Chapter 29: Bouquets

Naglakad na rin ako palapit sa black Range Rover ni Eli nang mabangga ako ni Aika dahil sa pagmamadali niya. Napatigil ako at saka napatingin sa kaniya.

"Sorry," nangingiti niyang paumanhin na parang wala namang bakas ng sincerity.

Inirapan ko na lang siya.

Nagulat na lang ako nang makitang pumasok siya sa back seat kasunod ni Sophia. Before she closed the door, she pointed at the passenger seat saying, "D'on ka na lang. 'Di na tayo kasya rito."

Hindi ko na napigilan 'yong pagtaas ng kanang kilay ko dahil sa inis at pagtataka.

Are they kidding me? Gusto ba nila kong mamatay? Anong ilalagay nila sa death certificate ko kung nagkataon? Cause of death: Kinilig nang sobra?

Kinuha pa nila kay Eli 'yong isang eco-bag para ilagay sa gitna nila ni Sophia. Yes, they did that just to prove that we all can't seat there.

Lumakad na ko papalapit sa passenger's seat. Nasa gilid nito si Eli na hinihintay ako.

When I got beside him, pinagbuksan niya kaagad ako ng pinto.

This is really unlikely of him but the way he goes out of his way makes me happy.

I quietly hopped in the passenger's seat. Pero siyempre, sa true lang, para na kong maiihi sa kilig.

Marahan niyang sinarado 'yong pinto at saka umikot para pumasok sa driver's seat.

Through my peripheral vision, I saw him staring at me before he started the engine.

Malumanay at malambing niyang tanong, "When should I get the cookies?"

Saktong pag-andar ng kotse, nilingon ko siya at saka pinagtaasan ng kanang kilay.

I nonchalantly answered, "Huwag mo kong utusan."

He was shocked when he took a quick glance of me before he got back his attention to the road.

Napatingin ako sa gilid ko nang may pumukaw sa atensyon ko.

Nakita ko 'yong dalawang sikat na sikat na tsismosa rito sa subdivision. I couldn't help but to roll my eyes at them. 'Di naman nila makikita eh.

"Elise, tignan mo 'to." Narinig kong may sinasabi si Aika kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya mula sa kanang shoulder ko.

Nginusuan niya 'yong inaabot niyang cellphone sa 'kin kaya kinuha ko 'yon.

"Where should I drop you?" tanong ni Eli kaya napalingon ako sa kaniya.

He carefully looked at the rear-view mirror for a second. Si Aika ata 'yong kausap niya.

"Sa Morayta na lang. D'on lang pwedeng magbaba eh. Sa tapat ng FEU. Lakarin ko na lang papuntang LRT," klarong instruction ni Aika kay Eli.

Nagkaintindihan naman sila agad.

"Kami ni Elise, sa mall lang kami," singit ni Sophia.

"All right," mabilis na sagot ni Eli. "We'll drop her first before we go to the mall."

Wala na silang pinag-usapan kaya binalik ko na 'yong tingin ko sa cellphone ni Aika.

Binasa ko 'yong nakasulat sa notepad niya, 'Masyado kang nagiging rude sa new customer natin.🤨'

Napakagat ako sa ilalim kong labi nang mabasa 'yon.

Nilingon ko si Aika through my shoulder and she was also intently looking at me. Nginitian niya lang ako bago kinuha pabalik 'yong phone niya.

Binalik ko 'yong tingin ko sa kalsada at saka napabuga ng hininga.

I suddenly felt bad with how I am acting in front of Eli. It wasn't my intention to be that rude at him— I just want to act careless to avoid possible harm to my heart.

Kagat-kagat ko pa rin 'yong labi ko nang lingunin ko si Eli sa gilid ko. Napansin niya ata 'yon dahil nilingon niya rin ako.

When our gazes met, he instantly smiled at me as if I didn't say nor do anything bad and inappropriate in front of him. Binalik niya rin agad 'yong tingin niya sa harap.

