Episode 14

Condo

"Puro inom na lang tayo, hindi pa 'ko nakakagawa ng plates sa Engineering!"

I drank a shot of Martini and transferred some Margarita from the bottle to my glass. I don't know why Sangre suddenly wanted to drink because she won't share something about her life or perhaps her love life!

"Why did you want to drink, Gre? Marami rin akong tinatapos na business proposals na pinapagawa ni Daddy, e'." Sky smirked at me. I know what he's implying. That I'm choosing my thesis partner over them. Parang tanga.

I rolled my eyes at him. It's as if they hadn't pushed me to Valentine when they knew he was my partner, huh? Tapos ngayon sila 'yung magtatampo kahit wala naman talaga.

I put a pinch of salt and lime on my Margarita before swallowing the bitterness bit by bit. My vision's starting to get blurry and my head was aching hardly right now.

While staring at the dance floor, I can't help but remember the kiss on the cheek Val gave me the last time he drove me to our house. That was already two weeks ago but just the thought of it suddenly made my heart beat wild!

"I'll allow you to dream of me tonight. Good night, Elara."

I just stood at the door way, shocked and fazed, didn't know what to do. My heart was continuously beating loudly by the sudden move Val did.

Am I daydreaming again?

First of all, why did I let him drive me home? Second, why will he kiss my cheek as a sign of farewell? And last, why the hell did my heart beat fast at that friendly kiss?!

Friendly kiss? No. You won't kiss... a friend. Alam kong may nabubuo na na kung ano sa pagitan namin. Pero ayo'kong kilalanin. Natatakot ako. I shook my head off trying to divert my thoughts of pinpointing something. No, it can't be. Hindi pwedeng nagugustuhan niya ako o magustuhan ko siya. I clearly pledged to my heart and soul, that I will despise anything related to Valentine.

But can I still do it with Val's presence around me?

"Oh, Hyacinth! Kanina ka pa pala riyan? Pumasok ka na, hija at kanina pa nasa hapag-kainan sina Tita Elly mo," Manang Fely said before giving me a shoal so that I won't freeze in cold with the night breeze.

For the last time, I glanced at the direction where Val gone with his car before sighing heavily. Can I really do it? To avoid him after our thesis defense?

We went inside the mansion while I just told Manang Fely that I will just change my dress to a comfortable one. I told her that I'll just go to the dining room after a quick shower.

I did a fast bath just to look fresh for dinner. Minsan ko lang kasi makasabay sila Tita Elly dahil busy rin sila sa business na hina-handle nila.

"Hi, Tita, Tito." I kissed their cheeks before hugging Rylie for a bit that was just sitting next to me. I truly missed them because after how many months, we get to eat together again for dinner.

"How's the university, Hya? Do you need any help or something?" Tita Elly started the conversation but I just shook my head because nothing is needed to be done. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kasama na rin sa isipin ko ngayon... si Val.

We chatted and shared laughs in front of the table with a variety of foods. While eating, I can't help but to feel sad because this was supposed to be a moment that I will share with Mom and Dad, with my original family. But destiny really strikes in the most unexpected ways and times.

"Oh! Before I forgot, I've noticed na nahihirapan ka minsan sa klase mo dahil malayo tayo sa Diliman, right? Are you considering on living on a condo for a while?"

Actually, I'd love to live in a condo. The truth is, I've decided for my future already. That after graduating and finding a work, that is related to my course, I'm going to settle in maybe an apartment or a condo to practice independence. I just shrugged my shoulders in response to Tita.

"Sure, Tita... Wala naman pong mawawala sa'kin kung mag s-stay muna ako sa isang condo." I gave them my most genuine smile to express gratitude because they had always filled my needs since my parents left me.

"Great! My kumare is offering her condo in Darling Heights since their family will migrate to United States. I guess you can check the house, two weeks from now?" She raised her fingers to count before laughing, "I'll just inform you, hija." Tumango na lang ako at napangiti sa kanila.

"Hya! Let's dance, sissy!" Shreya pulled me out of my seat by I shook my head to show her my disapproval. I'm not in the mood to dance right now.

"Ikaw na lang. Tinatamad ako ngayon." She just rolled her eyes jokingly at me before flashing her angelic smile. I just nodded to her before going back to the sofa with Sangre and Portia. Luna couldn't join us today because of her plates.

