Chapter 32: At ease

Napatingin din ako sa harap namin at nanlalaki 'yong mga mata ko nang makita ko kung sino 'yon.

A man in his black tuxedo and pants.

"Daddy!" tuwang-tuwa kong saad at saka kumalas sa pagkakahawak kay Eli.

Dali-dali kong sinara 'yong pagitan namin ni daddy. I look like a kid running towards her parent who came to pick her up from the playground.

Daddy instantly smiled at me as he opened his arms for me. When we're already facing each other, I immediately encircled my arms around his neck. It was almost as if I threw myself at him due to my excitement.

I heard him laugh a little when he enveloped his arms around my waist.

Totoo nga ang sabi nila. Na kahit gaano pa karami 'yong problema natin at kahit gaano na ka-messed up ang lahat, one hug from a parent is more than enough to kill all those worries. Nakakawala ng pagod.

At 'yong bigat ng buhay at hirap na maigapang ang bawat araw? Having a parent around us makes things easier than those are. It feels like I have an ally with me.

Unti-unti ng lumalabo 'yong mga mata ko. I also started to feel something warm in my eyes.

"I missed you, daddy," emotional kong sambit. Halos garalgal na 'yong boses ko at feel ko, any minute, iiyak na ko.

Nagkita lang kami last month pero 'yong pagka-miss ko sa kaniya, it was overflowing.

I lifted my head a little to stop those tears from falling.

Come on, Elise. Baka magmukha kang cry baby niyan. Baby okay pa... baby ni Eli.

That's a half-meant joke!

Mas gumaan 'yong pakiramdam ko nang maramdaman ko 'yon paghagod ni daddy sa likod ko. He even shushed me as if hinehele niya ko.

Bahagya akong humiwalay sa kaniya para tignan siya. Kunwareng sumimangot ako bago pabirong sinabi, "Wala man lang po bang 'I missed you too, anak'?"

Marahan na naman siyang napatawa dahil sa sinabi ko. He looked at me directly in the eyes when he mumbled, "I always do, Elise."

My heart fluttered upon hearing that. Wala sa sarili akong napangiti nang sobrang lapad.

Ang sarap-sarap marinig n'on. At sa sobrang sarap, parang gusto kong i-record 'yon tapos papakinggan ko kapag may problema ako.

Humiwalay na ko sa yakapan namin at saka tinignan si Eli from my back. I motioned him to come with us at ginawa niya rin naman agad 'yon.

For a CEO who is successful, billionaire, and popular, I can't understand why he looks tensed. Nagra-radiate 'yong kaba niya sa 'kin.

When he stood still in front of us, tinasaan ko siya ng kanang kilay to ask him why he acts like that. Pero hindi niya ata napansin 'yon. Diretso kasi ang tingin niya kay daddy.

He tried to smile at daddy pero kitang-kita ko 'yong pag-aalinlangan sa mukha niya.

"It has been a while, Eleazar," daddy greeted him in a deep and serious tone.

Mas lalo tuloy akong nagtaka dahil sa tono niya. Kunot-noo akong napatingin sa kaniya.

"Ang intense naman po ng titigan niyo! Anong mayr'on?" curious kong tanong sa bahagyang malakas na boses. Bigla kasing may nag-play na kanta. It was an instrumental song of Beautiful by Crush.

https://youtu.be/_5q6kGmKJJ0

Nilingon ako ni daddy. His face was confused when he asked, "Come again, Elise?"

Napa-pout ako. Hindi niya pala narinig.

Uulitin ko na sana 'yong sinabi ko nang may patiling tumawag kay daddy, "Sevan!"

In fairness, ang sakit sa tenga.

I shifted my gaze to where the voice came from and I saw a very familiar face. It was mommy's cousin.

Sinasabi ko na nga ba! Birthday party talaga 'to ni mommy. For sure, mas marami pa siyang kakilala rito kaysa kay Laurice!

The woman walked towards us para makipag-beso-beso kay daddy. She then took a glance at me with her smiling face.

Pero alam ko namang fake smile niya lang 'yon. Pinaglihi kaya sa orocan ang relatives ni mommy!

Still, I tried my best to smile back at her.

"Ito na ba si Elise? 'Yong anak mong model?" nakangiti niyang tanong pero damang-dama ko 'yong panlalait sa huli.

Anong problema niya? Wala naman akong ginagawa sa kaniya ah.

