Now ko lang natapos i-edit since daming ginagawa huhu. This is the last chapter, anyway, and thank you so much for making it till here! I'll post the epilogue once I finished editing it. Keep safe, everyone! Happy reading!
Chapter 15 (His Point of View)
My eyes are getting heavy and my surroundings began to spin as I continued pedaling my bicycle.
At bago pa ako tuluyang sumemplang, o maaksidente, ay kaagad ko nang inihinto ang aking bike at ngayon ko lang napansin na nasa tapat pala ako ng isang fast food chain.
Mariin muna akong napapikit at napailing-iling upang alisin ang pagkahilong nararamdaman bago ako naglakad akay-akay ang dalang bike upang isandal ito sa isang poste.
Hindi na rin ako nag-abala pang ikadena ito. Tuluy-tuloy lang akong pumasok sa loob habang pilit na binabalanse ang sarili para lang hindi matumba.
Nang makakita nang malapit na bakanteng mauupuan, ay kaagad akong naglakad para i-occupy iyon. I heavily sat myself on the chair before I lay down my aching head on the table.
Napahawak na lang ako sa aking ulo nang mas lalo itong kumirot nang pumikit ako.
Wala akong ideya kung ilang minuto na akong nakayuko rito sa puwesto ko. People may wonder kung pumunta lang ba ako rito para matulog, but it's least of my concern now. Ang gusto ko lang, ay ang mawala itong pagkalasing at pagsakit ng ulo ko para naman makauwi na ako.
But, I know it won't happen easily. Sa dami ba naman ng nainom kong alak kanina.
I was slowly drifting to sleep when I heard a sudden loud thud. Mabilis akong napaayos ng upo upang tingnan iyon, but it was a wrong move dahil mas lalo lang na lumala ang pagkahilo ko.
The staff apologized at us bago mabilis na pinulot ang mga nahulog na tray. I was planning to lay my head down again when my eyes caught something on the table.
It was a cup of coffee.
Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa paligid, and all of them are busy with their own business. Wala sa sarili kong kinuha iyong kape, and its hotness filled my cold hands.
Saka ko lang napansin na may sticky note palang nakadikit dito.
'Sober up!' was written on the sticky note. I don't have any idea who gave me this, but later on, I just found myself drinking the coffee.
And, it was surprising because it somehow lessen the dizziness that I was feeling a while ago.
Nang maubos ang kape, ay inayos ko muna ang suot kong cap bago ako tumayo at lumapit sa may counter.
"Excuse me, miss," I called the attention of the cashier.
"Yes, sir?" nakangiti nitong tugon.
I bit my lower lip as I stared at the cup of coffee on my hand for a while.
"By any chance, did you see who gave me this?" tanong ko habang ipinakikita sa kanya ang hawak na cup.
Still smiling, she shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't. Besides, marami rin ang nag-order ng kape kanina, kaya hindi ko rin malalaman kung sino man," sagot nito.
Ngumiti na lang din ako at nagpasalamat bago ako nagdesisyong lisanin na ang fast food chain.
My head still hurt, but I can now endure it. All I feel right now is curiosity about whoever gave me the coffee.
At imbis na itapon ang cup na wala ng laman, ay hindi ko ginawa. Instead, I put it inside my small bag before I started pedaling my bicycle again to go home.
---
Mula sa cellphone na tinitingnan, ay napaangat ako nang tingin sa dalawang taong dumaan sa gilid ko.
They both occupied the seat at the corner, at napansin ko ang bahagyang pagtatago nung babae roon sa puwesto nila.
At kahit hindi sabihin, I know that it was her.
She was the one who was giving me a cup of coffee. At kung paano ko nalaman? Well, simply because I saw her talking to the cashier last, last night. Maybe, she thought I was drunk again, but little did she know, I was observing every customer na umo-order ng coffee that night.
Akala niya siguro, ay tulog ako or what, pero hindi niya alam, ay nakatingin na ako sa kanya habang kinakausap niya ang cashier.
My theory was also confirmed when she took out her sticky note pad from her bag, and it was the same sticky note na nakadikit sa cup na ibinigay niya sa akin.
She and the cashier was talking, and I wasn't able to hear them dahil masiyadong malayo ang puwesto ko mula sa counter. The girl ordered a coffee, at sabihin niyo nang assuming ako, pero ina-assume ko na talaga na muli niyang ibibigay iyon sa akin.
Ngunit hindi niya ginawa.
Instead, she left the cup of coffee on the counter bago tuluy-tuloy na umalis mula sa fast food chain.
I was really at the verge on following her, but before I could do that, ay 'agad ko nang pinigilan ang aking sarili. I mean, ano naman ang sasabihin ko once na i-approach ko siya? Should I thank her for the coffee?
Habang nagdadalawang-isip sa kung ano nga ba ang dapat kong gawin, ay naputol ito nang maramdaman kong may lumapit sa puwesto ko.
Nang mag-angat ako nang tingin, ay naabutan ko ang cashier na mawalak na nakangiti sa akin bago inilapag sa aking harapan ang cup ng kape.
"Yes, it's from that girl," she said before I could even form a question on my head.
"I knew it was her. I just want a confirmation. Do you know her name?" I asked.
To my disappointment, umiling siya. "No, I don't. All I know was, she always go here to buy coffee. Halos araw-araw rin 'yon tumatambay rito," sagot niya.