"Sangre... ano na? 'Di mo ba talaga sasabihin kung bakit mo kami inaya uminom?" I was concerned with her state now because even if she's not spilling it, I knew that she was on the verge of crying but just holding it still.

"W-wala nga kasi..." her voice cracked before swallowing hardly. I was shocked when she got a pack of cigarette outside her purse!

"Hey! What are you doing? That's bad for your health!" sigaw ko sa kanya pero hindi siya nakinig. Si Portia naman ay sinusuportahan lang ang best friend dahil mukhang siya lang ang may alam kung bakit nagkakaganito si Sangre.

"Light it up," utos ni Sangre kay Portia kaya wala na itong magawa kung hindi maglabas ng lighter.

"'Pag ikaw nasunog baga mo, magiging singer ako sa lamay mo tapos ang kakantahin ko 'Dynamite'." Portia rolled her eyes before lighting up Sangre's cigarette.

"Ano na namang kabobohan mga pinagsasabi mo, Porsh?" Instead of answering she just sang a song from, I don't know, maybe a K-Pop band that she has been singing for a week now. Nakakarindi na nga eh.

I just diverted my sight to the dance floor where everyone was dancing energetically. May nakita pa akong naghahalikan sa may sulok ng Bar Island at marami ring lumalabas na ng club na parang handa nang pumunta sa pinakamalapit na hotel.

And just like that, our moment with my friends ended without Sangre sharing anything. She just told us that she's fine and all even if she's not.

"Love life," bulong sa'kin ni Portia dahil kita niya naman na naiirita na ako. Tumango na lang ako at hindi na umusisa pa. Even though I'm curious because Sangre never had a serious relationship before.

"Ang sakit ng ulo ko. It really hurts." Hawak ko ang sentido ko dahil masyado yatang naparami ang inom ko kagabi. It's a Saturday. Only one month is left before our thesis defense. Kailangan na naming madaliin ang pagtapos nito.

I was currently picking an outfit to wear but I can't find something that will perfectly match my skin tone. Then realization hit me.

"Bakit ako nagpapaganda eh thesis meet-up lang naman naming mamaya?!"

I scolded myself again for being so dumb. Ang lutang ko na naman dahil ang dami kong nainom kagabi.

I chose a yellow puff-sleeved square-neck cropped top and high waisted mom jeans partnered with black wedges. I ran out of choices to wear since I've already worn my best outfits for the past weeks. Maybe I should just go shopping with Portia some other day.

I got my white tote bag that perfectly matches my outfit for today. I was just about to go out of my room when my phone beeped inside my pocket. I really have no plan to read it since I'm in a hurry but I thought that it might be Val.

From: Valentine

Sorry, I can't attend our meet-up today. Fam probs.

Napahalumbaba ang balikat ko dahil naghanda pa ako ng damit tapos hindi naman pala kami magkikita ngayon. My efforts went down to the drain.

I was about to text him to stay safe and don't worry about our thesis when I received another text. I frowned when it was not Valentine who texted me. It was Tita Ellythia.

From: Tita <3

Hija!! My kumare told me na we can visit their condo mamaya. I hope you are free this afternoon. I'll just text you the address later, okieh? Stay safe :-*

I just sighed heavily. Buti na lang at inaya ako ni Tita na magtingin ng condo ng kaibigan niya dahil wala naman akong gagawin ngayon. I should check that condo so that I can move out as soon as possible.

Our class in Psych quickly ended and my Tita was continuously following me up if I'm going to go to Darling Heights or not. I was almost scolded by our professor because my phone keeps on beeping loudly.

After our class, I quickly drove my Audi to go to the condominium my Tita kept on blabbering me about. I was almost caught by the heavy traffic in Philcoa since I drove during lunch time—a rush hour.

I was amazed by the moment I entered the gates of the condominiums. It was composed of four high-rise buildings that I think was about 40 floors each. I estimated it to have at least 10 units on the higher levels.

Tita Elly told me to go to Tower 4, 26th floor, Unit 2614A. I was greeted by the staffs and security guards at the opening of the lobby of Tower 4. I just smiled and nodded at them.

Inikot ko ang paningin ko sa buong lobby at namangha na lang ako sa mukha nito.

It was composed of high-class designed white sofa sets with two small rounded chairs at each side. Each cloth from the sofa was made from good fiber showing that it was properly maintained. Upon entering, there is a welcome station saying "Darling Heights". I can't help but feel amazed when I walked straight and to my right was the mail room with hundreds of golden mail boxes and on my left were the six elevators.

