Tangled in Torment

5

First on our movie list was a horror flick. I was engrossed in my textbooks, trying to balance studying and enjoying the movie. As the tension in the film mounted, I couldn't help but notice Orpheus beside me, who was pretending to be unfazed by the scares on the screen. His brave facade slowly crumbled, and his subtle flinches and attempts to hide his fear made me giggle. His eyes met mine, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud, exposing his pretense. We both shared a good laugh, easing the tension in the room.

"Duwag!" I teased him.

"Edi ikaw na matapang!" Inirapan niya ako.

"Sabi ko na barbie, e," I teased him more.

Next, we decided to watch a family drama, a genre that never failed to touch my heart. As the emotional scenes unfolded, I found myself tearing up, completely engrossed in the story. Orpheus, on the other hand, seemed preoccupied with his phone, unaware of the emotions the movie was stirring in me. I discreetly wiped my tears, hoping he would notice, but he remained oblivious. It was a stark contrast to the horror movie, and I felt a little distant from him at that moment.

"Ang hirap maging anak mo, Ma..." I whispered, mocking the character's line. "Sana alam mo 'yun."

Finally, we chose a romance movie to end our movie night. However, this genre seemed to make us both a bit uncomfortable, as the screen was filled with passionate kisses and intimate moments between couples. We exchanged glances, each of us unsure how to react to the sudden change in atmosphere. The once cozy and romantic ambiance in the room now felt awkward and unfamiliar.

"Gusto mo ba... palitan nalang natin?" Tanong niya.

"Ikaw bahala," I looked away. "Okay lang naman."

Feeling a bit flustered, I suggested watching another movie after the romantic movie we watched, something lighter, to break the tension. But he hesitated, saying he had something else to do and needed to leave. I felt a pang of disappointment but didn't want to pressure him. So, I simply nodded and told my driver to pick me up instead.

As I bid him farewell, there was a sense of lingering awkwardness, a feeling of unfinished business in the air. Our movie night had taken unexpected turns, from laughter to tears, and finally to discomfort. It left me wondering about the complexities of our relationship and how moments like these could shape our connection in the days to come.

"Saan ka galing?"

Napatigil ako nang biglang magsalita si Ate Yria sa likuran ko. Nakataas ang kilay at nakahawak sa bewang. Kinabahan kaagad ako. Late na kasi ako nakauwi dahil sa dami ng movies na napanood namin.

"Ate..." I tried smiling. "I was just with my classmates kanina. We made a group project together kasi po."

"Huwag kang magsisinungaling sa akin, Ashiera," She was so serious, I couldn't read her emotions. "Galing ako sa Privato High kanina. Nakita kitang may kasamang lalaki. Tell me honestly, Yera. Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Ate..."

"He's in college, for pete's sake, Ashiera!" Ate Yria yelled. I can't help but to tear up. "You're too young for this kind of relationship."

"Please, Ate, you have to trust me..." I tried my best not to sob. "Orpheus is a nice guy, and he's friends with Ate Yanna."

"Alam mo ba 'to, Blairiana?" Tanong bigla ni Ate Yria sa dumaan na si Ate Yanna. "At pumayag ka?!"