Bahagya akong napatango.
"Well, she made me promise not to tell you na siya ang nagbibigay ng kape sa 'yo, but it turned out that you already know."
"Yes. And you confirmed it."
She shrugs. "I broke my promise, but well, some promises are really meant to be broken, aren't they?" turan niya bago tumalikod at bumalik na sa may counter upang ipagpatuloy ang kanyang trabaho.
Nabalik ako sa kasalukuyan nang marinig ko ang mga tawanan mula sa puwesto nung babae. She's still slouching on her seat it was as if she's hiding from someone.
My eyes went down on my phone again when I felt its vibration. I received a message from Gwen and she said na on the way na raw siya sa mall where she and I decided to meet right now.
I'm on my way, too. See you in a bit.
I replied, and was about to leave nang mapansin kong nagsitayuan na ang mga kasamang high school students nung babae.
I waited for her to stood up as well, pero nanatili lamang ito roon hanggang sa makaalis na ang mga kasama niya.
Sakto namang dumating na ang in-order kong kape at ang cashier pa ang mismong nagdala nito sa puwesto ko.
"Give it to her na," she urged and smirked before leaving.
Saglit pa muna akong natulala bago ko kinuha ang inihanda kong sticky note para idikit iyon sa may cup.
Umalis na ako sa puwesto ko upang lapitan iyong babae. Hindi ko alam kung tama bang i-approach ko siya, pero gusto ko lang naman siya na pasalamatan at kung bakit? Hindi ko alam.
Nakita kong kinuha niya na ang kanyang bag, kaya naman bago pa siya tuluyang makaalis, ay mabilis na akong lumapit sa kanya at marahan na inilapag sa lamesa ang kapeng may sticky note.
She looks up at me, and her lips parted.
"Hi," I greeted, but she just remained staring at me. Umupo ako sa bakanteng upuan na nasa kanyang harapan at hinubad ang suot na cap.
Itinikom niya ang kanyang bibig at napalabi.
"Um.. ano.." she stuttered. It looks like, she was looking for words to say, but couldn't find any.
I gave her a smile. "Here. It's for you," I said, pointing the cup of coffee on the table before I slowly turned the cup to let her see the sticky note that is from me.
She read what's written on it bago ako muling binalingan nang tingin.
"H-How?" tanong niya bago itinuro iyong kape at ang sarili niya.
Itinuro ko ang cashier na nasa counter at napalingon naman siya roon. "The cashier told me," I replied. "Well, hindi niya naman talaga sinabi. I mean, I asked her, and she just only answered me."
Natahimik ako nang bigla siyang mapayuko. I noticed that her face turned red, and she looks like she's embarrassed right now.
"N-Nagmagandang-loob lang naman ako. I thought you were drunk, kaya binigyan kita ng kape," aniya at napangiti ako nang mag-angat siya nang paningin sa akin.
"Actually, I was. I go here to sober up, pero sa sobrang pagkahilo ko, ay binalak ko na lang na matulog. Then, nang magising ako, ay nakita ko na lang iyong kapeng ibinigay mo with a note, sober up, and somehow, nawala iyong pagkalasing ko," I explained and let out a chuckle.
Ayaw kong maging uncomfortable siya sa presensiya ko ngayon, that's why I'm doing my best to lighten the mood up.
She bit her lower lip, pero natawa rin kalaunan.
"This is so embarrassing," she spoke. "You know, me, giving a drunk stranger a coffee? That's ridiculous," naiiling niyang sambit na nagpatawa sa akin.
"Not really. To be honest, the coffee you gave really helped me to sober up," I honestly admitted.
Kumunot ang kanyang noo. "Wait. Pati ba noong pangalawang beses kitang binigyan ng kape, ay lasing ka ulit?" she questioned.
Napasandal ako sa aking kinauupuan at napasuklay sa aking buhok.
"No. I just acted like a drunk person kasi nagbabaka sakali akong baka nandito ulit that time iyong nagbigay sa akin ng kape, and I was right. And aside from that, I saw you talking to the cashier and, sa kanya mo ipinabigay ang kape sa akin, right?"
Pagkatapos kong sabihin iyon, ay napatakip na lamang siya sa kanyang mukha.
"Yeah, you're right," she mumbled. "Just... forget about it."
"Okay," pagpayag ko at pareho kaming natahimik na dalawa.
She was just staring at the table na para bang nahulog siya sa malalim na pag-iisip, kaya naman nagkaroon ako nang pagkakataon na panandalian siyang matitigan.
Her natural eyebrows are slightly narrowed. Mahaba rin ang kanyang pilik-mata, and it emphasized her eyes very well. Hindi gaanong matangos ang kanyang ilong, pero sakto lang iyon sa kanya. She also has thin lips na mamula-mula--damn, Nicholo. What are you doing?
Inalis ko ang paningin ko mula sa kanya at bahagya na lamang na napailing.
Saka lang nabasag ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin nang biglang mag-ring ang phone ko. Kinuha ko iyon at nakitang si Gwen ang tumatawag, ngunit hindi ko muna ito sinagot.
Muli akong nag-angat nang paningin at naabutan ko siyang nakatingin na rin sa akin.
"I have to go," pagpapaalam ko. "I'm Nicholo, by the way. It's so nice to meet you..."
"Mavi. I'm Mavi," pagpapakilala niya. "It's nice to meet you, too, and I'm sorry for being a creepy."
