Polarized Antagonism

20:

Lucia

" Anyway, how come they let me in here eh hindi naman ako member dito? "

" Lucia, you're drunk."

" I'm not. "

" Really? then stop clinging to me. "

Tinulak ko itong masungit na babae na kasama ko papalayo sa akin. Hindi ako lasing, mind you. I'm on my 3rd margarita and I still feel okay.... i think. Ang dami kasi kumain ni Cameron nakakainis. Pagkatapos niya kumain ng burger nag order pa siya ng tacos at isang bowl ng pasta.

I don't know where she put all that food in that flat stomach of hers.

" Just answer my question, goddamit. " I tried sitting straight pero sumandal ako sa braso ni Cameron for support, muntik na ako mahulog sa may bar stool. We left our table kanina lang kasi umorder pa ako ng drinks ko.

" Every member gets to bring a person to the Leaf. That's the limit. " Cameron replied, and finished her taco with one last bite. " You're the first person i brought here, so mamaya pupunta ka kay Pamela para iregister name mo. "

" No way! Hindi ako makikipag suntukan sa mga tao dito. Hindi ko kailangan ng membership card! "

" Okay. But you still have to put your name on the list para makabalik ka dito to eat. "

Para akong nabunutan ng tinik sa lalamunan. Being here is weird. This is some cult or gang type of stuff. Parang ibang mundo ito. I'd rather not go here anymore.

" Paano mo naman nalaman itong lugar na ito? " i asked her as i leaned in to the counter. " If Tita knows about this place baka kunin niya na talaga tuluyan yung porsche mo and cut your allowance. "

Cameron looked uncomfortable hearing those words. " For the love of God, please don't tell my mother. "

" Let's see. " i coyly said.

" I was brought here by someone i met. She saw me thrashing the public park and dragged me here. "

May mental issues talaga ito si Cameron. Wala naman ginawa sa kaniya yung mga see-saw, inaway pa din niya. Sheesh.

" Nandito ba siya ngayon? "

" Probably. She lives here." Cameron wiped her hands with the tissue. The bartender took her finished plates.

" Nakikita mo ba yung matangkad na babae na may green na buhok? That's her. " sinundan ko kung saan nakaturo ang daliri ni Cameron and indeed, it was pointing to a tall girl, with a short vibrant green hair and a really pale face na nasa labas ng ring.

Her outfit really caught my eye too. She's wearing a sailor uniform. You know, the one that navy uses. Although there are some alterations like instead of wearing pants, yung sa kaniya ay shorts.

It gives off the feeling of being young and freshness.

" Wow, she's tall and lanky just like you. " i commented.

" Shut up. " Cameron stuck out her tongue at me.

What a kid.

" So you guys ever faced each other in the ring ? "

Cameron nodded. " Remember that time you saw me sneaking out ? I was beaten up by her. She's really strong. "

" Stronger than the guy from the convenience store ? "

" Probably. "

***

Pagkatapos ko makipagkilala kay Pamela at magregister sa list niya, I told Cameron na umuwi na kami.