Taurus (COMPLETE)

Three

"Uuwi na ako." Tahimik na sambit ko matapos namin kumain ng agahan.

Huminto siya sa pagpupunas ng lamesa at pailalim akong sinilip. The lamps above us reflect on his light brown eyes, making it looks sparkling. It was full of emotion. Bumalik sa alaala ko kung gaano kaganda ang mga mata niya noong mga bata kami.

That was the first thing I noticed about him at kung hindi niya lang ako inasar sa unang minuto naming nagkakilala, siguradong nagustuhan ko na siya. But he was a certified bully, so that attraction turned into hate.

"I'll drive you home. Balak ko din naman bisitahin si Ate Talia ngayong araw. Sabay na tayo."

Kumurap ako at tumikhim. Hindi ko namalayan na tumagal na pala ang tingin ko sa kaniya.

"B-Bahala ka."

He smiled, revealing the shallow dimple near the corner of his lips on the right cheek. Kalmado akong nag-iwas ng tingin sa kabila ng pagririgodon ng dibdib ko. Binalik ko ang atensyon sa sinasakop na plato para madala sa lababo.

"Won't you ask me anything?" I heard him say before I turn away para ilagay ang mga pinggan sa dishwasher.

Hindi ko siya sinagot kaagad. Inayos ko muna ang mga ginamit namin sa loob ng dishwasher at pinaandar iyon para malinisan. Then I tidy up the kitchen counter and put inside the fridge the left over food. Saka ko siya sinagot pagtapos ng lahat ng iyon.

"Hindi. Hindi naman ako interesado." I honestly replied.

"Ouch, that hurts." I heard him chuckle. "Still mad about the past? I'm sorry. I was really jerk back then."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Sigurado kang noon lang?"

Pumasok siya sa kusina at nagkatinginan kami. I smoothly divert my gaze down to the working dishwasher to avoid meeting eyes with him. Because I might lose myself if I see how much he changed.

He wasn't the same annoying kid I've met before. Sobrang laki ng pinagbago niya at kung noon kaya ko siyang harapin ng taas noo, iba na ngayon. It's different because he looks and feels different. Though he still feels familiar, most of him feels foreign. Hence, the awkwardness and slight discomfort I'm feeling. Idagdag pa ang hiya at hindi maipaliwanag na kaba.

"I've changed, Isla."

"I can see that." I coldly replied before walking pass him. Bago ako makalayo narinig ko pa ang pagbuntong hininga niya.

I know he did, but I have no idea how much he changed. If for the better, or for worse.

I can feel him watching me as I ascend the staircase leading to the second floor where his room is. Nandoon kasi ang mga gamit ko. Napahilamos ako ng maalala kong hindi pa ako nagte-text sa kapatid ko. Nag-aalangan na dinampot ko ang cellphone ko na nasa side table.

"Lagot," I murmured to myself when I saw all her missed calls and messages.

From: Ate Talia.
Tamara, where are you? Hatinggabi na. Uuwi ka ba?

Then her next text was an hour later.

From: Ate Talia.
Tamara! Nasaan ka ba?! I called Reka and she said you went home already! Wala ka pa dito kaya sino ang inuwian mo kung ganon?!

3 missed calls from Ate Talia.

From: Ate Talia.
I swear, Tamara Isla! I will never allow you to date your goddamned boyfriend again if you won't reply or answer my calls!