Lie About Love

Chapter 20

"Hey Sai, thanks for accepting my friend request whether here in social media or in real life. I'm really glad we're able to talk again. I was initially scared to approach you thinking you still hate me so much, but thank you for giving me another chance in your life. I wasn't a good lover to you before, but I hope I can make it up to you by being a good friend at least. I'll see you at work. Have a good night."

"Have a good night, Cedric."

In-off ko na ang cellphone ko pagkatapos kong i-send ang reply na 'yon kay Cedric. Nakatingin lang ako sa kisame habang iniisip ang mga nangyari. Parang kailan lang I was dreading to see him again pero everything took a different kind of turn than I expected. Setting aside everything from the past and being just friends with him again, is this really the right thing?

Maybe the fact that Brian found out about Cedric when he's calling me right now in messenger is a big sign that I've made a mistake.

"You remember Cedric?"

"Yes . . . kaibigan ko siya during college days. I'm not really sure when was the last time I heard from him pero just like some of my old friends, I think we just drifted apart. Wait, is there something I'm forgetting about Cedric?"

Nag-hesitate ako saglit. "Do you remember Cedric's ex?"

Kumunot ang noo niya, "No, I don't think so . . . Why?"

Umiling ako, "Ah, wala naman. I was just surprised you're able to remember old friends you haven't met after the accident."

"Yeah, from time to time, I still get fragments of memories I never even thought I lost." Napatigil ako nang sabihin niya 'yon, kinabahan ako bigla. What if?

"Were you friends with Cedric din ba? Also, are you not going to answer his call?" Napabalik ang atensyon ko sa tumutunog kong telepono.

"Cedric's my boss at my new work. Wait lang, let me get this." Tumayo ako sa kama at lumayo ng kaonti kay Brian bago ko sagutin ang tawag ni Cedric.

"Hello?"

"Hi Sai! Sorry for calling, but you weren't answering my chats earlier. I just realized I might've left my wallet in your house and since I'm already out, I'm hoping I can pick it up there. I'm already on my way."

"Ha?" Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya, hininaan ko ng kaonti ang boses ko upang hindi marinig ni Brian. "Wait. Can I just deliver it to your address later? Sorry, wala ako sa bahay."

I sighed in relief nang pumayag siya and ended the call.

"Did he need anything?" Tanong agad sa akin ni Brian pagkabalik ko sa higaan. Umiling ako, "Nah, just some emails to check later."

"Ahh. Do you think Cedric would mind if I ask him to meet again? I really couldn't remember the last time I talked to him, I have vague memories of him. It would be nice sana to catch up on things with him."

I smiled nervously, "Not sure about that. Medyo busy kasi siya since saglit lang siya dito sa country. He lives in Australia na kasi at nandito lang siya sa country for expansion projects ng company."

"Oh, sayang naman." Nagkibit-balikat siya, "Well, just let him know I said hi if he still remembers me."

"S-sure!" Na-awkwardan ako sa nagiging takbo ng usapan kaya nag-isip agad ako ng ibang pwedeng mapag-usapan. "Hey love, malapit na ang birthday mo. Next month na, is there anything you like?"

Ngumiti siya sa akin at nilagay niya ang kanyang palad sa aking kanang pisngi. "I will love anything from you."

"Ayan ka na naman sa kahit ano, lagi mo ako pinapahirapan sa pag iisip ng ireregalo sa 'yo." Nag-pout ako sa kanya at kinurot niya naman ang pisngi ko habang natatawa.