"My daughter is updated with your contents online," nakangiti niyang sambit habang nakatitig sa 'kin. Yet, superiority is visible on that smile. "I told her that she should take you as an example. Huwag siyang mag-model."

She even gave me a mocking laugh that made my blood boil out of a sudden.

How dare she!

"Excuse me—"

"Kawawa naman po 'yong anak niyo," I uttered showing true concern trying to remain calm; pinutol 'yong kung anong dapat sasabihin ni Eli. "Ako na nga lang po 'yong nakikita niyang maayos na role model, ipagkakait niyo pa po sa kaniya."

Instead of doing the same mocking laugh she gave me, I simply gave her an unbothered smile.

I saw how she flinched with how I acted.

Go! Mainis pa siya. Pero hindi ako bababa sa level niya. Ayaw ko lang talagang nilalait-lait ako sa harap ni daddy. Ginawa niya 'yong best niya para palakihin ako nang mabuti eh. Tapos aapakan lang ng iba 'yong pagkatao ko?

"It's good that your daughter spends her time checking on Elise," daddy calmly told her but his eyes were raging. He is usually intimidating but today was more intense. He was too proud when he continued, "My daughter is a stunning model, summa cum laude, and an entrepreneur."

The woman in front seemed to not expect those words coming from daddy. She looked shocked as much as she looked agitated.

Hindi ko napigilan 'yong pag-ngiti ko nang hawakan ako ni daddy sa kamay. He muttered under his breath, "Excuse us."

We were holding each other's hands while we're walking out of the scene.

I couldn't help but giggle beside him picturing out my aunt's reaction.

Hindi naman sa gusto kong nakikipag-away si daddy, ang sarap lang kasi sa pakiramdam na ipagtanggol. At nakakatawa lang din kasi mainis 'yong tita ko!

Pero agad ding nawala 'yong ngiti sa mga labi ko nang huminto kami sa tapat ng isang mesa. It was located at the foremost front, only a few steps away from the platform.

The two women weren't looking at me pero sobrang nanlamig 'yong mga kamay ko sa simpleng presensya lang nila. Damang-dama ko rin 'yong kaba sa loob ko. Hindi na rin ako makapag-isip nang maayos at parang umurong bigla ang dila ko.

Wala akong ibang nagawa kundi tumitig lang sa dalawang babae na magkatabing nakaupo sa harap namin.

"Buti nakapunta ka, Eli," nakangiting sambit ni mommy habang nakatingin sa lalaking nasa likod ko. Ate Felize was also staring at him, smiling from ears to ears.

Mommy was in her light blue-green long dress while Ate Felize was wearing a dark blue-green long-sleeved casual buttons.

I pressed my trembling lips together. Hindi ko alam kung paano pakakalmahin 'yong sarili ko.

Nagitla lang ako nang maramdaman 'yong pagdiin ng hawak ni daddy sa kamay ko. I shifted my gaze at him only to see an affiliative smile on his lips.

Nabawasan man 'yong kaba ko kahit pap'ano dahil d'on but I can't deny na nag-uumapaw pa rin 'yong takot ko. Ang bilis pa rin ng kabog ng puso ko, to be honest.

"I came with Elise, tita," magalang na saad ni Eli bago siya tumabi sa kabilang gilid ko.

He pulled out a chair kaya napunta r'on 'yong atensyon ko.

"Take a seat," he softly told me which made me raise my eyes at him. He was sweetly smiling at me as if he's assuring me that all is well.

Nag-aalangan akong napangiti pabalik at saka umupo. Kumalas na rin ako ng pagkakahawak kay daddy.

Umupo sa kaliwa ko si Eli tapos si daddy naman, may kinausap lang sa kabilang table.

Natatakot akong ewan habang nakatitig kay daddy sa malayo.

Parang gusto ko siyang habulin at hatakin pabalik dito. Tapos magmamakaawa akong huwag niya kaming iwan ni Eli rito kasama sina mommy at Ate Felize. Kaso, wala na...

Binalingan ko ng tingin si mommy bago si Ate Felize. Both of them are still not looking at me.

Pinikit ko muna 'yong mga mata ko.

Kailangan mong kumalma, Elise. Kung 'di ka magpapakumbaba, mapapanisan ka ng laway. They're still your family. Kung ayaw nila sa 'yo, 'di 'wag! Ikaw ang kawalan.