Grabe! Most talented na talaga siya. He's making me feel guiltier now than I was.

I admit that it's my fault that I am becoming too insensitive just to distance myself from him. Still, I should have been kinder to him since he's not doing anything bad or harmful towards me.

Duh! Pinapakilig ka pa nga niya, Elise.

Napa-pout ako bigla.

He's been doing nothing but to prove his sincerity. I can feel it but I want assurance.

Hindi na uso sa panahon ngayon 'yong action is better than words. It should be both. I need words and actions because it will be confusing if not shown and said properly.

Napahinga ako nang malalim.

Pero p'ano nga naman kasi niya masasabi nang maayos kung hindi ko nga siya hinahayaang mag-explain?

Sandali niya ulit akong nilingon. Parang nanlambot 'yong puso ko nang magtama 'yong mga tingin namin but he quickly gazed back in front. Pero sa sandaling 'yon, kitang-kita ko 'yong pagtataka at pagtatanong sa mga mata niya.

Kung ganito siya ka-considerate at bait sa 'kin noon, eh 'di sana wala kaming problema.

Whatever, Elise. Past is past. I only need to learn from those experiences and should not be brought back for anything else.

He's got a point when he said that I was impulsive. Kung nag-risk siya agad noon at hindi inisip 'yong kapakanan ko, hindi ako maggo-grow on my own. Sure, things could have been different; however, I'm also pretty, sure, and pretty sure that it would have gotten worse as time goes by.

Ang kaso lang, I learned things the hard way. Sobrang sakit ng mga nangyari.

Pero ito na 'yong present eh. What should I do now?

I don't want to be the person whom I hate. I've been working on my attitude and behavior for a year, so I must do something accordingly now.

"Bukas," mahina kong sambit na nagpalingon kay Eli sa direksyon ko.

His forehead creased when he confusingly asked, "What's with tomorrow?" Tumingin din siya agad sa kalsada.

I tried to smile which I am not sure of if he noticed before calmly answering, "Bukas mo pwedeng kunin 'yong cookies. Pero kung may iba kang gagawin—"

"I'm free tomorrow," nangingiti niyang saad nang tignan niya ulit ako sandali. His jaws visibly moved with excitement evident in his reaction.

Lalong bumilis 'yong kabog ng puso ko dahil d'on.

Hindi naman siya atat na makita ulit ako 'no? Because... same.

"Okay," maikli kong sagot para hindi mahalata 'yong kilig ko. "Careful. Eyes on the road," paalala ko sa kaniya na bahagyang nagpatawa sa kaniya.

I couldn't help but smile at this view. The normal and head-turning Eli wearing his white long sleeves that hugs his big muscles. What was different now is the captivating laugh he is giving me.

I want to see that every day. The usual... I want to give him the reason to smile and be happy.

"Kilala mo ba ko?" seryosong tanong ni Sophia kay Eli.

Nasa isang fast food chain na kami rito sa mall. We chose to occupy the table outside, not from the inside, for visibility purposes.

Four-seater table 'yong napili namin. Sophia and I are seated side-by-side while in front of me is Eli. The bigger eco-bag was placed beside him and the other one was on the table in front of Sophia.

Nakangiting sumagot si Eli sa tanong niya, "Haven't heard about you from Elise."

Napataas 'yong kilay ko sa kaniya.

Naaalala niya pa lahat ng na-kwento ko sa kaniya dati?

Sinasabi ko na nga ba! He was really attentive to my stories, especially to my text messages. Nahuhuli siya sa sarili niyang bibig ngayon.

"Totoo?!" shock na shock na tanong ni Sophia kaya napalingon ako sa kaniya. "Nakikita ko na 'yong tunay mong kulay, Elise. Ganito ka pala," emosyonal ngunit pabirong litanya niya. "Maputi sa labas pero maitim ang budhi."

Tinitigan ko siya nang masama at saka inirapan. "Arte," kumento ko.

