Sounds of rustling leaves, calm music from the radio, and smells of coffee. These things are calming, but my heart hasn't calmed down yet.
Nangangatog ako at pinagpapawisan ng malamig. Kahapon ko pa pinapakalma ang sarili ko pero hanggang ngayon ay kabado pa rin ako.
"Are you calm now?"
"Mukha ba akong kalmado?"
Welch chuckled. Umayos siya ng upo nang hindi pa rin iniiwas ang tingin sa akin.
"Ako kasi hindi pa rin. Kinakabahan ako, sa totoo lang, Zafra."
"Kaya pala mukha kang natatae."
Natawa muli si Welch. He shifted on his seat. He stares at me and a smile slowly crept on his lips.
"Gusto kita, Louisandria," deretso niyang sabi, walang pag-aalinlangan at walang duda.
Nanatili lang din akong nakatingin sa kaniya dahil nabibigla pa rin sa kaniya.
"Hindi ko alam kung paano at kailan. Pero sigurado akong gusto kita, Sandi." Mas lalong naging malamlam ang kaniyang mata. "You soothed and healed the sunburn that last summer left on me."
"Wel..."
Tumango siya bilang pag-intindi na hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko.
"No pressure, Sandi. Inaamin ko 'to sa'yo because I don't want to have any regrets. I just really want to confess my feelings."
"Salamat, Welch."
Pareho kaming natahimik. Ilang saglit lang din ang lumipas ay nagsalita siya.
"Zafra..." he called me. "This would be the weirdest way to ask you, but... Can you be Chichi's mom?"
"Huh?" The only immediate reaction I could express. "Papaampon mo ba sa'kin si Chichi?"
Tumawa siya ng marahan, namula ang pisngi dahil pinipigilan ang pagsabog ng gawa.
"Ang cute mo talaga... What I mean is, gusto kitang ligawan, Zafra. I'm Chichi's dad, and I like you to be her mom... I want to create unforgettable memories with you... to be with you as we embark on new journeys together."
I looked directly in his eyes. They are really deep and sincere. Minsan nakakalunod, minsan nakakalambot. I reciprocate the affection on his eyes.
"Hmm. Being Chichi's mom sounds lovely, isn't it? Tell her to wait for me."
From this day on, summer became more gentle and refreshing to me. No more sunburn, no more sadness and pain.
It's not cruel anymore.
BINABASA MO ANG
Not So Cruel Summer
Teen Fictionan epistolary 🐶 | complete Somber Summer Series #1: Not So Cruel Summer Everyone seemed to love the summer, but not Sandi Zafra. She always thought that the summer was cruel just because of the simple reason... its hot weather! Of course, it's nat...
