CHAPTER 7
VICTORY PARTY
Damian's POV
I quickly went home after getting a phone call from my father. Unfortunately, my plan to hide from my family failed. Wala talaga akong balak magpakita sa parents ko dahil sasaglit lang naman ako dito sa Pinas but to my surprise, someone informed my Dad that I'm already back. May kumpare yata siyang nakakita sa akin sa airport kaninang umaga. What are the odds, right?
"Pa," I greeted him.
He quickly stood up, smiled and gave me a manly hug. "Tingin mo ba talaga makakapagtago ka sa'kin?" natatawang tanong niya. "Mabuti na lang na-cancel ang business trip ko to Thailand."
I chuckled. "Dadaan naman po talaga ako dito," pagsisinungaling ko.
"Sus."
"No, really. I just went to watch Dashiell's game first. You should have been there, Dad. Grabe, ang galing niya na maglaro at nanalo pa sila---"
"Nagugutom ka ba? Halika, nagpaluto ako nang mga paborito mong pagkain."
My smile faded when he cut me off. Wala ba talaga siyang kainte-interes sa kapatid ko?
Naglakad na kami papunta sa dining room namin. To my surprise, all our house maids are already there, waiting with beaming eyes.
"Welcome back, Sir Damian!"
"Thank you," I said, shaking their hands and hugging a few of them. Madami sa kanila ang tinuring ko nang mga nanay-nanayan. Most of our maids here have been with us for years. Mula pagkabata ko ay sila na ang nagaalaga sa'kin.
"Take a sit, son," utos na ng tatay ko kaya naman nag-excuse na 'ko at umupo sa usual spot ko.
"As I was saying Dad, I recorded some of Dashiell's---"
"That's not important. The soccer game means nothing compared to what I have in mind. Matagal-tagal na mula nang umalis ka papuntang Australia. You've already completed two years of your studies abroad. Don't you think it's about time for you to stay here again and start helping me with the company?"
I forced myself not to shake my head. I knew we're going to have this conversation the moment he sees me. Kaya nga iniiwasan ko talagang umuwi hangga't maaari.
"But I can't just leave everything behind. Mahihirapan po ako mag-adjust. They have different curriculums here. Pa, I already promised you. After I graduate, I'll work for you."
He let out a frustrated sigh. "Matagal pa 'yon. That's in three years. What if something happens to me before then?"
I stared at him. "What do you mean?"
Hindi siya nagsalita. Uminom lang siya ng tubig.
"Is there something I should know, Pa?"
My Dad shook his head. "Ang sinasabi ko lang, dapat naghahanda ka na. You're in the right age."
"But I'm still inexperienced. I have to finish my studies first before you train me. You said it yourself, hindi biro ang pagkakaroon ng Construction company. Ayoko naman pong masira ang reputasyon mo at ni Lolo dahil sa'kin."
Huminga siya ng malalim. "Mukhang hindi talaga kita makukumbinsi."
"Stop worrying, Dad. I will never change my mind. Patatakbuhin ko ang DLCDI sa tamang panahon."
He cheer up because of that. Ngumiti na siya at inabutan na 'ko ng pagkain. We were in the middle of eating when my Mom suddenly came home.
"Damian?" gulat na tanong niya. She froze on her spot, her eyes widened in shock.
"Ma!" Tumayo ako at excited na niyakap siya. "Miss me?"
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?"
Natawa ako sa tanong niya. "Parang ayaw mo pong makita ako ah."
She shook her head. "Hindi ko lang talaga ine-expect na uuwi ka. Anong okasyon at biglaan yata ang pagbalik mo?"
"Dashiell wanted me to watch his game today. Kinulit niya ako over the phone and I just couldn't say no to him. I've been saying no for two years now."
Tinitigan niya ako ng maigi. "You're here for your brother?"
"Is that too impossible, Ma?" I chuckled. "He's so good. Mukhang mas magaling pa nga siya sa'kin."
"Ayan ang imposible," My Dad laughed.
Umupo na ulit ako at lumapit naman siya kay Papa. She kissed him lightly.
"Aakyat na muna ako. Medyo masakit ang ulo ko."
My Dad nodded. "Magpabili ka ng gamot kung kailangan."
