Paper Memories

Chapter 35-II

Chapter 35-II

"Is that you, Ricos? Bakit ka nandito?" I put down my paint brush, and peek behind my canvas when I spotted him by the art room's door. May bitbit siyang nakabalot at nakataling canvases. I get up instantly, drawn to help him like usual because he looks like he's struggling." Let me have it, may injury ka pa lang nung isa. Baka magaya ka nyan kay Nabi."

"It's my gift for you, Ate Sheena! I just finish painting it all."

"When did you have the time to do it? Ang rami nito..."

"I could make time for you! Ang raming pumapasok sa akin na ideas dahil po sayo." Ricos cheerfully, he gave me the canvases but now he's off to carrying the easel from the corner! That's heavier! It's not just by his looks, Ricos definitely don't have the physical strength of a guy nor of an adult. Ayaw ko na namang suwayin ulit siya, kaya inunahan ko nang kumuha ng dalawa pang easel na gagamitin niya."First time ko lang ulit gumawa base sa gusto ko, Ate! I painted just for myself again. Oh, technically for you?"

"I was just painting too..."

He grinned widely as place his works on the easel, then started to to remove the staples of the canvas cover. Bigla ako nakaramdam ng insecurity habang tinitingnan niya, baka mas maganda na naman yung ipakita niya." I work hard for it, so come and take a look of the finished product!"

"Later is fine." I blurted out to save my pride.

"Po? You don't want to see it?"

"No, what I mean is mamaya na lang kasi may ginagawa din akong painting." Palusot ko. Bumalik ako sa pwesto ko at tinuro ko ang bakanteng upuan para dun si Ricos maupo." Nag-abala ka pa talaga para sakin."

Ricos put down his black hoodie, confused." Kaya ko namang gawin lahat para sayo."

I felt myself almost tremble at his words, the intensity of his gaze made me stop from resuming painting"Yeah, I know.Nandito ka lang naman, magpaint ka na kung ano. This room is not use much so nobody else is coming."

"Ah, sorry."

"You don't need to apologize."

"Ate Sheena?" He called after a pause, he's tugging on his hoodie as speaks." Do you think you already have completed your own image?"

"Do you mean my painting?" I muttered as I tilt my head to inspect what I'm working on, I'm painting the ruin stage in the auditorium. I want to complete while the intense feelings is still fresh. "Mukang malapit na?"

Ricos shook his head." Your self, Ate. Who you are."

Napataas an kilay ko, no coherent thought is forming in my head but I felt a connection on his words."I don't know what you're getting at, but my answer is...Yes."

He suddenly stood up and started walking towards the painting he just brought, kailangan na lang niya hilain papaalis ang mga telang nakatakaip dito." I agree. Alam mo na kung sino ka. Na kahit anong mangyare di ka na magbabago. You'll be a person who'd forsake everyone. Sheena Clio Cervantes would continue to live in darkness and paint her life away."

"W-What did you paint, Ricos?"

"Things you have done, Ate."

I took steps closer to the canvas, staring at a total of three paintings that sent my heart and stomach into a sickening spiral. I glance at Ricos sideways, may inabot pa siyang blangkong nameplate at idinikit yun sa tabi ng canvas. I-I don't get it, am I like this in your head? Do you have sick fantasies about me, Ricos?"

"Hmmm...No, Ate."

"Then what have you done?"

"It's my own interpretation of your masterpieces, I decided to paint everything I saw.Sa lahat ng ginawa at magagawa mo pa lang nandyan lang ako, just what like your better favored creations wants to do." Ricos kept his both hands behind him as he wait me to praise him." Nga pala, wala pong title itong mga painitngs ko. Can you think of one? Tutal itong paintings ko ay buhay mo lang naman Ate Sheena."