Kabanata 8

A Salient Visit

He softly leaned his chin unto my shoulders. He gracefully danced with me.

The song ended, we stayed in the same position.

He looked at me with pure innocence and luminescence. Marahan niyang inangat ang aking baba.

"Do you want to go inside?" He asked me.

Tumango ako, I don't know if I can speak now. I'm embarrassed!

"Baka lamukin ka..." Marahan niyang nilagay ang suit ng coat niya sa'kin.

I nodded. Out of words.

Hinawakan niya ng marahan ang gilid ng kamay ko, handa ng tahakin ang Ballroom. Nang nagsalita siya muli. "Kaya mo bang maglakad?"

I softly nodded, still out of words.

He scooped me and now he's carrying me.

I felt that I was safe in his arms then and there.

"U-uhm..." I nervously wrapped my arms around his neck.

Nang makalapit na kami sa sasakyan niya ay pinaupo niya ako. "Upo ka muna dito... May kukunin lang ako," At pumunta sa back seat.

He opened a shoe box.

"Baka masaktan ka... Ang taas-taas pa man din ng takong mo..." at dahang dahang tinanggal ang high heels ko. He replaced them with white-gleaming high heels. It was shorter than my original one, but better. I can walk freely in this one.

"T-Thank- Salamat..." I smiled to cover up my nervousness.

"Hmmm..." he chuckled.

"Welcome." He offered his hand, I hesitantly accepted it.

Tinahak na naming ang daanan papunta sa Ballroom. I removed my hand on his.

"I'll go now... I saw Louisse." I said even though I did not see any remark of Louisse.

He flashed his ghost smile. "Alright."

I almost ran away from him. "Sapphire!" tawag sa'kin ni Jessa. Napahinto ako sa pagtakbo.

"Are you okay? Why are you parang hinihingal?" Jessa offered his water.

Jessa looked like a Goddess. Jessa's wearing a Baby Pink and Baby Blue gown. It's full of butterflies and rhinestones that made her shine.

I drank the water Jessa offered. "I ran. Cotillion na 'di ba?" I said as an excused.

"Yes, malapit na. By the way! Here's the gown." At nilahad niya ang Gown para sa aming Cotillion.

"Thank you..." I thanked Jessa. Ipinatago ko kasi sa kanya ito.

"Where's Louisse?" she asked. "This is her Gown na, oh! Perfectly okay!" Jessa remarked.

"She thought hindi ako magaling magtago ng gamit! We'll she's wrong!" Jessa and I chuckled. 

"I'm not sure kung asan si Louisse, pero the last time I saw her was with Keith." Humikab ako.

"You're sleepy already?" Jessa offered her chair.

"Sa'yo na 'yan Jessa. 'Tsaka okay lang, I'm just tired..." I smiled.

"I love your gown pala!" she cheered me up.

"I love yours too! It perfectly suits you..." I complimented Jessa's Prom Gown.

"Yeah... I couldn't choose one, so I told my mom na i-combine nalang together." Pagkwe-kwento ni Jessa sa'kin.

Sabay-sabay kaming nagpalit ng Gown para sa aming Cotillion Dance Performance.

"I brought my Makeup kit here! I'll do a simple eyeshadow, para trio tayo!" Jessa showed her glittery makeup kit.

"Ay gusto ko 'yan! Bongga!" Louisse' eyes glowed from excitement.

"I'll practice on my own eyelid first! I want it to be perfect sa inyong dalawa." Jessa giggled while applying makeup products on her eyelid.

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay nagsalita na si Jessa. "Done!" She closed her eyes to show the masterpiece. 

Napanganga ako ng husto. "Wow! Ang galing! You've improved so much!"

"I know! Thank you..." Jessa genuinely smiled.

Louisse clapped her hands out. "Sana all, Jessa! Proud kami sa'yo!"

"Jessa! Ako next please..." Louisse pleaded.

"Hmm..." Jessa smiled mockingly.

"'Wag mo sabihin na 'di mo ako lalagyan ng kolorete?" Ngumuso si Louisse.