Mom looked at me for a few seconds before she walked out. Sinundan siya ng mga mata ko hanggang sa mawala na siya sa paningin ko.
Hindi pa rin siya nagbabago.
Ever since I can remember, malayo na talaga ang loob ng nanay ko sa'kin. I don't know why but she's always guarded with her words and actions whenever I'm around. Madalas hindi nanunuod si Mama sa mga school play, competitions o 'di kaya games na sinasalihan ko pero pagdating kay Dash, hindi pwedeng wala siya doon. I bet she even watched the Summer Olympics game today. Hindi ko lang siya nakita dahil nasa VIP suite siya.
Minsan natatanong ko ang sarili ko kung may nagawa ba kong mali nung bata pa ako kaya siya ganito sa akin pero isa lang talaga ang naiisip kong dahilan. My Mom knows my Dad only favors me. Kaya para maging pantay ay todo suporta naman siya kay Dashiell. Maybe she thinks I already have enough love from Dad that I won't be needing hers anymore.
Pero syempre, bilang isang anak, nalulungkot ako tuwing nakikita kong parang hindi ako ganung kaimportante sa kanya. When I decided to study abroad, she didn't even see me off at the airport. Tapos kapag umuuwi naman ako tuwing pasko o new year ay para bang hindi siya ganung kasaya.
Dash must feel the same way with Dad. Ewan ko ba kasi sa mga magulang namin, may mga favorites.
"Pa, maliligo muna ako. I'll be going to Dashiell's after party. Hindi mo naman po siya tinawagan, right? I'm planning on surprising him."
"I'm too busy to call him," He admitted. "Saglit lang." Bigla siyang tumayo at umalis ng dining room.
I followed him and grew curious when he went to our garage. Naghintay na lang ako sa living room hanggang sa nakabalik na siya. "Here, use my car. Dash used yours."
Natawa ako. "Again?"
"Ewan ko ba diyan sa kapatid mo, palagi na lang ginagamit ang kotse mo e binilhan naman siya ng Mama niya ng kanya."
"Well I'm glad he does. Masisira ang makina ng kotse kapag ilang linggong hindi ginagamit. I've been gone for years, atleast he uses it every now and then."
Umiling na lang siya at iniabot na sa akin ang susi ng kotse niya. "Take care of it."
"Thanks Dad. I'll see you later."
"Kailan ka pala babalik ng Australia? We should play golf before you go back."
"On Sunday. We could play tomorrow if you're free. Sama po natin si Dash."
"Your brother doesn't like the things we'll talk about. Nag-architecture man siya ay hindi naman iyon ang talagang gusto niya. He'll get bored."
I agreed with him. Sinabihan ko nga si Dashiell na dapat kung ano ba talaga ang gusto niya ay 'yun ang kunin niyang course but he insisted on following my path. He said he idolizes me and he wants to be like me someday.
Nagpaalam na rin ako at umakyat na sa kwarto ko. I smiled when I opened the door. Nakakatuwa na kahit hindi ako dito nagii-stay ay malinis at alagang-alaga pa rin ng mga maid namin ang bedroom ko. Mukhang kakapalit lang ng sheets ng kama at walang alikabok ang study table ko.
Everything's just the same.
Iris' POV
Since Camille promised me she'll help me, I suddenly became energetic. Sobrang good mood ko kaya naman naisipan kong pumunta na sa after-party ng Larkyn Bears. I called Theo and in a matter of minutes, he and Rios are already in front of my house.
"Glad you changed your mind," Theo said when I hopped in at the backseat.
"Buti 'di pa kayo lasing."
"'Di mo sure," Rios joked around.
"We had two shots of tequila already but we're still good," Theo honestly told me. Mataas naman ang alcohol tolerance nila kaya sigurado akong wala pa silang tama.
Tatawa-tawang sumingit si Rios. "Pero 'pag gumewang 'yung kotse, alam mo na."
I rolled my eyes at them. Theo's a responsible driver, hindi niya kami ipapahamak.
"Madaming tao don?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Of course. It's the finals earlier. Lahat nang mga kasali at mga kaibigan ng varsity team, nandoon. Different students from different schools are invited."
"Oh sheez."
"Kaya wag kang masyadong pagala-gala don ha," pagbabanta ni Rios.
"And why's that?"
