Sweet Pacific Breezes (Provincia de Marina Series #4)

Kabanata 23

Kabanata 23

Sweet Pacific Breezes

I roamed my eyes around, taking in the new environment. I heard a thud from behind, indicating that Isidore just came out of his car. Tiningnan ko ang itaas ng kaniyang bahay, there weren't anything but just dust. Malapit na ang Pasko at hindi ko naman talaga inaasahan na magkakaroon siya ng dekorasyon sa paligid.

His house was a modern bungalow house, located in a secluded area with lots of coconut trees around. Malapit lang naman ito sa dagat kaya parang hindi naman naiiba sa dati kong tirahan. The house looked small from the outside, and considering that he lives alone, I don't think he'd buy a huge house for himself.

I took a step on the stairs. Tatlong hakbang iyon bago makatungtung sa sahig ng foyer. My hand touched the cream-colored walls that looked new. Sumilip ako sa glass door na malapit sa akin. Inside, there was a set of sofa, arranged in a manner that it was facing where the sun sets. Nakahawi lang ang kurtina ng malaking bintana at sa gilid ng mga ito ay matangkad na ornamental plant.

"That's my visitor's lounge." Bahagyang napatalon ako nang magsalita si Isidore sa aking gilid. My brows furrowed a bit in irritation but I didn't say anything.

Naramdaman kong umalis sa aking gilid at nagpunta sa malaking pinto. The door looked heavy as he opened it. The wind chime sang as they hit each other. Sumunod ako sa kaniya, ang mga mata ay nagmamasid lang sa paligid. The house looked wide enough for the two of us. The living room was spacious with soft brown couches and a round wooden table at the center. May iilang magazines sa ibabaw ng mesa at isang ornamental plant. There's also a flat screen tv facing the couches. On the wall, behind one of the couches was a floating ledge with picture frames with his family and friends in it. Ang matataas na trophy ay nasa ibabaw. And large frame of medals were on display, too.

Sandaling napangiti ako. I don't know if he was sentimental or not, considering these displays of awards. Kadalasan kasi ay hindi naman ito nakikita sa bahay ng may-ari, rather, it would be displayed at the house of their parents.

Narinig kong bumukas ang pinto sa kabilang bahagi ng living room. Sumilip ako para makita si Isidore na kakababa lang ng mga gamit ko sa sahig. Sumunod ako sa kaniya. Napatingin siya sa aking pagpasok sa kwarto. The cream-colored room was well-lighted with a touch of a boho trend. May vanity mirror na nakaharap sa malaking kama. The sliding door that was facing the door to the bedroom gave the view of the backyard garden.

"You can put your clothes at the walk-in closet. The bathroom's right there, too." Tinuro niya ang maikling pasilyo.

"Saan ka matutulog?" I asked because the bed was big enough for the two of us. Hindi ko naman sinabing bawal kaming matulog na katabi ang isa't-isa.

"The other room's too small and I made it my office. But if you're not comfortable, magdadagdag—

"'Wag na," putol ko sa kaniya. "I'm fine with sleeping beside you. We've done the worst so what's wrong with just sleeping?"

Naglakad ako patungo sa walk-in closet. It was spacious enough for my clothes. Wala naman siyang masyadong damit doon. I noticed that his scrubs were hanged closely together. Magkaiba ang pinagsasabitan kumpara sa kaniyang mga jacket at t-shirt. His folded t-shirts were most black, white, gray and blue. Ang may ibang kulay ay naka-hanger.

Sunod kong tingnan ang bathroom. There was a bathtub and shower, a sliding mirror with a hidden compartment for bath essentials. Napansin ko na malinis din siya sa gamit. It's like the house had been unused for awhile.

"If you want to use the pool, you can open this sliding door," bungad niya nang makabalik na ako.

Napa-ismid ako nang bahagya. He wasn't a good host, not even a good tourguide. Matamlay at parang hindi pa sigurado kung tama ba ang sinasabi niya. He scratched the back of his neck and looked away from me.