ZEPHYR

I'm hanging out with my friends Laurence, Harry, James, Andrei, at the bar. Biglaan lang dahil biglaan lang din ang aya ng barkada. Mabuti na lang at day off ko ngayon kaya pinagbigyan ko sila. Ikalasal na rin kasi si Laurence sa kapwa niya college professor at girlfriend for six years na si Cezka and Laurence's wedding-to-be sparked talk about our ideal partners.

"Cezka is my perfect match," malapad siya na ngumiti. "A fellow science enthusiast who gets my nerdy side. Kayo kasing mga kaibigan ko, take not- childhood friends Hindi ninyo ako ma-gets. Nakakatampo!" biro niya na sinundan ng hagalpakan ng lahat .

"Yeah same here, gusto ko sa babae 'yong may pagkakaintindihan kami at pareho ng gusto. I've always been drawn to adventurous women who share my zest for life," ani James matapos tunggain ang isang bote ng beer. "Alam naman ninyo how much I love taking risk. That's why I took risk kay Isha," dagdag pa niya. James is already married, kakakasal niya lang last year.

"For me, it's all about a strong connection," seryosong sagot ni Harry. He's a playboy, simula noon. Wala 'yang pagbabago hanggang ngayon.

"And a good fuck?" tanong ko. Sa lahat, siya ang pinakamatagal ko nang kaibigan kaya kilala ko na siya.

"And a good fucking fuck," pilyo siyang ngumiti. "Someone na sisipsip sa buong kaluluwa ko at magpapa-ungol sa akin ng malakas." dagdag pa niya na sinundan ng tawanan ng mga kaibigan ko

"Ako simple lang, I want someone na malapit sa Diyos," sagot naman ni Andrei.

Natahimik kaming lahat sa sinabi niya, walang nakapagsalita dahil pakiramdam namin ay uminit bigla. We know the sins of each other- well, aside Andrei na tatalunin pa yata ang mga santo dahil never nagkaroon ng kasalanan.

James cheated, once.
Harry fuck every girls he met.
Laurence hit on and sleep with married women- in the past.

While me?

I also cheat- sa exam.

"E di pakasalan mo si Aking Oyang, palasimba 'yon," pabirong untag ni Harry. Sinamaan lang siya ng tingin ni Andrei, siniko naman siya ni James.

"What about you, Zeph? What's your type?"

"I don't have an specific time but I want someone who's very understanding and genuine," sambit ko.

As we discussed our dream partners, the bar's entrance swung open, stealing everyone's attention- a figure whose presence demanded notice. Short hair framed features that held an air of mystery, and her blue dress seemed to echo the hue of a tranquil ocean.

Her eyes are bright and expressive, framed by long lashes that highlight her youthful energy. Her lips are naturally full, with a soft and inviting curve that adds to her vibrant appearance. Her face retains a smooth and flawless complexion, radiating a fresh and rejuvenated glow. her body has a slender and athletic build,

My heart skipped a beat as she entered with her friends, time seemed to pause as I felt an indescribable connection.

"Looks like Zephyr's got his sights set on someone special." Siniko ako ni Harry na katabi ko, nang lingunin ko siya ay nakatuon din ang pansin niya sa babae.

"She's pretty," ani Andrei.

"Iba talaga ang mga tipo ni Zephyr Pendleton," makahulugang sambit ni Laurence.

"Seems like our shy Zephyr might be feeling bold tonight," ani James sabay sipol.

Harry nudged me. "Don't worry, Zephyr. We've got your back if you decide to make a move."

"What are you talking about?" Pagde-deny ko. "Wala lang 'yon, nagandahan lang ako sa kaniya."

As I observed from afar, I couldn't deny the attraction I felt toward theady. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was more than that. There was something about her energy, her laughter, that intrigued me.

I found myself stealing glances in her direction, my curiosity growing with each passing moment. Despite my interest, the prospect of initiating a conversation felt daunting.

Admittedly, my shyness often got the best of me in social situations, especially around someone as attractive as her- Okay Zeph, that's too cheesy.

Pero kapag may kaibigan kang Harry ang pangalan, walang imposible. May kakaiba siyang charm na kaya niyang pasunurin ang lahat according to his will. As fate would have it, Harry's persistence prevailed. He managed to strike up a conversation with Lotus and her friends, and I watched with amusement as the introductions unfolded.

"Ibang klase ka talaga Harold!" proud na sabi ni James nang makabalik si Harry. Nag-high five pa silang dalawa.

"Wala talagang kupas ang karisma mo, pare!" Umapir din si Laurence kay Harry.

"It's Lotus," nakangiting sambit ni Harry. "Tukain mo na Zephyr bago pa matuka ng iba 'yon! C'mon bud! Huwag tutulog-tulog."