Inirapan niya rin ako pabalik bago nakangiting tumingin kay Eli. "Sophia 'yong name ko. We first met three days ago. Tapos 'yong isa naming kaibigan, si Aika 'yon. Kaya SAE Sweets and Pastries— Sophia, Aika, and Elise."

She even pointed on the air three times as if she was clicking on something.

'Di ko alam kung sipsip 'to kay Eli o ano. Parang kanina lang sa bahay, ang dami-daming sinasabi. Tapos ngayon may pangiti-ngiti na siya kay Eli.

"Pleased to meet you," Eli told her in a very gentlemanly way.

Parang kiniliti 'yong puso ko dahil sa na-witness ko. It was so refreshing to see him being this kind towards my impaktitang friend.

Kung magiging kami, siya na lang ang nakatoka sa pagiging mabait dito kay Sophia. 'Di kinakaya ng powers ko ang isang 'to eh.

Napatigil ako bigla sa pag-iisip nang may mapansin.

Did I just say if 'we will be together'?

Out of nowhere, I pictured out myself being in a relationship with Eli. I suddenly felt a tingling sensation because of that thought.

Maghunos-dili ka, Elise!

"Wala ka bang trabaho?" walang alinlangang tanong ni Sophia kay Eli.

Natataranta akong napatingin sa gawi niya at saka ko siya marahang sinipa sa legs niya.

She shifted her glances on me as she raised her left eyebrow at me.

Dapat dito nilalagyan ng scotch tape sa bibig eh. Pwede ring packing tape para sure na sure ang pagtahimik.

"Bakit?" she mouthed.

"Preno," I mouthed back.

Napatigil lang kami nang marahang napatawa si Eli.

"Mind having me in your silent conversation?" nakangiti niyang tanong.

Napatitig tuloy ako sa mga labi niya. Ba't ba ngiti nang ngiti 'to?

Ipakulong ko siya riyan sa salang paninira ng tibok ng puso eh. Mamamatay na ata ko sa sobrang bilis ng kabog nito.

That's just a joke. 'Di pa ko pwedeng mamatay.

"So, may trabaho ka nga?" pag-uulit ni Sophia ng tanong niya kanina.

"Yes," maikling sagot ni Eli.

Nag-alala tuloy ako bigla. Eli might feel uncomfortable with Sophia's questions.

This woman and her big mouth!

"Eh ba't palagi kang nasa bahay? Tulad ngayon, hindi ba mauubos 'yong oras mo na nandito ka kasama namin?" sunod-sunod na tanong na naman niya.

Parang gusto ko na siyang kurutin at pauwiin sa bahay dahil sa pagiging intremetida niya.

Kainis!

Nilingon ako ni Eli saka niya ko nginitian nang sobrang tamis. 'Yong pwede na ko magka-diabetes, gan'ong level.

"Everything for Elise," sagot niya habang nakatitig pa rin sa 'kin.

"Sabagay," sambit ni Sophia. I looked at her. The corner of her lips was lifted up. She nonchalantly said, "Ikaw nga pala 'yong CEO."

"You're aware of that?" It was Eli's time to ask her a question.

Nakaramdam ako bigla ng kaba.

Pero kalma lang, Elise. Everyone knows you're into him back then, so it's normal to talk a lot about him with those people you're close with.

At isa pa, marami namang may alam na CEO siya ng kilalang travel and tourism company. Sikat nga siya, 'di ba?

"Na-chika niya dati," sagot ni Sophia sabay nguso pa sa pwesto ko.

May itatanong pa sana si Eli nang dumating na 'yong crew.

I took a breath of relief.

Good thing! Hindi ko na kayang mas kabahan pa sa kung anong pwede nilang mapag-usapan. Aatakihin na ata ako sa puso dahil sa dalawang 'to!

"Two sundaes, ma'am and sir," saad ng crew bago niya nilapag 'yong dalawang sundae sa mesa.