For now... just try. Maybe. Maybe...

I opened my eyes to see both of them talking to each other. 'Di ko marinig 'yong pinag-uusapan nila. Parang biglang tumahimik ang maingay na paligid and I can only hear my loud heartbeats.

My lips were still trembling when I greeted them, "Kumusta po kayo?"

Ate Felize turned her glances at me while mommy didn't bother to do so. The latter chose to look at Eli who's beside me.

"Good?" patanong na sagot ni Ate Felize sa 'kin. She also smiled a little that made me freeze on my seat. Isang ngiting walang halong pretention!

Hindi ko ine-expect na kakausapin niya ko at ngingitian pa. I was actually ready to receive silence from the two of them!

As seconds passed by, nababawasan na 'yong panlalamig ng mga kamay ko.

That's only a one-word answer but it appeared more than enough to make me happy... somehow. Kinakabahan pa rin ako pero nabawasan na.

"But it appeared to be otherwise," seryoso ngunit nag-aalalang tanong ni Eli kay Ate Felize.

Mas mariin tuloy akong napatitig kay ate para suriin siya.

At mukhang tama nga si Eli, she looks a little stressed although she was smiling.

Bigla tuloy akong nakaramdam ng pag-aalala para sa kaniya.

Suddenly, it felt normal to become concerned about her.

Kahit pa ang daming takot at katanungan sa puso't isipan ko, I couldn't help myself but get worried about her state.

Siblings instinct? Family love? Care? I don't exactly know what it is.

"I'm good, okay?" she reassured Eli before she gets back her attention to me. "How's life, Elise?" she calmly asked me with a smile on her face.

I thought, kalmado na ko kanina pero bigla na naman akong kinabahan. Pero 'yong kabang pinaghalong sobrang saya at excitement.

Yes, I know, it was a simple question that can be answered by one sentence but I was lost for words.

Para akong nasa game show at worth one million na ang tanong. Gan'ong nakaka-tense 'yong tanungan niya!

Mas lalo akong kinabahan nang itaas niya 'yong pareho niyang kilay. As if she's following up on an email she sent to her employee.

Natataranta kong sagot, "Okay lang." I even smiled at her but I am not sure if it looked nice. I'm afraid I looked dumb in front of them.

Ano ba kasing klaseng sagot 'yon? Na-adapt ko ata 'to sa mga movie— 'yong kapag nasasaktan 'yong bida tapos tinanong siya kung kumusta siya, ang isasagot, 'okay lang'.

Tinaas ni Ate Felize 'yong mga kamay niya bago ipinagsalikop at ipinatong sa mesa.

Para akong nasa harap ng panel at gigisahin na nila 'yong thesis ko... or it's more frightening? I don't know anymore.

She unexpectedly beamed at me that she followed with, "Congratulations on your achievements," which made my heart jump out of my chest. On cue, my lips formed a smile.

Para akong nanalo sa lotto sa sobrang saya! Parang biglang hindi ko na pasan-pasan ang mundo sa simpleng statement na 'yon.

Wow, Elise! Ang lalim ng pasan-pasan ah?

That's déjà vu!

Pero walang halong biro, I suddenly felt at ease. It appeared as if someone who's so important in my viewpoint was able to see me and acknowledge my hard work.

Parang bigla akong ginanahan magsalita nang magsalita. It feels like things are going my way at pumapabor ang mundo sa 'kin.

"Thank you, Ate Felize," nangingiti kong sambit. I can see from my peripheral vision that Eli is smiling at me. "Alam mo ba, ang hirap pala mag-business. N'ong nakikita kasi kita noon, para ka lang nagpe-play."

She laughed so carefree in front of me that made my eyes grow their size from the normal ones.

Feeling ko, mali 'yong huli kong nasabi.

Ano ba 'yan, Elise! Don't ruin the moment.

Kinakabahan kong winagayway 'yong mga kamay ko. "Sorry, sorry, sorry," halos mautal-utal kong sambit.

"By Super Junior?" tila nanghuhula na saad ni Ate Felize kaya napahagalpak ako bigla sa kakatawa.

Napahawak pa ko sa braso ni Eli to get a support dahil para na kong maglulupasay sa kakatawa.

In fairness, ang sarap talagang hawakan ng braso niya.

When I recovered from that heartening laugh, pinaypayan ko 'yong sarili gamit 'yong pareho kong kamay.