"Magpapakalasing kasi kaming mga kaibigan mong lalake. We won't be able to defend you if someone messes with you. Basta doon na lang kayong mga girls sa couch kung saan nakaupo ang buong tropa."
I nodded. "Don't make me regret going to that party."
"LOL, did you ever?"
I smirked. "Nah."
Pagdating sa bar ay nagulat ako sa dami ng mga tao. Mula sa parking hanggang sa may entrance ay punong puno na ito ng mga college students. It's over-crowded but it's still fun to see a lot of new faces.
"IRIS! You're back!" sigaw ni Ava.
"Buti naman nag-decide kang wag maging KJ for today," Naomi joked.
"I thought you're not feeling well?" Tiffany asked.
"I'm good now."
"Heeyyyy come here! Ipapakilala kita kay Dash! Ikaw na lang ang hindi niya pa nami-meet!" Biglang hinawakan ni Caylee ang kamay ko at hinila ako papunta doon sa kabilang parte ng bar.
From afar, I immediately noticed his friend. Panay sa kanya ang focus ng camera kanina sa stadium kaya naman kilala ko na ang mukha niya.
His facial features are perfect. Matangos ang ilong niya at full lips pa. I bet he's a heartthrob on his department.
For some reason, I suddenly remembered David. Medyo hawig sila ng kaunti.
"Dash!" Caylee shouted.
Dashiell turned around and smiled at us. "Oh Caylee, bakit?"
"I'd like you to meet my friend Iris. Ris, tropa ko si Dash."
Ngumiti siya at inilahad ang kamay niya. Nahihiya ko namang hinawakan iyon at nakipagkamay. He's so formal.
"Hi," I greeted him.
"Thanks for coming to the party. Are you girls enjoying yourselves?"
Bago pa makasagot si Caylee ay bigla na lang may yumakap sa bewang ni Dash. He kissed the girl's forehead. "Hey there."
"Sorry hindi ako nakapanuod ng game mo but I knew you were going to win. Congrats honey!" sweet na sabi nung babae.
"It's okay, hon."
Oh. He has a girlfriend.
Sabagay, kapag ganyan talaga kagwapo ay imposibleng manatiling single, unless he's like my friends who are not into commitments for now.
"Hi Charmaine," Caylee said, smiling at the girl.
"Hello," she politely replied.
"Uy sige Dash, balik na kami don ha."
"Ge ge. Have fun!" Dash told us. "Iris, it was nice meeting you." Tumingin siya sa akin at ngumiti bago itinuon na ang pansin sa naglalambing niyang jowa.
"They're cute," I commented when we're already a few feet away from the couple.
"You know what's cute? Aaron," bulong ni Caylee sa akin. Kita ko agad na kinikilig na siya kahit hindi niya pa naikukwento sa akin ang nangyari.
"Why? What'd he do?"
"Niyayaya niya na 'kong umalis para mag-date na lang kaming dalawa. He knows I don't drink liquors kaya alam niyang madali akong mabo-bored tonight. Cute 'di ba? He worries about me all the time."
Parehas kasi kami ni Caylee na hindi gaano umiinom. We're both still learning but the good thing is that I don't get drunk easily. 'Yung iba kasi, kapag baguhan, madali malasing. I'm not like that.
"Sasama ka ba sa kanya?" tanong ko sa kanya.
"Yeah, I think so. I really like him," ngingisi-ngising bulong niya.
"Good for you. Mukha namang mabait si Aaron."
"He better be." She smiled.
Hinila niya na ako upang bumalik sa lugar kung saan nag-stay ang tropa. She sat beside Aaron while I went to Zin's side. Inakbayan niya ako at inalok ng alak ngunit umiling lang ako.
"Anong tingin mo diyan kay Aaron?" He suddenly asked me in a low voice.
"Ha?"
"Do you think he's serious about Caylee?"
"Uhmmm, oo naman. Bakit mo natanong?"
He stared at Caylee and Aaron. "Sana nga seryoso siya."
Uminom na uli siya at tumayo na. He pulled Evan and Rios to the dance floor. Wala pang ilang segundo ay may lumapit na sa kanilang mga babae. Nakipagsayawan ang mga ito sa kanila.
They looked like they're all having so much fun.
