Philophobia

Part 24

Part 24: Bagong Taon. Panibagong Kilig mula kay Rock.

We have celebrated Christmas ang New Year together. Dito kasi nag-New Year sina Rock at ang buong pamilya niya. Since kakaunti lang naman sila. Nakilala ko na rin nang personal ang Papa ni Rock. Santiago. 'Yan ang pangalan ni Tito, este, ni Papa. Nakikipamilya na rin ako, ano? Pero ramdam ko naman na gano'n na nga 'yon.

Hapon na rin pala ng January 1 ngayon. Parang kagabi lang ay nagkakasiyahan pa kami. Umuwi rin kasi dito sina Kuya Elmer at Ate Kathreen. Umuwi rin si Ate Dancel. Last night was the best thing I've ever had. Kasama ko kasi lahat ng mahahalagang tao sa buhay ko. Kaya naman maganda rin ang gising ko kanina.

“Kedd, this is our first date this year.” Tuwang-tuwa na saad ni Rock sa 'kin.

Naglalakad kami papunta sa Comembo para sumakay ng jeep papuntang Guadalupe. Wala kasing masakyan na trike ngayon ngayon.

“Oo nga, e. And it's your birthday, right?”

“Yes! And you're the best gift I've had.”

“Gift talaga? Am I an item for you?”

“Oh, no. That's a pun, babe!”

“I get it. 'Cause we're so bagay, gano'n ba? That sounds shitty!”

We just laughed after that. To be true, this one of the things why I love Rock. He's plainly handsome but a real genius. I mean he knows how to handle a conversation properly. And that's surprising! The way I see him before is way more different now.

We reached Comembo and rode a jeepney.

“Babe, you seemed to be so happy right now.”

“Ngayon ko pa lang kasi naranasang maging masaya. When I was little, every people that I faced were belittling me everytime I got more. Rather, I was a basic bitch for them. And I was also almost beaten to death by those people who hate gays. But finally, I have learned to fight. But then, I was still not happy because not everyone is proud me. And now, I've just found myself.”

“It's OK, baby. I'm just here, cheering you up everyday. And I love you so much.”

“And by the way, I love you too so much!”

Then he holds my hand.

Humiga na lang ako sa kanya. Medyo inaantok pa kasi ako. Wala naman kaming pinag-awayan masyado ni Rock nitong mga nakaraan. Wala kasing tumatagal na away sa aming dalawa. Napag-uusapan naman namin ang lahat.

“Babe, gising na. Nasa Guadalupe na tayo.” Inuga ako ni Rock at agad-agad kaming bumaba sa jeep.

Nagpunta na kami sa bus stop dito sa Guadalupe at naghintay lang kami. I can't stop this heart of mine from racing. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam kapag alam mong safe ko sa tabi niya.