Downfall of the Ace (Series of Epitome 1) : COMPLETED

13

"I'll just take this call," he looked at me as if he's asking for permission. Kumunot ang noo ko bago tumango. Alangan namang pigilan ko siya. Sino ba ako?

He stood up and started made his way towards the veranda of the restaurant. Nang makalayo siya, saka ako bumaling sa mga kaibigan kong nakaupo pa rin at tahimik na kumakain.

"Kayo na?" tanong ni Creed na nasa harap ko.

"No."

"Hmm..." he wiped his lips using the table napkin before he continued. "Can we talk? Just the both of us. Saglit lang, please."

Lumingon ako sa kinaroroonan ni Cali. He seems frustrated. Even when angry, he still looks good. Kahit pa simpleng white sweater at khaki shorts lang ang suot niya, may dating pa rin. Hinawi niya ang buhok gamit ang kamay. Mukhang matatagalan pa sila ng kausap niya.

"Sure," sabi ko saka tumayo. "Saan tayo?"

Nagpaalam kami sa mga kaibigan na mag-uusap lang kami sandali ni Creed. This seems important. Lumabas kami sa hotel at dinala niya ako sa dalampasigan. The beach is just in front of our hotel. Hinubad niya ang suot na jacket at inilatag iyon saka ako pinaupo roon.

"What's going on inside your head?" I started the conversation. I wanted to take this lightly.

"I liked you."

"W-what?"

Did I hear him right?

"I said, I liked you," huminga siya nang malalim bago nagpatuloy. "That was before, though. I just thought that I'll be able to move on and forget my feelings for you once I told you about it."

I was taken aback from what he said. He had feelings for me?

"You... liked me?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko sa kaniya. He nodded. "Ngayon, wala na?"

Creed is a very close friend of mine. We were friends before I even start schooling. I never thought of being in a relationship with him, romantically. I have always treated him as my older brother. Kaya laking gulat ko na lang nang sabihin niyang nagustuhan niya ako.

Another thing, I like someone else. I like Cali. Hindi ko maisip na nagugustuhan niya ako habang may gusto akong iba. That must be hard for him. I don't want to hurt a friend. I am not a type of person who would sacrifice friendship. Good thing, he told me about this so we can clarify things between us.

"I think so. I'm trying," tumingin siya sa malayo. "To be honest, I did something terrible just to make me forget my feelings for you. But I got it in control now so no need to worry. I'll tell you once I am ready and everything is settled."

I nodded. One thing I learned during the years with my squad is that, we don't need to force each other on telling our secrets or problems. If they don't want to share it, then it's fine. They will eventually tell when they are ready.