Tiningnan ko naman sila Tiffany, Naomi at Ava. Nagpapaligsahan sila sa paginom ng alak.
Asher's sleeping beside Caylee. Nakakapagtaka na nakatulog siya sa lugar na ito. He's really in a deep sleep. Wow.
Since wala akong makakwentuhan ay kumuha na lang ako ng grapes na nasa table at kumain. Habang pinapanuod ang mga kaibigan ko gumawa ng kung ano-anong kalokohan ay hindi ko mapigilan hindi mag-imagine.
What if David's here with me? I'm sure matutuwa sila Theo sa kanya dahil magaling sa alak 'yon. Baka maging tropa din nila ito kahit na ahead siya sa amin ng isang taon.
My life will be completely different if he's here with me.
"Oh."
I looked up at Rios and frowned. "Oh?"
"Drink up," abot niya ng isang baso ng alak.
"Nah---"
"Ris, you'll never learn how to drink unless you get drunk."
Tinitigan ko lang ang basong iniaalok niya ngunit tinanggap din iyon pagkatapos ng ilang segundo. "What do you get from drinking liquors anyway? Sasakit lang ang ulo mo at magsusuka ka. Your liver's gonna suffer too."
Rios pouted. "Oh, so you want to talk about science huh. Okay, sige." Umupo na siya sa tabi ko at ngumiti. "Alam mo ba, according to some research, when you drink alcohol, your brain releases some chemicals associated with your moods. Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins---basta in short connected 'yun sa pleasurable sensations mo."
"Huh?" Ano daw?
"Yah know, the feel good chemicals. I can't believe you haven't heard any of this. Akala ko ba matalino ka?"
"Why do you know this anyway?"
"So I can flirt better with smart girls."
I rolled my eyes at him. "Niloloko mo lang yata ako e."
Out of all the people in this room, Rios is the least person I could think of who would know anything about science and facts!
"No sh*t. Seryoso nga! I read it somewhere but yeah, you get the idea."
"Pleasurable sensations? Are you teling me, nagiging malantod ang isang tao kapag nakainom?"
"No. HAHAHAHA! Dumi naman ng utak mo. How do I say this?" He stopped for a few seconds before smiling at me. "Happy hormones. You'll have those when you drink."
Napaisip ako don. Is that why everyone here's in the mood?
"Talaga?" Should I drink then? Will it make me forget all my worries in life?
"Why do you always doubt me?" pagtawa niya. "Well, unless of course you have a problem, well that's a different story. Alcohol can also be a depressant. From my experience, mas mati-trigger 'yung emotions na 'yon kapag naglasing ka."
I bit my lower lip. "Parang ang gulo naman. Sabi mo nakakapagpasaya tapos ngayon naman, mas nakakapagpalungkot?"
Rios laughed. "When you put it that way, mukhang magulo nga."
"You're not helping." I sighed.
"Why? Do you need help?" Should I tell him what happened in Paris? But he'll scold me, for sure. Hindi niya naman maiintindihan.
"Nagwo-worry lang ako na baka kung anong gawin ko kapag nalasing ako. You said you guys are going to get drunk tonight, who would look out for me then?"
He nodded. "Humanap ka na kasi ng jowa mong magbabantay sa'yo kapag gusto mong magpakasaya," biro niya.
May nahanap na nga akong gusto kong maging jowa, nawala naman agad.
"Yeah. I should," I mumbled before drinking.
Damian's POV
Nag-decide akong magpahinga saglit kaya naman humiga ako ng ilang minuto sa kama ko. Now that I'm alone in my room, my mind couldn't help but think of Irene. Her smile, the way she laugh, her eyes....
Nakaka-miss. I badly want to see her again. Gusto kong maamoy ang mabango niyang buhok at mahawakan uli ang mga kamay niya.
But where will I find her? In Paris? Is she still even in that city? What should I do to find her?
Hindi yata ako matatahimik hangga't hindi kami nakakapagusap. I have millions of questions.
Bigla akong napabalikwas at napaisip. Why don't I hire someone to find her? In just a matter of days, I'll know where she is. Tama. 'Yun na lang ang gagawin ko.
Pero paano kung ayaw niya namang magpahanap? She ran away from me, after all. Hindi na siya nagpakita at talagang iniwasan niya ko. Will she get mad if I showed up in front of her? Tatakbo na naman ba siya palayo at tataguan ako?