Bumaling sa'kin si Louisse. "Sapphire, ako muna, please..." nag puppy eyes si Louisse.

"Hmm..." I smiled mockingly that made Louisse' smile melt.

"I'm sorry!" I pinched Louisse' cheek. "Jessa, do hers first..."

"We were just kidding, Louisse." Sabi ni Jessa habang naglalagay ng kolorete sa mga mata ni Louisse.

Pagkatapos ng kanya ay ako naman. Louisse took pictures of us together and made it as her wallpaper. She even sang songs and made sure na walang makakarinig nito. When the speaker of the night spoke, announcing to the people about our performance, We silently made our way to the center of the Ballroom. The soothing song went on. Our dance became smooth, It was as we practiced. I even know every schoolmate I came across to dance with. It was when Seus popped up.

"Surprise." He chuckled.

"H-Huh?" I lifted my eyebrow. Why is he here? He doesn't know the dance! and plus! I'm still embarrassed about what happened earlier.

"I learned the dance for you..." He smiled. Before I could even say a word, our partners changed.

On my peripheral vision, I can still see him looking at me. It made me a bit conscious.

Our partners then changed again and again. "Idinala ko si Hazel dito, kasi sabi ng Choreographer na kulang ng babae kung sasali pa ako." He said.

"O-Okay..." That made me feel a bit better.

Our dance ended and we bowed. The crowd were clapping their hands out.

Months have gone too quickly. I even had a birthday party. It was quick and simple, but I enjoyed it. Summer has come upon us. Papa, Mama and I went to Korea and Japan. All of the places there were fantastic.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Fly Airways welcomes you to Manila. The Local time is 9:35 PM and the temperature is 28 °C. For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about. At this time, Cellular phones may only be used once the Fasten Seat Belt sign has been turned off.

Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.

If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.

On behalf of your flight crew headed by Captain Quiroz with First Officer Pimentel and the rest of the crew, We'd like to thank you for joining Fly Airways on this trip. We are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Once again, Fly Airways Welcomes you to Manila. Have a great evening."

My Mama woke up from the announcement. She enjoyed the services given by Fly Airways kaya naman agad nakatulog. My Papa knows the owner of the Airlines and he told me they were good friends before. Tito Timothy, the owner of the Airlines, gave us a free upgrade. He was very thoughtful.

Dahil andito kami sa Manila, napagpasiyahan ni Papa na bisitahin ang kompanya. It wasn't my first time going there, but I felt excitement. Dati nung nakatira pa kami dito sa Manila, I rarely visit the company, it's because I get too overwhelmed by the continuos honor they give me. Before, I went there, wearing a "Manang" dress, they didn't really care about me, believe it or not, I was happy. I even got to chit chat with some of the Maintenance Crew before, and they were comfortably talking. Nung nalaman nila that they were talking to the Heiress of MAES (Merritt Architecture and Engineering Services) they apologized, My Papa just laughed at it and told them that there was no reason to say sorry. Now that I thought of it, who's gonna be the heiress of the company, when I'm pursuing modeling?

Nang makarating kami sa bahay agad akong dumiretso sa kwarto ko. "Wow, na-miss ko 'tong kwarto ko ah!" I hugged my pillows. Gabing-gabi na kaya agad din akong nakatulog.

Kumatok si Papa, alas-singko na ng umaga. "Anak, gusto mo bang sumama?" I opened the door, he looked at me surprised.

"I'm done!" at ipinakita ang damit na ibinili niya.

"Napakaganda ng prinsesa ko!" Nakangiting wika ni Papa.

I smiled. "Pa, gusto ko sumama sa work mo."

I tip toed to Papa's ear. "Pa, Can I also cook their lunch?" I asked.

"Sure, princess."

"At naroon pala sa kusina si Manang Ana-"

"Manang Ana?!" pasigaw kong sambit. Tumango si Papa. I hurriedly ran down the stairs.

"Manang Ana!" I hugged Manang from the back.

"Sapphire! Naku! Mas lalong kang tumangkad! Napakaganda!" Manang hugged me back.