"You're not creepy," I smiled. "Anyway, I really have to go. Inumin mo na 'yan dahil baka lumamig," paalala ko sabay turo sa kapeng nasa kanyang harapan.
"Yeah. Thank you. Ingat ka."
Muli akong napangiti bago tuluyang tumayo.
"Bye, Mavi. Hoping to see you again," pagpapaalam ko at hindi na hinintay pa ang isasagot niya dahil tuluyan na akong umalis.
---
"So, sino nga ulit iyong kasama mo sa HLC? Maddy? Maggy?" Irish asked while tampering dad's discs' collection on the shelf.
"It's Mavi," I corrected.
She chuckled. "Oh, sorry. I just forgot. I really find her adorable nung inakala niyang girlfriend mo ako."
She played one of the discs on the DVD player bago sinabayan ang kanta.
I thought Irish will gonna ask something again about Mavi, but she didn't. Naging abala na kasi ito sa pagsabay sa kanta habang tumitipa sa kanyang cellphone.
Ibinalik ko na lang ang aking paningin sa laptop na nasa harapan upang ipagpatuloy na ang naudlot na trabaho nang dahil sa pagdating ni Irish kanina.
I asked her kung ano ang ginagawa niya rito gayong sa Saturday pa ang birthday ni mama. She said na hindi siya makapupunta sa mismong araw na iyon dahil something important came up on her job, that was why she decided na ihatid na ang regalo niya kay mama ngayon.
And, speaking of Mavi, until now, I still can't believe the fact that we're neighbors.
My family has been living in here for years, pero ni minsan, ay hindi ko man lang ito nakita rito sa village. Our mothers knew each other, kaya naman hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko siya kilala.
O, sad'yang wala lang talaga akong pakialam noon sa mga nakapaligid sa akin?
I mean, I am an only child and because of that, ay masiyado akong naging independent. Not that I ignored my parents 'cause I don't. It's just that, I kept my personal matter on my own, and not letting anybody else to be involve.
Lalo na nung nagkatrabaho na ako. I became so busy to the point that I missed some family gatherings (well, it's alright dahil hindi naman talaga ako mahilig um-attend sa mga gano'n), and just let myself to wander around with my bike, instead of socializing with my relatives. And, I'm thankful because my parents understood me.
Yes, I became a workaholic man, but that doesn't mean na kinalilimutan ko na ang value ng family at kaibigan. Of course, I still let myself have a bond with my parents (just the three of us), and hang out with my friends. Sa lahat ng mga pinsan ko, ay si Irish lang at ang kapatid niyang si Sean ang palagi kong nakasasalamuha. Well, it's because of the fact na halos isang taon din silang tumira dito sa bahay when their parents needed to go abroad.
Back to Mavi, bigla ko ring naalala iyong naging pag-uusap namin sa HLC bukod pa roon sa pinagkamalan niyang girlfriend ko si Irish.
I learned that she wanted to become an architect someday, but she set aside her dream, and just let go of it because she thought she'd fail.
Well, for me, I understand what she meant by that. Actually, most of us naman siguro ay nararanasan iyon. The fear of failing on things you want to achieve in life. But, come to think of it. How are we supposed to know the result if we're too afraid to take risks? How can we know if we'd fail if we let our fears be ahead of us?
Hindi ba, parang doon pa lang, ay nag-fail na tayo? Kasi, ni wala man lang tayong ginawa to achieve our certain dreams to become true? That we just let it slipped away, and just choose the safer place where we thought we'd not fail?
I think, it's cowardice. Kasi, ako, mas pipiliin ko pa ang mag-fail because I'd be able to know kung para ba sa akin iyon, or not, and at least, I tried taking chances and risks. In that way, wala akong magiging what ifs kung bakit hindi ko sinubukang i-pursue ang gusto ko.
And, in Mavi's case, it's still not late for her to pursue her dream. I believe that she'd not fail if she follow her real dream job. Besides, if you really want to achieve your dream, hindi ba't mas lalo kang magsisikap na hindi i-fail iyon? Walang mahirap kung mahal mo naman ang gagawin mo.
Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang mapangiti nang maalala ko ang ginawa niyang deal para sa kanyang sarili.
I promised her na sasamahan ko siyang gawin iyon, and wala sa plano ko na baliin ang pangakong iyon. I wanna see her to become successful by pursuing architecture, and I believe na kakayanin niya iyon.
"Alam mo, ikaw lang ang nakita kong nagtratrabaho na nakangiti," Irish teased while smirking.
I immediately straightened my face when I realized that I was actually smiling. Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang pang-aasar ni Irish at naiiling na lamang na ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa.
---
When Saturday arrived, mom and I are busy cooking dishes and desserts for her birthday today. I already greeted her earlier in the morning before giving her my gift.
It was a two plane tickets to Boracay for her and dad. I know how she's dying to go there, kaya naman iyon ang naisip kong iregalo sa kanya. Other than that, my parents deserves a vacation. They also deserved the money I earned dahil sila ang dahilan kung bakit ako may maayos na trabaho ngayon.
Nang matapos sa mga ginagawa, ay umakyat muna ako sa kwarto ko to take a quick bath. Pagkatapos kong magbihis, ay kinuha ko ang cellphone ko nang mag-ring ito.
"Hey. I'm here at a cake shop," pambungad na wika ni Gwen. "What flavor of cake does Tita Nicola loves?"
