Shades of Kagan

Chapter 42

"When did this happen, Kalix? Where does it begin?" He looked down, a little troubled.

"I'm not going to tell you, Avi. Because it was such a dark and dangerous place. For sure, Kagan doesn't want me to tell you, too." I blew off some air. Standing up from my seat, I went to the table and started preparing him the burger that I had promised.

"You don't mind cold beef patties, Kalix?"

"It's okay. I'm not picky." Naglakad ito palapit sa aking habang hinahanda ko ang burger. I put on the lettuce, the patty, and some tomatoes and pickles. I put the ranch dressing on it as I put the other buns on top.

"Here." Kinuha niya iyon at kumagat ng isang malaki sa burger niya.

"Hindi mo ba sasabihin sa akin kung sino 'yung lalaki kanina?" Sumandal ako sa pader habang nakatingin kay Kalix na masayang kumain ng burger.

"Ex-boyfriend?" When he me asked that, I laugh a little. Natatawa na lang ako dahil parang ilang ulit na tinanong ito sa akin. First is Kagan, next is Klaude, and now Kalix? I scoff.

"No. Just someone from the past." I was shocked to myself when I felt nothing when I was reminded of Liam. Parang dati sa tuwing naalala ko ito ay para na akong pagpapawisan sa gabi. Maybe both of us felt like we needed just to let our feelings known, but we were not expecting anything from it. Is this what halmeoni meant about detachment? Halmeoni is such a real deal!

"Anyway, Kalix are you telling me that during Kagan's difficult times you were there?" Mabilis niyang naubos ang burger na ginawa ko para sa kanya.

"Yes. I was with him." I followed his actions toward the cooler. Kumuha siya doon ng beer-in-can at binuksan ito. Is it possible that Kagan suffered traumatic events? By just imagining, how can a lost child survive on his own?

"I'm really looking for a cold beer since morning." He chugged the beer draining half. Pinagmasdan ko lang ito sa ginagawa niya. Isa pa ring palaisipan kung paano lumalabas si Kalix. In his case, there must be a trigger. Is it possible that Kalix will come out if his help is needed?

"Hello there!" Bati ni Nadia sa amin. They are now still wet by sea water. When Klaude noticed that Kagan is starting to drink, he already got the idea that it was Kalix. Napatingin sa akin si Klaude na nagtatanong pero nag kibit balikat na lang ako.

"We'll just take a bath, and then we will start to create a bonfire in the seashore," Dan muttered, assisting her girlfriend inside. Sa likuran ni Klaude ay magkasama si Lovely at Liam. Both looked like they talked too. Lovely smiled at me when our eyes met, and I smiled back at her: no bitterness or whatsoever.

"I'll go too. Sinisimulan na rin akong lamigin." Pru said, waving her hands. And then she entered inside. Following Liam and Lovely. They are probably going to the room that they will be using.

Ang naiwan lang sa cottage ay ako, si Kagan na umiinom na ng pangalawang lata ng beer, at si Klaude.

"Kalix, you must be drinking a lot," Klaude said, turning to Kalix.

"Hey, Kagan's brother. Two beers are not even a lot." Napakamot na lang ako sa aking pisngi habang tinitingnan silang dalawa na naguusap. I grabbed a clean towel folded in the bench and throw it to Klaude's side. Agad naman niya itong nasalo, habang tinutuyo ang kanyang mukha at buhok.

"So, how is it to date someone with a dual personality?" Tanong ni Klaude sa akin habang tinutuyo ang buhok niya gamit ng tuwalya na ibinigay ko. I stopped myself from thinking and just look at Kalix still drinking a cold beer in his hand.

"Why don't you take a bath first, Klaude? You smelled like salt water." I wrinkled my nose, acting as if his smell bothered me.

"Of course, I just came out from the sea. What do you expect?"