Hinawakan niya ako sa braso at hinila patungo sa table nila- Flashforward, after introducing my name to her, and her friend introduce me to her. They left us, leaving an anxious and bothered Lotus with me.

I nervously approached Lotus, my heart still racing but I still manage to offer her a drink. Hesitant pa siya noong una but in the end ay naki-ride na lang.

"So, you're an engineer," Lotus began.

"License civil engineer," I replied smiling from ear to ear. "And you are a doctor, right?" tanong ko. Sinusubukan kong hindi ma-stutter.

"Yes, licensed physician for ten years now," she replied with a warm smile, her eyes locking onto mine. "I work at Miraculous Faith Medical Hospital," she continued,

"Miraculous Faith? I've heard great things about that hospital," sagot ko. Never heard that hospital, must be a private institution. Hindi naman kasi ako maalam pa sa mga lugar dito dahil kakauwi ko lang from Austallia. "Must be tiring to work there."

"It is pero sobrang fullfilling naman, lalo na kapag may naililigtas kang buhay." Her eyes lit up when she smile na mas lalong nagpaganda sa kaniya.

I can't help but to feel mesmerize, mas maganda siya sa malapitan. , I couldn't help but feel captivated by her presence. Her smile, her animated expressions, they all seemed even more enchanting up close. I found myself hanging on to every word she said, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity to get to know her better

"So, Lotus, how's life outside the hospital?" pag-iiba ko ng usapan. "Like you know, love life. Nasabi kasi ni Ms. Vera na single ka. And it's quietly odd."

Natawa si Lotus, " I went through a divorce about two years ago kaya niya sinabi 'yon."

"I'm sorry to hear that... I-It must have been really tough."

"It was a challenging time, but I believe that everything happens for a reason. I've been focusing on healing and rediscovering myself," nakangiting tugon niya. "Atleast hindi na ako matagal na pinahirapan ng infidelity niya, I caught them off-guard."

"He cheated?"

"Yeah, with someone younger than me. Mas maganda, mas sexy," sagot niya at pagka ay tinungga ang bote ng beer na nakuha niya sa bucket. "Believe me, my ex-husband doesn't deserve a second chance. Kaya noong nahuli ko siya in bed, kasama ang babae niha. Hindi na ako nagpakatanga pa na nagmakaawa just to earn his love."

"So you filed for a divorce?" usisa ko.

"I did, but not immediately. Tiniis ko pa ng ilang months, I gathered every evidences that I could get."

"Did you cry?"

"I did, who' s not?" natatawang tugon niya. "Vincent is my first love, I gave him all. I gave him shelter, pinakain ko siya, binihisan ko. Tinulungan ko siya to finish his degree, binigyan ko ng trabaho. Alll I want is his love pero anong nakuha ko? Pain."

I admired her resilience and openness in sharing such a personal aspect of her life. Instead of feeling bad about what happened to her, mas nangibabaw ang paghanga ko sa kaniya. She's a strong woman.

"Are you still open to the idea of a new relationship?" usisa ko. Napalagok ako sa beer na hawak ko.

She looked at me for a moment, then, a small smile played on her lips, and she replied, "Why not? Life's too short to close off to new possibilities, right?" Her response caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but to feel happy.

However, as the evening wore on, I couldn't help but notice that Lotus seemed to be affected by the drinks. I watched with concern as she tried to locate her friends, her attempts becoming increasingly comical.

"Everything okay?"

"Can't find my friends. They're probably off causing trouble somewhere."

Her eyes grew heavy, and her movements slowed. I watched as she struggled to keep her eyes open. Namumula na siya at mukhang lasing na, hindi na siya masyadong nagkukwento, humahapay na rin ang ulo niya.

My friends were nowhere to be found, and Lotus's friends seemed equally elusive. But I couldn't simply leave her in this state.

"Hey, would you be okay if I helped you get some rest? My condo is nearby."

Her eyes blinked slowly, but, to my relief, she nodded. I guided Lotus out of the bar and towards my car. Marahan lang ang bawat kilos ko habang dahan-dahan ko siyang ipinapasok sa sasakyan ko. Dahan-dahan at maingat ko ring ikinabit ang seatbelt sa kaniya. Trying to avoid touching her inaapropriately.

Though I was focused on the road, I couldn't help but glance at her occasionally. She looked peaceful, her features soft as she leaned against the seat. I resisted the urge to smile.

Ang gaang ng pakiramdam ko, ang saya ng puso ko. Alam kong corny pakinggan dahil first time pa lang kami nagkita at nagkakausap pero hidni ko mapigilan ang sarili na makaramdam ng gano'n.

The drive wasn't long, and soon we arrived at my condo building. Dahan-dahan ko siyang binuhat palabas ng kotse, nasa 8th floor ang unit ko kaya nagtake na ako ng elevator.

Upon entering my condo unit, I placed her gently on the bed. I didn't want to wake her, especially in her tipsy state.