Kumunot ang noo ko. "Don't bother. Just go here, alright?"
Narinig ko ang kanyang palatak mula sa kabilang linya. "I'll bother. So, ano nga?"
I sighed. "Kahit ano, basta may caramel."
"Okay! I'll see you in an hour!" And before I could even say a goodbye, she already dropped the call.
Napailing na lang ako habang nangingiti. Since then, sobrang bait niya na talaga sa lahat. Kaya ko rin siguro siya nagustuhan, ay nang dahil sa ugaling mayroon siya. She cares too much for the people around her.
I opened my Messenger when some of mom's friends sent me a birthday greetings. Sanay na ako sa mga ganito every year. Sa akin sila bumabati dahil hindi naman mahilig gumamit si mama ng social media.
While scrolling some messages, I saw that Mavi's active, kaya naman nag-decide akong i-chat siya na sana ay makapunta sila mamaya.
Akala ko, ay hindi kaagad siya magre-reply kagaya noong unang beses ko siyang i-chat. Pero, mahigit isang minuto lang yata ang lumipas nang ma-received ko ang reply niya.
Yes, we will. See you, too.
Ibinulsa ko na ang cellphone ko nang marinig ko ang pagtawag sa akin ni mama.
---
An hour had passed, ay saka pa nga lang dumating si Gwen. She really did bought a cake for mom na tuwang-tuwa naman nang makitang paborito niyang flavor iyon.
"Happy birthday, Tita," Gwen greeted.
Hinayaan ako ni mama na asikasuhin si Gwen since she's busy entertaining her visitors.
"Tama na," pag-awat niya nang punuin ko ng mga pagkain ang plato niya.
"Para naman tumaba ka," I joked, and she just frowned at me.
Gwen and I just talked while she's eating. She and I are working on the same company, and doon din kami nagkakilala. Well, kung paano naging kami? It was because of our officemates na palagi kaming inaasar na dalawa.
At first, wala lang sa akin iyon. I'll just go along with them, pero isang araw, ay pumasok na lang akong gusto ko nang totohanin ang mga pang-aasar nila about us.
Come to think if it. Gwen's a great woman, and I've known her for quiet some time. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng pumasok sa isipan ko, and I asked her out. I thought, she was going to reject me, but I was stunned when she agreed.
Masaya siyang kasama when we were out together. And, one day, I just decided to court her, at pumayag naman siya.
Then, week ago, ay sinagot niya na ako.
Kahit na kaming dalawa na, we're still getting to know each other more. I mean, hindi naman kasi natatapos 'yon kahit na in a relationship na kami. Kasi, may mga bagay pa rin naman na hindi pa alam nang isa sa amin.
Kagaya na lang nang malaman kong hindi ko pa nga talaga lubos na kilala si Gwen.
"Hindi ka magagalit kapag sinabi kong niloloko ka ni Gwen?"
Napatiim-bagang ako nang maalala ko na naman ang mga sinabi ni Mavi sa akin kanina. Hindi kami nakapag-usap nang pumunta sila nung mama at kapatid niya sa bahay namin, kaya naman nang makita ko siyang nakaupo sa bubungan ng jeep, ay 'agad ko siyang nilapitan.
Pero, parang bigla akong nagsisi sa ginawa kong iyon. Hindi na sana ako nag-abala pang kausapin siya kung ganoon lang din naman pala ang mga sasabihin niya.
Hindi ko alam kung totoo ba ang mga sinabi niya tungkol kay Gwen. Ayaw ko siyang paniwalaan dahil wala namang basehan ang inaakusa niya. Alam kong may mga nasabi akong hindi maganda kay Mavi at gusto kong pagsisihan iyon.
Masiyado lang akong pinangunahan ng emosyon ko kaya ako nakapagsalita nang hindi maganda sa kanya.
Pero, hindi naman kasi tamang mang-akusa siya nang bigla-bigla. She doesn't even know Gwen in the first place. Kanina niya lang naman ito nakilala--o, noon pa man, ay kilala niya na si Gwen?
Was that the reason why she was so quiet the whole time na kumakain sila kanina? I can see her spacing out at ni hindi niya rin gaanong nakain ang mga pagkaing nasa plato niya. Ni isang tingin din, ay hindi ko siya nakitang tumingin sa direksyon ko. Nakakunot lang ang kanyang noo na tila ba may malalim na iniisip.
Napatingin ako sa kanina ko pang hawak-hawak na cellphone. Kanina pa ako nangangati na tawagan si Gwen, pero hindi ko magawa.
Paano nga kaya kung totoo ang mga sinabi ni Mavi? What if, it's really true that Gwen's cheating on me? Matatanggap ko ba ang katotohanang iyon? Dapat ko bang paniwalaan ang mga sinabi ni Mavi at komprontahin si Gwen tungkol doon?
I know I shouldn't be doubting Gwen. She's my girlfriend, at sa kanilang dalawa ni Mavi, si Gwen ang mas matagal ko nang kilala.
But, what if it isn't true? What if, Mavi's just accusing her and just making up such story? But, on the other hand, why would she do that? Ano naman ang mapapala niya sa pang-aakusa kay Gwen?
"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath as I decided to dial Gwen's number.
It took a few rings before she finally answered my call.
"Miss mo 'agad ako?" she chuckled. Gustuhin ko man na sabayan ang biro niya, ay hindi ko magawa.
