"Oh... That hurt for sure!"
The sun wasn't up yet pero andito na kami sa harap ng dagat para magsurf. Before sunrise kasi ang hightide today. Nakatingin kami ni Cali kay Raya na umahon galing sa ilalim ng tubig, hawak pa ang gilid ng ulo niya.
"Yeah," I agreed. Pinanuod ko si Raya na sumampa ulit sa board niya at nag-paddle palayo.
We arrived in Isla Ahora late last night. I don't really know bakit biglaan silang nagplano na pumunta rito sa Isla. Everybody has work. Pero okay na rin siguro 'to para makapahinga nang kaunti. I also missed home.
Dito kami nag-stay sa resort nila Sasy para raw sama-sama kami. There was a surfing spot just in front of their resort so easy access lang para sa amin magsurf. Si Raya at Marco ang nauna sa dagat. Sasy was still getting ready and si Echo, hindi ko alam kung saan at wala akong pakialam.
"Ano? Tara na?" aya ni Cali sa akin. Inayos niya muna ang orange one piece niya bago kinuha ang board niyang nakalapag sa buhangin.
"Una ka na. Bangag pa ako," natatawang sabi ko. Natawa rin siya at tumango bago naglakad papunta sa dagat.
Umupo pa ako saglit doon. Nang nakita ko na umaakyat na ang araw, tumayo na ako para sumunod kay Cali. Nililipad ng hangin ang buhok ko kaya tinali ko ito into a high ponytail.
"Hi, Miss. Pwede manghingi ng number?" I turned to my left and saw Sasy smiling at me. Buhat niya ang long board niya.
"Sasy, it's still to early to joke," I said, laughing.
"Sexy mo," she said. Nilapag niya muna ang board niya sa buhangin at nagtali ng buhok. I smiled when I saw her in her usual surf outfit.
"No, I'm not." I was only wearing a grey terno two piece but I have a rushguard with me. Feeling ko kasi sobrang init ng araw mamaya. I started to stretch. "You could go first. Stretch muna ako."
"Okay. Done na ako kanina sa room, eh," she said at naglakad na papunta sa dagat. I laughed when she shrieked as she stepped on the water. "Puta, ang lamig!" Nagmura pa siya ulit bago sumampa sa board at nag-paddle.
I continued with my stretching. I extended my arms for my final stretch but was shocked when I accidentally hit something hard. Wait a minute... it's more like I hit someone!
"Aray!"
"Oh my gosh! Sorry!" nagmamadali kong sabi nang nakita ko si Echo na nakahawak sa ilong niya. "Why are you even behind me?!" pagalit kong tanong.
He was slowly massaging his nose while glaring at me kaya naguilty ako. He was wearing his board shorts and a silver necklace was hanging on his neck. Nilapag niya ang shortboard niya sa buhangin bago ako tiningnan ulit.
"Kasi nasa likod ang daanan?" nakakunot noo niyang sagot, still massaging his nose. "Pucha, ang sakit. Alam ko naman ex mo ako pero parang sobra naman iyang galit mo sa akin," he added.
"You're really funny," I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes before picking up my rushguard and wore it. "What?" I asked when I noticed him staring at me.
"You kept the necklace," he said, still staring at me. Kinuha ko na lang ang board ko at hindi siya sinagot. He might have noticed it when I wasn't in my rushguard pa. Yes, I still have it because why would I throw it?
"Let's go?" aya ko. Tumango siya at sabay na kaming naglakad papunta sa dagat at tulad ni Sasy, napatili rin ako sa lamig ng tubig.
"Kaya mo iyan." Tumawa ng mahina si Echo bago sumampa sa board niya. I did the same and started paddling. He pointed at the opposite direction, where the bigger waves were. I saw Marco there riding the waves, while Sasy was sitting on her board waiting for a wave to come.
"No, thanks," sabi ko at umiling pa.
"Why not?"
"I don't want to die."
"Oh, come on," disappointed niyang sabi. "Trust me, you won't die. Nandito naman ako, eh." I raised a brow at him. "What?" he asked, arrogantly.