"Salamat! Manang! Kayo po, mas lalong gumanda! Pwedeng pwede sa Beauty Pageants!" I grinned.

"Naku... Binobola mo lang ako, eh." Umiling si Manang.

Ngumiti ako. "Hindi kaya!"

"Manang Ana, sama ka na po sa Nueva Vizcaya, please..." I begged.

"Hmmm..." napaisip si Manang. "Pagiisipan ko..." ngumiti siya.

"Ah! Magluluto pala ako ng tanghalian para sa mga employees ni Donato, baka gusto mo akong tulungan?" Manang Ana asked me.

"I actually had that on my mind, Manang... pero sige!" I immediately washed my hands.

"Si Nanay Denis, kamusta?" tanong ni Manang Ana habang nag cho-chop ng mga gulay.

"Okay naman po si Nay! Ayun, maganda pa din!" I smiled.

"Kamusta naman ang cooking cooking ninyo?" tanong ni Manang.

"Marami na po akong alam na lutuin, Manang." I proudly said.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Manang. "Nakakaproud naman!"

"Ganun po talaga! Magaling magturo si Nanay, eh!" ani ko.

"Next time lutuan mo kami ha?" Manang Ana continued adding some condiments.

Pagkatapos ng mahabahabang pagluluto ay inayos ko na sa Tupperware ang mga iba't ibang pagkain.

"Sana magkasya sa kanila lahat 'to..." wika ko.

"Magkakasya 'yan, Sapphire... 'Tsaka sobra-sobra pa 'yan." Ngumiti si Manang Ana.

Kitang kita ang pawis sa noo niya, kaya naman marahan kong pinadalos ang panyo ko kay Manang.

"Hanggang ngayon, napakabait pa din nitong alaga ko!" Umalingawngaw ang boses ni Manang Ana sa buong kusina.

Looking outside the window of this car, I saw some of our bodyguards aligned. Napabaling ako sa aming building. The building is designed by my Papa, himself. It looked beautiful.

"Welcome, Sir, Ma'am..." bati nilang nakangiti.

"Hello, po!" I smiled at them, they smiled at me back.

I waved to the Maintenance Crew, they were happy to wave back. I smiled.

Naglakad kami patungong elevator, hanggang sa nakarating na kami ng office ni Papa. He immediately announced na mag pahinga na muna sila, at kumain dahil may dala daw na pananghalian, which is 'yung inuluto namin ni Manang Ana.

"Pa, Ma, ibibigay ko na po." I kissed both of their cheeks.

I smiled as I handed out the tupperwares containing all the delicious foods. "Enjoy it po!" I smiled.

"Salamat!" nagbulong bulungan pa ang mga workers ni Papa.

"Napakabait!"

"Si Sapphire daw ang may gawa nito, matikman nga!"

"Oo nga! Mukhang masarap!"

Some people helped me in handing out their lunches. I think I even saw Ate Alielle, or baka namalik mata lang ako, kasi pagkatpos no'n 'di ko na s'ya nakita, atsaka nasa Med school s'ya ngayon, It's impossible!

As soon as I'm done handing out those tupperwares, Binilang ko ang natirang lunch at saktong-sakto ito para sa Maintenance crew. I went to the Maintenance Room, kung saan naroon lahat ng mga gamit pang linis. Panigurado din akong naroon sila Ate Abigail at sila Kuya Ricky. Mayroon din siguro si Mrs. De Llana, ang head ng Maintenance Crew.

I pushed the door, it opened. I immediately saw them. "Ate Abby!" I hugged Ate Abigail tightly.

"Kuya Ricky!" We hugged each other as we did our handshake.

"Si Ate Nics? At Ate Michelle?" tanong ko.

Tinuro ni Kuya Ricky ang pinto. Agad kong tinahak papasok ang isang silid.

"Ate Nicole, Ate Michelle!" I hugged both of them.

"Mrs. De Llana!" I screamed when I saw her from afar.

