STRANGERS WITH MEMORIES (ON GOING)

CHAPTER III

I woke up in a sudden when my phone vibrated. Agad ko naman iyon kinuha and there I saw a message from an unknown number.

From: Unknown
You left something inside my car.

I stared at the text message and tried to remember something. “Car? Kaninong car ba—ay hala, Klyde.”

To: Unknown
Klyde?

Sana tumawag na lang siya kesa mag-text. Ayaw niya bang marinig ‘yong boses ko? Chariz

Seconds passed, my phone rang and ‘his’ number popped up on the screen. Omg. I quickly answered the phone call and damn, he was making me nervous. He suddenly made my heart beat faster than its normal speed.

How did he get my number?

“Hi, I bet the purse here is yours, isn’t it?” narinig ko siyang may kinakalikot sa area niya, “The purse has some girl’s personal belongings.” dagdag niya. “And by the way, I saw your number on your card that’s why I was able to text and call you.”

.....

“Hello?”

.....

“Sabrina Cabrera?”

“Ay Sabrina, hala sorry, nalutang ako saglit. Uhm, purse noh?” kinakabahan pa ako nang medyo slight. “Oo, sa akin ‘yan. Kailan ko ba ‘yan pwedeng makuha? At saan?”

He quietly laughed, “Hey chill, I can sense your nervousness.”

Hindi ko alam pero kinilig ako sa sinabi niya. Omg, what are you doing to me, Klyde Coriander?

“Ha? Hindi naman ako kinakabahan ah. So, kailan nga at saan?” kinalma ko naman ang sarili ko pero hindi na mawala ang mga ngiti sa labi ko.

“Tomorrow, sa convenience store na pinagtatrabahuan mo, seven pm. I will wait for you, Sabrina.”

“Sige-sig-” naputol ang dapat na sasabihin ko nang kunin bigla ni Shawn ang phone ko at ini-off ang call. “Putcha, problema mo?! Kausap ko na ‘yong mapapangasawa ko eh, epal mo kaya ka hindi nagkakajowa, argh! You’re so epal ah! Pwede ka na kunin ni Lord, Shawn!”

Natatawa naman akong tinignan ng mokong, “Chill lang. Tinatawag ka kasi ni Tita eh hindi mo naririnig kasi panay kilig ka diyan. Ang lakas pa ng boses mo eh may natutulog dito oh.”

Inirapan ko na lang siya at pumunta sa may pinto. Lalabas na sana ako pero liningon ko muna siya, “Hindi tayo bati.” I made my way outside and went directly to the kitchen where I could find Mama.

“Good morning, nak.” she said as she flipped some tocino on the pan. “Kumusta naman ang tulog mo?”

“Morning, Mama. Maayos naman po ang tulog ko at sobrang ganda ng gising ko kaso umepal si Shawn, ang unggoy.” I was referring to Shawn na kalalabas lang ng kwarto.

“I heard my name being mentioned.” he was raising his eyebrow as he walked near me and sat on the chair beside me. “Tita, si Sab po talaga ang epal sa pagtulog ko.” sumbong naman nito.

“Ang cute niyo, bagay kayong dalawa.” dahil sa sinabi ni Mama ay sabay kaming napailing ni Shawn.

“Yuck, no way.” sambit namin nang magkasabay.

“Nai-imagine ko kayo bilang mag-asawa.” patuloy na pang-aasar ni Mama sa aming dalawa.

“Nah, I couldn’t imagine myself marrying that gorilla, never in my life.” I complained while eating a piece of tocino.