"Can we talk? May kailangan lang akong itanong," sagot ko na bahagyang nagpatahimik sa kanya.
"Why ask it now?"
Napahawak ako sa aking noo at marahan itong minasahe.
"I want to ask it in person. Papunta na ako riyan sa bahay niyo," sambit ko at kumunot ang noo ko nang hindi siya umimik. "Gwen?"
"W-What? Ah. Sa apartment ako nagpahatid ngayon. Let's just meet at the coffee shop near my place. I'll wait you there?"
Malalim akong napabuntong-hininga bago tumayo upang kuhanin ang jacket kong kanina pa nakahanda.
"Alright. Papunta na ako."
"Okay... Nicholo?"
"Hmm?" sagot ko nang palabas na ako sa kwarto ko.
"I love you," and then she ended the call.
Ibinulsa ko na ang cellphone ko bago ako dumiretso sa labas upang kuhanin ang aking bike.
It took me twenty minutes bago ako nakarating sa coffee shop na sinasabi ni Gwen. On the way here, all I thought was on how will I supposed to confront Gwen about what Mavi had said.
Pumasok na rin sa isipan ko na kung paano nga kung totoo, but Gwen will deny about it? Sa totoo lang, ay hindi ko na alam ang dapat na isipin. Isang linggo pa lang ang relasiyon namin, pero may ganito na kaagad.
Nang makapasok ako sa loob, ay kaagad kong natanaw si Gwen na nakaupo sa dulong bahagi nitong coffee shop.
She tried to smile at me, but I decided to just keep my face serious.
Umupo ako sa bakanteng upuang nasa kanyang harapan at ngayon ko lang napansin ang malungkot na ngiting ibinibigay niya.
"So... Mavi already told you, didn't she?" she asked that I wasn't expecting.
I clenched my jaw. "Then... It is true?"
Nawala na ang ngiti sa kanyang labi at napalitan na ito nang pagkalungkot. Wala pa man akong itinatanong, pero inunahan niya na ako. It looks like, nakutuban niya na ang dahilan kung bakit gusto ko siyang makausap ngayon kahit malapit nang mag-hating gabi.
So, Mavi really do knew her, huh? And, she wasn't accusing Gwen nor making up such story.
"Yes," she confessed at napayuko na lamang.
Parang bigla ko tuloy gusto na suntukin ang sarili ko nang maalala ko na naman ang mga pinagsasabi ko kay Mavi.
Nagmagandang-loob lang naman siya na magsabi sa akin ng totoo, pero ano ang ginawa ko? I didn't believe her, and instead, I said mean things to her!
Kasi, mas naniwala akong hindi iyon magagawa ni Gwen, but look at her now. Confirming me the truth. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang gugustuhin ko. Ang magsinungaling siya at i-deny ang mga sinabi ni Mavi, o 'yong ganitong inamin niya na kaagad na niloloko niya nga ako.
Napasandal ako sa kinauupuan ko at napatingin na lang sa kawalan.
"Bakit?" tanong ko at nakita ko ang pag-angat niya nang tingin sa akin. "Bakit, Gwen?" pag-uulit ko at binalingan na siya nang tingin.
Her eyes are now filled with shed tears. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya naiiyak gayong ako itong naloko sa aming dalawa.
"I.. I love you, okay--"
"That's bullshit," kalmado ngunit mariin kong sambit sa kanya. "You can't love two people at the same time, Gwen, hindi mo ba alam 'yon?"
She wiped away her tears using her trembling hands, ngunit tuluy-tuloy lang ang pagpatak ng mga luha niya. She tried to reach for my hand na nakapatong sa lamesa, pero 'agad ko itong inilayo.
"I--I know, it's w-wrong. Pero, sa mga sandaling nagkasama tayo... I swear, I couldn't stop myself from falling for you. I-I was planning on breaking up with Fred, but--"
"--you also love him," I continued.
Umiiyak siyang napatango ngunit 'agad ding napailing.
"I can't believe you..." I riled. "Let's end this," may diin kong wika at akmang tatayo na ngunit 'agad niyang nahila ang kamay ko upang pigilan.
"Nicholo, please, please, no!" she begged. "W-What do you want me to do? I-I don't love Fred anymore. I'll break up with him--"
"I want you to stop, Gwen," I cut her off. Hindi siya nakaimik nang hawiin ko ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa akin. "Stop fooling the both of us. And, please, don't bother to talk to me anymore. Tapos na ang lahat sa atin."
Pagkatapos kong sabihin 'yon sa kanya, ay natulala na lamang siya. Ginawa ko iyong pagkakataon upang umalis mula roon.
I ride my bike again, at dahil sa nangyari, ay mas pinili kong mag-ikut-ikot na lang muna kaysa ang umuwi sa bahay.
Akala ko, ay magtatagal ang usapan namin, but it only took almost ten minutes because I ended everything about us instantly.
Maybe, if she denied that she's fooling me, siguro, ay nag-uusap pa rin kami hanggang ngayon. But, Gwen confessed about it. How cruel she was to tell me that she loves me gayong may mahal din siyang iba?
Now, I wonder kung alam ba nung Fred na iyon ang ginagawang pangloloko sa amin ni Gwen.
And, damn it! All my life, I've never seen this coming. Hindi ko alam kung papaanong naatim ni Gwen na pagsabayin kaming dalawa nung Fred! How dare her to stabbed me on my back?
