Paper Memories

Chapter 6-I

Chapter 6-I

Percival tried his best for me these past few days.

He's a romantic. Percival always takes me out for dates after school, cooks my meals, and has stayed by my side ever since we met. Making three weeks pass by in a blink. Randam ko ang effort at genuity niya, pero pakiramdam ko parang sinasabayan niya lang ang mood o timpla ko. Wala siyang hinihinging kapalit o demand na ibahin ang pinagkasunduan namin. Pero... Naiilang lang ba ako dahil kakaibang sitwasyon namin?

Can I really let myself be swayed by this fun and happiness?

His normality is uncomfortable, and until now, I'm still wracking my head on how I could explain him to my parents. Mas bumibilis ang paghinga ko dahil sa paggawa ng palusot kaysa sa pagtakbo ko." No, Mom. Ako na lang bibisita sa inyo o pupunta sa office."

"I could visit this Sunday, and Daddy mo naman pwede-------"

"Hindi po kung sabay o hiwalay kayo bumisita ang issue ko."

I heard her sigh, it's not even 5 o'clock in the morning. Tumawag siya nung nag-j-jogging. I even passed by the signage of our baranggay's name, Baranggay Magsalin. "Okay, okay!Sheena. Nag-aalala ako na hindi ka nakakausap, lalo na kulong ka lang dyan buong bakasyon mo."

"I'm fine this way. Wala namang bago."

"Alright, young lady. I'd trust you. Are you out for a run?"

At the exact moment my mother asked that, I felt something staring at me. Following me even. I cautiously glance at my surroundings. Walang tao. Hindi binilisan ang takbo ko, pero iniba ko ang ruta ng takbo ko." Don't worry, it's my routine, Mom. Hindi ko po nilulugmok ang sarili ko."

She fell silent.Dahil sa katahimikan mas nagiging alisto ako sa daan, hindi ko maenjoy ang view ng sunrise o kahit simoy ng hangin. Thankfully, my Mom spoke again." I just remember! Do you want something for you twenty-second birthday?"

Nawala ang pangamba ko habang nagpatuloy ang pag-uusap namin...

Napatagal ako makabalik sa bahay dahil sa paninigurado kong mag-iisa lang akong babalik. Pero mabigat pa din ang pakiramdam ko. Ah. It's because my problem now is Percival. When I entered the living room, I caught his eyes memsmerized by something. His expression could almost illuminate the dark room

But then he suddenly panics." N-No---Sheena, I didn't---Hindi ko sinasadya!"

"W-what's wrong? Ano ba yun?"

"Your fish pets...It's gone." Turo niya sa malaking aquarium na nasa sala namin. What's behind this glass is like a whole small world itself. The fish inside seem to be literally living in a bubble." I didn't take care of it properly...I'm sorry..."

I glance at it." Dito ka nag-s-sorry?"

He fought to let his words out." Pero parang matagal mo na tong inaalagaan at gusto-gusto kaya....Nags-sorry ako... I loved it when you're happy with your passions and hobbies... I don't want to ruin it."

"Well, did you kill it?"

"No, I didn't...."

He's being nitpicky. I wipe my sweat away. Hindi niya kasalanan at obligasyon to. Napahawak ako sa salamin ng aquarium." Then there's nothing to do about it now. I'm wont be mad, its fine---Don't I have you now?

"I'm glad...But...Sabi mo kagabi... Baka nagagalit ka na pala."Percival tries to drop his apology, but he remained awkward. Ah, I've indeed done something to make him think I dislike him." Ikaw na talaga pupunta sa school mag-isa?...Ayaw mo na magpahatid...You'd take your car?"

I laught it off."Taxi lang. Hindi ako nagmamaneho."

"I just want things to be different today, dito ka lang." Kahapon pa lang sinabi ko na din hindi tuloy ang mga lakad namin. I just went for run for half an hour but he's acting like I was gone for too long. "I'd just call you if I need you."

Tumango siya." If you say so..."

Just one time, Sheena. Don't let him inside your walls, don't coddle him. You can't just fully trust a stranger you just know for three weeks. Even if you're happy." I'd look forward to going home because of you..."

"Really? Am I what you want?"

"I'm having fun with you. I loved our dates..."

But he pressed on." Am I your ideal, Hon?"

"R-really, I swear.Ah! Sasamahan na lang kitang magluto, pangbawi ko din." I step forward, then gave him his usual good morning kiss on the cheek. His face instantly lit up. Nakasanayan, ayun ang gusto niya." Also...Palagi tayong may oras magkasama.So don't come to school. Be good, you hear?"

He pulled me closer." Gusto kong ibigay ang mundo sayo, Sheena..."

Napapikit ako." With whatever I like?"

Percival whispered." Even with a Ralph that loves you."

Here he goes again, a part of him I hate.

I don't why I hate him for expressing such devoted love towards me. Hindi ko alam kung bakit parang pakiramdam ko nilalagay niya lang ako sa isang pedestal. I don't know if I feel threatened that the more he treats me like a goddess, the more I would lose my autonomy.