How to Avoid Heartbreaks

7

"Sorry about them," he sighed and smiled apologetically.

He pulled me to the dessert corner, away from his family's prying eyes. I didn't know where to avert my eyes so I looked on his hand that was still clutching mine's.

Binalik ko ang tingin sa kaniya at siya naman ngayon ang nakatingin sa magkahawak naming kamay. Kagat labi niya iyong binitawan bago itinuon ang pansin sa mga pagkain.

And while he wasn't looking at me, I eyed him from head-to-toe, examining his look for tonight. He ran his fingers through his always-neat hair that was arranged in a classic combed back style, still not looking at me.

Kahit naka-sideview ito, gwapong-gwapo pa rin ako sa kaniya. Kulang na lang yata maglaway ako sa kakatitig sa kaniya! Sobrang lapit pa niya sa akin kaya amoy na amoy ko na naman ang mabango niyang perfume. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ibang pabango ang gamit niya ngayon.

"Done checking me out?" aniya, hindi ko namalayan na kanina niya pa pala ako tinitingnan.

"Yes," I answered honestly out of panic. I gave him a small smile, trying to mask what I'm actually feeling inside.

I was panicking because of what I said. I just admitted that I was "checking him out". Even though it's true, I still shouldn't have told him that!

Ano na lang ngayon ang iisipin niya? Na gwapong-gwapo ako sa kaniya? At ano ang sasabihin ko sunod? Babawiin ko ba? Pero kung babawiin ko, magmumukha akong defensive. Kung ipagpatuloy ko ang pagpuri, ano naman ang sasabihin ko? Na ang bango niya at dagdag pogi points iyon? Pero, baka ma-weirdohan siya sa akin.

Hala, sige, mag-isip ka! Panagutan mo iyan, London! sabi ng isang bahagi ng aking isipan.

"I..." rule #4. London. Keep calm. Don't stutter. "Really... like your outfit for tonight," pangbawi ko.

Pinasadahan ko ulit siya ng tingin, kunyare sinisiyasat ang kaniyang kasuotan kahit kanina ko pa ito nagawa. "I mean... your white dress shirt, your red bow tie, and your sleek... black tuxedo suits you well."

His tux didn't just suit him well, he looks dashing in it! Instead of complimenting him like an admirer, I made sure that I did such as if I'm a fashion critique. I could've told him he looks dashing in it but I knew I had to subtle it down or else he'll know what I really think about him.

"Hmm." He placed both hands on his pockets, his head tilting a bit as he leaned on the dessert table with a ghost of a smile on his lips. "Thanks... you look... stunning, I must say." There was a hint of amusement in his voice so I'm not really sure if he meant what he said.

I had to bite the insides of my cheeks to prevent myself from smiling. Hindi ko alam pero parang kiniliti ako nang narinig ko ang sinabi niya, totoo man iyon o hindi.

"By the way, your family thinks we're dating," I said, changing the topic. "Can you please tell them that we're not? Baka kung ano pa ang isipin nila."

"Don't worry about that. I'll clear that up," he assured. "Scared that your boyfriend might think you're with me as well?"

My brow shot up on what he said. Mukha ba akong may-boyfriend? Kung meron ako niyan, edi sana hindi na ako namomroblema sa kakaisip sa'yo!

"I just don't want them to get the wrong idea, okay?" I rolled my eyes and tried my best to sound cool and nonchalant.

"Okay, but you didn't answer my question."

Aish! "I'm not scared..." because I have no boyfriend!

"Good," aniya at tumango-tango, hindi pa rin inaalis ang tingin sa akin at mukhang may gusto pang sabihin.