That Time In July

Kabanata 11

Chapter 11

"Dorothy"

I don't know the reaction that was plastered on my face. What I do know is the fact that I was unsure of what to do. Tatayo ba ako o uupo lang, papapasukin siya or hahayaan sa labas. I was looking at her beyond shock.

"Can I?"

She was careful about the little decision she would take. Kahit na alam kong nasabihan na siyang pumasok kanina, nagtanong pa rin siya. It would be rude of me to not let her enter. And for that couple of seconds, I finally found the right thing to do.

"Of course, come in." Tumayo ako para e lahad ang upuan sa harap ng aking lamesa.

I cleared my throat. I waited for her to sit and settled before taking my seat. I adjusted to a more comfortable position before focusing on her looking around my small office. I didn't have the courage to strike conversation with her so I waited for her to talk. After a long awkward silent, she finally spoke.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you or anything?"

"Hindi naman. I was reading and studying how ECL is working so it's perfectly fine."

Bumuntong hininga siya.

"About what happened. I really didn't mean that Gwen, I mean, I did put some on the glass, but I didn't really expected it's that strong for you. Hindi kasi talaga ako naniwalang may allergy ka. I thought you were only putting a show. Kaya nagkaroon ako ng ganong pag-iisip."

Sa ilang beses na naranasan ko ang ganitong sitwasyon, I always gave them the chance to explain themselves. Wala rin naman kasing mangyayari kapag galit ang pinapairal. May karapatan akong magalit, ngunit may karapatan rin silang ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili. I couldn't blame them tho. Kahit sino naman ata yun ang iisipin, me putting a damn show.

"When Gray returned to the table, mad, that's when I realized I did something unacceptable. I was so stupid. I wanted to apologize right there and then, kaya lang, sa ilang taon naming magkakilala ni Gray, alam ko kung saan at kaylan ang tamang oras para humingi ng tawad. Never add fuel to the already well lit fire. Kaya naghintay ako."

This time, tumingin na siya sakin.

"I don't know if you will accept this apology of mine, either way, I'm still doing it. Pasensiya na talaga Gwen. I did not think about the consequences of my action. Nalagay pa kita sa delikadong sitwasyon."

I smiled bitterly at her.

"It's okay. Hindi naman masyadong malala kumpara sa mga naunang nangyari sa akin."

"Still. Hindi tuloy naging maganda ang first week mo dito sa San Pedro. Nakakahiya. Ako pa talaga naging rason nun."

Natawa ako ng bahagya. Hindi ko inakalang may ganitong ugali pala siya. Hindi mo kasi makikita kapag tinitingnan mo lng siya.

"It really is okay Dorothy, no need to be worried about it. Hindi lang naman dito ako naka experience. Kahit saang lugar ako pumupunta, lagi ko ng napaghahandaan ang ganitong mangyayari. So it's fine." I smiled genuinely to her this time.

Bumuntong hininga siya.

"Pasensiya na talaga. I'll treat you for lunch to make it up. Will you make time?"

I looked at my watch, mag lulunch na pala.

"I'd love too, pero naka schedule na kasi ang lunch ko ngayon with the family."

"Dinner then?" Natigilan siya sandali bago nagpatuloy. "No alcohol this time, promise." She smiled hesitantly.

Nangyari ang aksidente sa gabi kaya I was a bit hesitant about it. But seeing her hoping for a positive reply, I guess there wont be harm in giving her a chance.

"Alright, dinner it is."

Bahagya siyang napabuga ng hininga. Tila pinipigilan niyang huminga kanina, at ngayong lang siya nakahinga ng maluwag. I chuckled. She's easier to read than I had expected.

After that topic, she loosen up. We talked some more. She asked about things I like and I dont like. If I had other allergies than alcohol. Duon na siya naghintay na mag tanghali.

Nang mag tanghali na, si Gray lang ang hindi nami kasama. Lolo Carlo was present. The lunch was spent entirely of them asking how I was doing and how the job was. I talked about how it is, leaving the part about Dorothy's visit. Hindi naman sa strikto sila, it's just that I think, I treasure that part of her approaching me and I don't want to share it with others, kumbaga, I'm keeping it to myself.

The whole afternoon became shorter than expected. And soon enough, it's time for the early dinner with Dorothy. Hindi ko alam kung kami lang o kasama ba namin ang mga kaibigan niya, hindi rin naman siya nagsabi. I have already told Mom that I'll be staying here at ECL for dinner. Hindi naman siya nagtanong kung sino ang kasama, which, I am thankful of. Papasundo na lang ako kay Gray mamaya.

Dorothy asked for my number earlier. And, I think I was kind enough to not doubt her of anything, so I gave her my number. Everyone deserves second chances, she is not exempted of it. Nag ayos muna ako ng sarili bago lumabas ng opisina at nag log out. After that, I immediately went to where Dorothy is.

"Nag order na ako ng mga pagkain para sa atin. I hope you don't mind. Those are the best sellers so far here at ECL."

I've learned something about her during the dinner. Things that can't be seen outside her physical aspect. You wouldn't know a person properly unless you will spend time with them. She's good at hiding her true personality.

"Birthday ni Nanay bukas. Punta ka ah? I'll tell Gray you'll be joining. Maghahanda kami since it'll be the last birthday we'll be celebrating together bago mag Thailand."

She's an Educator, who wasn't given a chance to teach in her county. Sabi pa nga niya, sa dami raw naman ng mga gurong nakakapasa kada taon, mahirap maka pasok sa butas ng karayom kapag walang sinulid.

"Kahit walang gift Gwen, your presence is enough. Saka na kapag despedida party na." She laughed a bit.

And even if we have history, ngayon lang kami nagkaroon ng pagkakataong magkausap, I feel the need to cheer for her, for the new chapter of her life. She shouldn't feel bad about leaving the life she had now, instead, go and chase the possibility of having a bigger and a much better life.

"Of course, I will. Sa dinner pa naman diba? I guess Gray and I could still pick some gifts. Ano ba ang kanyang mga hilig?"

Nakapag text na ako kay Gray, pero habang wala pa siya hindi muna kami umalis at nagpatuloy lamang sa pag-uusap. It is past 8, almost 9 ng dumating si Gray.

At first I thought he would lash out about having dinner with Dorothy, but with the expression he is wearing now, I guessed everyone knew that she's leaving. Isa pa sa rason bakit siya humihingi ng tawad personally is because she doesn't want to leave the country with an uneasy, unstable relationship with the people around her. I can't wait for this girl to rock the new chapters of her life.

Song: Let me Go by Benson Boone