Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

“ D ’you mind if I put some music on?”

“Not at all,” I said as I diced some potatoes.

Cholo was making corned beef and eggs for us for dinner. The speakers then started playing a lesser-known song from Era of Maidens’ last mini-album as nine members. “Huh. Interesting choice.”

“Do you want me to change it?”

“No! It’s your house, ano ka ba. I just haven’t listened to this song for a while, is all.”

“Okay. I guess you’re one of those who don’t like this album as much? It’s not very popular.”

“Yeah, you caught me,” I said with a small, mirthless laugh. “I don’t listen to it as much as I associate it with the dark days.”

“Hold on, I haven’t asked you about that!” he said, immediately understanding what I meant. In our fandom, there was a year that everyone hated because that was when one of the members left. “You were a fan already when Jennifer left the group, right? How did you take it when she left?”

“Gagi, umabsent ako,” I said, this time laughing for real. “I woke up to the news. I cried so much.”

Cholo sympathized and we had a good laugh about that and then we continued talking about music, acads, and everything else under the sun. When we finished cooking, the speakers started playing a Christmas ad.

“Sorry, I’m too kuripot for premium,” he said, taking plates out of the cabinet. I thought for a moment as he hummed the lyrics as the song was too catchy.

“Any plans this Christmas?” I asked.

“Nothing much. Kuya Chan’s in New Jersey with our parents and he’s going to be there until after Christmas. Kuya Chip is flying to Singapore as we speak with Ate Ania’s family. They’ll be back in time for New Year’s Eve, though.”

“What? Why aren’t they bringing you with them?”

“The parents wanted me to go with them but I said no. I’m not too keen on the cold, see. And I don’t want to tag along on a family trip with Kuya Chip and Ate Ania since her family paid for it.”

“So you’re alone for Noche Buena?”

“Not alone. I have ham, queso de bola, and all the presents that are mostly canned cakes and cookies. And I have Potato at home.”

“How does Potato live without you on weekdays?”

“Automatic pet feeder installed in three points of the ground floor, and we have Lola Baby next door. She’s awesome, though mostly alone because all her kids went abroad and her husband passed away long ago. She’s bored most of the time so she volunteered to look after Potato when no one’s home.”

“Ah. Makes sense. If that’s the case, maybe you should spend Christmas with us instead? Cris makes awesome pasta and Liana’s sans rival is ridiculously delicious. You’ll love it.”

“Seriously?” he asked, looking excited.

“Seriously! I mean, my dad has these weird jokes but the food makes up for it. He also makes amazing sisig. It might be a bit awkward with the Liana thing, but it’s also my house so whatever. Game na.”

“You have no idea how happy that makes me,” he said.

“I don’t want you to spend Christmas alone.”

“God, I love you.”

I snorted in laughter while he looked like he just said a disgusting swear word. Even his ears turned red.

“No need to lay it on thick. I will be needing your help with the dishes so you’re not completely going to chill.”

“Of course,” he said, clearing his throat as he set the table. We ate in silence and Cholo just scrolled on his phone so I followed his lead. I took over the dishes and then he got his keys to take me home.

“Okay ka lang?” I asked as I counted one hour of him being all awkward. “You look shookt.”

“Oo naman. Just thinking about Ephemere. I keep thinking I forgot something but I can’t remember what,” he said, not meeting my eyes.

“Ah, okay. By the way, make a stop to the gas station later. I’m buying you gas.”

“You are?”

“Technically, my dad is pero ‘wag ka nang choosy,” I replied. “Thank you again. For being here, driving me around, and feeding me.”

“Sus. Malakas ka kaya sa ‘kin.”

I looked up at him with a ready hirit but that died in my throat when I saw his expression. He usually regarded me in varying states of amusement, exasperation, and sometimes annoyance but right now, this expression was different. His gaze was warm and vulnerable, and there was no trace of teasing.

I felt my heart pick up the pace and start doing these ridiculous somersaults inside my chest. My mouth dried up as I stared back into his light brown eyes and my gaze moved downwards, right towards the curve of his mouth…

“Okay!” I said, jerking myself back into the present. “Late na. Let’s go.”

I ran off to the front door with my thoughts jumbled, heart still pounding, and nerves on end.

Lagot, sure na.