Strings of Regret

Chapter 26

In a one fine Saturday evening, I watched my reflection in my full-length body mirror. I'm wearing a green knitted cardigan and white high waisted jeans partnered with a white sneakers.

I sprayed perfume and immediately grabbed the birthday gift I prepared for Reese's brother when I heard a knock on my door.

"Nasa salas na si Reese, anak," I heard Mama shout from outside my room.

"Bababa na po!"

I grabbed my cross body bag before opening my door. I saw Mom waiting for me. She smiled upon seeing me and examined my outfit.

"Dalaga na talaga ang anak ko," nginitian niya ako at bahagyang itinaas ang kamay para haplusin ang pisngi ko.

It was too late when I realized that I suddenly flinched at the contact of her hand on my cheek. I saw the shock, sadness, and guilt all mixed together in her eyes.

Before she could say anything else, I averted my gaze. With my trembling hand, I softly took hers. Nagmano ako ngunit nakaiwas parin ang tingin sakanya. Hindi ko kakayaning makita ang naghahalong emosyon sa kanyang mga mata.

"Mauna na po ako," I rushed downstairs after saying goodbye.

I immediately saw Reese sitting on the couch, legs crossed. He lifted his head to examine my outfit. I saw how his lips tugged upwards before standing up.

"Beautiful as ever.." nangingiting wika niya.

"You look good yourself."

He's sporting a white short-sleeved polo with three buttons open paired with a ripped jeans and a white sneakers as well. His hair is waxed to the side, few strands falling on his forehead. He looked clean and handsome.

"Umalis ang papa mo pero nakapagpaalam na ako," he said.

"Ako rin kay Mama."

"Let's go then."

Lumabas kami sa bahay at sumakay sa motor niya. Their house is two baryos away from ours kaya it took us awhile to arrive.

Sa gitna nang byahe, bahagyang namula ang pisngi ko nang maalala ang nangyari ilang araw na ang nakalipas. It was still vivid in my mind how preposterous I acted when he popped the most awaited question for me.

"G-Girlfriend..." nauutal na wika ko.

He stared at me deeply. "Ayaw mo?"

"Syempre gusto!"

My eyes widened when it dawned to me what my stupid mouth just said. Gaga ka talaga Abrianna!!! Tunog desperada ka na tuloy! And yes, I blame it for my stupid mouth and mind. Hindi na talaga ako nakapag-iisip ng tama kapag ganyan ang pagkatitig niya sa akin. Na para bang inaalam niya ang laman ng isip at kaluluwa ko.

His lips twitched and amusement danced in the depths of his eyes. A small chuckle escaped his lips making him bit it to supress the laughter but the ghost of smile playing on his now red lips just visualized my greatest daydream.

"Really, huh?" he smirked.

I tore my eyes away from his sinful lips and I had to swallow hard to calm myself.

"Oo," matapang na sabi ko, pinaninindigan ang katangahan kanina.

His brows shot up in pure mockery and mischief. The dimples in the corner of his infamous grin is taking my breathe away.

"Sinasagot na kita. I'm now your girlfriend."

Right then and there came the moment of shame. I shut my eyes in pure embarrassment upon hearing him bark a laughter.