Scarcity of Chances

Chapter 23

Nakalayo na ako mula sa silid kung saan naganap ang engkuwentro sa pagitan namin ni Gelsie nang makaramdam ako ng konsensya sa ginawang pagtapak sa paa niya. It was the first time I resorted to somehow violence that it's making me feel bad.

But then, she was the first one who attacked me. I was provoked. And I can still feel the pain lingering from her tight grip on my arms. Sinuri ko iyon at nakita na namumula at may sugat pa mula sa matatalim niyang kuko.

Bakit pa ba kasi niya ako pinigilan? Kung kailan nagmamadali ako. Hindi tuloy ako nakapag-isip ng tama. I had let my adrenaline decide my next move and that's what happened.

I want to apologize again but my pride is not letting me. If it's entirely my fault, I would say sorry once or twice more without a second thought. Subalit dahil siya naman ang nauna, hindi ko ata kayang gawin 'yon. Nag-sorry naman ako kanina.

Pinilit ko na lamang waksiin iyon sa aking isipan at mas binilisan ang paghakbang upang kaagad na marating ang playground kung saan kami magkikita ni Kylo. Gaya ng mga nakaraan, nauna siya sa akin doon.

Tulad ko, tila ba gusto niya ring makaluwas kaagad kaya naman mabilis kaming umalis. Mabuti na lang talaga ay puwedeng maglabas-masok dito sa unibersidad namin. When I was in high school, you cannot leave unless it was dismissal time or you have the permission slip signed by the adviser. Mahihigpit ang guard.

Like what we planned, we just drive-thru Burger King for lunch. We resorted to eating burgers and some fries because they're easier to consume, given that Kylo is driving. At saka mas makalat kasi kung magka-kanin, hindi naman ako ganoon kagutom.

"Ano sa tingin mo ang sasabihin niya?" hindi ko na napigilang itanong kay Kylo.

It's been more than an hour since we left the school and according to him, we're a half-hour away from the restaurant Mister Remzy booked. Kaya naman hindi na mawala sa isip ko ang maaring mapag-usapan. I'm anticipated but at the same time, nervous for some reason.

"Maybe Miss Bellinda received our message and she agreed to talk to us? Maybe our hunch about her being trapped in this bubble with us is true?" he guessed.

"That's what I am thinking too."

If our hunch is right, then we might even help Miss Bellinda to get out of the mental institution she is admitted to. If we can prove to her secretary that she isn't going crazy, then another purpose of ours will be saved.

I just really hope that her diagnosis is wrong. When I think about it, there is a possibility that this situation we're in had deranged Miss Bellinda. Hindi ito imposible lalo pa't hindi talaga kapani-paniwala ang lahat.

Malalaman namin lahat mamaya.

At 1:30 PM, we already arrived at the hotel and restaurant booked under Mister Remzy's name. Thankfully, our table is in a private room, located on the building's 20th floor. The table was properly arranged with complete cutlery sets, napkins, vases, and alike. We even got the afternoon view of Manila from the humongous glass window.

Ang kaso nga lang, masyadong pormal ang ambiance that I kind of feel out of place with my straight cut pants and plain white shirt. Buti pa si Kylo ay naka dress shirt. Anyway, that's not that important. We're not here for fashion or such.

"Van, look here," Kylo suddenly uttered which made me snap out of the reverie.

I looked at him and saw him raising his phone while looking at the front camera. Kaagad kong nakuha ang gusto niyang gawin so I immediately covered my face with my hands.

"What are you doing, Kylo? Stop that," suway ko.

I heard him chuckle. "Come on, just one picture."

"We're not here to take a picture!"