That Stranger

It was a Friday, August 25, after coming from a tiring sports fest, I was on my way to the entrance door of SM Megamall where I’m going to fetch Chard.

The security guard was checking my backpack when I accidentally looked at my right side and saw a guy looking at me. I didn’t mind. I entered the mall and walked my way to KODAK to see Chard. I asked Lanny (one of the outrights) if Chard was there. Lanny told me he was at building A. I was ahead of time (6:30 p.m.) so I decided to roam around.

When I turned around, I saw the guy who I saw at the entrance gate. He looked surprised to see me (and maybe in his mind, he said – nakita ko to kanina ah!). I looked at him but didn’t mind that I saw him again. I bought peach Danish at French Baker because my stomach is barking in hunger. And for the third time that guy and I crossed ways again. I was paying at the counter when I saw him paying too. In that incident, I was surprised to see him (again). He smiled at me but it doesn’t matter to me (deadma effect!) and left.

After eating, I went to the comfort room to fix myself. Coming out from the door, I saw him again coming out from the men’s CR. I don’t think he was following me. Maybe it was really a co-incidence that we crossed ways for the fourth time. He smiled at me and said hi. I just looked at him and walked hurriedly. I was a bit frightened – (baka sira ulo nito, magnanakaw, kidnapper, etc.). Things were playing in my mind as I walked fast. I was turning back to see if he was following me.

He was tall, white and yes, handsome. He looked as if he was attending office in one of the companies in Ortigas. He looked decent but beware….looks can be deceiving!!!!!

I looked back to check if he was following me and I saw him entered a boutique. I noticed that there were many people looking down the basement so I checked to see what it was. Agot Isidro was having her mall tour for the promotion of her album – The Island (compilation of bosanova ). So, I mixed myself in the crowd and had forgotten that guy. After a few minutes of watching the show, I decided to go to Chard coz it was 6:25 p.m.

When I walked away from the crowd, I saw again that stranger. This time he stopped and talked to me. He smiled and asked me my name. I became conscious that people might be looking at us and I was afraid. I wasn’t able to answer his question. Then he told me “uy ba’t namumutla ka, wag ka matakot, di ako masamang tao.” I just smiled and said “pasensiya na nagmamadali ako…” He smiled and asked me again my name. I said “Jenny po.” He extended his hand and said “I’m Eric Salvador.” I was hesitant to shake hands with him but I didn’t extend my hand instead, I answered, “pasensiya na ha…hindi ako interesado makipag-friendship, may asawa na ako. Sige, nice meeting you.” I know I wasn't polite that time. I was about to walk, when he said, “pasensiya na, nakikipagkaibigan lang kasi ang gaang ng dating mo nung makita kita sa gate. (sus bola!) Hindi ako masamang tao.” I said “ganun, salamat, sige, una na ako.” He asked for my number but I didn’t give it. When I walked away from him, he gave me his calling card and said “wala namang masama kung bibigay ko number ko sa’yo, here’s my calling card…nice meeting you.” I took the card, smiled and walked away.

That night I was recalling those incidents. I looked at Chard who was sleeping soundly while I was looking at the calling card. There were few things that run in my mind. If I accepted the invitation to add him in my circle of friends, then, you can’t avoid him to call you or call him, sometimes there’ll be gimmicks. Love starts in friendship and friendship might take a leap into its boundaries. And that I don’t want to happen. I also thought, that, the guy might just be fooling around. I tore the card and threw it to the trash can and sleep.