I was smiling when I said, "I meant, I'm sorry if my words were offensive."

Ate Felize's confused face faded away. It was replaced by an at ease facial expression. She rested her back and put away her hands from the table.

"It wasn't, don't worry," she mumbled which made me smile. "How's business?" pagku-kumusta niya pa.

It was so heart fluttering to hear a big sister asking how I'm doing. May pakialam siya. Ganito pala 'yong pakiramdam.

Nagkibit-balikat ako with my lips turning up, "Okay na okay naman." I cheerfully added, "Teaming up with Sophia and Aika was a good choice. Marami na kaming customers." I was so proud when I mentioned the last thing.

Her eyes glittered upon hearing that.

Unti-unti ng nawawala 'yong kabang nararamdaman ko. Mas nangingibabaw na 'yong genuine happiness.

I didn't expect that we can get along after everything that has happened. To be honest? Mas okay nga 'yong treatment at relationship namin ngayon kaysa noon... bago ang sakuna.

Still, of course, I'm a little afraid that it's just for show.

No proper communication, no apologies, and no forgiveness from both sides have happened. Biglang okay na lang ang lahat.

I want assurance.

Pero, duh! Ate Felize isn't a fan of fake things. Kaya maniniwala akong she's being genuine and real right now.

"Anything you're busy with?" curious niyang tanong pero bakas 'yong interest sa boses niya.

I crossed my legs as I held my right knee behind my dress using both of my hands.

"The usual," kampante kong sambit. Daddy took a seat from my right. I took a quick glance at him before staring back at my sister. "Modeling, working as an ambassadress, SAE, and currently under training in PBA."

She nodded with a smile, grasping everything I mentioned.

"Ay!" singit ko nang makitang magsasalita na sana siya. May naalala kasi ako bigla. "Sometimes, I also do volunteer works with Steven."

She was a little shocked by what I revealed. May sasabihin sana siya ulit nang si mommy naman ang sumingit. "Totoo?" Amazement was visible from her tone.

Bigla akong natakot na hindi ko malaman. Parang dumagundong 'yong dibdib ko.

Hindi makapaniwala niya pang tanong, "Nagsasama kayo sa projects?"

Hindi pa ko nakakasagot, sumingit na agad si daddy, "That's great to hear." He was pleased when he said that.

He turned his head to me as if he's waiting for more bedtime stories.

I was a little shy when I whispered, "May dala nga po pala akong products namin, baka gusto niyo."

I intently looked at daddy beside me.

"For real?" nanlalaki ang mga matang tanong ni ate. She was too excited nang ayain niya kami, "Tara! Tikman natin."

Binalik ko 'yong tingin ko sa kaniya as I shyly mumbled, "May bayad nga lang." At saka ako ngumiti, "Business lang, walang personalan!"

They all laughed after hearing what I said, excluding mommy na mukhang pinipigilan ang pag-ngiti.

I got her there!

My heart instantly felt so happy. Extra happy, to be exact. It was a good progress and an achievement to witness mommy talking to me and to see that smile she's controlling.

The sea has calmed. The waves aren't hurting me.

I suddenly saw hope for our family. I saw a chance that maybe... we can fix things and choose to be the best version of ourselves. Hindi lang para sa sarili but also to not cause further pain to one another.

After all, we are family. We are supposed to be each other's shield and protector. We aren't supposed to cause pain and give traumatic experiences to each other.

Napangiti na lang ako nang kunin na ni Ate Felize 'yong eco-bag kay Eli. "Dahan-dahan po, nandiyan din 'yong regalo namin para kay Laurice," worried kong paalala nang iabot 'yon ni Eli kay ate.

Siyempre! Mumurahin lang 'yon, baka masira pa.

I couldn't help my eyes but glitter seeing them having a taste of the cookies. Ate Felize was satisfied when she smilingly praised it, "Sobrang sarap! The best cookie I've ever eaten."

I jokingly rolled my eyes at her, "Bolera!"

"But it was true," nakangiting sambit ni daddy habang hawak ang bagong kuhang cookie. "It's the best."

I couldn't help but smile from ears to ears. Not just because of their kind words but also because of the fact that our family's relationship is getting better.

"Ako na ang magbabayad," Ate Felize volunteered.

She also asked for my e-wallet details and requested daddy to put the remaining food inside the ref. She asked for a favor na ilagay na rin 'yong gifts namin ni Eli sa loob.

