Something That Glitters

5 // There's Nothing I'm Not Ready For

There's Nothing I'm Not Ready For

"Auntie, why won't you tell me if Archer is single?"

"Pagbutihan mo sa trabaho at sasabihin ko," flower boss nonchalantly bargained.

"Hmm, fine!" I rolled my eyes at the flowers. We're currently doing some flower arrangements on our work table. "Pero Auntie, ano kayang magandang isuot bukas? Dapat 'yong magugustuhan ni Archer."

"Huwag kang mag-itim."

I started imagining my closet, trying to pick clothes in my mind. A gift I was blessed with as well.

"Eh, Auntie, puro black lang mga damit ko." I pouted. "Kung 'di ako mag-iitim, hubad na lang, ganon? Wait, pwede po ba 'yon dito? Baka magulat si Archer."

Auntie smacked my arms lightly. Kunwari ay nasaktan ako, I faked a wince. "Aw! Meanie old maiden."

"Iyang puso mo, hija, kapag 'yan ay nabasag, sinasabi ko sa iyo..." tila may pagkabigo sa himig niya.

"E 'di may girlfriend nga po si Archer?" I frowned.

"Hindi ko iyan sinabi."

My mouth quickly beamed. "Hala! So, wala po? He's on the market? Kasi if yes, magma-mine na ako!"

Kinurot ako ni Auntie sa tagiliran kasi nanggigigil na yata siya sa akin, pero nakiliti lang ako.

"Maiwan muna kita rito, kailangan kong tawagan si Julio para sa ibibilihin ko sa supplier."

Speaking of Julio, I still haven't met him. Sabi ni Auntie ay siya ang tumutulong sa pagbubukas ng flower shop sa umaga. Maaga ang punta ni Auntie at ako naman ay nahuhuli nang isang oras. Hindi na ako pinatulong ni Auntie sa umaga dahil ang balak niya kapag p'wede na akong iwan mag-isa ay ako naman ang maiiwan para sa closing.

I was fine with it because hashtag pursue justice, hashtag eradicate inequality, hashtag eyes open.

Kinagabihan ay kinarir ko talagang pagplanuhan ang isusuot ko para sa susunod na araw. I mean, what if that's gonna be my only shot, right? I need to be dressed for the occasion!

So, let's see. Tinitigan ko ang closet ko habang nakahalukipkip. Ugh! Why didn't I bring cute and casual clothes? I mean, black is elegant and all, but I don't think he'd notice me in it.

I know black is not a color nor a shade, but for my ease of thinking, it is.

Bahala na! My best bet here was the black strap dress. In one corner of my closet where it's dark, I saw a piece of jewelry sparkled.

Napangisi ako. That's it!

Dahil sa excitement para bukas ay napapakanta pa ako at sumasayaw ang pwet ko habang nagluluto ako ng dinner ko.

"I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine...," kanta ko sa hawak kong tong. "I got a love, and I know that it's all mine. Ooh, wOaH!"

With the sizzling plate of fish on my hands, I shimmied my butt between the table and the chair so I could sit.

"Do what you want, but you're never gonna break me. Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me.
No, ooh, wOaH!"

Grabe, I am so winging life! My fish was so perfect I just had to press my palms on my chest and be helplessly touched.

"Fish, I like you, but my tummy is where you truly belong. Adios." I bowed to eat while my eyes closed before saying thanks and munchin'.

It's so fun being independent, you know? This feeling of doing everything by yourself and never afraid of the thought of being alone. As if the world cannot rule my soul, with a crown of fiery brilliance over my head, I am my own monarch, blinding everyone who are displeased of my own silent happiness.