Wild Wine

Chapter 5: His True Color

He laughed harder...

"I know... But the way you are defining him, it looks like your eyeballs are shaping into heart," he said.

"No! You are just teasing me! Please stop it. It's not funny!" I said.

"Aminin mo na kasi, type mo siya. Wine, I know that you like him. I can feel it because you have a crush on me too!"

I just covered my face. Hiyang-hiya na talaga ako. Yeah, I have a crush on my bestfriend. Just a crush, ok? He is straight.

"I have a crush on you just because I appreciate you as a person but it doesn't mean that I want to be with you. I am always telling you that!"

"I know... Sorry, ang cute mo lang kasi kapag nahihiya ka at naaasar. Mukha ka pa ring mabait hahahahh."

I just look away...

Maybe, he is right. Sabi nga nila, kahit naaasar na raw ako, mukha pa rin daw akong mabait.

He held my hand so I looked at him. Cider is so serious right now.

"Just be careful, ok? You are my bestfriend so I don't want you to end up in a sticky situation. You are so kind and some people might abuse your kindnesses," he said.

I smiled at him...

"I know that, Cider. Lagi naman akong nag-iingat. Tama na nga, lunch na. Uuwi na muna ako sa apartment."

"Ok, kitakits na lang tayo mamaya!"

Tumayo na ako at nagligpit. I need to go home every lunch time. Baka mamatay sa gutom si Mr. Suplado kapag hindi ako nagluto hahahah.

I'm just reading my book while walking. I need to memorize this article. It is important for my debate.

Biglang natapilok ako at nabangga sa taong nasa harapan ko. Natumba tuloy ako at nagkalaglagan ang mga libro ko.

"What in the hell!" Someone shouted.

Napatingala na lang ako. Nabigla ako dahil natapon pala ang iniinom niyang juice sa dress niya. I looked at my side and some students are laughing.

I stood up... I am so nervous. I know that this lady is really mad at me.

"I-I'm really sorry. H-Hindi ko naman sinasadya. I know that I'm clumsy."

"Clumsy? You're stupid!" She shouted.

I just looked at my feet...

I'm in shock because she splashed her remaining juice on my face. It is so cold. I feel so useless. Any moment, I know that my tears will fall.

"I-I'm so sorry..." I said while my voice is cracking.

"Your apology is not enough! This dress is more expensive than you!"

More expensive than me? Then what is my value? I am a human being and she compared my value to her dress?

"I can pay for your dress. Please, I'm really sorry. I have to go."

Aalis na sana ako pero hinila niya pabalik ang damit ko.

"No! Stay here!"

I am so scared... What should I do? Everyone are laughing at me.

"This dress was a gift from my mother before she died! How can you replace the sentimental value?"

I look at her and she is crying. Naawa tuloy ako sa kanya. I ruined a gift from her mother who passed away.

"I-I'm really sorry. What do you want me to do?" I asked.

I know that any moment, my tears will burst. Nakokonsensya tuloy ako kahit na binuhusan niya rin ako ng juice.