F*ck. Nakakabaliw 'yung ganto.
Shaking my head, I grabbed a cap, my jacket and the car keys on the side table. Then I ran downstairs to our garage. I need advice from my friends, from Dash or whoever is available to talk to. Kailangan kong malaman kung tama ba ang desisyon kong hanapin si Irene.
I don't want to mess things up again.
*****
Pagdating ko sa party ay hinanap ko agad ang kapatid ko. Sobrang daming tao kaya nahirapan akong makita siya. It took me a few minutes before I saw Dashiell.
"Sana nga sinipa ko 'yung bola papunta sa mukha niya e!" pagtawa ni Dash. Kitang-kita ko kung paano napailing ang mga kaibigan niya. They were all laughing and listening to him.
I stayed at my spot and watched him continue his story. Doon ko napagtanto na ibang-iba na siya mula nung umalis ako. He used to be so shy whenever there's a crowd in front of him, but now he's confident and calm. Bilang isang kuya, natutuwa ako na na-overcome niya ang pagiging mahiyain niya.
"Ah talaga ba?" I decided to say in between his speech. Tumingin lahat ng mga tropa niya sa akin at agad lumingon si Dashiell upang makita kung sino ang sira ulong sumingit sa kwento niya.
His eyes widened in shock when he saw me. "Bro! Ikaw ba talaga 'yan? Whoah!" Agad siyang tumakbo at niyakap ako ng mahigpit.
"Surprise!" pag-ngisi ko kay Dash.
"Sabi mo hindi ka makakauwi! Hayop, 'di ko 'to in-expect!"
I chuckled. "I never said I can't. I said I'll try."
Everyone clapped and cheered for us.
"Damian! Welcome back!"
"The King's here!"
"Grabe Damian, na-miss ka namin!"
"Iba talaga kapag nandito ka!"
I just smiled and nod at them. Hinila naman ako kaagad ni Dash palayo sa magugulong mga tao upang makapagusap kami. We went to the bar area to ask for a drink.
"Congrats nga pala sa'nyo. Ang galing mo maglaro kanina ah. The long flight's worth it," I told my brother.
"Nakapanuod ka?!"
"Nigel was able to find some tickets."
"You should have told me! 'Di sana nasa front row ka or in the VIP suite!"
"Surprise nga 'di ba?" paghalakhak ko.
Tatawa-tawang napailing si Dash. "Sabagay, if I'm aware you're watching, I could have messed up the game. Iba pa rin kapag idolo mo ang nanuod sa'yo."
"Baliw!" He asked for a few advice and I was happy to share my insights to him. Habang naguusap kami ay may lumapit sa kanyang babae. Dash automatically wrapped his arm around the girl's waist.
"Ay oo nga pala, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Charmaine. Hon, utol ko."
Her jaw dropped. Agad niya 'kong kinamayan. "You're Damian? Oh my gosh. I didn't know you're here in the Philippines. Sorry po, hindi kita agad namukhaan."
Parehas kami ni Dashiell na natawa. "Ayos lang, kakarating ko lang din naman kasi kani-kanina lang."
"Oh okay. Uhmm, are you back for good?"
"No, I'll be here until Sunday only."
My brother frowned. "Ganun kabilis? Bakit?"
"I've got things to do. Speaking of, may gusto nga pala akong ihingi ng advice sa'yo."
Charmaine immediately realizes she shouldn't be in the conversation. Nagpaalam siya bigla at umalis na pabalik sa mga kaibigan nila.
"She's smart," I muttered. Alam niyang private ang paguusapan namin ng kapatid ko kaya ayaw niyang makisawsaw.
"Yeah. That's why she caught my eyes." He smiled. "Ano nga pala 'yung sinasabi mo kuya? Everything okay?"
Umiling ako. "I'm far from okay."
"What's wrong? May ginawa kang kalokohan back in Australia?"
"In Paris. But I wouldn't say it's a nonsense game."
Uminom si Dash ng alak bago tumingin uli sa'kin. "Let me guess, you met a girl?"
