?" I can hear the buzzing sound of cars on the other line.

"I am fine," pagsisinungaling ko. I can't fool myself. I know I am not. "How 'bout you, mom? Si dad?" pag-uusisa ko.

"Your dad is currently having a conversation with Jessica, the head of the Rodriguez Hotels. They are planning to build a hotel in one of our resorts. I just stepped out for a while because she mentioned your name."

Jessica? Rodriguez?

I firmly bit my lower lip. Now that I heard that name, the uneasiness that I was feeling tripled.

"What about it?" I asked though I have feeling that I already know.

"I didn't know you are related to them, anak." There's a tone of excitement and gladness in her voice. "So, how have you been with Winona?"

Damn. Sabi ko na nga ba.

Napapikit na lang ako ng mata. Since I started going to the exhibit, nawala na sa isip ko si Winona. I am not even sure now if... if I still like her. Masyadong napuno ang utak during the exhibit.

We ate outside together twice. She knew that I have a crush on her but I never actually said it to her straight. I was planning to court her once she go back here in Iloilo but, damn, I am messed up.

"We are friends." I tried to sound casual. I had feelings for her but I didn't court her formally so I think I can call our relationship that way.

"Really?" I can sense a little bit of disappointment in her voice pero agad naman iyong nabawi. "But Jessica said you are courting her."

"What?" A cloud covered my face.

She let out a heavy sigh. "Anyway, I have good news for you when we get back next month."

I didn't get a chance to think about the good news she was talking about. My mind became loaded with the things that are happening between me and Winona.

So she assumed that I was already courting her? Yes, we went out for lunch a couple of times but for me, it was a stage of knowing each other not totally courtship. Courtship for me is on the other level.