twenty four (n)

                                    

                                          
"Hi, I'm Raejel."
I know. Without asking or introducing yourself, I know. Nicholas describes her so thoroughly that even her shadow appears to be alive.
My eyes travels to Nicholas, who is by her side. Mukhang nakalimutan na niya 'yung problema niya. Kanina pa niya inaamoy ang sarili baka raw kasi amoy alak pa siya. But look at him, Nich seemed to be comfortable in her presence. 
Kinuha ko agad ang kamay niya. "I'm Apphia."
"Oh? So nickname niya sa'yo ay Hia?"
I nodded and glanced at Nicholas again. 
"We're friends since second second year. Lumipat ako sa boarding nila and the name kind of stuck between us. Can't call her by her full name."
In-adjust ni Raejel ang sling bag niya at tumango habang nakikinig kay Nicholas. Habang tumatagal at napaparami nanaman ang sinasabi ni Nich, lumabas nanaman 'yung manner niyang pagka-attentive sa paligid niya. Walang muwang niyang inabot ang bag ni Raejel at isinabit ito sa kanyang balikat habang nagkwekwento pa rin.
Raejel did not falter. Hindi pinansin ni Raejel ang biglang pagkuha ni Nich ng bag niya. Kung hindi ko sila kilala mapagkakamalan kong matagal na sila magkakilala.
Nag-init ang buong katawan ko habang pinagmamasdan sila. They looked perfect together. And I sincerely hope she's the one for Nich. Not as a girl for a benefit, but for a long-term match.
"Sorry, I made sure that you're comfortable around us while Ibrahim is on the way."
"You're good; I enjoyed our conversation, Nich," Raejel said with a smile.
"Mahiyain kasi 'tong si Hia kaya as much as possible, ako muna ang magsasalita while she's adopting with the environment." 
Lumipat ang atensyon nila sa akin at sabay silang ngumiti.
"I know how uncomfortable the world is when your solace is silence and peace. But are you alright?" Raejel asked.
I just nodded. Simple, yet successful in highlighting the key point. I already like her.
Napayuko ako ng kaonti para ibahin ang usapan. Sa mga okasyong ganito I'm not upset that I was left out of the conversation; in fact, I feel the opposite. My shoes are usually my go-to friend for major events. To escape a crowd, I'm just captivated by my shoes. Nothing matters more than my tranquility when I'm alone at a huge event.
But opening up to one or two people doesn't hurt if I know I'm comfortable with them. Nicholas has finally reached the stage where I can openly express myself without fear of being judged. He is exceptional at social occasions, and I appreciate him for that. He understands how to appreciate my judgments without questioning them.
As for Bithiah, I failed to reach her. I'm still uneasy around her. She's difficult to read, unlike Nich. We met in second year, and I barely recall any of our conversation.
As for Nicholas' new friend, Raejel. Even though we have just recently met, I find it challenging to accept that I like her. We met twice, but the first interaction was nothing like this one.
Voice might also betray true intentions. I rarely ask about someone's experiences, so I often base my thoughts on someone's autobiography. And I came to understand that there is beauty in the word intuition, where even a person's voice may be a basis for their intents and thoughts for another.
If I don't like the energy they're sending out, I've settled not to meddle in people's lives.
"Ibrahim!"
I followed where Nich's attention was drawn. Malayo pa siya sa kinaroroonan namin. I couldn't see him properly, but I am certain that he was the man who assisted me in picking up the flowers behind the Carnelian club.