Athaliah's Redemption (Ortega Series 1)

Kabanata 16

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XVI - Plan

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I was waiting for Alastair at the café near SJA. Katatapos lang naming gumawa ng props para sa Halloween parade na gaganapin sa susunod na linggo. It was raining hard on an October Saturday.

Alastair did say he's on his way. Baka nagugutom na rin iyon kaya umorder na ako ng para sa kanya. I wanted to cook later but today was so tiring. Maybe I'll just do that next time.

Bumukas ang pintuan ng café at napabaling ako roon. I was expecting Alastair but it was Jeroboam.

I gulped as I saw him. He was only in a casual outfit. Nakasimpleng itim na v-neck shirt at maong pants.

Iiwas sana ako ng tingin pero nahuli niya ako.

Bumilis ang kabog ng dibdib ko nang nagtagal rin ang tingin niya sa banda ko.

Should I smile? O tititigan ko lang siya? I don't think we have to make it this awkward.

I was about to do the former when he glanced away.

I felt a lump on my throat as I just glanced at my food. Pilit akong lumunok at uminom nalang sa milktea ko.

I stole another glance and saw that his order is already being given. Kinuha niya iyon. Napalingon ulit siya sa banda ko, causing another strong surgence of emotions inside me.

He looked outside as the rain poured more and back at me again.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip niya pero parang nagbuntong-hininga siya bago lumabas sa café.

Agad akong napatayo. It was fucking raining so hard!

I found myself going towards the entrance door to see where he is. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin at nakahinga nang maluwag nang nakitang naka-park ang sasakyan niya sa malapit. He went inside fast.

I felt relieved. Naulanan pa rin siya at baka magkasakit kung hindi agad makakauwi para magpalit.

I bit my lower lip and sighed. That should not be my concern.

I slowly walked back to my table. I stared out the window to see if his car is still where it is. Nandoon pa rin naman.

Maybe he has some extra clothes inside his car? Para sana magpalit siya ng damit. Mahirap magkasakit.

Mariin akong umiling. I kept on reminding myself that whatever is about him should not concern me. Damn. Why is this getting even harder?

Ngayon ko lang ulit siya nakita. It was still August when I last saw him. Jemima said he was too busy with law school that he doesn't have the time to fetch her. Hindi rin daw siya masyadong umuuwi sa bahay nila.

"I have to do something," Alastair said as he came near me. Nakarating na pala siya.

"Ipa-takeout nalang natin iyong order ko," sabi niya at nagtawag ng waiter. Hinintay lang naming mailagay sa container ang orders bago kami lumabas.

It was still raining hard. I checked the street again and did not see Jeroboam's car anymore.

Baka umuwi na siya. The taxi was waiting for Alastair and me kaya agad kaming pumasok roon.

"Don't tell me you're not coming this year as well?"

I looked at Jemima who already looked so disappointed. Iniimbitahan ulit niya ako sa birthday celebration niya.

"Akierah and Addessa are coming. It's really a simple dinner with my family and just my friends."

Yumuko ako. "I'm sorry. I'm really busy right now."