Hindi ko maiwasang mainis habang iniisip kong sa tuwing hindi kami magkasama na dalawa, ay kasama niya naman ang Fred na iyon.
Hindi ba siya nakokonsensiya man lang? I don't really think that she fell in love with me. Mas nauna niyang mahalin si Fred, and if she really loved that guy? She wouldn't fall for me.
Okay, I'll admit na I was also at fault here. I should've known her better. Kung hindi lang ako nagpadala sa pang-aasar ng mga katrabaho namin, edi sana hindi ito nangyari.
Lumipas ang isang oras na pagbi-bike, ay namalayan ko na lamang ang sarili kong nasa counter nitong fast food chain upang bumili ng kape.
Nang makaupo ako sa usual seat na inuupuan, ay hindi ko maiwasang mapatitig sa kapeng nasa aking harapan.
And, then, I realized that today, I just lost a girlfriend, and... a friend.
Wala sa sarili kong ininom ang biniling kape nang maalala ko na naman ang ginawang pag-iyak ni Mavi kanina. I saw her jumped from the jeep with her guitar, and badly landed on the ground, but instead of helping, I just stood and stared at her.
I felt like an asshole, and I regretted all the mean things I said to her. I just wanna punch myself on doing so.
Mavi doesn't deserved what I did. She don't deserved me to be her friend, that's why I want to do my best to become a better friend for her... if she would still allow me.
I want to apologize, but I don't know how.
And because of that, ay imbis na sina mama lang ang pupunta sa Boracay, I just found myself going with them, too. Kasi, I realized that this is a perfect time for me to take a break from everything.
Sa lumipas na dalawang araw na pagba-bakasyon namin, all I did was to bond with my parents and think of possible ways on how will I apologize to Mavi.
Parang mas pinaglaanan ko pa iyon ng panahon kaysa ang isipin ang ginawang pangloloko sa akin ni Gwen.
Well, wala naman na akong balak pa na isipin pa iyon. Mas mabuti nga na ma-divert sa iba ang isipan ko nang makalimutan ko na ang kanyang ginawa.
---
A guy approached Mavi and her friend, but I didn't mind what they're talking about. I was too busy to think of how will I approach Mavi later, pero nang marinig ko ang sinabi nitong lalaking kausap nila, ay 'agad akong natigilan.
"You know what, okay rin talaga na naghiwalay tayo. You know why? Because you're nothing compare to Gwen."
I looked at the guy, but he was already walking away. I wasn't able to see his face, but I am sure that he was... Fred.
Napakuyom ako ng aking kamao. I know Gwen already confessed about that guy named Fred, but seeing him saying Gwen's name just made me totally absorbed that it was true... that Gwen loved the both of us at the same time.
Tiningnan ko si Mavi na tumingin din sa akin ngunit 'agad din namang nag-iwas nang tingin.
"Magbabanyo lang ako," paalam niya bago mabilis na tumayo.
"Mavi," I called, but she pretended not to hear me. "Mavi!"
I stood up from my seat and followed her out of the cafeteria. Nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagtawag sa kanya ngunit tila wala siyang balak na lingunin man lang ako.
I was already grabbing everyone's attention, but who cares, anyway?
Mas binilisan ko pa ang paghabol kay Mavi nang mas bumilis ang kanyang paglalakad. I made a half run just to get near her.
"Mavi, wait, stop!"
Nang makalapit, ay kaagad ko siyang hinawakan nang mahigpit sa kanyang braso. It was firm and I want her to know that I won't let go of her arm unless she talk to me.
"What?" naiinis niyang tanong.
"Was that Fred?" I asked the obvious, but I still want a confirmation. "That guy who talked to you back there?" She gave me simple nod. "And he's... he's..."
"Yes. He's also Gwen's boyfriend," she continued nang mapansing hindi ko iyon masabi. "And if you already realized that I was telling you the truth, and you want to apologize for not believing me? It's fine. I understand. Apology accepted. You can now let go of my arm."
Mavi looked me straight in the eye as I felt her trying to freed herself slowly away from my grasps.
Napatiim-bagang ako.
"Bye, Nicholo," she spoke before turning her back on me.
At imbis na habulin, ay sinundan ko lamang siya nang tingin hanggang sa makaliko siya sa isang pasilyo.
I don't know, but her last words felt like knives directly stabbed me in the heart.
And why is it fucking hurts?
---
"Don't worry, Nicholo. I'm not mad if that's what you're thinking. I'm just disappointed."
I was back to myself when I felt Kurt tapped me on my shoulder. Hindi ko namalayan na kanina pa pala sila nakatayo ni Joseph sa harapan ko.
"Tulala ka na naman," sambit ni Kurt sa nang-aasar na tono.
Napabuntong-hininga ako. Aware naman akong kanina pa ako natutulala, but they can't blame me dahil nung linggo ko pa paulit-ulit na naririnig sa aking isipan ang mga huling salitang sinabi sa akin ni Mavi.
And, if I'm not mistaken, it was the same words I used nang sabihin niya ang tungkol sa pangloloko ni Gwen.
At aaminin kong... Iba pala ang dating nung mga salitang iyon.
I asked her if we could be friends again, but she refused. Well, I understand her reasons. Masiyado akong nagpadala sa emosyon ko. I said mean words to her, and I didn't believed her. Enough reason na nga naman iyon para tanggihan niya ako na maging kaibigan niya.
