Drowning Emotions (Isla Series #5)

05

"That's a wrap! Thank you for today, ladies!"

The lights from the translucent umbrella were blinding. I placed my hand on top of my eyes, covering it as I walk. I had a clothing brand photoshoot today with Cali, three models, and an influencer.

"I ordered snacks for everyone!" Cali announced, smiling cutely.

"Uy, pagkain! Kasali ba 'ko diyan?" pagbibiro ko habang hinihila ang chair ko sa harap ng vanity table. Ang silaw rin dito kaya pinindot ko iyong switch, turning off the light bulbs attached on the side of the mirror.

"Oo naman!" Calista laughed as she took a selfie. Bigla akong may naalala habang pinapanuod siya kaya inusog ko ang bangko ko palapit sa kaniya.

"Cal," I called, catching her attention. She looked at me with wide curious eyes. "I loved the apartment you suggested and doon na ako nagse-stay simula last week! Thank you, ah!"

Her face lit up as she clapped, happy. "Buti naman! My friend suggested the place because he's living there. Maganda raw at tahimik. Very safe pa," marahan niyang sabi.

"Oh? Your friend? If you don't mind me asking, who is it? Para naman mapasalamatan ko," sabi ko kahit na obvious na kung sino iyon. Syempre, paligoy-ligoy muna tayo sa point ko.

"Marco," she replied.

"Ah." Tumango-tango ako. "Does he like anything para naman maregalo ko as a thank you. Or does he dislike anything para naman maiwasan kong ibigay..."

Napatingin siya sa ceiling, nag-iisip. "He likes food. I think that's the only gift he will actually accept. Material things, hindi niya tatanggapin. Sa dislike naman, wala. Hindi iyon maarte."

"Takot iyon saan?" diretsang tanong ko, pagod nang pagpaligoy-ligoy pa.

"Snakes! I remember the time he screamed so loud when he saw one on the ground!" She laughed softly while combing her hair. "Wala ka namang sigurong ahas?"

"Wala naman! Takot din ako, eh!" I smirked, finding funny how oblivious she was with my point.

I parked my car in front of my apartment. Nakita ko si Marquenzo sa patio, nakaupo sa ratan chair habang ang mata ay naka-focus sa laptop niyang nakapatong sa lamesa. He had a cup of coffee on the side. Halatang nag-aaral 'to.

"Uy, nandito na si Buttercup," pang-aasar niya pagkarinig palang ng pagkasara ng sasakyan ko. He was referring to the design of my undies! Walang hiya 'to!

"It was Bubbles, stupid. Kung mang-aasar ka, siguraduhin mong tama," ganti ko kaagad, sinisiksik ang susi sa keyhole ko.

"Ah, Bubbles ba? Hindi ko nakita nang maayos, eh. Pakita nga ulit." He sipped on his cup, hiding his smirk underneath it. Kumawala ang tawa sa bibig niya noong pinakita ko ang gitnang daliri ko sa kaniya.

"Pakyu ka!" sigaw ko. Bago ko nasara ang pintuan, narinig ko pa ang pang-aasar niya. Hayop! Gaganti talaga ako ngayon!

It was nearly sunset when I peeked through my window. Nakita ko si Marquenzo na naroon pa rin nakaupo. May mahinang music na naka-play sa speaker, mukhang on a break sa pag-aaral. Ayos!

I opened my door slightly, iyong hindi halatang bukas iyon. Nilapag ko sa sahig ang black rattle snake toy na binili ko kanina sa mall. Hawak ko sa kabilang kamay ang remote control nito. It looked so realistic! May naka set up pa akong camera sa may bintana para makuha ang reaction niya.

I wasn't familiar with the remote control so it took me quite some time for it to reach Marco's patio. The snake brushed against his feet, causing his forehead to crease as he scrolled on his laptop. Pinalo pa niya ang paa niya, inaakala sigurong lamok ang dumapo.