Pumayag naman si daddy.

Umalis din sila agad ni mommy and when they came back, they roamed around to greet the guests.

After few more minutes, the program started with Laurice's entrance; there's an unfamiliar moreno man escorting her. While they're walking down the red carpet, an instrumental version of Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift was playing.

https://youtu.be/gn7HgzOEdHU

Although I wanted to ask Ate Felize and Eli about that man, I was so enticed by and focused on Laurice. I got bewildered with how she looks tonight; it was as if a very different woman was introduced to us.

At alam na alam ko na hindi lang ako 'yong gulat at namamangha; I can hear many people whispering to each other and saying their praises while their eyes were on Laurice.

Who wouldn't get amazed and attracted to her?

She was wearing a blue-green fitted sheath slip dress. It has a thigh-high slit and lace-up back. She paired it up with a gold stiletto.

I was so impressed with the confidence she possesses tonight— that in every step she takes, she makes noise of wealth and elegance. She also standout the most because of this kind of aura that intelligent people hold onto.

I couldn't help but to proudly yet slowly mumble, "That's my girl."

Parang gustong-gusto ko tuloy tumakbo papunta sa kaniya ngayon. Gustong-gusto ko siyang yakapin and show her how proud 'ate' I am.

Pero huwag na, baka makita pa ng mga bisita kung p'ano mag-change mood 'tong kapatid ko! Samahan pa ng mga mata niyang sobrang galing manlisik.

Napangisi na lang ako sa sariling naisip.

When she took her seat on the throne, the moreno man made his exit and the host came in. She had a short introductory message before calling in our parents to deliver their messages for Laurice.

As usual, both of them didn't take long to greet her and utter their speeches. Napangiti na lang tuloy ako nang may maalala. They were also like that during Ate Felize and my debut years ago.

It feels nostalgic.

When they were done with their messages, it was followed by a surprise game. The host called it a 'Scavenger Hunt'.

Narinig ko pa lang na may prizes, my ears instantly became big and my eyes were sparkling.

"There are minor and major prizes but both are limited. One minute will be set for all of you to find those pieces of paper and... the time starts now!" alive na alive na sambit ng host.

Habang ako, kabadong-kabado at nanlalamig pa ang mga kamay.

Nanlalaki 'yong mga mata ko nang tumingin ako kay Eli. Para akong grade school na nasa Christmas party.

Madaling-madali kong sambit, "Kapag may nakita ka, akin na lang ah! 'Di ka naman mukhang nangangailangan."

He nodded at me with an amused expression, almost laughing.

Hindi ko na siya pinansin. Lumuhod na ko at nagsimulang gumapang-gapang.

It was to my advantage that I was wearing a maxi dress. Buti na lang at may color theme pala, nakapagpalit pa ko ng damit!

Siyempre, kung 'yong bodycon dress ang suot ko ngayon... maghahanap pa rin ako. Duh! Elise doesn't waste any opportunity. Lalo na kung magiging tiba-tiba ako!

I saw a piece of paper below our table. I immediately grabbed that. Oo, takot na takot lang maagawan!

When I shifted my gaze to the table near us, my eyes immediately glittered out of joy. I spotted a piece of paper there, so I quickly crawled over.

Hindi ko alam kung sino 'yong nag-o-occupy n'on, I don't care. It's a game, bawal silang maging KJ at judgmental! At isa pa, hindi ko na problema kung hindi sila competitive.

I got to my feet and tried roaming around the place. Para akong naghahanap ng pamangkin sa mall na nawala sa sobrang kalikutan.

Pamangkin lang kasi wala pa naman akong balak mag-anak. Hindi pa nga kami ni Eli eh!

Para akong sirang napangiti na lang dahil sa sariling naisip.

I looked behind the Katomi projectors and I found one on its stand.

"Time's over!" the host announced. "You can approach the organizers after the event to claim your prizes. In the meantime, let us help you enjoy a song."

I was smiling from ears to ears when I walked back to our table. Shock na shock lang ako nang mapansing ang layo pala ng narating ko within a minute.

I waved my hands, which hold three pieces of paper, in front of Ate Felize and Eli. They were also smiling at me when they placed one piece of paper each on the table.

Napapalakpak ako sa sobrang saya. "Wow!" I said out of amazement while staring at the papers.