Tinitigan ko ang baso ng alak na hawak ko bago ako tumango. "I met this amazing woman I really like---"
Natigil ako nang bigla na lang may bumatok sa'kin. "T*ngina mo, nandito ka na pala, hindi mo man lang sinabi sa'kin. Ang hayop."
Natawa si Dash sa sinabi ni Nigel. "Solid nung batok ah."
"Girlfriend mo ba 'ko para ipaalam ko sa'yo lahat?" yamot na tanong ko.
"G*go." Nigel laughed.
"OYYY! Damian! Welcome back 'tol!" Paglapit naman ni Zin sa akin. "Napanuod mo ba ang laro ni Dash kanina? Napaka-astig noh?"
"Yeah. He could join the national team someday if he wants to. He's really good at soccer. Tsaka---" We looked behind when we heard a few girls shouted. The music's loud but it was hard not to hear those screams. Mga nagulat yata sila dahil parang may nabasag sa 'di kalayuan.
"May lasing na," biro ni Nigel. "Aga naman. Nagsisimula pa nga lang ang party ah."
"Teka lang, kaibigan ko yata 'yon," Zin said, immediately leaving us behind.
"Sinong kaibigan? Si Caylee?" I asked, assuming that she's also here.
Nilingon ko sila Zin upang tignan kung sino 'yung nakabasag. From afar, I could see Rios helping a girl to sit down. Nakaharang siya kaya hindi ko makita ang mukha nito. But something about her held my gaze. Parang bigla akong na-curious sa kanya. She looks like she's trying to stand up again pero pinipigilan siya ng mga tropa niya.
Then I saw Caylee sitting very closely with some guy on the side. Tumayo siya at lumapit doon sa kaibigan nila upang kamustahin iyon.
"Sino 'yung kasama ni Caylee?" I asked Dash and Nigel.
"Ah. Si Aaron, manliligaw niya," Nigel answered.
I couldn't help but be shocked. "Totoo? Si Caylee na ubod ng pagka-bossy at mahadera, tumatanggap na ng manliligaw?" Caylee's a family friend and ever since highschool, she was quite known for turning down her suitors. Nakakabigla lang na nagbago siya.
"This one's apparently different. Ayaw siyang tantanan hanggang sa ayan, nagde-date na sila."
Umayos na ko ng upo. "Hoy ah, bantayan niyo 'yan. Baka saktan lang siya niyan."
"Subukan niya lang," Nigel mumbled. Nigel's also like Caylee's older brother. Close siya sa amin kaya naman ayaw naming mapano siya.
"What was that you were saying again?" Dash asked me. "'Yung na-meet mo sa Paris? Anong meron don?"
"Uy. Sino? Chicks?" tanong ni Nigel.
If I'm going to share what happened in Paris, they might think Irene's just some slut who wanted a one night stand and I don't want anyone to be thinking of her that way. Pero kung aalisin ko naman 'yun sa kwento ko, they won't understand the real situation.
"You know what, it's not important. Let's go party. Na-miss ko 'to!"
I shouldn't tell anyone about Paris because I have to protect Irene. What we had was only meant for the two of us.
Iris' POV
"Hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit hindi pa rin siya tumatawag!" pagiyak ko na.
"Ris, wala ka na," pagtawa ni Rios. "And I'm also quite drunk HAHAHA. Tapang pala nitong iniinom natin, medyo nahihilo na rin ako."
"I hate him so much! Oo nagsinungaling ako but was that enough for him to just---" I froze when my eyes caught someone from afar. Agad kong pinunasan ang mga luha sa mukha ko at tinitigan 'yung lalaking nakaupo sa may bar counter. He had his back on mine but his features are undeniably the same with David.
Dahan-dahan akong tumayo at pinagmasdan ang lalakeng iyon. That's impossible. He can't be here.
Kinusot ko ang mga mata ko ngunit nang lumapit sa kanya si Zin ay tumigil na ang tibok ng puso ko. I saw the side of guy's face.
It's him! He's here! DAVID'S HERE!
Sa sobrang pagkabigla ko ay nabitawan ko ang basong hawak ko. Some people shouted in shock.
"OA niyo," inis na sabi ni Tiffany.
"Go on, mind your own business," buwiset na sabi naman ni Ava.
"Umupo ka nga. Baka maapakan mo pa 'yang mga bubog." Hinila ni Kiel ang kamay ko at pinaupo ako. Kakadating niya lang.
