In Time (Twist of Fate Series #1)

Sixteen

"Ano 'yon, sabi Christmas break pero may projects pa rin na hinahabol dahil sa deadline!" Amara grunted after ordering charamel macchiato and brownies here in Swift's Treats.

I was in the counter and packing her order. "Magrereklamo pero gagawin din naman." I chuckled and smoothly pushed the paper bag so it would reach to her.

She paid her order. "Siyempre, ayaw ko rin naman bumagsak!" nakangiting aniya. Siya ang pinakaunang customer ko ngayong araw. "Rito sana kami magd-date ni Tim ngayon kung hindi lang siya busy." I went the computer to check the bill before giving her the change.

"Buti na lang busy, ayaw ko makakita ng couple, sakit sa mata," natatawang sabi ko.

She laughed at my remarks. I brought her earrings that she wanted and she was giggling in happiness. "Wow naman. Bakit ba ang talented mo?" pamumuri pa niya habang tinitignan iyong gawa ko.

Axel didn't came today and I was with Ma'am Chloe the whole day. After my shift, nagpaalam na ako bago lumabas ng shop kaya lang, pagtulak ko ng pinto palabas, nakita ko si Matmat na nag-aantay sa gilid nito.

My lips automatically formed a smile. He's wearing a gray hoodie, and his hands were inside the pocket, and black jogger pants. He waved his left hand at me when his eyes met mine.

Naglakad kami palapit sa isa't isa. He cleared his throat and gave my head a light pat. "Tired?" he gently asked. I pouted before nodding. "Let's go home, then." He handed me his hand.

My eyes squinted at him. "Hindi ka naman siguro, nakainom, ano?" Bahagya ko siyang inamoy. Walang bakas ng alak. Hindi naman kasi siya ganito dati. Sobrang naninibago na nga ako sa kanya! Lagi niya akong inaalala sa tuwing magkasama kami!

He raised his both hands and chuckled. "I don't drink, Aemour." He puts his hands back on his pocket. Hindi ko binitawan ang tingin ko sa kanya. Namalayan ko na lang na binigay niya sa 'kin ang hoodie niya. "Suotin mo 'to. Mukhang nilalamig ka," mahina ngunit malinaw niyang sabi at isinuot sa akin ito. Totoong nillamig ako rito sa labas dahil sa simoy ng hangin at 'di ko alam na mapapansin niya iyon.

"S-Salamat," I uttered shyly. Napatingin ako sa kabuoan niya. Nakasuot siya ng manipis na shirt. "Paano ka?" Bumaling ako sa kanya.

He looked at me deeply. "I don't feel cold as long as you're here with me." He gave me a warm smile.

My face heated because of his statement. "Tara na nga!" Nauna na akong lumakad dahil nahihiya ako sa mga sinasabi niya. Kailan ka pa nahiya, Aemour?!

He followed me eventually and walked beside me, our shoulders were touching until we reached our house. "Ah, itong hoodie mo... Lalabhan ko muna bago ibalik sa 'yo, ha?" Tumingala ako sa kanya at ngumiti.

"You don't have to return it. I am giving that to you," he muttered, it was almost a whisper. My lips parted in shock when he lowered his head, leveled to mine and smiled. Bakit ba siya ngiti nang ngiti?! Hulog na hulog na ako! "Are you seeing someone?" he asked out of the blue.

I quickly shook my head. "Siyempre, wala. Alam mo naman 'yon... Eh, ikaw ba?" diretso kong tanong, nakatingin sa mga mata niya.

He tilted his head. "I don't date someone if it's not you... And I date to marry."

I gasped inwardly. Shit! "H-Huh?" My eyes blinked. Napakamot ako sa batok. "Anong sinasabi mo?" I avoided his gaze. Bago pa man siya magsalita ay inunahan ko na. "Salamat pala rito sa hoodie!" I diverted the topic, trying to calm my heart.

He smiled. "I want to cross this border. Pwede ba kitang ligawan?" he asked, breathless. Takte! Halos mahimatay na ako! I quickly turned my gaze at him.