Love at First Coffee

Chapter 30

Betty

Pagkarating sa bahay tahimik pa rin kaming dalawa ni Hunter. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba talaga kami, dahil sa totoo lang masakit sumugal sa isang bagay na walang kasiguraduhan.

“Salamat sa paghatid.” Basag ko sa nakakabinging katahimikan. Alam ko na alam niya na wala ako sa mood ngayong kausapin. Naguguluhan ako at the same time nasasaktan dahil alam ko na walang assurance na parehas kami ng nararamdaman. Walang lingon na lumabas ako sa kaniyang sasakyan at pumasok sa mansiyon.

I hurriedly go to my room because I want to be alone. I lay down on my bed while thoughts of Hunter and Camille filled my mind, but suddenly it was interrupted by a phone call.

Jinie calling...

“Jinie why?” paos na tanong ko while unbuttoning my school blouse.

“Did you open your f*******: account?” tarantang saad nito.

“Not yet, why?” naguguluhang wika ko. I get up on my bed to change my clothes because suddenly I feel stinky.

“Buksan mo bilisan mo, tapos pumunta ka sa page ng school natin. Kumakalat sa page ang picture niyo ni Hunter kung saan nakita ka sa sasakyan niya habang maghawak kamay kayo.” Bulyaw nito na may kasamang taranta.

“Wait, what?” gulat na saad ako. I hurriedly end the call and open my account just to be surprised that it is true. As I viewed the comments, maraming estudyante ang galit at kung anu-anong masama ang sinasabi sa akin.

Some of the comments are;

Kilala ko yung babae na yan di naman kagandahan.

Hindi sila bagay ni Hunter.

Stop daydreaming, bit***.

Marami pang mga hurtfulcomments ang hindi kaaya-aya at ang iba ay below the belt na.

“Simple lang ito dahil ang dami ko ng pinagdaanan, kaya ko to.” Pagpapagaan ko sa aking nararamdaman, ngunit the thought na sinabi nila ito dahil kasama ko si Hunter. I suddenly felt like crying, because they easily judge me without knowing my true self.

Alam ko na hindi kami bagay ni Hunter para sa isa’t isa, pero masama bang mangarap? “Libre lang naman yun diba?” I said to myself feeling the pain and the tears pooling to my eyes. I suddenly started crying while clenching my uniform. I want to forget this pain, I don’t want to be treated like this way again. Worth it pa ba ito, hindi pa nga nagsisimula bakit ang sakit na.

In that silent night, I just crawled unto my bed crying all night long until my eyes and my heart felt tired from all this pain.

The next morning my eyes feel sore. It is early to get up because it’s saturday but I cannot sleep that’s why I just go to the bathroom to wash my face. While facing the mirror doing my daily routine, I suddenly scan my face. First time in my life that I feel insecure. My thoughts was interrupted by a knock on my door.

“Yes.” I said while finishing my routine before going to the dining to eat breakfast.

“Ma’am Betty, Sir and Senyor are waiting for you.” Magalang na saad ng katulong.

“Sige Ate susunod na po ako.” After combing my hair, I decided to greet Papa and Lolo a good morning.

I walk to the dining and saw my grandfather and Papa patiently waiting for my arrival. “Morning Lo and Papa.” I said while kissing their chicks as well as avoiding their eyes so that they would not notice my eyes. I quietly sit on my chair to start eating.

The breakfast is very quiet until Lolo break the silence.

“What are your plans for today hija?” he said while his eyes are fixated on mine. “And, why are your eyes puffy?, did you cry?” he added.

“Lo, hindi lang po ako nakatulog ng maayos kagabi.” Mahinahong saad ko. “Gusto ko po sanang bisitahin ang puntod ni Mama kung maaari po?” dagdag ko habang tahimik na kumakain.

“Maganda iyan anak, tiyak matutuwa ang Mama mo kapag bumisita ka.” Papa said “ At kapag may problema ka anak huwag kang mahihiyang magsabi kay Papa hah?” he added with a smile while extending his hand to caress mine.

Binigyan ko lamang sila ng tipid na ngiti at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Alam ko na nagaalala sila Papa sa akin kaya I want to try my best to not worry them.

“Nga pala anak sino ang kasama mo sa pagbisita sa Mama mo, as much as I want to go pero may business meeting pa ako.” Nagaalalang saad ni Papa.

“Hija, why not take Collin with you?” Lolo said “Collin knows where is the grave of your mother that’s why you should take him with you.” He added.

“If Collin is not busy po, sasabihan ko po siya.” Magalang na wika ko.

Pagkayaring kumain, napagpasyahan kong imessage si Collin kung maaari niya akong samahan sa puntod ni Mama. At ala pang ilang segundo nag-reply na agad ito na masasamahan niya ako.

I wore a tattered pants with white v-neck shirt and white shoes to match my get up. After preparing, bumaba na ako upang tingnan kung nariyan na si Collin. Saktong pagbaba ko ng hagdanan ay ang pagbukas ng pinto, and I saw Collin holding a bouquet of red roses with a smile on his face.

“Your early.” I said half smiling after scanning his fresh looks, with black pants partner with blue shirt and white shoes.

“ Good morning princess, for you.” Paos na saad nito, before giving me the bouquet of red roses.

I extended my arms to get the bouquet and say my sincere thank you. “Nag-abala ka pa.” Nahihiyang saad ko.

“It’s okay I’m courting you anyway.” Maangas na wika nito while his hands are place on his pocket.

“So, let’s go.” He added gesturing me to walk first habang inaalalayan niya ako sa aking bewang.

He did not let go his right hand on my waist even if we are already in front of his car and I find that sweet. He open the door of his car gesturing me to sit, before he move to the other side to start the car.

I try to open a conversation asking “ Lolo said you new where the grave of Mom is?” he glance on my way “Yeah, I’ve been there with Lolo Alfonso.” He honestly answered before focusing on driving.

“I do not remember my memories with my Mom because I am just a baby but upon seeing her portrait in the mansion I knew that she is a soft-hearted woman with a kind heart.” I suddenly open up. I want to lift up my mood after what happen last night that’s why I want to filled my thoughts about Mom. I want to cry my heart out to her, telling my stories to her and opening my feelings that no one knows.