Lagot Ka Kay Coach

Chapter 53: [Kiss]

“Iha, don’t hesitate to come back.” Tita Maricon says as she kisses both my cheeks. Sam is standing beside her. Si Louis at Miguel katabi ni Tito sa may gate.

                Jeric is already starting the car. Tita Maricon holds me at arm’s length. “Opo Tita. I would love to come back. If you’re ever in Quezon City please call me so I can come see you.” I tell her.

                Nagpalitan kami ng number ni Tita kanina. Si Louis nakuha pang magbiro, “Don’t worry Ma, alam ko na ang number ni Ate Cheska. Si Kuya kasi hindi marunong magbura ng call history.”

                Lumapit si Louis at Miguel sa akin. “Ate babalik ka ah. Kapag inaway ka ni Kuya, isumbong mo sa amin.” Sabi ni Louis.

                Natawa ako.

                Bumaba si Captain ng sasakyan at lumapit sa amin. “Alis na po kami ni Cheska.” Paalam niya bago halikan sa pisngi si Tita at Tito. “I’ll be back this Friday.”

                Friday? Napatingin ako sa kaniya. He won’t be there to see me off before my date with Juami? And what if I really do change my mind on Saturday? Won’t he at least come see me?

                He  just smiles as he sees the look on my face. “Tara na,” Sabi niya pero pinigilan ko siya and took something out of my bag. I crouched down to Sam’s level. Kumapit siya agad kay Tita.

                I smile. Inabot ko sa kaniya ang hawak kong purple na bracelet. Nakita ko ito kanina sa bag ko. I remembered buying it a few weeks ago. Nakalimutan kong meron pala akong ganito. It’s a silver bracelet with purple butterfly charms. “This is for you.”

                She looks at Tita, then at Tito, and then at her brother. Jeric smiles and kneels down beside me. He takes Sam’s hand and puts the bracelet on himself. “Yan. Bagay na bagay,” Jeric tells her.

                Sam smiles at the two of us. “Thank you,” She whispers.

                “You’re welcome.” I nod as Captain and I both stand up.

                We waved at them one last time before the car sped off.

                “Babalik ka on Friday evening?” I ask. Voicing out the worry that’s been in the front of my mind earlier.

                He nods.

                “Okay.” Hindi man lang niya inexplain kung bakit.

                He takes my hand in his. “Alam mo naman kung bakit eh.”

                I shake my head. “I don’t. Hindi malinaw sa akin ang dahilan mo pero okay lang. Naiintindihan kita.”

                Hindi pa kami nakakalayo sa subdivision nila nang itabi ni Captain ang sasakyan. He turned to me. “What are you thinking about?”

                Nagkibit ako ng mga balikat. “Tayo. I have a hard time processing what’s about to happen to us.”

                He shakes his head. “Let’s live in the now, Boss. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

                “You say that pero nararamdaman ko ng lumalayo ka sa akin ngayon pa lang. Why? Defense mechanism mo ba ito? Para kung sakaling si Juami ang piliin ko, handa ka na?”