"Sapphire!" niyakap ako ni Mrs. De Llana ng walang pag-aalinlangan.

After we talked, umupo kami para kainin ang inuluto kong lunch. Manghang mangha sila sa iniluto ko.

"Napakasarap naman nito, Sapphire!" manghang ani Ate Michelle.

"Salamat, Ate!" I grinned.

"Oh, siya nga pala, saan kayo tumitira ngayon?" Tanong ni Mrs. De Llana.

Itinaas ko ang kilay ko. "Hindi po ba sinabi ni Papa?"

"Hindi, basta ang alam lang namin na nag move out na kayo." Agad na sagot ni Kuya Ricky.

"Hindi ba't Nueva Ecija 'yun?" taka ni Ate Abby.

"Ah... Sa Nueva Vizcaya na kami." Nakita kong nanlaki ang mga mata ni Mrs. De Llana.

"Roon kasi nakatira ang Lolo at Lola ko noon."

"Sayang Sapphire, 'di kami nakapunta sa birthday mo." Ate Nicole apologized.

"Okay lang, 'tsaka understandable naman na busy kayo." I smiled.

"Napapadalas ko nang nakikita 'yang headband mo Sapphire, Bagay na bagay!" puri ni Mrs. De Llana.

"Truly!" pagsasangayon ni Ate Michelle.

"Oo nga bagay na bagay." Nakangiting sambit ni Kuya Ricky.

"I should buy pasalubong next time, pero mas maganda kung pera ko. May mga suggestion po ba kayo ate?"

"You should work, Sapph." Pagmumungkahi ni Ate Abby.

"Pero light lang!" dagdag ni Ate Nicole.

"Coffee shop!" sabay-sabay nilang sambit.

"Oo! Tama!" sagot ko.

"Salamat!" ngumiti ako sa saya.

Natapos ang araw ko sa pakikipag usap kina Ate Abigail, Ate Nicole, Ate Michelle, Kuya Ricky at Mrs. De Llana. Nang gabing iyon kinausap ako ni Papa kung gusto ko daw bang sumama sa isang dinner kasama ang Lazandti family, ang pamilya na may ari ng Fly Airways, I said yes, 'tsaka wala naman akong gagawin masyado bukas.

I woke up early, agad akong gumawa ng pangumagahan at idinala ito sa kwarto nila Mama at Papa.

"Good morning, Ma, Pa! I made breakfast!" I smiled.

"Salamat, Anak..." Papa smiled as he wore his glasses.

"Thank you, Sapphire." Mama thanked me.

"No problem!" I gave them a flying kiss before I stepped out of the room.

Pagkatapos noon ay ginawan ko din si Manang Ana. Manang Ana told me na mag tatanim siya ngayon and I told her I wanted to help so here I am, planting some seeds.

"Kapag 'di ka kumportable, ako na ang gagawa d'yan." ani Manang Ana.

I brushed it off. "Manang, I can do it..."

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay lumabas na si Papa, nakasuot ng pang hardinero.

"Pa, tutulungan niyo po ba kami?" agad kong sambit nakangiti.

"Oo, anak. Para makapagpalit ka na, mapapaaga daw ang dinner..."

Napabilis ang pagtanim namin, dahil kay Papa. I went upstairs and I saw Mama looking through my jewelries.

"Oh, anak! Your dress is already prepared, I'm just looking for a necklace that suits you." She smiled.

"Thank you, Ma... I am forever grateful." I pouted as i looked at the dress laid on my bed.

She hugged me. "Go and shower na, you smell like dirt..." Mama sniffled cutely.

I wore this above-knee red silk dress, it has a slit that made it pop. I partnered it with my designer clutch. I let my wavy hair down, it suited me very well, although it was my first time not wearing any headband after many months.

Both of my parents complimented me, they said it suited my beautiful Morena skin.

Itinahak na naming ang mamahaling diner, the Lazandti family chose a private room for us. Nadaanan kaagad ng mata ko ang anak ni Tito at Tita, si Timothee, he looked so serious, it's like no one can ever tame him, I talked to him before but he only responds with one phrase, kind of reminds me of Kuya Aeacus except wala s'yang glasses.