Kinuha agad ni Sophia 'yong kaniya pati na 'yong small spoon.

"Thanks," sambit ko sabay ngiti sa crew.

It was a simple 'thank you' pero nakita ko 'yong pag-ngiti niya bago siya umalis. They deserve to get acknowledged for their great work and service.

"Thank you sa libre," nangingiting pasasalamat naman ni Sophia kay Eli. The latter just smiled at her before he meaningfully looked at me.

Napalunok tuloy ako ng sarili kong laway.

Nakaka-pressure naman 'to kung makatingin!

"Thanks," nahihiya kong saad bago nagsimulang tikman 'yong ice cream.

Nakita ko naman 'yong pag-ngiti niya nang magawi 'yong tingin ko sa kaniya nang hindi tumitingala.

On cue, a smile also formed on my lips. Dali-dali kong kinagat 'yong ibaba kong labi to stop myself from smiling ears to ears.

When we were done consuming the sundaes, sakto namang dumating 'yong kaibigan ni Sophia which is also our customer.

After that, sunod-sunod na 'yong pagdating ng iba pa naming customers.

Good thing, maaga pa kaya wala pa masyadong tao rito. That is why hindi rin kami napapaalis kahit ang tagal na naming nakatambay. Kaya ayon, we didn't bother to find another place.

Two hours ata kami rito; and during those two hours, Eli patiently waited from his seat.

There were times that some of our previous classmates were able to recognize him. They weren't too shy to ask the reason for his presence here. Kasing kapal ng mukha ni Sophia 'yong mga 'yon.

Eli will simply look at me asking for my help. Like now, as I come to the rescue, I will just joke around saying, "Nanghiram kami ng eroplano papunta rito."

Nagtawanan 'yong dalawang kaklase namin nina Sophia noon. Pareho na silang lecturer sa isang university ngayon if I am not mistaken.

"Elise won't be Elise without her jokes," Lucas said in between his laughs.

"And beauty and brains," nangingiti kong dagdag na nagpatawa ulit sa kanila.

"No one would dare to say no to that," Rex uttered with a small smile on his face.

Ilang sandali lang din naman, nagpaalam na sila. It was Lucas who bid goodbye, "We'll get going now."

"Ingat! PM lang kapag bibili ulit," nakangiting pagpapaalam ni Sophia sa kanila. May pagkaway-kaway pa siya.

"Orocan ka ba?" pabulong na tanong ko sa kaniya nang makalayo na 'yong dalawa.

Takang-taka siyang napalingon sa 'kin. Tanong niya pabalik, "Bakit?"

Nginisian ko siya saka sinabing, "Ang plastic mo kasi."

Napakunot siya ng noo dahil sa sinabi ko. Akmang hahampasin niya ko sa braso nang mapatigil siya dahil sa pagsingit ni Eli.

"Anyone who wants to eat in the Korean buffet near here?" tanong ni Eli.

Pareho kaming napalingon sa kaniya. He was moving both of his eyebrows up and down.

"Me. Me. Me!" nangingiting sagot ni Sophia. May pagtaas pa siya ng kanan niyang kamay.

Pareho kaming napatawa ni Eli dahil sa inaakto niya. Minsan talaga ang hirap arukin ng ugali at personality nito.

"Recitation lang, girl?" natatawa kong tanong. "May pambayad ka ba? Kung kakain tayo r'on, baka maubos lang 'yong—"

"It's my treat, Elise," singit ni Eli.

Gulat na gulat ko siyang nilingon. My mouth was left agape because of that.

"Yes!" Sophia growled as she punched in the air at dinagdagan niya pa ng mapang-asar na statement, "Hay, kawawang Aika. Gutom na siguro 'yon by this time."

Napairap na lang ako. Ang isang 'to talaga! Kahit kailan, walang pinipiling lugar.

Pinagbalingan ko na lang ng atensyon si Eli. I was worried when I reminded him, "Hindi mo naman 'to kailangang gawin."

Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yong masamang titig sa 'kin ni Sophia kahit hindi ko siya lingunin.

Eli wasn't shocked by what I said. Instead, he sweetly responded, "Ayaw kong magutom ka."

Those four words sent shivers to my veins and as if it was his expertise, he gave me joy that keeps on rambling inside me.

In the end, sina Eli at Sophia ang nanalo. I already gave up because Sophia was too excited about it. Good thing, Eli didn't ask for something in return. He assured us that we will only eat and there's nothing more to it.

Naisip ko rin na baka ito na 'yong right time for me to let him start earning my trust. Duh! Kailangan niyang i-prove 'yong sarili niya na he is worty of risk 'no. At hindi lang dapat ako 'yong magri-risk, dapat kaming dalawa!

Mahal ko naman siya but I need assurance and facts. Say no to misinformation, disinformation, and fake news! And say no to false actions and promises.

I want to be extra careful now. 2024 na, hindi na dapat puro kilig lang! I need and crave for a healthy and long-time relationship. 'Yong sa kasalan ang uwi at pagmamahalan hanggang mamatay ang want.

Throughout the time of eating together in the Korean buffet, we really had fun talking a little bit as we also check on the variety of food available inside. Tinutulungan pa nga ko ni Eli magsandok.

Huwag siyang gan'on! Baka sa sobrang kagustuhan kong masandukan niya, maparami 'yong kain ko.

Pero siyempre, I was just kidding. I carefully watch over on what I eat— masama sa health lahat ng sobra at saka may photoshoot pa ko bukas during dusk.

What I am most thankful for is that Eli was true to his words— hindi siya nangulit mag-explain at mas lalong hindi siya humingi ng kapalit. I felt relieved by that.

Nag-usap-usap lang kami about random things. Pero kahit gaano na kami katagal nagkakausap ni Eli, I still can't get used to it, especially that we weren't raising our voices on each other.

I must say that the new approach and treatment we have now are better than before when we yell and act mean to each other. Duh! I am not a fan of throwing painful words and house furniture on someone else.

'Di 'yon nakakatuwa at nakaka-proud. Ayaw ko ng sakitan!

When we were done eating, it was already noontime and Eli offered to bring us home. Hinayaan ko na lang siya dahil 'yon ang trip niya eh. Plus! I am a fool if I won't say that it was beneficial to us— walang hassle. At siyempre, I want to see him for a longer time.

The tingling sensation he causes me is too palpable but I like it. I love his effect on me and so having him around.

"Thanks for today," nahihiya kong pasasalamat kay Eli nang ihinto niya na 'yong kotse.

We are already in front of the townhouse.

He sweetly smiled at me as he replied, "At your service, Elise."

Parang sasabog 'yong puso ko dahil sa kilig. Hindi ko na nga nagawang pigilan 'yon. I carelessly laughed in front of him before I waved my hands as a goodbye.

Binuksan ko na 'yong pinto. Sophia was already outside waiting for me.

Pagkababa ko, nilingon ko muna si Eli. Paalala ko sa kaniya, "Mag-iingat ka."

I was about to close the door when he assured me, "I will. Papakasalan mo pa ko."

Ngiting-ngiti akong napailing bago isinara 'yong pinto.

He's too sure and confident for himself huh? Kung makabanat, akala mo nag-masteral siya r'on.

Nang makapasok kami ni Sophia sa loob ng bahay, pinatong niya agad 'yong hawak-hawak niyang mga eco-bag na nakatupi.

Paakyat na sana ko sa taas nang matigilan ako dahil sa sinabi niya. I took a glance at her from my shoulder.

"Ang patience ng papa mo kanina ah," she teasingly told me with the corner of her lips lifting up.

Napairap naman ako sa kaniya. "'Di ko 'yon tatay," pilosopo kong saad. "At saka, FYI, mas patient ako noon sa kaniya. Ilang taon kong pina-realize na ako ang 'the one' niya 'no!"

