In the Midst of the War

Kabanata 25

KABANATA 25.

Surprises.

“CHEERS TO our brother! Congratulations, Vale!” naghiyawan ang mga tao matapos iyong sabihin ni Charlie.

Natatawang umakbay saakin si Vale habang umiiling pa. I held his hand that’s hanging comfortably on my shoulder.

Earlier was his graduation. Of course I was there. His whole band was also there at syempre, hindi pwedeng mawala ang buong tropa nina Alonzo. Luthor, Lonzo, Cadmus and Apollo are also there. Nakaagaw pa kami ng atensiyon sa venue dahil sa mga lalaking kasama ko.

Who wouldn’t turn their head if the whole The Poison is there. Naroon rin ang mga sikat na UAAP players na sina Alonzo at Apollo, who wouldn’t turn their heads?

Sister Clare was also there with Father Ric. Si Father pa nga ang nagsabit ng medalya kay Vale. He graduated Cum Laude by the way. I feel like a proud girlfriend while he was receiving his award on stage. I almost jumped out of my chair, buti nalang ay napigilan ako ni Lonzo.

“They are really crazy,” napatingin ako kay Vale nang magsalita ulit siya. Hindi niya parin tinatanggal ang braso niya sa balikat ko. I don’t mind though, it’s comfortable.

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang tinitignan niya, there I saw Alonzo and Apollo playing on the dance floor. Para silang mga sira na sumasayaw at ang mga kabanda naman ni Vale ay kinukunsinti pa ang dalawa sa kabaliwan nila.

We are on The Underground. Vale’s band mates planned this party for him. Hindi sangayon si Vale nung una pero wala na rin siyang nagawa dahil handa na ang lahat. Their fans are also invited on the party. Promotions na rin daw sa upcoming album nila.

“Pagod ka na ba? Should we sit?” I asked him. Tumango lamang siya at iginaya na ako sa malapit na couch. Kami lang ang nakaupo roon kaya malaya niyang naipatong ang ulo niya sa balikat ko at ipinulupot ang mga braso niya sa bewang ko.

My hand automatically found his hair. I caressed it while he’s leaning on my shoulder. Sanay na ako sa ganitong posisyon dahil ito ang gustong-gusto niyang gawin tuwing nakakapag-solo kami. He likes leaning on my shoulder and I like caressing his long hair. Hindi niya ito magawa kapag maraming tao dahil panigurado ay tutuksuhin siya ng mga kabanda niya.

“I’ll be working right after we released our album,” he spoke. “In-absorb na ako ng pinag-OJT-han ko. I’ll be their assistant chef, effectively on August.”

“Really? Congratulations!” I said happily but he just groaned and sit properly. He held both of my hand and kissed the back of it. Napangiti ako.

“I’ll be doing promotions and working at the same time. Konti nalang ang oras ko sa’yo,” bahagyang nakangusong sabi niya. I giggled at the view in front of me.

His pouting lips just made him cuter. His hair is longer now, abot na iyon sa leeg niya, it’s a bit curly too. His thick eyebrows and long eyelashes is complimenting his hair. Itim na itim iyon.

“It’s okay, I can visit on your studio and watch your shows pa naman,” I said positively but he groaned again.

“May pasok ka na rin nun,” he whined. I chuckled again.

“We’re both busy then,” I teased. Lalong nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at sinamaan ako ng tingin. Natawa ako sa itsura niya. “Why are you looking at me like that?” natatawa kong tanong.

“Text me if you have free time, okay? I’ll do the same,” nakasimangot na sabi niya. Natatawa akong tumango pero inirapan niya lang ako. Attitude!