"Good evening..." Papa smiled.

"It's nice seeing you again..." Mama smiled as well.

"Oh, here is my daughter, Amara Althaia Sapphire," At ipinakita ako.

"Good evening po, Tita and Tito." Nagbeso ako.

"You look so beautiful, Hija!" Tita complimented me.

"So are you po." I smiled with elegance.

"Timothee Laurent." He handed his hands, my parents both shaked it.

He looked at me darkly. I gave my hand, he just looked at it. I immediately put my hand down. We seated and the side dish were immediately given.

We ate all these different kinds of food, now that I think of it, I miss Nanay's luto...

Out of nowhere, Kuya Timothee stood up and said "I'm just gonna do something..."

"Is it okay kung samahan mo siya, Sapphire?" Tita asked me.

I immediately said yes. I stood up and followed him.

"Kuya Timothee!" I called him. Even though I have long legs, his long legs were faster than mine.

"Kuya!" I called him once more.

He looked at me and stopped. "What?" iritadong baling niya.

I smiled to ease his anger. "Do you want me to accompany you? Boring 'yung dinner 'diba?" I laughed.

"No." tanging sagot niya at umalis na sa paningin ko.

Unti-unti akong umupo sa hagdanan. "He seems angry? I wonder why."

"I'll just get some fresh air..." rinig na sabi niya.

"Fresh air? gusto ko din nun!" I smiled as I stood up, I sitted when I came to a realization. "He probably don't want me there though..."

I picked some rocks and threw it, nang mapansin ko na may umupo sa tabi ko.

"Ako nalang fresh air mo, tutal... mabango naman ako." Seus chuckled.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Seus?"

Lumipat ang mata ko sa naghahabol na babae sa kanya. "and... Ate Hazel?"

"What are you doing there Seus? Let's go back!" galit na untag ni Hazel.

"Mauna ka na, Hazel." Seus' coat surrounded my shoulders.

"Anong mauna?" singhap ni Hazel. "Iwan mo na 'yang babaeng 'yan, kahit anong chicks mo d'yan you'll eventually stay with me." Irap niya, tinignan niya ako ng mariin.

"And you." turo ni Hazel sa'kin. "What are you doing here? Did you follow us hanggang dito sa Manila?!"

Seus clenched his jaw "Hazel! Wag mong kausapin nang ganyan ganyan lang si Amara!" He groaned.

I stood up and immediately denied it. "May dinner din po kasi kami dito, Ate Hazel." I smiled.

"Admit it!" Hazel's anger was short lived nang makita si Kuya Timothee.

I went to Kuya Timothee. "'Di ba magkasama tayo?" I asked Kuya Timothee, Seus' brows furrowed.

"'Di ba, Kuya?" I asked once more, Seus' face enlightened.

"Yes, let's go back." At naglakad papalayo.

"Bye! Bye!" I waved, and hurriedly ran to Timothee.

"Ba't mukha kang galit?" Tanong ko. He looked at me and walked, ignoring me.

"Sa'n ka ba pumunta? Okay ka lang?" I asked again.

"Nagpapakalma daw ang fresh air, 'tsaka-" 

He stopped and looked at me, I smiled. "You should stop talking, you talk a lot."

"Sorry!" I bowed at him lightly, as if I did a big mistake.

"I didn't know you hate people who talks so much..." I assumed.

"Now you know," he then licked his lips.

Binuksan ng crew ang pintuan patungo sa aming area, nagsalita kaagad si Tita.

"Oh! Timothee, there you are!" sambit nito, habang pinupunasan ang kanyang bibig.

She looked at me. "Sorry at pinapunta pa kita para samahan siya."

"It's okay po, No worries." I smiled and sat down.

"Well, let's get to the point. We are here to ask a favor." Tito smiled.

"Oh, Ano 'yon?" tanong ni Papa. I raised my eyebrow. What could it be?