Naglakad papalapit sa 'kin si Sophia. Mapanuri 'yong mga mata niya nang itanong niyang, "Now that he's here, ano pang pinapatagal mo? Paghihintayin mo rin para quits na kayo?"

Napatawa ako pagkarinig n'on.

When I recovered from the laugh, I answered in a nasty manner, "That's too cliché!" Inirapan ko siya bago seryosong sinabi, "Kung naghabol ako noon, hindi ko gustong maghabol din siya ngayon. What I want now is sincerity, authenticity, clarity, truth, assurance, and respect."

Kinabukasan, maaga akong gumising to prepare and pack Eli's orders.

Hindi ko rin alam kung anong sumanib sa 'kin at wala pang six in the morning, gising na ko. Eh anong oras na nga kami nakatulog kagabi to finish baking all the cookies.

Pero hindi naman kasi ako masyadong napagod since Aika helped Sophia and me. Oo, may energy pa rin siya pagkauwi niya kahapon! Siyempre, Aika was too excited and happy as she finally landed a job in a known network as a photojournalist.

Seeing her achieving the dreams she worked hard for is really something— it makes me happy and proud of her. At kahit si Sophia, I also look forward to the time she will officially report on air. Kahit na palagi kaming nagtatalo, I want to see her bloom, of course!

Nang makapaglinis na ko ng sarili, I excitedly went downstairs. Pagkapasok ko sa kusina, binuksan ko muna 'yong lights before I washed my hands again.

Hindi 'to special treatment kay Eli ah! Ganito talaga ko kalinis kapag gumagawa at nagpe-prepare ng orders.

Siyempre, ang products namin, hindi lang basta-basta masarap kundi malinis din.

When I was done washing my hands, kinuha ko na sa storage 'yong cookies. Pagkalapag ko ng lalagyan nito sa kitchen counter, I have also taken with me the packaging materials from the kitchen counter cabinet. The last thing I did is grabbing the gloves for me to wear.

When all is prepared, sinimulan ko ng ilagay sa cookie packaging 'yong mga pagkain.

I don't know why but I was smiling while doing it. By simply thinking of Eli eating these all already makes me delighted.

"Akala ko darating pa ko sa point na gagamitan ko ng love potion si Eli para mahalin ako pabalik eh," pabiro kong pagkausap sa sarili habang patuloy sa ginagawa.

That's just a joke!

Nang matapos na ko rito, kumuha naman ako ng paper bag sa ilalim ng counter para ilagay lahat ng packed orders ni Eli r'on.

"Tapos mo na?" gulat na tanong ni Sophia na sinundan niya pa ng, "Hindi ka naman excited ah? Parang normally lang, ang tagal-tagal mo gumawa." She then curiously asked, "Baguhin na ba natin 'yong baking days natin?"

Inangat ko 'yong tingin ko sa kaniya. She was standing still in the doorway while looking in my direction. Her eyes were filled with shock and amazement.

Pero may napansin ako. "Tara, hilamos at toothbrush tayo," pabirong pag-aaya ko sa kaniya na ikinairap niya.

"Dami mong napapansin," she hissed at me that made me laugh.

Nilagay ko na sa gilid 'yong dalawang paper bags nang matapos na ko. Pag-angat ko ng tingin kay Sophia, she's already walking towards me.

Napahakbang tuloy ako patalikod bago natatawang napasabi, "Inaaya ka lang eh, sungit mo naman."

Tinakpan ko rin 'yong ilong ko nang makalapit at magsalita na siya. "Hindi ba bumabaho 'yong hininga mo, 'te?" Sarcasm and annoyance are overpowering her voice.

Marahas akong napailing habang natatawa.

Nakatakip pa rin 'yong ilong ko, excluding my mouth, when I answered, "Sorry, hindi. Sapat na 'yong toothbrush at proper hygiene sa 'kin eh."