Pumunta na ako sa unit na sinasabi ni Tita dahil five minutes late na rin ako. Muntik pa akong magpahinga sa lobby kanina dahil sobrang relaxing ng jazz na tugtugan nila and the cool air conditioner. It can make you sleep in just a small amount of time.

I rang the doorbell of the said room and it was quickly opened by a woman in her 40's – I guess – like my Tita. She was wearing a fitted below the knee dress that could show her curves and makes her look a lot younger. She was wearing a 2 inches beige pumps that made her vibrate a classy aura.

"Oh! Are you Hyacinth?" She smiled widely at me so I just introduced myself. She offered me to enter inside the condominium and since I have no other choice, I had to go inside.

"Hijaaa!" My Tita greeted me with a big smile and spread her arms widely like she wants to have a tight hug.

"Buti nakarating ka! Sayang hindi mo naabutan 'yung anak ni Lysie! Ang gwapo pa naman!" sabi niya habang yakap pa rin ako pero napairap nalang ako. Wala naman akong paki kung gwapo 'yun o hindi.

"Let me introduce you to my kumare Lysistrata Miller, you can just call her Tita Lysie," masayang sambit ni Tita Elly.

I shook hands with the said classy woman and exchanged smiles before wandering my eyes on the whole unit. Like in the lobby, it also screams elegance and class with its color motifs of gray, white and gold.

There were two guest rooms and a master's bedroom at the end of the hall. The living room was also big with a huge full-length window that could oversee the whole city life beneath it! I sat on the sofa and joined the discussion of my Tita Elly and Lysie.

"Pwede ka nang lumipat dito next week since matagal naman nang binili sa'kin 'to ni Elly. She told me that her niece will love this unit." Tumango-tango naman ako bago halikan ang pisngi ni Tita. She's the sweetest.

We chatted and laughed for a bit that I felt comfortable with them even though they are a lot older than me. They told me that they'll just go shopping together at the nearest mall since that's their last bonding. The Millers will soon migrate to United States of America.

Nang umalis sila ay kusa na lang akong napahiga sa six-seater grey couch at napapikit. I don't know why I felt exhausted this day even though I did nothing at all. I stared at the LED lights above me and the hanging golden chandeliers.

If I were to choose, I would pick to live here than the big mansion where my family is not around. It feels empty and lonely.

Hindi ko namalayang nakatulog na pala ako nang mapapikit ako. Malamig din kasi ang aircon at sobrang relaxing ng buong atmosphere. I slept on the sofa and only woke up when it was already nighttime.

I sat on the couch while still rubbing my eyes since I doze off for a bit. I glanced at the big window beside me and surveyed the whole Manila that was drowned with different lights from the whole city.

"Ang ganda..." They looked like sparkling stars that could make the scene glowing. I didn't know that Quezon City could be this fascinating even though we are full of trashes, pollution and nonsense things.

I looked like a girl who was innocently daydreaming while staring at the city lights that was just beneath the sea of stars on the night sky. I focused my eyes on the biggest and brightest star I saw.

"Mom... Dad... I'm happy now. I hope you are too."

A lonely tear fell from my eye but I quickly brushed it off with the back of my palm because I don't want sadness to fill in the atmosphere. I had enough crying this month.

I was shocked when my phone rang from the sofa so I marched towards it, thinking that it was from an important person. My face lightened when I saw Val DM-ed me on my Instagram account. I opened it but just shocked because I didn't actually understand his words.

ValCyrus: elkasraa

It was like he was just scribbling anything on the keyboard! Agad kumunot ang noo ko sa pagtataka.

Elaracinth: tf r u saying

I keep on messaging him again but he keeps on answering the same scribbled words as if he was drunk or something!

Elaracinth: Hey! r u drunk? Tell me where u r!

I started to panic when he didn't reply for about five minutes now. Palagay ko ay umiinom siya ngayon dahil kagaya nga ng sinabi niya kanina ay may family problem sila. Is he okay?

Elaracinth: hey... Val... please reply ASAP. Nag-aalala na ako sa'yo.

A few more minutes before my phone beeped for a notification from Valentine. But I was flabbergasted when he typed a drunk text that I clearly understood.

ValCyrus: I miuss ypu...

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#ACM14

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