Best for Us (GU #3)

thirty-two

Thirty-Two: Tyler Osmond

"TITO Tyos, do I look okay?"

Umiling ako kay Nali matapos mapasadahan ng tingin ang suot niyang light pink na dress na siyang ikinasimangot niya.

I then grinned at her. "You just don't look okay, you look better than that. You're beautiful, Nali."

Doo'y unti-unti nang ngumiti si Nali. "Really?"

Tumango ako sa kanya at ngayon ay tuluyan na siyang malapad na ngumiti. "Thank you, Tito. You look really handsome today too."

"Just today?" I lifted an eyebrow at Nali.

"Hmmm," kunwari'y nag-isip siya. Ipinatong pa iyong baba sa kamay. Napailing na lang ako.

"You're handsome everyday, Tyos," singit ni Haru, ngayo'y nakapormal na ring damit. His were like the mini version of mine. Minus the coat. Dahil hindi ko pa isinusuot iyong sa akin.

I gently ruffled his slightly styled hair, courtesy of Ate Teriz. "You're handsome everyday too, Haru."

Tumayo na akong tuwid saka nagtanong sa kanilang dalawa. "Nasaan na ang mommy niyo?"

"Make-up," tipid na sagot ni Haru at napatango na lang ako. Looked like we'll be waiting for Ate Teriz.

Kinuha ko muna iyong cellphone sa bulsa at agad na hinanap 'yung message conversation namin ni Vanessa. The last text was from her was just six hours ago, around twelve noon.

It was just a simple "Okay. You too.". Sagot niya iyon nang sabihin kong kumain na siya ng lunch. Actually, these past couple of days, we kept on exchanging text messages. Paano, hindi kami madalas magkita. Pagkatapos kasi ng school ay dumidiretso ako dito kina Ate Teriz para tumulong sa pagbabantay sa dalawang bata dahil tumutulong si ate sa paghahanda ng party nina Dad.

And there were days I stayed here to sleep. But during the mornings, I made sure to go to Montereal Place early para sabay kami ni Vanessa pumasok. But basically, that's been our week.

I hit the keyboard and typed a message: 'Hi, what's up? I'm already here at Ate Teriz' place. We're going to the party in a while. How about you?'

It was not too long when my phone beeped. I opened the message.

From Vanessa:

We're just waiting for Kuya Miles. Tapos aalis na rin kami. Will you still tell me later what your Dad's party is about?

I smiled at her reply, and hit the keys again: 'I will. Don't worry. But I still wish you're here with me.'

I hit send and it took longer for her to respond this time.

From Vanessa:

I feel the same. But enjoy your time with Nali for the meantime. Picture kayo ha, tapos send mo sa akin so I can see how both of you look tonight.

I softly laughed at that. So, I told Vanessa that Nali's gonna be my date tonight dahil hindi naman siya pwede.

My fingers were quick as I replied: 'I will but on one condition. Send me a snap of your look too. And yeah, enjoy your time with your fam.'

There was sound of heels clicking against wood and I lifted my eyes to see Ate Teriz going down the stairs, already dressed. Like Nali, she's wearing a pink dress, just a darker shade. Dahil hindi pa naman sumasagot si Vanessa, itinago ko muna iyong cellphone ko sa bulsa ng slacks at tinulungan si Ate Teriz sa mga bitbit na boxes.

Those were gifts for the party we were about to attend. But then something caught my attention. Sa pagkakaalala ko'y dalawa lang iyong binili namin ni Ate Teriz na regalo. Then why was I holding now three boxes?