Nanlaki ang mata ko, am I going to marry Kuya Timothee? No way! Both of my parents told me na they'll never do that, they told me that I can love freely who I want to. I immediately stopped what I was thinking nung nagsalita na si Tito.

"Can you accompany my son, Timothee, habang wala kami?" Tito nervously smiled.

Huminga ako ng malalim, 'yun lang pala!

"Yes! Of course! Pwedeng pwede." Mama immediately said.

"He need to show commitment for his studies, lalo na't magiging piloto siya, and Manila is a big distraction. 'Tsaka busy din kasi kami sa mga susunod na linggo..." Tito Timothy mumbled. 

"Dad, Mom, I'm living with them?" tanong niya, his Dad and Mom nodded. I looked at Timothee's expression, he looked unbothered by it.

"Uhm, excuse me po, pero is he comfortable living sa province?" I asked, smiling, I looked at Timothee his eyebrows furrowed, habang siya'y nakapamulsa.

As soon as I saw him furrowing his brows, binawi ko din lang ang mga sinabi ko. "I mean! May mall din dun, and it's very comfortable, I promise! pwedeng pwede ka mag study dun, very peaceful and may fresh air!"

After that, they all agreed na uuwi kami sa Nueva Vizcaya kasama si Kuya Timothee, he looked like he didn't care at all. Mabilis lang din ang pagiimpake ko at pagpapaalam ko kay Manang Ana, she didn't want to come home with us, aniya 'wala daw magbabantay sa bahay', I understand Manang though. During the trip going home, Kuya Timothee didn't talk, It looks like I did something wrong, ani Tito gan'on lang daw s'ya. Nang makalipas ang ilang araw kasama siya, Akala ko mararanasan ko ang Kuya figure, but it looks like he doesn't want that.

"Kuya Timothee, mag a-apply ako ng trabaho, gusto mo din?" I asked him, nakapagpaalam na ako kay Papa and he gave me the permission.

"No, I am busy adjusting. Province life is a bit 'eh'."

"You don't speak a lot, but if you do, palaging brutal." I said as a matter-of-fact.

"That's what you call vocal."

"Also, ginawa mo nang library ang sala namin." My lips protruded, he looked at me, anger evident in his eyes. "Don't worry! It's okay! basta libre mo 'ko pag naging piloto ka na, ah?"

"Nanay, I am going na po, don't forget to drink your medicine, pampalakas!" I kissed Nanay's cheek.

"Tara na, Manong Ram..."

Ang Café na pag aaplayan ko ay ang Coffee shop nila Damien, ang kaklase ko. We usually buy our milkteas there, kaya malapit ito sa aming eskwelahan.

I pushed the door, the chimes rang, my nose immediately sniffed the Café.

"It smells so good in here..." I smiled, It smells like bread and coffee, the typical smell of a coffee shop, but better.

"Sapphire?" Tanong ni Damien.

"Hello!" I waved my hand.

"Ikaw 'yung mag aaply na sinasabi ni Mommy?" he asked, tinanggal niya ang kanyang apron.

"Oo, bakit? Wala na bang slot?" I nervously asked, this is the perfect coffee shop! Sana may slot pa para sa'kin.

"Eh, 'di ba pag mayaman hindi na kailangan magtrabaho?" nagkamot siya ng ulo.

"Huh? Sino nagsabi n'yan?" naguguluhan kong tanong.

Suminghap ako. "Well... anyways here's my resume, andyan lahat ng details..."

"Sige, umupo ka d'yan..." He flipped through the folder I've given him.

"Hired ka na." He said normally.

"Talaga?!" gulat na untag ko. "Yehey!"

He looked at me weirdly. "Hindi ka matutuwa sa mga ipapagawa ko." He smiled evilly.

"Huh?" I asked innocently.

"Mag ma-mop ka ng floor, mag se-serve ka, mag gre-greet ka ng customers, minsan ikaw din ang gagawa sa mga kape." He said evilly, as if I couldn't do it all.

"'Yun lang?" I asked. He widened his eyes.

"Kaya mo mag mop?!" Kumukurap kurap na tanong niya.