"I don't trust you," I joked. I earned a glare from him because of that. Natawa ako at tinapunan siya ng tubig. Hinarang naman niya ang braso para hindi siya tamaan n'on sa mata.
"Should I be hurt?" He smiled sarcastically and brushed his hair backwards. It was a little bit wet now.
I shrugged. "Go there na. Bye." I immediately paddled to where Raya and Cali was. Hindi na ako ginulo ni Echo at pumunta roon sa kabila.
"Sana all naman kausap ang ex sa umaga," pang-aasar ni Raya bago ngumisi sa akin. She sat on her board and arranged her yellow tube top since it was falling a bit.
"Yeah, but I don't work with him." I smiled sweetly, teasing her.
"Sobrang nakakatawa naman ng comeback mo," sarkastikong sabi niya at tinapakan ang likod ng board ko kaya umangat ito. Napasigaw ako at humawak sa gilid ng board ko, sinusubukang mag balance para hindi mahulog.
"Affected?" I teased. She rolled her eyes and removed her feet. Umayos naman ako ng upo. "Sakit nang kanina," I said, referring to what happened to her earlier.
"Sumabit iyong leash sa fin kaya ako nahulog. Pero keri lang naman. Parang tumama lang naman iyong ulo ko sa pader, eh," she sounded sarcastic again.
Cali joined our converstion when she was done with her ride. We were all sitting on the board, waiting for a wave to come our way. I eyed a wave from afar. I immediately turned my board and look back a bit, waiting for the perfect timing.
"Go, Esme!" Cali cheered.
I lay on my board and started paddling. Nilakasan ko nang kaunti ang pag-paddle nang naramdaman na tatama na ang alon sa board ko. I successfully managed to time it and stood up when the waves hit the back of the board. I did a simple carve to the left tapos binalik ko sa right. Nag cross-step ako at bumalik lang agad noong medyo tumabingi ang board.
Humiga ako ulit at nakangiting nag-paddle pabalik. Nakakuha si Cali ng alon kaya siya naman ang chineer namin. Iyong tatlo naman, halatang nag-eenjoy roon sa malalaking alon sa kabila. I didn't know how long we were surfing, but when I felt my arms hurting a bit, nag-aya na akong umalis.
"Yes, please. My arms hurt already. Hindi na ako sanay," sabi ni Cali. Inaya rin namin si Raya at pumayag ito, mukhang napagod na rin.
We waited for a wave for our last ride. Sabay silang dalawa nag-paddle para makuha iyong wave. Napailing naman ako at hindi nakisabay dahil paniguradong magkakabangaan lang kami. Bahala sila riyan sa party wave nila.
Nag simula naman akong mag-paddle nang may sumunod na alon. I stood up before turning it a bit to the right and crossed step before doing a carve to the left.
"Shit!" My head snapped to the other side and saw Echo approaching my way.
He did a cutback para hindi ako matamaan. Hindi nga ako natamaan pero natalsikan naman ako ng tubig dahil sa lakas ng cutback niya. I lost my balance because of that and fell on my board, going straight into the water harshly.
Umahon ako, medyo umuubo pa. I swam towards my board. I saw Echo laughing just a few meters away from me. Nakasakay na siya ngayon sa board at nagpa-paddle palapit sa 'kin.
"You okay?" he asked, still laughing. I glared at him. Tumikhim siya para matabunan ang tawa pero kita pa rin ang multo ng ngiti sa labi niya. "Sorry. I didn't see you."
"Sinadya mo iyon, gago," I whispered under my breath and paddled away from him. Nang medyo mababaw na, bumaba ako sa board at binuhat ito. Tahimik akong naglakad papunta kina Raya na nakaupo sa buhangin.
"Sakit?" Raya said, teasingly. "Sakit mahulog tas walang sasalo, 'di ba?" I just rolled my eyes. I turned around before removing my rushguard and placing it on top of my board. "'Di man lang nahiyang tumingin, ah," narinig kong sabi pa niya.
