Map of the Lost

"Ninang Sab!"

"Huy, teka!" I panicked when Lianna ran to me for a big hug while I was holding two pitchers containing juice. But I got to raise it up before she could even get to me. She continued clinging on me until I reached the table for me to put down the pitchers. Doon ko naman binalik ang yakap. Nakakatuwa kasi hanggang ngayon malambing pa rin 'tong batang 'to.

We were having a small get together with our family in our house. Everyone was busy eating, chitchating and the kids were playing around.

Bumalik na muna ako sa kitchen para asikasuhin ang ibang mga pagkain namin. I was waiting for the baked pasta to be done in the oven. When I was transferring it to the counter, I shrieked when a baritone voice suddenly spoke behind my ear.

"Hey beautiful, need a hand?" It was Cole! I caught my chest while it was still stammering in shock. And when I finally composed myself, I faced him while glaring.

"Nanggugulat!" He chuckled before hugging me and kissing my cheek. Bumigay naman ako agad ay yinakap siya pabalik. Saglit lang sila nila Kei dito, e. "Si Kei?" Tanong ko habang nakayakap pa rin.

"Talking with the adults." Mabilis na sabi niya bago bahagyang linayo ang ulo sa akin pero linipat din sa mukha ko. "Give me a kiss."

I smiled while my fingers played with his hair by his nape and pulled him close to me. Just when our lips were about to meet, I mentally groaned when someone walked in on us! Nasampal ko pa si Cole!

"Sab, nandito na si momol— Ay gagi momol!"

Nandito nga rin pala si Red.

I glared at him for walking in unannounced. I even heard Cole muttering curses. "Gago, ba't kasi dito kayo naglalaplapan!"

"Ang lakas ng boses mo, gago ka ba!" Tinulak ko na si Cole palayo para awayin si Red. Habang nagsasagutan kami ni Red dito na parang mga bata, bumulong si Cole sa akin na siya na raw magdadala ng pasta sa labas.

"Sisiguraduhin ko talaga na pag may ginagawa kayo ni Aio, saktong papasukin ko kwarto niyo!"

"Marunong kami mag-lock, oy! At least sa kwarto kami hindi sa kusina kung saan maraming tao talaga makakapasok. Paano na kung si tito pala pumasok, diba? Pasalamatan mo na lang ako—"

"Anong pasalamat, hindi ako nakatikim!" I crossed my arms around me chest and stomped one foot.

Tinapos na namin ang walang kwenta naming away at sumali na sa party. We had two long tables set so we could have our lunch together. I sat on the table where my cousins were. Katabi ni Kei si Red, katabi ni Red date niya, habang katabi ko naman siya and the seat beside me was for Cole.

"Thank you pala sa mga cupcakes! Sobrang matutuwa mga bata doon mamaya," I saw her flinch a little when I talked to her. Mahiyain talaga huhu cutie nito. Baker kasi siya and I was surprised when she brought cupcakes for us! What a cutie talaga!

"Hey," and finally Cole came, bringing his food and two drinks with him. "Sprite and Royal na lang meron sila doon. Ubos na Coke. Which one do you want?" Pinapili niya ako sa dalawa at 'yung Sprite na lang pinili ko kaya sa kanya na 'yung Royal. Mahigpit ang kapit ng cap kaya nahirapan ako buksan 'yung maliit ng bote at napansin niya 'yun kaya kinuha niya na sa kamay ko ay siya na nagbukas.

"Thank you!" I beamed when he succeeded and hand it to me. He softly chuckled before scrunching his nose a bit and leaned closer to kiss my cheek. "You're welcome. I love you," he whispered against my ear.