"O, ayan na naman!"
Sinamaan ko nang tingin si Joseph nang mahina niya akong suntukin sa balikat.
"Ano ba kasing kailangan niyo?" medyo inis kong tanong.
Ngumisi si Kurt. "Hindi kami ang may kailangan. Sila," aniya sabay turo sa aking likuran.
Kunot-noo naman akong lumingon at bahagya akong nagulat nang makita ang isa sa dalawang taong iyon. Ngunit hindi ko iyon ipinahalata at mas pinanatili ang pagkakakunot ng aking noo.
Tumayo ako mula sa kinauupuan at nagpasiyang lapitan ang dalawa.
The girl smiled at me awkwardly, but the guy beside her just remained serious. He glanced at the girl beside him before looking back at me.
"Nicholo."
"Fred."
---
Oras ng klase ngayon kaya naman kaming tatlo lamang ang nandito sa cafeteria. No one dared to talk, but I can feel the tension in the air.
Umayos ako ng upo dahilan para mapaangat sila nang tingin sa akin.
"I have lots of works to do right now. If you please, ano ba ang pag-uusapan nating tatlo rito?"
Tiningnan ko si Fred na seryoso ring nakatingin sa akin. Parang gusto kong matawa dahil sino'ng mag-aakalang magkakaharap kaming dalawa?
Mavi's friend named Shiela cleared her throat.
"W-Will you please tell Fred about you and Gwen?" she stammered. "I told him about it, and he doesn't believed me, kaya dinala ko na lang siya sa 'yo para makausap."
"Totoo ba iyon?" tila nahihirapan na tanong ni Fred. "Was Shiela telling truth?"
Mula sa kanya, ay inilipat ko ang aking mga mata kay Shiela. Her eyes are telling me to answer Fred about the truth.
I sighed. "Yes. It's all true. Gwen's two timing the both of us."
"Damn it," he cursed under his breath. Nakakuyom na rin ang kanyang mga kamao na halatang nagpipigil ng galit. "How could she do that?"
Hindi ako umimik dahil kagaya niya, ay 'yan din ang naging tanong ko nang malaman ang totoo.
"Did you already confront her?" Fred asked as he tried to be calm.
"Yes. And I already finished everything about us as well," sagot ko. "She's all yours now."
Kunot-noo siyang nag-angat nang paningin sa akin. He tried to open his mouth to speak, but end up saying nothing and just remained silent.
"By any chance..." he spoke after a while. "Did you loved her?"
Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot. Okay, I know my relationship with Gwen only lasted for a week, but those days that I spent with her? I could tell na nahulog na rin ako sa kanya ngunit hindi pa gano'n kalalim. Iyong tipong may pag-asa pang makaakyat para hindi tuluyang mahulog?
And, if ever that all of this didn't happened? I was sure that I'd totally fallen in love with her. But, I'm glad I was able to pull myself before I could even fall deeper.
"Of course, I did," I replied honestly. "But, I know not as much as you love her."
"So, what are you gonna do now?" Shiela asked carefully as if she was weighing Fred's emotion. And, based on my judgement, and on how they talked back then when I first saw the both of them here at this place, I know that these two had a past.
Fred heaved an exasperated sigh before gazing his eyes at Shiela.
"Do the right thing," he looked back at me, and sighed again. "This is all my fault."
"What do you mean?" magkasabay naming tanong ni Shiela.
"Gwen's the real victim here, and you as well." Kumunot ang noo ko dahil hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang sinasabi niya. "I-I just used her. You know, rebound just to forget about you," he explained as he looked at Shiela na hindi makapaniwala.
"You mean, you made her your girlfriend kahit hindi mo naman siya mahal?" I asked in disbelief.
"I liked her. I really do liked her. But... She just can't replaced you, Shie."
Hindi ako makapaniwalang napasandal sa aking upuan. Sa lahat ng nangyari, ay siya pala ang dapat na sisihin at hindi si Gwen!
"She loved you," I said to him.
"Yes, I know that. And I took it for granted para lang maka-move on, pero hindi ko nagawa. Siya naman ang nagsabing puwede ko siyang gawing rebound, and she'll help me to move on from Shiela."
Bahagya akong napamasahe sa aking sintido.
Sa totoo lang, ay hindi ko na alam ang dapat na isipin sa mga sandaling ito. Nakakagulat lang na Fred was just using Gwen to get over with Shiela. Gwen agreed on that because she loves Fred, and she believed that maybe she could make Fred fall in love with her, but he didn't. Their relationship was real, but only Gwen's the one who's committed to it. And, then, I came, and I courted her because she let me. At isang pala-isipan pa rin sa akin ang ginawa niya gayong mahal niya si Fred.
How come that she let me court her? Was it because she's already tired loving someone who will never be reciprocate her feelings? Kaya ba siya pumayag, ay dahil nagbaka sakali siyang mawawala ang nararamdaman niya kay Fred kapag naging kami?
At kung ganoon nga, nangyari ba iyon? Nawala nga ba ang pagmamahal niya para kay Fred?
"I'm sorry for what happened, Nicholo," muling sambit ni Fred. "I could break up with her, and just let the two of you be happy--"
"You think, ganoon lang kadali 'yan?" I cut him off. "Gwen loves you, pero ano ang ginawa mo? You took her love for granted."
