Kabanata 2
1274 Words
Rachel
There's really something magical about Hotel Khallisa. From the exterior to the details of the inside, every inch of the hotel screams something beautiful. Like a confession about something that goes beyond this realm.
Something that . . . only hearts could hear once you set foot in the place.
I was so invested in looking at the intricate details of the lobby that I didn't notice Keeyan was already slowing down his steps just so I wouldn't get left behind.
Tahimik lamang siyang naglalakad sa aking tabi. And while I was admiring the beauty of their hotel, there he is, watching my eyes glow in appreciation of the architectural designs as if my brown rims look more interesting than their five-star hotel.
Tumikhim ako nang maramdaman ang pagtitig niya sa akin. I looked up and met his gaze, wondering why there's a small curve written on his lips.
"Ang ganda talaga ng Hotel Khallisa. Iba rin sa pakiramdam kapag nandito," I said.
The curve on his lips widened a bit. "Whenever my heart feels heavy and I don't feel like sharing it to anyone, I just visit one of our branches so I'd feel better." He let out a breath before he looked around. "Hotel Khallisa offers me the same feeling I get from my grandma's warm hugs."
I was about to say something when the hotel manager approached us.
"Sir Keeyan, good to see you again."
"Hey, Rowella." Bumeso rito si Keeyan. "You're looking great. By the way, this is Rachel. She's the architect that Kali sent."
The hotel manager smiled at me before she offered her hand. "Akala ko girlfriend na ni Sir Keeyan." Ngumisi ito. "Pleased to meet you, Architect."
Keeyan smirked as if he liked the assumption made by their employee. Nahihiya naman akong ngumiti at nakipagkamay sa hotel manager.
"Nice to meet you po. Pwede ko po bang makita 'yong area na subject for renovation?"
"Sure. This way, please."
She led us to the pool area that's currently closed. Unang kita ko pa lamang sa lugar ay alam ko na kaagad kung bakit iyon nais ipa-renovate.
"I still don't understand why Ma'am Lila suggested a renovation. This is one of the reasons why people love Hotel Khallisa Cebu branch," anang hotel manager.
Ngumiti ako. "It creates separation, and the spaces where families can enjoy their moments are too small. That's what I think are the reasons why Ma'am Lila suggested to have it renovated."
A smirk made its way to Keeyan's lips as if he was impressed. "She's right. Look at the pools. Masyadong malalim ang para sa matatanda kaya hindi pwede ang maliliit na bata."
"But it's for safety purposes, Sir Keeyan."
"I know, but we could replace it with a bigger pool na may iba't ibang lebel ng tubig. That way, families with different age brackets can still enjoy the same pool. Also, just like what Rachel mentioned, the function areas are too limited. My aunt was probably considering larger families like ours. Kapag pinapunta mo kaming lahat dito, we're gonna have to split the group into three."
Tumingin si Keeyan sa akin. Tila nanghihingi ng dagdag na opinyon.
I looked at the pools. "We could remove the partition and build a bridge above it for additional aesthetic, and for easier access to the function areas. More greenery and a fountain over there would also elevate the vibe."
We continued discussing about the renovation. Honestly, I'm impressed with how Keeyan is confidently sharing his two cents. It was as if he wants to be involved because Hotel Khallisa matters to him, too.
We came up with ideas that we both think would be great for the place. Nang matapos kaming magdiskusyon ay saka ko lamang naalalang dapat ay may gagawin din doon si Keeyan.
"Sir, naabala na kita. Aren't you gonna take photos and videos?" tanong ko nang iwan na kami ng hotel manager.
Keeyan smiled. "Yeah but I think I'll just come back for that. When are you planning to visit here again?"
Napakunot ako ng noo. Ano ang kinalaman ng pagbisita ko rito sa gagawin niya rito?
"Uhm, baka next week na ulit kapag hawak ko na ang original blue print. Bakit po?"
"Then I'll come back here next week." He checked his watch, and just by a single glance, I knew it's hella expensive. "It's almost lunch time. Why don't we try the foods here?"
"Ay hindi na po, Sir wala po akong extra money. Kakapadala ko lang sa pamilya ko at nag-iipon po ako."
His brows furrowed. "Who said I'll let you spend a dime? Come on, love."
My cheeks slightly burned. There he is again, calling me that way. Friendship ba talaga ang gusto nito?
He insisted on having lunch at the hotel's restaurant. Hindi na ako nakatanggi kahit na hindi naman ako sanay na kumain sa mga ganoong lugar.
Keeyan pulled a seat for me. Ayaw kong mag-assume kaya inisip ko na lamang na sadyang pinalaki lamang silang maginoo. Besides, he just wants to be friends with me. Maybe he's just being nice.
"Do you wanna try the kare-kare? The chefs in every branch follow my grandma's recipe. But of course, no one can surpass my grandma's cooking," pagmamalaki niya.
Ngumiti ako. "Sana matikman ko para alam ko ang diperensya ng lasa," biro ko na lang.
"Pwede naman." Ngumisi siya. "I can bring you to our family dinner."
I scoffed. "As a friend, Sir?"
He lifted a brow. "So we're friends now, love?"
Pabiro akong bumuntonghininga. "Oo na, Sir."
Napaayos siya ng upo. "Great. Finally, huh?"
Napailing na lamang ako habang umiiling. I swear he's the only one I know who gets excited to be labeled as a friend.
Keeyan combed his hair with his fingers. "Since we're friends now, mind sharing why you wanted a fresh start here in Cebu?"
Oh, so that's the reason why he wants to be friends with me then? Hindi ko alam na may pagkachismoso pala itong si Sir Keeyan.
Pakunwari akong bumuntonghininga. "Imposibleng hindi mo pa alam, Sir na iniwan ako ni Eldritch para sa pinsan mo."
Kumunot ang noo niya. "He did?"
"You didn't know?"
Umiling siya. "I thought they just broke up before. I never heard about Eldritch being in a relationship with someone else. Kali never really admitted that they were in a relationship back then. But anyway, that's f****d up. I'm sorry you had to go through that."
Pilit akong ngumiti. Yes, I didn't deserve that. I didn't deserve the pain Eldritch had inflicted in me. But I realized that I don't deserve a half-baked love as well. Tama sila ni Sir Kali. I deserve someone who is sure about me. Pero hindi muna ngayon. Wala pa sa isip ko ang pumasok na naman sa relasyon. Hindi pa handa ang puso ko para roon.
"Ayos lang. Ayoko rin naman pong ipagpilitan pa ang sarili ko. Nagising na rin ako sa katotohanang hindi gano'ng klase ng pagmamahal ang gusto ko para sa sarili ko."
Keeyan tapped his fingers on the table. "So you're still healing then? You're not open for courtship or something?"
Umiling ako. "Hindi muna."
"How long?"
Napakunot ako ng noo. "Po?"
"I said how long are you planning to stay single and not entertain suitors?" he asked.
"Uhm, ewan. Five? Ten years?" I scoffed. "Baka gano'n."
Keeyan clicked his tongue. "Guess I have to stay as a friend for that long then," he murmured.
Lalong nalukot ang aking noo. "Ano po?"
He smiled. "Nothing, love."
Pilit na lamang akong tumango.
This guy is really getting used to calling me love . . . as a friend.
- Writer