"Oo?" I said, hindi ko ba dapat kaya?

"Woah! Ang galing! Ako kasi 'di ko kaya." He bluntly said.

"I'll teach you if you wan-" he cutted me off.

"Hindi na kailangan, meron ka naman." He smirked.

Itinour ako ni Damien, para maipakita kung saan ang mga gamit. He gave me this comfortable schedule, which I was so happy about. Hindi niya daw alam kung pano gumawa ng iba't ibang kape kaya 'yung isa nalang sa kasama nila ang nagturo sa'kin, si Caly. She's a bit strict, and bitter sometimes, I'm okay with it though. May isang lingo nalang bago kami papasok muli sa eskwelahan, and that's when I'd start working.

"Na-gets mo ba lahat ng itinuro ni Caly?" tanong ni Damien, he's giving me a free coffee bago ako umuwi.

"Yes, I think I can do it." I sipped my creamy coffee.

"Eh, 'di maganda!" ani niya, after he said that, tumunog ang chimes, meaning may bibili.

"Oh, 'yan panoorin mo kung paano i-se-serve ni Caly." Damien smiled.

"Wait, mukhang sexy, ako na ang mag se-serve." Ngumingiting ani niya. He got out of his seat and served the girl's coffee.

"He knows it naman pala..." I sighed.

He chit chatted with the girl before he came back to his seats, telling me more things about the coffee shop.

"So, gano'n ang nangyari bago kami nakapundar ng Coffee shop." Pag kwekwento niya.

"Oh, okay! It seems like a rollercoaster ride," I said, when the chimes made another sound, meaning may papasok muling costumer.

"One cappuccino, please." A man's voice is what I heard. It was familiar...

Who's that voice again? I realized... 

It's that mysterious man...

My body is directing sa opposite side, kaya paniguradong 'di niya alam na narito ako, which is a good thing.

"So, kayo, 'di ba mayaman kayo?" tanong ni Damien. "Bakit ka magtratrabaho? And pa'no mo alam kung paano mag mop?" dagdag niya.

I opened my camera app, tapos inilagay ko sa back pocket ng aking jeans. I don't think tama ang angle para makuha ko ang kanyang mukha, so I need to do something to direct his attention to me.

"Hoy, anong ginagawa mo?" tanong ni Damien.

"Ang ganda ng Coffee shop niyo, Damien!" I said out loud. After a few seconds, I heard the chimes, meaning he left already.

"Mukhang napaso 'yung customer!" Sinapo ni Damiem ang kanyang ulo.

"Sir, pabayaan mo na 'yon." Walang pakialam na sagot ni Caly.

"Tama ka d'yan, 'tsaka sinayang niya pa 'yung Cappuccino." He sitted.

After that umuwi na ako, I haven't looked at the video yet, and If I do, feel like my heart's gonna burst out of my chest.

He knows me. 

Of course, he does! 

"Kuya Timothee, they hired me sa job!" I smiled.

"That's good." He said while reading a book full of Aviation Terms.

"Wow, congrats, 'nak!" Nanay hugged me.

"Pag may sweldo na, palibre ha!" Manong Boyet raised his hand.

"Oo nga!" They agreed.

"Libre!"

"Libre!"

"Libre!" they chanted.

"Sure!" I smiled. They screamed of happiness.

"Do you realize na sobrang liit ng kaligayahan ninyo?" Kuya Timothee said out of the blue.

He smiled. "And... It actually makes me feel at ease."

"You smiled!" Nanlaki ang aking mga mata.

His smile immediately melted. "Continue what you were doing."

Napagpasiyahan naming manood ng K-drama, Kuya Timothee seemed like he didn't enjoy it.

"Naku, Timothee, napakaganda nang mga palabas! Nakakaaliw!" Nakangiting sambit ni Nanay.

"I'm not interested." He said while directing his attention to the book, "po," He continued.

"Hanggang kalian ka ba dito mag sta-stay, Hijo?" tanong ni Manong Roel.

"Depends, but after this I'll chase my dreams." He touched his lips.

