Perfect Timing

[2] Shopalooza

"O, ingat lang. Ako nga pala si Richard; Rich for short. Welcome to Cebu housemate!"

My goodness! Can the floor open up and swallow me, please? I've only been here in SM for all of five minutes yet I already managed to embarrass myself - in front of my new housemate no less. What an awesome first impression I just made as I mentally rolled my eyes and smacked myself in the head.

Managing to stand up without stumbling anew, I offered my hand and as I blushed in mortification, introduced myself.

"Hi Rich! I'm Dei, your new housemate. Pasensya na kanina ha, hindi ko talaga napansin na nandun na pala kami sa taas tapos ayun na nadapa na ako tapos..." my voice trailed off when I saw Rich trying to stifle a laugh as I babbled incoherently.

"Rich, good afternoon. So, okay na kayo? Iwan ko na sa iyo si Dei ha?" Miss A asked him and he nodded in response.

"Dei, see you sa office on Monday and again - Welcome to Cebu," Miss A said with a smile and left immediately afterwards.

Anddddd the awkward silence starts. Being a socially awkward person, I didn't know how to get the conversation rolling.

"Dei."
"Rich."
We laughed as we talked at the same time.

"Ikaw muna. Hindi, ikaw lang," we said at the same time once more.

Rich raised his hand, opened his mouth as if attempting to speak. When he saw that I didn't try to talk, he finally said, "Babayaran ko muna ito ha? Tapos hanapin natin sila Sam. Malamang nasa kitchen supplies yun, mahilig kasi yun magluto."

"Sure, no problem! Actually, dapat nga din pala akong mamili ng gamit ano? Ano bang wala pa sa bahay?" I asked as we walked towards the counter.

"Tanungin natin sila kung ano na ba nabili nila. Pero for sure, kailangan mo ng kama, unan, kumot at electric fan. Not unless gusto mo matulog sa sofa; ingat ka lang kasi puro kami lalaki na kasama mo sa bahay," he teased.

As if! Ako? Parang balyena, pagnanasaan? Ha ha ha!

As he was paying for his purchases, I took the chance to check out my new housemate.

Hmm, akala ko fresh grads lang ang kinuha. He looks quite old already. Maputi na ang buhok tapos parang napag-iwanan ng panahon ng Gwapings ang hair style. Payat tapos ang suot sobrang luwag sa kanya; lagpas balikat pa yung seam ng damit nya. Slightly chinky eyes covered by glasses. Medyo crooked ang teeth pero in fairness, pag ngumiti, nababawi ng dimple.

He turned to look at me and I was caught staring at him. "May dumi ba yung mukha ko?" he asked.

"Um, iniisip ko kasi parang may kamukha ka sa classmates ko nung college pero di ko talaga matandaan."
Whew! Nakalusot sana!

"Baka professor mo yung naalala mo, hindi kaklase," he answered back in a self-deprecating manner.

"Grabe sya! Bakit 30s ka na ba?" Hoy Dei, fishing ka na naman!

"Hindi naman, 22 pa ako. Pero malapit na ako mag-23. Sa September 5."

Uy! Bata pa pala sya! Baka nasa lahi nila yung putiin ang buhok. And magbi-birthday sya in a few weeks! Sya siguro yung unang magbi-birthday sa aming magkakasama.