Maybe the Night

2019

THIRDY

It was mid-may and our graduation program just ended. The vibe around us has both excitement and uncertainty about the future.

I graduated in Ateneo, back-to-back championships, season 81 MVP and Finals MVP, mythical five awardee for the third straight year, endorsement contracts, PBA draft preparation and countless blessings.

But there seems to be something odd tonight. A chapter coming to a close.

BEA

I clutched my medal. Cum Laude, I told myself. Not bad for someone who almost failed at everything in life in the past 6 months. No UAAP championship, no UAAP recognition and a crumbling relationship with the only person I hope to carry me in this trying times.

I held on to the love of my family and friends. I tried hard to keep myself together. I hoped and prayed that he would make me feel better. I expected and nothing came.

We've been together for a year already. It wasn't easy but I never thought that I would see the day that this will end.
———
THIRDY

We both looked at each other from the crowd of fresh graduates wearing blue toga. Our hug was awkward and even the way we looked at each other.

I asked her if she can have dinner with my family tomorrow. She didn't reply.

Bea: Let's go to the football field. The one near BEG.

Thirdy: But it's a bit far from here, do you wanna take the car? And our parents will wait?

Bea: It's okay, I asked them to wait for me before we head for dinner.

Thirdy: I'll just tell Mama.

Bea: Don't worry Thirdy, this won't take up too much of your time.

I looked at her, her eyes, emotionless. I asked permission from my parents and they agreed.

The walk from the high school gym to the field was about 20 minutes as we were walking slowly. She looked beautiful as always, but there has been that constant sadness in her eyes. How long was this sadness that she was feeling?

No one was talking. I tried to break the silence and congratulated her for her Cum Laude award. She just nodded but still no reply from her.

We reached Gesu and she stopped and looked at it.

Bea: This will always be home.

As she was saying this it felt like she was only saying it out loud and not sharing it with me.

She continued to walk and I asked her what are her plans for the future.

Bea: I'm glad you asked.

There was a tone of sarcasm in her voice.

Thirdy: Is this still because I didn't give you the blue rose during the Blue Roast party? That's so petty Bea.

She didn't respond.

As we reached the football field she sat in one of the bleachers and I stood there facing her. For the first time, she looked at me straight in the eyes.

Bea: The night of the Blue Roast, you were late and ignored the fact that the blue rose is given to someone special to you. Wala lang, you were so deadma about it.

Thirdy: Was the blue rose the reason for this talk Bea? I can give you a bouquet of blue roses if you like. Because..

Bea: The night we lost the championship, instead of joining me and my family at Gesu, where were you again? Or what about the time I had to work double time for my thesis? Oh right, you were busy with all your TV guestings, photoshoots and endorsements.