Let The Love Begin

CHAPTER 22

After Drake said that line in front of all the people na kasama namin dito sa Boracay. My stomach ached so bad that I had to run to the comfort room.

"Uhm... Wait, excuse me lang muna ha? Sumakit bigla 'yung tiyan ko," paalam ko sa kanila at tumakbo na ako bigla sa nearest comfort room.

What happened? I don't even know. Bigla nalang talaga sumakit yung tyan ko. I feel so constipated. Parang hindi ko na kayang makipag hang-out sa kanila, baka kasi hindi ako maka attend sa party mamaya just because of my stomach ache. I need to get well before the party starts. So instead of going back to the lobby, dumiretso na ako sa room ko to rest.

Nang nasa room na ako, I immediately laid down in bed para makapagpahinga na. I was about to close my eyes when someone knocked on the door.

"Pwede ikaw na ang mag open? I can't get up from bed," sigaw ko sa tao'ng kumakatok sa labas.

When the door opened, I saw, no other than, Drake.

"How are you feeling?" tanong niya sa'kin. Bigla naman akong napabangon mula sa pagkakahiga at umupo nalang sa bed.

"I'm fine, I'm just having a stomach ache," I answered without looking at him. Ang awkward.

"Oh, I see. I will buy you medicine okay?" he offered.

"No, wag na. I'll be fine," sabi ko naman sa kaniya.

"Uhmmm.. Gab?" he said. Bigla akong kinabahan.

"Yes?" patay-malisya kong sagot.

"About dun sa sinabi ko kanina..." sabi niya at hindi ko na siya pinatapos.

"Ah, yun? Wala 'yon oy. I know you are just joking," sabi ko habang tumatawa.

"Actually Gabby, I really meant it," sabi niya at napatagal naman ako sa pagtawa. "I was really happy when I knew na kasama ka sa mga pupunta dito. It's been a long time since last tayong nagkita and I know it didn't go well."

"Drake..."

"Gabby, it's always you. I never looked for  someone because I know that no one can replace you. If you'll only give me a chance. We're adults now, and your parents, they like me na siguro diba because meron na akong maipagmamalaki sa kanila. I am a lawyer now Gab," sabi niya.

Everything flashedback. Noon, I felt very mad at him for not fighting for me. And I don't know if I'm still into him. I dont know what to answer.

"Give me a chance to prove myself to you Gabby, for the second time around," he said na naman.

Hindi pa rin ako makasagot, I'm scared. Our break up noon built-up a great wall sa'kin that I never entertained anyone. Many have tried but no one succeeded. I've been traumatized by the pain our break up caused me. And that is also the reason why up until now, I still hate my parents. I'm healing and getting better. I don't want to ruin that.

"Drake, I'm sorry but I think we're better off this way, as friends. I'm too busy and too occupied for a relationship. I don't think I can make it work if I give you what you want," finally, lumabas na din ito sa bibig ko.

After saying that, I saw the disappointment and sadness sa mga mata ni Drake.

"I'm still not yet done with my specialization. I still need more time for myself and my profession. You will find the right girl for you Drake," I said habang nakatingin sa kaniya. Hindi ko alam ba't biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko noong sinabi ko 'yon.

He smiled at me, "It's okay Gab. I respect your decision. At least ngayon, nasabi ko na ang gusto kong sabihin."

I felt guilty for what I've said to Drake. He seemed so sad, I can see it in his eyes. I just smiled at him, awkwardly. I don't know what to say, or even what to do.

"Wag kang mag-alala, I will respect your decision Gab, it's your life and your choices after all," dugtong niya sa sinabi niya kanina. "I think I should go, I need to prepare for Kuya's party tonight. You should rest na. Sorry for disturbing you," sabi niya sabay alis sa room ko.

I really don't know what to feel at the moment, like duh Gabby, it's your choice to push him away. But, I really feel sad. Humiga ako sa bed, I hugged my pillow and closed my eyes. Pagpikit ko'y bigla kong naalala 'yong dating kami ni Drake, back when we were still in highschool. Nung hindi ko pa siya kilala, I was so mean to everyone, I am such an attention seeker. I am a troublemaker, gusto ko kasing makuha ang attention ni Mom and dad, I just want to be the highlight of all the events. I never thought someone could change my cold heart. Drake really turned my world upside down. He changed my perspectives. He made me feel how worthy I am, he gave me all of his attention kahit napaka mean ko sa kaniya. Drake showed me the real love. As I reminisce those memories, I didn't notice that my tears are falling na pala. I hugged my pillow tightly while crying, hanggang nakatulog ako kakaiyak.

"Gabby wake up!"
"Hey Gab!"
"Gabriella, ang hirap mong gisingin!"
"Gab!"
"Sofia, get some water now"
"Oh, heto Sam"
"Ayaw mo palang gumising ha!"

I felt a cold substance splashed through my face. I thought it was a dream, I opened my eyes, slowly and saw Sam and Sofia. Nakatingin sila sa'kin na para bang ang laki ng kasalanan ko. Samantha is holding an empty glass. Kinapa ko 'yung mukha ko and find out it is wet, so binuhusan talaga nila ako ng tubig.

"OMG! Why!?" sigaw ko, agad akong bumangon mula sa pagkakahiga.

"Ang hirap mong gisingin, it's already 8pm Gabby!" sermon ni Sam sa'kin.

I checked my phone na nasa side table ng bed ko.

"Engagement Party - 8:00pm"

Bigla akong bumalik sa senses ko, shit! Ngayon na pala 'yong party. Agad akong tumayo, at tumakbo papuntang CR. Hindi ko na nakita ang mga suot ni Sam at Sofia.

"Ayan kase! Tulog pa gurl!" sigaw ni Sofia sa labas.

"Shut up bitch!" sigaw ko naman habang nag to-toothbrush.

"Alam mo ba? Ang gwapo ni Drake, I saw him kanina papunta na siya dun sa baba," sabi ni Sam sa labas.

I remembered Drake. Shit. Napaka awkward na kasi ng mga pangyayari.

"Girl, ano ang sagot mo dun kanina sa sinabi ni Drake?" Tanong ni Sofia.

"Alam mo Gab, you should give your love a second chance," sabi din ni Samantha.

Naliligo ako habang nakikinig sa mga sinasabi nila.

"Love is sweeter the second time around, diba Sofia?" sabi ni Sam sabay tanong kay Sofia.

"Maybe, quote kasi 'yan. Baka totoo," sagot naman ni Sofia sa kaniya.

I can really heard their conversation. Bigla akong napaisip, what if I will give us a second chance? We're both matured now. Maybe I can handle my time well naman siguro. But, I don't know if I'm still into him pa talaga or hindi na. Nalilito talaga ako, I'm too scared to have commitments na, baka masaktan ako ulit.

Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. There's a part of me na nagsasabing pwede pa, but the other part of me is telling me na hindi na, that I should focus on my dreams. But, I don't know, everytime nakikita ko si Drake, parang nag-iiba yung mood ko, parang hina-hype niya 'yung araw ko. And what does that mean?

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xoxo,
yunawrites