Quietly, I began to search for her belongings. I spotted her sling bag on a nearby chair and her phone on the nightstand. Hinanap ko ang ang phone niya para sana tawagan ang mga kaibigan niya to pick her up. Wala akong makitang phone; wallet, lipbalm, face powder, perfume, mga susi, at mga ID niya lang ang nasa loob ng bag niya.

"Dr. Lotus Queenie Perez Lee, licensed physician, Miraculous Faith Medical Hospital," usal ko sa pangalan niya sa Identification card, she look good on the pic even without make up.

I glance at her, tulog na tulog na siya. Bakas sa itsura niya ang pagod, but I couldn't find a hint of sadness. Two years is not quiet long, I'm here silently praying na sana naka-move on na siya sa dati niyang asawa.

Lotus and I were on the same boat, kakabreak ko lang din six months ago. Fianceé ko, si Hailee. Ikakasal na dapat kami but she cheated just like Lotus' husband. Nahuli ko, sa loob pa ng kotseng ibinigay ko sa kaniya. Kaya ramdam ko kung ano ang nararamdaman ni Lotus, the pain of betrayal.

With a final glance at her, I quickly made my way to the bathroom, taking a brisk shower to clear my mind and regain a sense of focus. After drying off, I changed into comfortable pajamas, deciding against heading to my bedroom. I didn't want to risk waking Lotus up, especially considering her tipsy and sleepy state.

Nagdecide ako na matulog na lang sa couch, isang gabi lang naman 'to. kumuha ako ng extra blanket sa cabinet, lamigin kasi ako at hindi ako nakakatulog ng walang kumot o kahit anong nakatakip sa katawan ko.

Kakapikit ko lang ng mata ko, mababaw oa ang tulog ko nang magising ako dahil sa vibration ng cellphone ko na nas ailakim ng unan. Groaning softly, I reached for the device e and answered the call without checking the caller ID, before I could react, James's face appeared on the screen. However, it wasn't long before the camera shifted, revealing Harry's familiar mischievous grin. Nasa bahay sila ni James ngayon, base s kulay ng pintura ng pader at green na couch na inuupuan nila

"Zephyr!" sigaw ni Harry."You thought you could escape us, huh?"

I rubbed my eyes and sat up, my confusion evident. "What are you guys up to now?"

"We figured you'd be trying to play the knight in shining armor, taking care of that beautiful doctor you met at the bar. So how is she?" Pilyong tanong ni Laurence.

"You guys really have a way of making everything into a grand spectacle," tugon ko.

"Hey, we're just looking out for you. And for her, too, I guess." Kumindat pa si Harry. "Ano na? Magkuwento ka na!"

"So, Zephyr, did you make a move? Or are you just watching her sleep?" tanong ni James.

"I'm not just watching her sleep. I'm making sure she's comfortable."

"Sure, sure. Comfortable." Halatas sa bose s ni James na hindi siya satisfied sa sagot ko. "Life's too short to let chances slip away. Ano ba?"

"And we all know she caught your eye for a reason."

"Ewan ko sa inyo," anas ko. "Tigilan ninyo na 'yan, patahimikin ninyo na muna ako."

"We just want to see you happy, Zephyr. You deserve it," saad pa ni Harry.

"Take a chance, buddy. You never know where it might lead," James nodded.

"Zephyr, you know, I've seen you with other women before. But there's something different about the way you looked at Lotus tonight," si Andrei ang nagsalit.

I frowned slightly, "Different? What do you mean?"

"Well, for one, she's not like your ex, Hailee. She seems... more grounded, maybe?" si Laurence ang sumagot.

She did exude a sense of groundedness and authenticity, qualities that I found intriguing and appealing.

Harry, however, couldn't resist chiming in. "And let's not forget the age gap, Zephyr. You're not exactly a spring chicken anymore."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his comment. "Thanks for the reminder, Harry."

He grinned playfully, his tone light. "Hey, I'm just saying that sometimes older women can be more tender and adventurous."

"Harry, can you stop with the commentary on her personal life?"

James chuckled, trying to defuse the situation. "All right, all right. Let's give Zephyr a break."

I leaned back on the sofa, my irritation dissipating as I appreciated the camaraderie of my friends. "Look, guys, I appreciate your input, but let me figure things out on my own. Malaki na ako,"

"Totoo, malaki ka na nga." May pilyong ngiti na naglaro sa mga labi ni Harry. We once bath together, hindi naiwasan na magkumparahan kami ng size. Well, I appear to be bigger, considering my height and ethnicity.

"Take your time, man. Whatever choice you make, just make sure it's what you truly want," sambit ni Andrei.

"Magsitulog na kayong mga baliw," natatawa kong sabi.

Hinintay ko lang na matapos ang tawag saka ko ipinikit ang mga mata ko.