Nagmamadali akong umupo sa tabi ni Eli at saka kinolekta 'yon.

"You dropped your bag a while ago," Eli told me in between his small laughs.

Napatawa na lang din ako dahil d'on. Kinuha ko na rin agad 'yong clutch bag ko mula sa kaniya.

I only got distracted when I heard Ate Felize chuckling as well. Hindi ko napigilan 'yong sarili kong mapalingon sa kaniya sa tapat ko.

It seemed like it wasn't only me who had turns and adjustments over the year. Many of us really had a major change whether in personality, attitude, or behavior.

Laurice speaking in Filipino, Eli being sweet and true to his words, and here... Ate Felize laughing and talking to me.

They say that time changes people. Yet, I dare to disagree. It was the person's choice to change whether due to experiences or for a certain goal.

Napangiti na lang ako bago ituon 'yong pansin ko sa mga papel.

The moment I opened all the papers after placing them on the table, gulat na gulat ako sa nakita. I was surprised and overjoyed seeing what's written on them.

Parang nahigit 'yong hininga ko dahil dito.

"What did you get?" Eli curiously asked me while peeking on the paper.

I composed myself as I lifted the corner of my lips and raised my right eyebrow. I proudly presented them the papers and said, "Two groceries, one spa treatment, 100 worth of load, and 500 worth of premium voucher!"

Ate Felize was about to say something but ended up closing her lips. Nawala tuloy 'yong ngiti ko sa mga labi dahil sa pag-aalala. She only gave me a sincere smile before she excused herself, "Need to do something. Excuse me."

I saw how she tightened her lips as her fists clenched. She looked tensed and uneasy. Nag-aalala ko siyang sinundan ng tingin habang papunta siya sa direksyon ng bahay.

I was contemplating whether to follow her or not to give her privacy when Eli suddenly snatched my attention.

"Should I accompany you when you visit the spa lounge?" he asked in a seductive tone.

Pagkalingon ko sa kaniya, halos makalimutan ko kung p'ano huminga. Who wouldn't? We were only a few inches away and his eyes were on me.

Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yong bilis ng tibok ng puso ko at 'yong kilig sa buong katawan ko.

His left elbow was on top of the table while the side of his head is resting on his palm. He looks like a model posing for a photo shoot.

This man and his drop-dead handsomeness. Kung kasalanan ang pagiging gwapo? Siya na si Satanas.

I was busy observing his facial features when my glances lowered to his lips. Wala sa sarili tuloy akong napalunok ng laway ko.

Kitang-kita ko kung p'ano umarko 'yong gilid ng mga labi niya. Bigla akong kinabahan kaya dali-dali akong napatitig sa mga mata niyang punong-puno ng emosyon.

Napansin niya ba 'yong reaksyon ko kanina? Nakakahiya! Knowing Eli, hindi naman siguro niya sasabihing ang pabebe ko tapos mukha naman akong manununggab ng mga labi?

No... no!

I answered in a low tone of voice, almost stuttering, "Ikaw. Bahala ka." I immediately looked away because I can't take the intensity of his glances anymore. "Basta hindi kita ililibre ah," paninigurado ko.

I heard him cracked a little chuckle. Parang music sa mga tenga ko 'yon. Ang sarap pakinggan.

Through my peripheral vision, I saw how he moved closer to me that sends shivers down to my spine. Lalo tuloy naging pigil 'yong hininga ko.

This man and his effect on me! Kapag ako talaga, namatay? Bahala siya, wala siyang mapapakasalan. Tatanda siyang binata!

I bit my lower lip as I glanced down at the table. My hands were a little trembling when I was collecting the papers. Yet, only to found them crumpled between my tightly curled fingers.

Umayos ka, Elise! Umayos ka. Nasasanay ka na kanina, 'di ba? What's up with you now?

I took a deep breath to gather all the courage I can have. Then, I placed the papers inside my clutch bag as if I wasn't nervous.

With still enough distance between us, he seductively whispered, "All right. I'll anticipate that then."

Para akong nakiliti sa gilid ng leeg ko kahit hindi naman dumapo 'yong hininga niya r'on. I was just thankful to the host when she finally stepped on the platform again. The music's volume subdued as she announced that an AVP will be played.

Nakahinga na ko nang maluwag n'on dahil dumistansya na rin palayo si Eli— pabalik sa tamang pwesto niya.