Beneath What it Seems

Kabanata 13

Perfect

Unknown Number:

Good Morning! We are sending this message to hereby inform you that you got accepted as a member of the Society of Fine Arts Students. We look forward to sharing this memorable bond and journey with you. Welcome to the family, brods and sisses!

I almost dropped the phone on my hand after opening the message. Shit! I got in!

My initial reaction was to jump out of joy. Kusa na rin akong dinala ng mga paa ko pababa ng bahay. Nasa may hagdan pa lang ako ay hindi ko na napigilang sumigaw.

"Ma! Pa! Natanggap po ko sa org na inapplyan ko!" I excitedly said.

It just feels like I'm gonna burst out of happiness if I don't share this with anyone.

Akala ko talaga ay hindi nila ko tatanggapin.  Tingin ko tuloy sinubok lang nila kung susuko kami sa pagsasabi nila ng mga nakakapanliit na salita. Lumong-lumo na ko dahil pakiramdam ko'y masasayang lahat ng pagod pero hindi!

I heared mom yelped in happiness. "Congrats, Anak!" She said then welcomed me in a hug down the stairs.

Nakita ko rin na malaki ang ngiti ni Papa at tumayo mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa. Lumapit ako sa kanya at niyakap din siya.

"I knew you'd be able to, anak..." ani Papa habang hinahaplos ang likod ko sa pagkakayakap.

Napangiti ako. Isa si Papa sa mga pinanggalingan ng labis na kagustuhan kong makasali. Papa went to the same college as mine and he told me how essential it is to have an organization that got your back. Also, he informed me about how your experience in working with a group of people helps so much when you have to apply for a job in the industry. Nagagamit daw bilang credentials ang extra curricular background sa univeristy.

My Dad works as a market analyst in a big company. He earns enough to provide for our family. I've always looked up to how hardworking he is.

Sumama pa ulit si Mama sa pagyakap at inaya nila 'kong lumabas para mag-celebrate.

Dahan-dahan akong kumalas ng yakap.

"Actually..." I smiled. "May pupuntahan pa po ko ngayon. Next time na lang!"

It's Saturday today. Kakabalik ko lang sa bahay galing sa pagja-jogging kasama si Ridge nang matanggap ko ang mensahe. At dahil weekend ngayon, ang ibig sabihin ay pupunta siya sa cafe ngayon. I can't wait to share the good news with him.

Sumang-ayon naman sina Mama at Papa na sa ibang araw na lang kami lumabas at pinakawalan na nila ko.

Umakyat na agad ako sa kwarto ko para makapaghanda. I wore a comfortable cute outfit and didn't bother bringing anything else. Ang naiisip ko lang gawin pagdating doon ay ang pagkukwento sa kanya ng tungkol sa masayang pangyayari.

I drived happily and my smile just grew wider when I caught a glimpse of him from inside the glass walls of the coffee shop.

Pagbukas pa lang ng pinto ng cafe ay hindi ko na napigilang tawagin siya.

"Ridge!"

Walang masyadong tao roon pero ang ilan ay nakita kong bahagyang napalingon.

Ngunit ang mata ko ay nakatuon lamang sa isang pares ng mga mata. I'm not sure but I think I saw something in his eyes sparkle when our eyes met.

Habang hindi inaalis ang tingin ay lumapit ako sa kanya at mabilis na umupo sa harap niya.

"I got in sa org!" I almost squealed.

I witnessed how his expression turned into an amused one. He stared at me for quite a while with such a pleasant expression plastered on his face. No big smiles, no traces of curves on his lips. Just really a pleasant one. And it was very much enough to warm my heart.

"Really?" he asked in a soft voice but seems like he wasn't really waiting for an answer for that.

"..Good for you," he then added while roaming his intent stare on my face.

Ridge may not have been the most expressive type of person for as far as I knew him but I can feel that he's also glad right now. I can tell that he's happy for me.

I flashed a proud smile. "Dahil jan, ililibre kita." his brow raised. "Since tinulungan mo naman ako," sabi ko habang tinutukoy ang pagtapos niya sa thickler ko.

Akmang tatayo na ko nang pigilan niya ko at hawakan ang braso ko. I almost flinched at the contact.

"Ako na," he said. My lips slightly parted. "You deserve a treat after everything," he added.

I stared at him in awe until he got up and went to the counter. I can't look away. The sight of him causes mini pinches on my heart.

I love how he has that same usual blank expression as he walks back nearing our table. It's so him. I love looking at him carrying that tray that contains the food he bought for me. My food. The food he got for me. I think I'm kinda getting crazy.

I shook my head as he placed the tray on our table. I looked at it and my jaw almost dropped when I saw what it was. A vanilla caramel drink and a cinnamon roll. My usual exact same order. My favorites.

He's paying attention.

He may look like he doesn't care but he does.

I stared at the food for a long time while not saying anything.

"Tell me if you want anything else," he then inquired maybe slightly getting concern with my silence.

I looked at him then smiled. "No. This is perfect,"

I digged in while smiling like an idiot. I tried to stop smiling but it just automatically comes back.