I turned around again. Tumatawa sila ni Cali habang nakatingin kay Jericho kaya napatingin din ako sa kanya. He looked away and licked his lips before brushing his hair with his fingers. He gave me a short glance and smiled. Umiwas agad ako dahil nasisilaw ako sa ngiti niya. He really has the best smile at mas gumanda iyon dahil sa dimple niya.
"Wala akong pake! Drop in ka!" narinig ko ang boses ni Sasy sa malayo. Magkasama sila ni Maki. Ako lang ang nakatingin sa kanila dahil busy si Raya at Cali nag-uusap. Si Echo nakatingin na sa malayo, mukhang may iniisip.
"Sorry na nga, eh. 'Di ka naman namatay, 'di ba?" sarkastikong sabi naman ni Marco.
"Eh, paano kung namatay ako dahil doon?"
"Eh, 'di aattend ako ng lamay mo. Simple," sagot ni Marco habang nakangisi. Inirapan naman siya ni Sasy.
"Why? What happened?" I asked nang nakalapit na sila sa amin. I was also curious. Knowing Sasy, medyo overacting 'to minsan. Lumingon si Cali nang narinig iyong tanong ko.
"This annoying guy just dropped in on me!" pagmamaktol ni Sasy.
"Drop in lang pala, eh," si Raya. Tumawa naman si Marco at mayabang na tinginan si Sasy.
"May isa din diyan, drop in kanina," Echo said cooly and pointed at me. Nanlaki nang kaunti ang mata ko.
"Excuse me?" I asked and raised my brow. Malayo kaya kami! Sadyang nag long ride lang ako at papunta siya sa daan ko kaya muntik na kaming mag kabanggaan!
"Sige, makakadaan ka," he answered sarcastically and gestured the way. I rolled my eyes at him before crossing my arms.
"Annoying ka," I stated, not able to hide the irritation in my voice. He smirked at me and crossed his arms as well. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, 'di nagpapatalo sa tingin niya. Lumaki naman ang ngisi sa labi niya.
"Let's go. I'm hungry!" singit ni Cali at pumalakpak. Tumayo siya at kinuha ang board niya.
Naunang naglakad si Echo at Marco. Nakasunod sila Sasy at Raya sa kanila and I was walking behind them with Cali. I rested my left arm around her shoulder, the surfboard on my other arm.
"You guys are so casual," bulong ni Cali sa 'kin.
"What?" I asked.
"Echo." Oh. "Isn't it awkward?" she asked innocently. Her eyes were wide a bit due to her curiousity.
"Sometimes. We can't avoid that," I admitted. "But I choose to just act normal." I actually don't have a choice but to act normal. Echo was not making it hard too. Casual lang din ang trato niya sa akin, so far.
"Have you talked about what happened?"
"No," I replied.
We arrived at the restaurant of the resort. We placed our surfboard on the board rack before walking over to a vacant table in the center. I sat down beside Cali. A waiter went near us with a smile and gave us the menu. Madali lang kaming nakapili kaya umalis agad iyong waiter.
"Ano ba... Ay, I could prepare a yacht party!" Raya suggested. Kanina pa sila nagplaplano ng pwede naming gawin dito sa vacation namin. I was just listening as I continued spreading nutella on my pancake.
"Yes. That would be great!" Cali agreed.
"Sinong iimbitahin ko?" Raya asked. "Or tayo-tayo lang?"
"You could invite some girls," Marco suggested, smirking at us meaningfully.
"Ah, oo nga pala. Nandito iyong kaibigan kong pinaasa mo." Ngumiti si Raya, nang-aasar.
"Oh, share mo lang?" ganti ni Maki. "Invite some other women. Para naman may makausap kami ni Echo. Just like the old times, 'di ba, pare?" Siniko pa niya si Echo sa dibdib kaya napatigil iyong isa sa pagsubo.
Kunot noo siyang tiningnan ni Echo. "Malay ko sa 'yo, ulol. 'Wag mo akong damayin," he ended and looked at me. I haven't even realized that I was looking at him with my brows furrowed.
I looked away and continued cutting my pancake. Sumubo ako ng sunod-sunod. Women, huh? Kailangan pala may kausap? Ano pala kami nila Cali? Hindi babae?
