My Other Half

11

Hindi parin umuuwi sina Mama. Siguro tumuloy nga sila sa Cornwall. Naiinis ako dahil birthday ko pero she doesn’t even think about what I feel. Dad hasn’t even called me today.

Ding dong

Ang tunog ng doorbell ang nagdala sa akin pabalik sa reality. I went down to open the door. It had been only 20 minutes since I last talked to Dale and there’s no way it’s him. It will take more than half an hour to get to Plymouth from Exeter.

“Hey.” Nakatayo si Dale sa harapan ko at unti unting lumaki ang mga mata ko sa gulat.

“You’re here?” I asked.

“I told you I’m coming. And even if I’m not invited, there’s no way I’m leaving till I know that you’re okay.” Naka leather jacket si Dale na itim. He’s wearing his favourite shirt brand Hollister and his favourite pair of Converse, black high cut.

“Dale, don’t tell me you drove fast? You’re not supposed to be here in ten more minutes.” Alam kong nag aalala siya sa akin but I wouldn’t let any of his excuses slide. It’s his safety we’re talking about here. He is a very important friend and I won’t allow him to put his life in danger for me.

“Ly, calm your tits. I did not exceed the speed limit.” He patted my head like I’m his pet. He always does this.

“You should really stop patting my head. It’s turning into a habit.” I said. Pinapasok ko narin siya sa loob. I realised na sobrang lamig na pala pero bago ko sinara ang pinto, may napansin akong mga puting nahuhulog galing sa langit.

“It’s snowing.” I said quietly but Dale turned his head towards the door and he stood next to me. The light on the street made the snow visible. It’s the first snow this year.

“No shit, Sherlock. And going back to your madness about me patting your head, I am deeply sorry my lady but I have to say no to that as I have an indescribable fondness towards your head. “ He said in a mockly voice.

“Cut the posh talk Dale. It doesn’t suit you.” Sinara ko na ang pintuan dahil baka mamatay kami sa lamig. Naglakad kami papunta sa living room and he sat next to me on the couch.

“Now, talk.”  Nagulat ako dahil Dale is being direct to the point. After he was being playful earlier, akala ko he won’t ask me to tell him what happened straight away. But no, this guy knows how to take me by surprise.

Suminghap ako. Readying myself to start my story. I don’t know how he will take this whole story and I don’t know why his opinion matters so much to me. Kinuwento ko sa kanya ang nangyari buong araw. Since nong kasama ko si William sa dining room hanggang sa nakarating ako sa bus stop at tumawag siya.

“That bastard.” Dale murmured. Nakapatong ang mga kamay niya sa tuhod niya at naka clench ito into a tight fist. When I looked at him, halata ang galit sa mga mata niya. I am very lucky to have a friend like him. He cares for me and care is what I really need in my life, especially now. I will do anything to maintain this friendship, I just hope the time won’t come when I lose him.

“I’m sorry this happened during your birthday.” He looked at me in the eyes.

“It’s none of your fault. Let’s bake a cake.”

“What?” He said, surprised.

“It’s our birthday. Let’s bake a cake.”

He blinked three times before he smiled. “Yeah. Let’s bake a cake.” Sabay kaming tumayo at naglakad papuntang kusina. Gusto kong malaman kung ano ang iniisip ni Dale, his awfully quiet manner is creeping me out. I’m not used to it.