She rolled her eyes at me that made me laugh even more.

Before she left the kitchen, she muttered, "Eh 'di ikaw na ang mabango ang hininga. Nahiya naman 'yong toothpaste sa 'yo." She walked towards the doorway and complained, "Ikaw na lang kaya maging toothpaste?"

Tawang-tawa ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Who wouldn't? That rings a bell!

While waiting for Eli, I spent my time in the living room watching a replay of a crucial basketball game during the Governor's Cup last year.

It actually became my hobby that started years ago for me to study the jargon, sequence, and question types in a local basketball game. Although I've been practicing a lot since my college days and have been exposed to this field, learning is still my cup of tea.

Natigil lang ako nang marinig kong may bumusina sa labas. It was an unfamiliar horn, so I was curious to know who it is.

I turned off the TV and got up from my seat.

When I opened the door, my heart instantly jumped off as I saw Eli. He's walking towards me with a sweet smile on his face while he was holding something from both of his arms. Hindi ko napigilang mapangiti dahil sa kilig at presensya niya.

He's wearing his usual outfit. White long sleeves that hugs his big muscles and a pair of black slacks that compliments his bulked-up thighs. As per his hair, it is in slicked-back that gives him clean and attractive looks.

At his back is a car he hasn't used before— a black Lexus RC F.

Pagbalik ng tingin ko sa kaniya, I was able to confirm that he's holding two bouquets. On cue, the smile I had suddenly vanished.

As much as I want to know why he came with those two things, memories come rushing back to my mind. Bouquet 'yong nakita ko one year ago bago ang sakuna.

Mapait akong napangiti nang maalala 'yon. Ang sakit naman. Morning warm-up lang, gan'on?

When he gets near me, kusang nawala 'yong pain na 'yon dahil may napansin ako. I carefully examined the bouquets. Gulat na gulat ako when I confirmed what were those.

Mabilis kong inangat 'yong tingin ko sa kaniya.

He was hesitantly smiling when he said, "I don't know your preference yet, so I had these prepared."

Marahan akong napatawa dahil sa sinabi niya. "Really?" I doubtfully asked with a growing smile on my face.

I stepped forward almost closing our distance with the bouquets between us. Hinawakan ko 'yong gladiolus bouquet bago nilingon 'yong isa pa.

Nanlaki 'yong mga mata ko nang mapansing hindi lang basta pera 'yong nasa isang bouquet! It. Has. One. Thousand. Bills!

"Magkano 'to, Eli?" gulat na gulat kong tanong sa kaniya nang iangat ko 'yong tingin ko.

He was proudly smiling when he answered, "Around 30?"

Nangingiting napairap ako. "Ang yabang! Makasabi ng 30, akala mo naman barya lang 'yon."

His face turned serious as he told me, "I can give you more than that in terms of money and anything, Elise."

Napasinghap ako. "We're talking about thousands here, Eli!" I frustratedly shouted at him pero hindi naman ako galit. Nagsasabi lang. "Mas malaki pa 'yan sa isang buwan naming kita sa SAE," mas mahina kong saad.

His eyes were filled with worry when he asked, "Ayaw mo ba?"

Nabigla ako sa tinanong niya. Napababa 'yong tingin ko sa bouquet tapos tinignan ko ulit siya. Naiilang akong napatawa nang tanungin ko siya pabalik, "Sinong nagsabi?"

I raised my right eyebrow at him as I grabbed the bouquet of money. I was bold to sniff the paper bills in front of him. When I raised my gaze back to him, I saw him smiling in relief.

"Amoy bangko," natatawa kong saad na ikinatawa niya rin. My cheeks burned when I thanked him, "Salamat. Para sa 'kin talaga 'to? Sure na sure?"

He carefully nodded at me.

"Tara na sa loob," nakangiti kong pag-aaya. "Baka mahablot pa 'to eh," pagbibiro ko na ikinatawa niya ulit.