"Esme!" natatawang tawag ni Marco. He looked taken aback when I glared at him. "Okay? What did I do?" he asked, confused.
I rolled my eyes and didn't responded. I just continued eating silently while they continue discussing their plans. Nagulat ako nang bigla akong inabot ni Echo at pinunasan ang gilid ng bibig ko. My hand got stuck in the air as I looked at him, annoyed.
"Kalat naman," he whispered. He was wiping the side of my lips with his thumb. Natauhan ako at naiiritang tinampal ang kamay niya. Nagulat siya at hindi nakaimik.
"I can do it," I said and wiped my lips with my thumb before eating again. He was looking at me with his forehead creased, trying to figure me out. Ano na namang problema ng kulot na ito sa akin?!
"Yeah, of course."
Tomorrow na lang daw ang yacht party para maka-prepare si Raya. For today, we decided to do whatever we want. Hindi naman kasi kami magtatagal dito, apat na araw lang at babalik na kami sa city para magtrabaho.
Naglakad ako papunta sa villa namin ni Cali when I finished eating breakfast. Nasa restaurant pa sila dahil hindi pa sila tapos kumain. I felt really sticky because of the sea water and I really wanted to take a bath already.
"Esme!" narinig kong tawag sa 'kin kaya napalingon ako. Agad naman akong nairita nang nakita kung sino iyon.
"Ano?"
"Oh? Taray naman," natatawang sabi ni Echo at bumagal ang takbo papunta sa 'kin.
"What do you need?" I asked, getting a bit impatient. He shrugged and put a hand inside his pocket. He was topless and medyo naging mapula nang kaunti ang balat dahil sa init ng araw.
"Wala. Sabay na tayo maglakad." He shrugged again and started walking.
I was looking at his back, a bit shocked. He stopped and turned to me when he noticed that I wasn't following him. He arched his brow, questioning. I shrugged and started walking kaya siya naman ang naiwan ngayon.
"Are you okay?" he asked carefully.
"Why wouldn't I be?" I snapped. Natawa naman siya. Nairita ako sa tawa niya kaya binilisan ko ang lakad para makarating na sa villa namin. Gosh, bakit kasi ang laki na ng resort na ito?!
"Chill. I'm just asking."
"Then stop because it's annoying."
"Grabe siya." He chuckled. "Are you going to come tomorrow?" he asked, referring to the yacht party. "It seems like you weren't interested when they were talking about it."
"Malamang pupunta ako," obvious na sagot ko. "Ikaw?" tanong ko pabalik, just to be fair. "Oh, wait. Of course you're going. May mga babae, eh." I smirked sarcastically.
"So what if may babae? It's not like I'm interested," he defended. "Besides, si Marco lang naman ang may gusto."
"Come on, 'wag ka nga mag panggap. Hindi bagay," pangooffend ko sa kanya. "Whatever, mag enjoy ka. Pakialam ko sa 'yo." I stopped walking when we arrived in front of the villa. "Thanks. Bye."
Tumalikod ako. Ilang hakbang pa lang ang nagawa ko, napahinto na ako dahil sa biglang paghila sa 'kin ni Echo sa palapulsuhan. Irita akong lumingon sa kanya.
"Ano na naman?"
"Nagseselos ka ba?" he asked shamelessly, placing both of his hands on the wooden fence beside me. He leaned forward slightly, and I noticed a ghost of smile was plastered on his lips.
"Excuse me?" I asked to be clear. I didn't know how I managed to act tough in front of him despite being shaken a bit because of our closeness. I could clearly feel his breath.
"Nagseselos ka ba?" ulit niya. Mapanglaro ang tono niya at hindi pa rin nawawala ang multo ng ngiti sa labi niya.
"Ba't naman ako magseselos kung may babae ka?" I asked confidently.
I took a step forward, getting closer to him. I held his cheek and smiled at him. He didn't even seem surprised by my actions. His gaze just darkened as he stared at me with those piercing hazel brown eyes of his.
