Into the Woods

Chapter 20

"The most unbearable pain one will experience in life will shape you." -Autumn_Solstice

Meg is such a good friend. She offered to drive me the whole day! First on my list will be my lawyer's office at 5th Avenue.

"Meg, thank you is not enough." She picked me up from my house.

"Stop the drama! Wala naman din akong gagawin sa house. Our perfume business can go on without me." Meg is really one of the good looking people I've met. With her jet black hair, hazel colored eyes and a slim figure, everyone turn their heads just to take a glimpse at her. Today, she's wearing a white straight cut pants, black cardigan with a four layered pearl necklace in gold chains for accent and a simple diamond stud earrings. A black pumps to complete her look.

Parang nahiya naman ako sa kanya. "Ayos ah. Parang ikaw ang makikipag-meet sa lawyer ko, mag-reresign and maghahanap ng new work."

She giggled. "Ikaw naman Drew! Minsan lang naman ako pumorma ng malupitan!"

Hala! Minsan lang daw. Biglang nag-ring ang phone ni Meg. Sinilip ko ang caller I.D. Ooohhh! Luke is calling! Natataranta niyang sinagot ang phone and tumingin sa akin.

"Go ahead. Kausapin mo na muna si Luke." Nilabas ko na din ang phone ko at naglaro ng paborito kong Cause of Death. Hmmm, kumusta naman kaya ang episode ngayon ng mga favorite kong detective na sila Mal and Natara?

I'm so engrossed with the game when Meg shoved her phone to my face.

"Kakausapin ka ni Luke." Meg said at kinuha ko ang phone.

Hindi pa kami nakakapag-usap ni Luke about sa nangyari. Panigurado sesermonan ako nito.

"Luke!" Sana huwag na akong gisahin nito.

"Hi Drew! How are you? Wait. Let me rephrase that. How am I feeling? Alam mo nagtatampo ako sa iyo. Kay Meg ko pa nalaman na you and Rob broke up. Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin?" Luke said with a hint of anger in his voice. This is what I'm talking about!

"I'm sorry. I have no intention na itago sa iyo. Ayoko lang kasi marinig ang I told you so sa mga tao. I've been a stupid and a martyr for so long. Please, ayoko na ng sermon." I whined like a three year old.

"Ang hirap kasi sa iyo, nag-judge ka na agad. Malay mo ba kung gusto kita damayan. Drew, umayos ka please. Alalahanin mo baka isang matinding sorry lang with gift eh bumigay ka na naman. Panindigan mo yan. I know you very well for years now. You have a soft spot for that guy." I can imagine him rolling his eyes.

Napaisip ako bigla. So hindi pala sinabi ni Ashley! "Ashley didn't even mention what happened?"

"She mentioned bits and pieces but not the whole story. Hindi din niya binanggit ang break up niyo. We promised an open communication between us pero hindi naman kasi ito tungkol sa amin. Ano, kailangan ko ba ulit umuwi dyan? Don't do anything stupid." Luke said.

"Yes I got it. Matulog ka na. Salamat. Talk to you soon." We said our goodbyes.

I handed Meg her phone and she squeezed my hand. I can totally do this! I can't let my heartbreak devour me alive. Life has to go on. Gasgas man ang linyang ito pero totoo eh.

Biglang napapreno si Meg at may sinigawan siyang motor na nag-cut sa amin. Bakit ba kasi ang barumbado nila magmaneho! Meg cursed loudly. At nahulog ang bag kong nakabukas. The contents spilled out.

Pinupulot ko ang mga laman ng bag ko ng mapansin ko ang isang blue rose locket at hinawakan iyon ng mahigpit. This was given to me by Nate way back in highschool. It was a perfect replica of a Blue Ecuadorian Rose hand made by his friend. Inside was a picture of Nate and me. He has a fascination for plants and flowers ever since. Without thinking, I placed the necklace around my neck.