"Naku, kung gan'on iiwan mo kami?" taka ni Manang Elda.

"Yes, and I'll prolly never come back."

"Napakabrutal talaga..." I rolled my eyes.

"Kaya nga." Manang Elda corssed her arms.

Manong Boyet then touched Manang Elda's arms, "'Wag ka magalala, 'di kita iiwan."

Abot langit ang ngiti ko, "Anong meron?" pagpapanggap ko, I know Manang Elda and Manong Boyet have a thing.

Manong Boyet coughed, "H-Hindi! Hindi ko k-kayo iiwan..."

"Andami niyong alam, panoodin niyo nalang 'yung K-drama." Nanay said bitterly.

"Nay, ba't wala ka bang boyfriend?" kyuryoso kong tanong.

"Naku, tigil tigilan niyo ako d'yan." wika ni Nanay.

"Don't worry, Nay, hahanapan kita!" I smiled.

"Talaga?!" Nanay's eyes widened.

"I-pra-priority ko muna sa'yo bago ang akin, 'tsaka bata pa naman ako." I said full heartedly.

"Gan'on? Sige ba!" Nanay smiled.

"What's your type po?" Timothee then asked.

"Hmm..."

In-on ko ang aking laptop at i-sinearch ko kaagad ang alam kong type ni Nanay.

"Nay, gan'to?" I asked.

"Oo!" agad na sagot niya

"Tss..." Timothee rolled his eyes.

"Maraming gan'yan sa Manila, and they're quite deceiving although some of them are untrustworthy." Kuya Timothee added.

"Gan'on? Wala akong paki dun! Sige hanapan mo din ako!" Manang Elda jumped into the conversation.

"'Wag na Manang, you have..." I pointed Manong Boyet using my lips.

"Sapphire!" tawag sa'kin sa labas, I think it was our guard.

"Tawag ka, 'nak..." Nanay informed me.

Dali-dali akong lumabas, Inisip ko kung sino 'yon.

I walked through our beautiful pathway, As soon as our guard opened our gate, I saw Seus.

"Good evening..."

"Seus!" My happiness was shown.

He nervously gave a boquet flowers, tulips to be exact. Napakaganda!

"How did you know I love tulips?" I asked, still directing my attention to the boquet of tulips.

"I remembered..." He chuckled. 

"Really? I don't remember telling anyone?" I asked.

He just smiled and then gave me a cute heart shaped decorated box.

"Woah!" I looked at the box with adoration.

"Can I open this?" I asked. "Like... right now, right here?" excitement was all over me.

"Wandat, muna," he chuckled.

"One dot!" I said, falling from what he said.

"'Di joke lang!" He grinned.

"I'll open it na..." 

"Mhmm..." Paos na sagot niya.

I opened it, may dalawang notebook sa loob. I curiously looked at what's inside, the first notebook was full of his attractive sketches, including me, the second notebook were full of his notes, full of his notes in math to be exact.

"Thank you!" I hugged him.

"Pinapakilig mo talaga ako..." Seus chuckled.

"Baka ikaw ang nagpapakilig sa'kin..." I whispered.

"Ano?" He showed his ghost smile.

"'Eto pa," sabay abot niya ng damit na maliliit. They were so cute!

They were all engaging my eyes. "What am I gonna use this for?"

"Kay, Panda mo..." He chuckled.

I widened my eyes, "You know my baby?!"

"Yes..." His voice was hoarse.

"I'm gonna use this, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I hugged him once more. 

While hugging him, I felt that I was safe, comfortable, and secured.

Bago umalis si Seus, hinatid niya ako patungo sa aming doorstep, he said he still needed to review for his quiz bees kaya 'di na nakapasok. I went inside, excited to show it to them.

Nanay smiled. "Mukhang mas mauuna ka atang magkaroon ng boyfriend bago ako, Sapphire." 

〰〰〰〰『𖤣𖥧𖡼..✎ ..𖡼𖥧𖤣』〰〰〰〰

sofiagii

Lovelots♡