I leaned near his ear to whisper. "Label muna bago selos."
His lips parted, obviously not expecting me to say that. I smirked before turning my back on him and successfully entering the villa. My legs were trembling slightly as I leaned against the door, and my heart was beating so fast that I actually thought it was going to jump out of my chest!
I calmed myself down before going to the bathroom to take a bath. There was a bathtub, so I decided to soak myself. I didn't have any bubble bath, so I made some bubbles using the liquid body soap provided by the resort. I was glad that the hot water had helped calm my nerves down.
I went out wearing my robe and a towel wrapped around my hair. I saw Cali sitting on the chair near the balcony, and she was looking out the window blankly.
"Cali, are you okay?" I asked, but it seemed like she didn't hear me. I went near her and touched her shoulder. "Cali," I called once again.
Natauhan siya at wala sa sariling tumayo sa upuan. "What?"
"Are you okay?" ulit ko.
Tumango siya bago kinuha ang towel niya sa higaan. "Yeah." She gave me a small smile. "I'll take a bath now," paalam niya.
I just changed my clothes and checked the time on my phone. I was shock to see that it was already nearly 12 PM. Ang tagal pala namin nagsurf.
I blow dried my hair before laying down on the bed. Naramdaman ko naman agad ang pagod galing sa pagsurf kaya pumikit ako at piniling matulog na lang since we didn't have anything planned this afternoon.
I woke up when I felt my phone vibrating due to the notifications. Naka connect kasi iyon sa wifi. Ugh, I should've disconnected it. I opened my eyes and noticed that the lights were off and only the lampshade in between Cali's bed and mine was open. The curtains were closed kaya madilim sa kwarto.
I checked my phone and saw that the notifications were coming from our GC. Hinahanap lang nila kami kasi almost night time na pala at magdi-dinner daw kami.
I stood up from my bed and woke Cali up. I didn't had a hard time waking her up since she's a light sleeper. Mga 3 PM na raw siya nakatulog kasi nag-edit siya ng vlog niya.
Tahimik lang kaming lumabas ng villa. I opened my phone and took a picture of the fading sunset. It was really beautiful, especially because it was pink with a hint of orange. It looked so calm. The moon was already showing, which made it look even better.
I posted it on my story with a small caption on the side, "feels good to be home :)"
"Buti naman nagising kayo. Akala ko pumunta kayo rito para matulog," Maki said while rubbing the chalk on top of the pool stick that he was holding.
"Pakialam mo," inis na sagot ni Cali. Napailing ako. Wala pa sa mood ah.
"Pizza, fried chicken, fries and beer tayo for tonight, ah!" masayang salubong ni Sasy na kakalabas lang sa kitchen. We all nodded at her, which made her smile.
Dumating na si Raya at agad naman na lumapit kay Marco para sumali sa billiard. I sat down on the couch and looked around. Walang masyadong tao because it still wasn't vacation season. I actually preferred this because I don't want to be in a place with a lot of people. I had enough in the city.
"Oh. Saan ka galing?" tanong ni Marco kay Echo na kakarating lang. Tumaas naman ang kilay ko nang nakita ang suot niya. He was wearing a white hawaiian polo, black shorts, and black slides. He's all dressed up, huh? For what?
"Somewhere," tipid na sagot ni Jericho. He looked at me and smirked when he caught me staring at him. "What?"
"I wasn't looking at you," I denied quickly. He bit his lower lip and looked away before chuckling lowly because of my response.
"I didn't even accuse you of that," painosenteng sabi niya, tumatawa pa rin.
Right. Esme, bobo ka. You sounded a little defensive there.
The food was served a few minutes later kaya huminto na sila Raya sa pagbibilliard. Raya and Maki sat down on the couch in front of me. I grabbed Cali's wrist and forced her to sit beside me before Echo could even sit there. He didn't even looked shocked, though, and just shook his head before sitting beside Sasy.
"Nakaimbita na ako ng mga pupunta bukas," Raya informed and reached for the plate pf chicken wings. "Don't worry, kaunti lang naman iyon. Mga lima. Tsaka, mga kilala niyo lang din naman."
