The Calm and the Storm

12

12

Jeno Emmanuel: Nasa parking lot na ako

A smile appeared on my face when I read his text. After replying that I'm going down, I rushed all my things in my bag and reapplied my lipstick before actually going down.

It's finally the time to hunt a new condominium. Of course, kasama si Jeno Emmanuel. Pumayag na siya noong una kaya naman hindi ko na rin pinigilan. I love myself whenever I'm around him. It makes me want to be myself always.

Nandito pa rin naman ang kaba at hiya, but anywhere with Jeno Emmanuel are always better days.

"Hi," bati ko nang pumasok sa shotgun seat ng kanyang sasakyan.

He smiled a little. "Hi. Are you ready for some hunting?"

I chuckled. "I guess so?"

Pinaandar na niya ang makina. I rested my head on the seat and silently watched the city outside the window. A soft song was playing on the radio. Jeno Emmanuel just wore a white polo shirt and black jeans—sobrang simple lang kaysa sa suot kong sundress.

But he's always so simple and so minimal. I noticed he always wear the same clock, the same thin silver necklace and thin silver bracelet. Always the same rubber shoes. He's a man who never yearns of extravaganza.

"Do you want to put the windows down?" he asked softly.

"Nope." I smiled.

He smiled back. "Okay."

Pagdating namin sa unang building ay tiningnan ko muna ang paligid bago lumabas. I was relieved when there were no people. Kaunti lang pero hindi gaanong marami.

Hindi ko na hinintay pa si Jeno Emmanuel. Nauna akong maglakad papunta sa loob. His legs are long so he could still keep up with me. Pagdating doon ay kaagad kaming sinalubong ng real estate agent.

"Miss Trinity Romualdez?"

"Yep," sabi ko.

Nagtungo kami sa condo unit. The agent started to show us the place. Tahimik lamang si Jeno Emmanuel habang ako naman ay abala sa pakikipag-usap.

"I'll just call you if may desisyon na ako. Thank you," I said after she showed us the place.

"Okay, po." She smiled and said goodbye before she walked away.

"You like the place?" tanong ni Jeno Emmanuel.

I made a face. "Not really. Masyadong complicated ang setup ng buong bahay."

"Next destination?"

I nodded. "Next destination."

Kagaya noong una ay inunahan ko siya sa paglalakad. I was so conscious and afraid that we'll meet familiar places along the way. Pero wala namang problema. Jeno Emmanuel is my friend. I should not worry, but I am still uncomfortable with other people looking at us together.

"Ayos ka lang?" he asked when we were in the car.

"Yep."

Nagtaas siya ng kilay. "Are you sure?"

"Yep. Ikaw? Ayos ka lang? Baka pagod ka na."

"Nope. Not at all. I like spending time with you, Trinity, so don't worry."

Napangiti ako at tumingin sa labas ng bintana para itago ang namumula kong mukha. Nagmaneho na siya papunta sa kasunod na building na pupuntahan namin. We all slowly jammed with the soft summer music in the background.

The second unit was too big for me. Maayos naman pero hindi ko kayang i-keep up ang ganitong lugar.

"The view is also spectacular from here," the agent said. "Mula rito ay matatanaw ninyo ang sunset, Ma'am. And this huge living room can be a safe room for your future children."