Received (Epistolary)

Valentine's Day Special

February 14, ****: Before Villa and Ela met.

"Why is he not picking up?" I frustratedly checked my phone again.

We were supposed to meet five minutes ago pa, my gosh. This blind date thing is so weird for my first year self.

I waited five more minutes before deciding to pack up. I was about to leave when someone... wait, who was this again?

John? Jasper? Oh my.

"Hi," he sat in front of me like he was never late!

"Who are you?" Of course I need to sound mataray. He made me wait here.

He called the waiter before proceeding to look at me. Oh, so pogi.

"You don't have to know. My friend sent me here since he can't make it." He paused to adjust his specs. "You can leave if you want."

If hindi lang siya pogi I will leave na because he's so arrogant. He must thank his parents for the genes.

He was probably shocked because I called the waiter to order myself food as well. Nagugutom na ako, duh!

"Why are you going on blind dates?" He asked all of a sudden.

Madaldal pala siya. I thought he'll just use his windy aura to make sure the place was cool.

"Why did you come here?" I asked back.

"I already told you why and I'm not repeating myself."

I rolled my eyes in disbelief. I seriously hate him agad.

"Why did you come here in replacement of your friend? You could have just let him be." I have a point naman 'di ba?

"I can leave. And please stop answering my question with a question."

Oh, bakit hindi pa siya umaalis? He's getting on my nerve na. So rude.

I take back what I said. Yes, he's good looking but I don't think I'll ever want to date a guy like him. Never.

"So why are you going on blind dates? Can you answer my question now?"

Why is he so damn curious for a proxy? And why am I answering his question with a question again? Ela, ang kulit. 

"Just because I want to."

Our food came so there was a dead air for a while. After our food was served, I started eating already. I'm not usually rude but he's making me do this.

"Stop going on blind dates. You'll never find love this way."

Ang daming comment?

"And where will I find love, huh? Sa arranged marriage ba?" I rolled my eyes again remembering the talk I had with my parents last night.

They want me to marry someone after my graduation. I don't want to.

"Malay mo naman. You judge too harshly."

Excuse me? Ang dami naman nitong comment sa life ko.

"Don't be offended, ha? Are you studying to be a guidance counselor?" I can't help but ask.

He laughed. Wow. He actually laughed. I'm so marupok. He's so pogi talaga!

"I'm not. Just finish your food, Lorelai." That made me look at him again.

"How did you know my name?"

Hindi na siya makatingin sa akin ngayon. Don't tell me he's a stalker?

"From my friend."

May point. I should stop assuming.

We were both done eating so we decided to go out na and part ways. We were never supposed to be here together naman in the first place.

"Thank you for coming when your friend didn't." I smiled genuinely.

He just stared at me for a few seconds before looking straight again. Wala naman siyang tinitignan because nasa parking kami. Tanga lang.

"I would have still come no matter the situation is," he looked back at me and smiled. "It was fun talking to you."

Lord, give me strength.

"Wow, your mood swings are worse than mine." I ended up saying.

My driver is already here so I bid my goodbye to him. I really enjoyed today even though I know the chances of meeting him again are small.

"I have to go now. I'll keep this date a secret for me not to owe you anything. I'm so sorry for today and thank you." That's the least I can say.

"If we have a chance, in another situation, I would actually want to date you. You seem nice." He smiled again.

Oh, how nice of him. I would do the same thing if only I can.

"So goodbye, Mr. Stranger?" He chuckled with my remark.

I want to record his laughs. They're so rare but so genuine.

"It's Christian for you." He answered. "Nice meeting you, Lorelai."

I smiled at him one more time before entering the car.

**
Just a little something for Valentine’s day. Happy Feb 14! 💗