I picked up a slice of pizza and took a bite from it. I couldn't help but moan because it was so delicious. Sobrang cheesy and the dough was soft. I made a mental reminder to try making this one.
I was just enjoying my food when Raya, Sasy, and Marco stood up and said that they were going to play billiard. Sasy brought her beer with her habang si Marco naman may hawak pang pizza.
I looked at Echo when I noticed him staring at me. Nagkatinginan kami saglit bago ko siya binaliwala at nagpatuloy na sa pagnguya.
"Do you want to play?" tanong ni Echo.
"Pass. My head hurts," Cali reasoned and massaged her forehead a bit.
"Inom ka gamot," Jericho said before and looking at me again.
I shrugged. "Yeah, sure. Wait lang," sabi ko bago kumuha ng ilang pirasong fries at sinubo ito. Inabutan niya ako ng tissue at tinanggap ko naman iyon bago tumayo, dala ang bottle of beer ko. "Ate you sure?" I asked Cali.
"Yeah, yeah," walang pakialam niyang sagot at sumandal sa couch. "Just go. Enjoy kayo."
Sa kabilang billiard table kami dumiretso at hindi roon kina Marco. Kumuha ako ng dalawang pool stick at chalk habang si Echo naman inayos na ang billiard ball at rack doon sa center ng billiard table.
I sipped from my bottle while waiting for him to finish. When he stood up properly, I gave him the pool stick. Tinanggap niya 'to sa akin at inangulo ang katawan niya sa harap ng table.
"Game ka na ba?" tanong niya bago tinamaan ang bola para kumalat ito.
I scoffed at his question. "Who are you? Si Kris Aquino?" natatawang tanong ko bago siya tinaasan ng kilay.
"'Yong lalake naman," he joked and chuckled softly before turning to me. "Ladies first." He smirked.
I shrugged at him. Wala naman talaga akong pakialam kung sino ang mauna. I just wanted to past time.
I placed my bottle on the side and angled my body. I closed one eye to get a better look. "Wait, solid or stripes ako?" I asked while eyeing the ball.
"Liquid," panloloko niya. Irita naman akong nag angat ng tingin sakanya. "Ikaw bahala." He shrugged. Good, because I already have my eye on the solid. Tinamaan ko naman agad ng cue ang bola noong nakuha ko ang maayos na angle.
I blew out a whistle when the ball got in, and smirked at Echo. He rolled his eyes at me but I saw him hiding a smile.
"Salitan na lang tayo. Baka matalo ka, eh," I joked. Kinuha ko ulit ang bottle ko at uminom habang hinihintay siyang umasinta.
"As if, Esme. Watch the pro," pagmamayabang naman niya.
I was glad that we were both trying to be casual whenever we were alone. And that we haven't really talked about what happened recently. I knew that it would come soon, but for now I'm trying to be as casual as I can be. I'm not avoiding it, I just don't know where to start...
"Kayo ni Chase?" biglang tanong niya na nagpagulat sa akin. He hit the ball with his cue, and I became even more shocked when two balls went into one hole! "Why do you seem so shocked? I told you. Watch the pro, right?"
"Yabang mo," sabi ko. I looked around the table para malaman anong bola ang tatamaan ko. I angled my body again when I found a ball that I could easily shoot. "No, hindi kami. I'm single," I answered his question.
The ball went in. I looked at him, raising a brow as if proving that I am not going to lose this game. He nodded and a smile slowly crept on his lips. I didn't know if it was because I was accepting his challenge or because of my reply to his question.
"Ako rin, single."
"Pero may kalandian?" I said and forced a smile when I thought of the possibility that he went out earlier to meet someone. I'm just assuming because he was all dressed up. I couldn't blame him if he would flirt or fall for other woman. I mean, it's been years since we broke up...
"What? I don't have a fling," he replied before hitting the ball. Lumapit agad ako dahil turn ko na. "So... you don't remember anything, huh?" tanong niya bago sinandal ang pisngi sa stick niya.
"Remember what exactly?" I asked, a little confused.