Rios stood up and took his jacket off to give it to me while Evan asked for a waiter to clean up the mess.
"Teka lang, I have to talk to---"
"Lasing ka na, Iris. Dapat hindi ka nakikinig diyan kay Rios. You shouldn't be drinking everything he's giving you," Caylee said but my mind's not focusing on them.
"But he's here!!" pagpa-panic ko. I'm trying to push Rios away to see David but he keeps getting on the way. "Let me go!" I shouted since Kiel has his hand on my wrist.
"Who's here?"
"My David!"
Naomi laughed. "Hala siya. Nagkaroon bigla ng imaginary boyfriend."
"Maybe you guys should bring her home na. Baka ano pa mangyari kay Iris," Ava suggested.
"WHAT? NO! Let me see him!" Pumiglas ako sa hawak ni Kiel at tinulak ng malakas si Rios kaso pagtayo ko ay natigil ako.
He's gone. Where is he?
"Ris, hayaan mo. Irereto kita sa mga David na kilala ko," Rios joked, making everyone laugh. I looked around but he's really not here anymore. I swear I saw him. He's right there!
"Si Zin?" I asked. He talked to David!
"Yow? Andito ako!" sigaw niya. I turned around and saw him waving his hand. "Uwi ka na? Gusto mo ihatid na kita?"
"You were talking to him."
"Who?"
"Si David. Kausap mo siya, nakita ko!"
He frowned. "Saan?"
"Doon! Sa bar area! Please Zin, tell me you're with him."
"I'm with Dash, Damian and Nigel. Wala namang David doon."
Unti-unting tumulo ulit ang mga luha mula sa mga mata ko. Pero alam kong totoo ang nakita ko.
"Let's get you home, okay?" Lumapit si Zin sa akin at inalalayan ako palabas. He had my bag on his other hand.
Pagkadating sa parking lot ay agad niya 'kong pinaupo sa shotgun seat. Then he even strapped my seatbelt on. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi umiyak habang nandoon sa loob ng kotse niya.
Why do I feel so miserable? Is this regret? Because I knew, what I did was wrong? I was reckless and stupid for being intimate with someone I hardly know.
Or am I crying because I'm desperate to see him?
"Ris, do you want to talk about it?"
Tiningnan ko si Zin na nakaupo na pala sa driver's seat. He already turned the engine of his car on but I didn't even notice it. Sa sobrang pagiyak ko ay hindi ko siya napansin.
"I won't judge, I promise," He added. I sobbed and just cried. Gustuhin ko mang ikwento sa kanya at humingi ng advice ay hindi ko magawa.
Zin stayed there, just listening to the music. Inabutan niya pa ako ng tissue. After a few minutes, when he noticed that I'm slowly calming down, he patted my head.
"Uwi ka na?"
Napangiti ako ng kaunti dahil naintindihan ko kung bakit niya hinintay na huminahon ako. I can't go home looking like a wreck. If my parents or my sister sees me like this, they'll bombard me with questions I can't ever answer.
"Please," I answered in a low voice. Pinaandar niya na ang kotse ngunit kumpara sa usual speed niya ay kapansin pansing mabagal siya magpatakbo ngayon. I think he's giving me more time to relax.
Tahimik si Zin hanggang sa makarating kami sa bahay. Thank goodness, I've stopped crying already.
"Salamat," I told him. Tinanggal ko na ang seatbelt ko at tiningnan siya. "Mukhang masama ang tama ng alak sa'kin."
Bumaba na ako ng kotse ngunit pagsara ko ng pintuan ay narinig ko namang binaba niya ang bintana. Nilingon ko siya at tinaasan ng kilay. "Bakit? May naiwan ba 'ko? Nandito na 'yung bag ko sa'kin."
Zin stared at me and sighed.
"Maybe you should slow down, Iris. I think you're pushing yourself too much."
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Just want to share to you guys how happy I am now that I'm a Wattpad Star! Feels surreal to have that badge on my profile! Huhu
Anyway, just like in Book 1, I keep on revising the plot for this book. Lol. So far, I like where the story is going hehehe.
Salamat po pala sa mga nagko-comment palagi! I really love reading your thoughts on each chapter. :)