Chained to the Past

Chapter 11

#ChainedtothePastWP

Chapter 11
Sensitive

The climate had really gone mad and more abnormal. September's about to end, but the scorching weather―that should only last up until Summer―was still present. I was already under the shade of the waiting shed while waiting, but the heat still seeped through my skin.

I fanned myself even though I knew it wouldn't do anything. After a minute more, I decided to buy a bottle of cold water when I couldn't take the heat anymore. Sa maliit na grocery na ako bumili ng tubig kahit na 'yon lang ang bibilhin ko para lamang makadama ng lamig. Hindi rin ako agad lumabas pagkatapos para tingnan ang aking cellphone.

It had been thirty minutes and Alastair was still not here. Binasa ko ang dalawang mensaheng ipinadala ko sa kanya. Ang isa'y kagabi ko tinext at ang pangalawa naman ay kaninang pagkadating ko sa plaza. Wala man lang akong natanggap na reply galing sa kanya.

To: Alastair
Hello, Alas! Si Lia 'to. Sa may waiting shed tayo sa plaza magkita bukas ng 11AM. See you! Good night.

--

To: Alastair
Good morning! Nandito na ako sa may waiting shed. Gising ka na ba?

I wanted so bad to text him again, but I didn't want to appear so annoying. Kaso ay kailangan talaga naming magkausap ngayon dahil ipapasa na sa Monday ang napili naming topic at for approval pa 'yon.

Napanguso ako at naalalang hindi naman nalalayo ang apartment ni Alastair dito, pero nakakahiya kung pupuntahan ko siya sa kanila nang walang pasabi. At saka bahay iyon ng lalaki. Hindi magandang tingnan kung bibisita ako. But I guess it wouldn't hurt if I'd just be waiting outside his place, right?

Though I was still hesitant and somehow undecided, my feet brought right in front of the apartment's gate. If I remembered correctly, the house's lot number is six here in Barjas street.

Tiningala ko ang medyo may kalakihang pinapaupahang bahay. 'Di hamak na mas malaki ito sa inupahan namin dati. Para sa isang taong naninirahan, masyadong malaki ang ganitong bahay. Pero siguro ay wala lang mapaglagyan ang pera ng pamilya niya.

Lumapit ako sa doorbell at inangat ang aking nanginginig na kamay. I was about to press it when I backed down because of nervousness. Paano kaya kung tawagan ko na lang siya? Nakakahiya kung magdo-doorbell ako agad.

Tama... Tatawagan ko na lang muna siya.

Bago pa magbago ang isipan ko ay dinial ko na ang kanyang numero sa aking cellphone. I placed it on my right ear and heard it ringing. Ang kaba ko ay walang mapaglagyan habang nadidinig kong nagriring ito dahil sa pagtawag ko sa kanya.

Just then, after a few rings, the call was finally answered. It was very quiet and I could only here the rustling of sheets.

"Hello..." Alastair's voice sounded sleepy and husky that my heart almost leaped out of my chest.

Sa gulat ay wala sa sarili kong napatay ang tawag. Nanlaki ang aking mga mata. Huli na nang maisip ko ang pagkakamali ko. Mabilis ko ulit siyang tinawagan.

Ano ba 'yan, Lia?! Umayos ka nga!

This time, the phone only rang twice and he already answered it right away. However, he didn't say anything and I could only hear his heavy breathing.

Bahagya akong napalunok at pumikit bago nagsalita. "Uh... Hello, Alastair?" nag-aalangan kong sabi. "Si Lia 'to..."

"Lia?" He sounded so unsure but then, he suddenly cursed softly. "Damn... Sorry. Did I make you wait?"