Loving Persephone

Chapter 12: Privilege

2:30 pm, Saturday--Johann and Tonet picked me up at home. It was a surprise to see both of them coming out of the car together. The last time I was with my cousin, Tonet wasn't there. Hindi ko rin inasahang si Johann ang susundo sa'kin ngayon. I was expecting for Jimelle or Ronna since they were the ones who pulled me into this.

"Hi, Percy! Nice to see you again," Tonet greeted as she came nearer. Naka-ponytail ang itim niyang buhok. Her lips were as red as the first time I saw her. It made her look sexier in a way that could easily attract anyone's attention. I wonder how someone can be so beautiful just by putting a lipstick on.

"Is Auntie inside?" tanong ni Johann sa'kin nang tuluyang makalapit. He was already wearing his aquamarine jersey shorts partnered with a whale-printed shirt on top. Sa kamay ni Tonet ay ang pang-itaas na jersey uniform ni Johann.

"No, she's at work. Mamayang gabi pa siya uuwi," I answered.

"Did she know about this?"

"Yeah. I asked permission," I replied with a short nod. I asked permission from Mom last night, telling her about the promise I bade to my cousins. Dahil malapit lang ang Marsielles sa'min, hindi niya ako pinaghigpitan basta lang makauwi ako nang maayos sa bahay.

"Sayang wala siya rito. Nagkakilala sana kayo," Johann told Tonet.

"Sa susunod na lang. I'm sure this isn't the last time I will be coming here anyway." Ngumiti siya atsaka nagyayang bumalik na sa sasakyan para makaalis na kami.

We walked towards the car. Pinabuksan ni Johann ng pinto si Tonet; I opened the backseat door on my own. She settled in the front seat with him and I intuitively sat in the back.

"Okay ka lang ba r'yan, Percy?" my cousin asked to which I answered with a yes.

Tonet glanced at me as Johann ignited the engine. "What's up with you by the way? Ilang linggo rin tayong hindi nagkita."

"I'm good." Ngumiti ako saka ko nilapag ang paperbag na naglalaman ng jacket ni Covenant sa tabi ko.

"You look more beautiful today. I like it more when your hair is not braided." Tinagilid niya ang kanyang ulo at sinuyod ng tingin ang buhok ko. "But I also like it when your hair is down."

I also like it more when my hair is braided. I feel more comfortable and neat-looking. But sometimes when I get lazy, hinahayaan ko lang itong nakalugay. Today's one of those sometimes. Mabuti na lang hindi frizzy ang buhok ko.

"Sina Ronna at Jimelle nga pala?" I asked.

"Ronna went with Lev and Jorge. Kuya Jimelle's with his girlfriend, Charlotte."

His girlfriend?

I haven't heard about his girlfriend. Who is Charlotte? Bakit ngayon ko lang narinig ang tungkol sa kanya?

"Come to think of it, Jo. I haven't met her yet," ani Tonet.

"You really haven't. Medyo ilag din kasi 'yon kaya hindi sumasama sa mga hangout natin. She's also busy. Ngayon lang nataon ang day-off niya sa laro ni Kuya."

"She's working? How old is she?" usisa ko.

"Yep." Sumulyap siya sa'kin. "As a reservation's officer at Global Resort in Montecillo but only this summer. Kaedad lang natin 'yon."

"Sino ngang mas matagal sa atin?" Tonet asked again.

"Mas nauna lang sila sa'tin nang," nag-isip muna siya, "hindi ko pala alam. Basta mas nauna sila sa atin."

Sumulyap muli sa'kin si Tonet at nang mapansing nananahimik ako, ibinalik niya sa'kin ang usapan. "Bakit nga pala may dala kang paperbag, Percy? May pupuntahan ka ba after ng game?"