"The night you got drunk. Iyong sa condo ko," he emphasized. I had to look around baka may nakarinig pero busy pa rin si Marco at Raya naglalaro, nagbabatukan pa. While si Cali katabi na si Sasy na nakaupo sa couch at kumakain.
"I don't remember much," I admitted quietly.
I don't want to lie anymore. That was the reason we broke up. That was what made us miserable. That was the reason for my guilt. That was the reason why he got.. hurt. And I don't want to make the same mistake again. Ayaw ko nang magsinungaling sa kanya... Ulit.
"Yeah?" he asked. "Well, you told me why you broke up with me," he said cooly, which shocked me. I was pretty sure I couldn't even hide the look of surprise on my face right now.
What the hell, Ariesse? Did I really tell him the truth while I was drunk?
"What?" I asked him to make sure that I heard him right.
He sighed. "The reason why you broke up with me," he informed. I just stared at him and didn't say a word. He slowly tore his gaze from me and hit the ball with the cue.
I suddenly forgot that we were playing because of what he just told me. This was a very sensitive topic because we were talking about our past... but here we were, choosing to talk about this over billiards. I guess... this is better because I know I won't last a serious conversation with him. I was sure I would burst into tears if that happened... It's still too much for me.
"Uhm..."
"It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I just want to inform you about what happened that night so that you could get it off your mind. I know you've been wondering if you have said anything." He laughed and shook his head. "I know that pretty little mind of yours," he added before gesturing the table.
"Oh, it's my turn already?" I asked. Tumango siya at sumandal sa tabi ko. He even reached for my beer and drank from it. I looked away. Hindi man lang nagpaalam!
I angled my body, but I couldn't concentrate because I could smell his strong perfume since he was standing super close to me. Umawang ang labi ko nang nakita na tatlo pa ang bola na natira sa 'kin habang dalawa na lang ang kay Echo.
"I just remembered that I wasn't able to hit earlier," I stated. "Dinaya mo ako," I added, but still hit the ball, not making it a big deal.
"I want to fix this," he said in a serious tone. "I didn't want that break up. Now I know that you didn't too," he sounded so sure.
Okay... How much did I say when I was drunk?
I unconsciously bumped the ball with my cue. Naasar naman ako at napabuga ng ng hangin nang hindi iyon pumasok. I heard Echo chuckled lowly beside me. I stood up properly and drew a deep breath.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, looking at him seriously. "I... I didn't want that. I know I can't bring it back, Echo. But, I'm really really sorry. It was just... your..." I felt like explaining, but I didn't know how or where to start.
"My mom," pag dugtong niya sa sinabi ko at tumango. "I understand. Hindi ako nag tanim ng galit. Hindi ko kayang magtanim ng galit sa 'yo. I could easily forgive you. You're too special to me and... I love you so much, you know that..."
I pursed my lips as I listened to him speak.
"When you left me, it hurt so much, Esme. Sabi mo napagod ka na... Sa atin... sa akin, 'di ba?" He smiled at me painfully that I had to look away. "Napaisip ako roon. Nakakapagod ba na mahalin ako?"
"No," I immediately said.
"You were so desperate to leave me. I was so confused, Esme. I knew we had problems, I knew that I was lacking, but I was trying my best. I never expected us to break up. I was not expecting you to give up on me because... I would never give up on you no matter what comes our way..." he said.
"I just did what I think was right, Echo," mahinang sabi ko.
"I know. I understand, okay?" He gave me a soft smile. "It's okay. It's in the past. Hindi na 'yon mababalik. Don't feel guilty anymore, Esme. Okay?" he added.
I'm not really sure how I'm feeling right now. I'm still guilty but I was also quite relieve to know that he didn't plant any anger towards me. Unti-unti na kaming nagiging maayos... pero nakakatakot pa rin.
I let out a sigh. "Okay." Tumango ako at ngumiti pa nang alanganin sa kanya. "It's your turn na."
"Ah, also. Just so you know." He smirked before slowly hitting the ball with his pool stick. "Nagseselos ako kahit wala na tayong label."