Dear Ex-Boyfriend

*Janin

*Janin

To my brother,

By the time you read this, I'll be gone. Unfortunately, it's time for me to go. And I don't have much time right now so I'll get to the point. I know how much you hated me. Because I'm cooler than you. Smarter. Hotter. Bah! Just kidding! I know you loved me, dearly, big brother. I saw the gift you were supposed to give me on my birthday. I laughed really hard when I saw it under your bed like it was some dirty porno you were trying so hard to hide. Forgive me for snooping through your personal stuff, but it was my birthday and you didn't give me my gift. I just had to know. But in the end, you never did give it to me. It's fine though, it's in my room now. Thank you.

As much as I want to tell you about the things I've discovered in your room, it will forever remain a mystery for you. Because this letter is not about us. This is about a favor I need to ask of you. I am sorry in advance. I am sorry for the burden you have to bear.

I need to tell you about my secret. I need to tell you about the lies and promises I've made. I need to tell you about the girl I loved. The girl who made me the happiest man alive. The time I shared with her was brief but wonderful. I wish I could live in those moments forever.

I need to tell you the story of how I met her. Because Leon, my older brother, she thought I was you.

.

.

.

***

"Nandito na tayo."

Napatingin ako sa harap ng kotse nang huminto ito. Nasa loob na kami ng isang adventure park. Nilingon ko si Leon sa driver's seat, inaalis na niya ang kanyang seatbelt.

"S-seryoso ka ba?"

"What?" nagtataka niyang tanong. "Tama naman ang lugar, hindi ba? C'mon." Lumabas na siya ng sasakyan na di hinihintay ang sagot ko.

Nakagat ko ang ibabang labi ko saka mabagal na sumunod sa kanya. Pagkasara ko ng pinto ng sasakyan, bigla niyang hinawakan ang isa kong kamay at nauna siyang naglakad.

"Leon," sambit ko. Sinubukan kong hilahin pabalik ang kamay ko pero hinawakan niya iyon nang mahigpit.

"Right now, you're my girlfriend," sagot niya na di ako nililingon.

Natahimik ako at hinayaan ko nalang siyang tangayin ako sa pupuntahan niya.

Bago kami tuluyang makapasok at mag-participate sa mga activities sa loob ng park, kinailangan muna naming dumaan sa test. Para masigurong physically fit kaming dalawa, tinignan nila ang blood pressure namin. Nang maipasa namin iyon, saka lang kami pinayagan na makapasok.

May warm ups kaming gagawin bago namin gawin ni Leon ang dahilan ng pagpunta namin dito.

Paakyat palang ng hagdan ay nangatog na ang mga tuhod ko, hindi dahil sa pagod kundi sa takot sa kung anong naghihintay sa akin sa tuktok. Nang marating ko ang itaas, nakita ko ang tila mahabang tulay na gawa sa mga tabla ng kahoy at makapal na lubid.