"I know that, okay!" Bahagyang tumaas ang kanyang boses. "She don't deserve to be with me, so I'm letting the two of you get back together!"
Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. Naiintindihan ko ang gusto niyang iparating, pero gusto ko pa nga ba ang sinasabi niya? Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pa nga bang makipagbalikan kay Gwen pagkatapos na malaman ang lahat.
At paano ako makasisigurong hindi niya na mahal ang lalaking ito?
Yes, I'm mad of what she's done, but after knowing that Fred used her as a rebound? It made me pity her. I should've just let her explain her side when we talked, at least.
"Where are you going?" Shiela asked when I stood up.
"Gwen," maikli kong sagot at 'agad na napatingin kay Fred nang tumayo rin ito.
"I'll go with you," he said. "Let's fix this thing, shall we? After all, it was my fault why all of this happened."
---
When Gwen approached our table, the shock on her face was visible. Well, I can't blame her. I messaged her if we could meet, but I didn't tell her that I'd be with Fred.
"Let's break up, Gwen. And, I'm really sorry for making this mess. I don't deserved you," walang preno na sambit ni Fred pagkaupong-pagkaupo pa lamang ni Gwen.
The latter looked up at him and showed us a sad smile.
"Naunahan mo ako," sagot nito. "Noon ko pa gustong makipaghiwalay, but I still want to help you and still hoping na baka sakaling mahalin mo na rin ako. Pero, hindi, e. Sa huli, ako na naman ang umasa."
"Gwen, I'm really sorr--"
"It's okay, Fred. I was the one who put myself into this mess. Pumayag akong maging rebound, though I know what will be the consequences of it," she explained. "And, I'm sorry, Nicholo. It's not my intention to fooled you or what. I--I just want someone to love me and see my worth. Kaya nung niligawan mo ako, ay kaagad akong pumayag."
Panandalian kaming natahimik na tatlo. I was about to say something nang maunahan ako ni Gwen.
"Hindi sa nag-aassume ako, but if you're planning na makipagbalikan out of pity, Nicholo, sorry, pero ayaw ko na," aniya habang diretsong nakatingin sa akin.
Gusto kong sabihin na wala naman na akong planong gawin iyon. Hindi ko alam ang dahilan, pero nang dahil sa nangyari, hindi ko na makita pa na magiging kami ulit. Simula kasi nang malaman ko ang totoo, mas lalo kong pinilit na kumapit upang makaakyat sa tuktok at hindi na tuluyang mahulog pa.
"I already filed a resignation letter, and in two weeks, I'll leave this country for good. This time, sarili ko naman ang mamahalin ko at nakikita kong hindi mo naman ako mahal, Nicholo. Maybe, you did, but it was just because you were forced to do so. Masiyado ka lang na nadala sa pang-aasar ng mga katrabaho natin kaya mo iyon nagawa. At ako naman, ay ginawa iyong advantage para makalimutan ang nararamdaman ko para kay Fred," she sighed. "And I'm really, really sorry for that."
Tears began to fall from her eyes. Kinukuha ko pa lang ang panyo ko, but Fred was fast enough to give his to Gwen.
And, I could say that Gwen was somewhat right. Na baka nga masiyado lang akong nagpaagos sa mga pang-aasar sa amin kaya ko siya niligawan. Yes, I liked Gwen, but now I realized na hanggang doon na lang 'yon. Na hindi talaga kami ang para sa isa't isa.
"No. Tayong tatlo ang may kasalanan dito," sabi ko habang pilit niyang pinupunasan ang kanyang mga luha. "Ang mahalaga na lang ngayon, ay nagkaliwanagan na tayo at hindi na tumagal pa ito. I'm now forgiving you, Gwen, dahil may kasalanan din ako. I just hope you find the love you're looking for."
"I agree with him," Fred interjected. "And, hindi kami ang mga taong deserve ang pagmamahal mo. There's someone out there who'll reciprocate your love and will love you with his whole heart. And I hope you find that someone soon."
Gwen's no longer crying, but there were still shed tears in her eyes.
She gave us a smile, a genuine one.
"Thank you. And I hope na magkaayos pa kayo ni Shiela. I could see that she's still into you," aniya kay Fred. "At alam ko namang hanggang ngayon, ay siya lang talaga ang mahal mo."
Hindi na umimik pa si Fred at napatingin na lamang kay Gwen.
"And you, Nicholo.." she smiled. "Mavi's a nice woman."
Tumango ako. "She is."
"At kung ako ang papipilin, I'd choose her for you," she chuckled. Pinigilan ko ang mapangiti. "Anyway, please send my thank you to her. I begged her not to tell you the truth, but she still did. Well, can't blame her. You are her friend, and I understand na kailangan niyang sabihin iyon. And even though I hate her at first for doing it? I still want to thank her for doing the right thing."
Tahimik akong sumang-ayon sa mga sinabi niya. Mavi was the reason why everything is now clear between the three of us.
"Well, I know that both of you are not in good terms now, but I'm expecting you to make it up with her," she halted for a while as she heaved a sigh. "And this time, please, be sure about your feelings. I'm a woman, and Mavi.." she trailed.
"Mavi what?" I asked, but instead of answering, she rose from her seat and gave me a smirk.
"It's all for you to find out, Nicholo." Kinuha niya na ang kanyang bag bago kami muling tiningnan. "It's been fun being with you guys, and for the last time, I am truly sorry for what I've caused."
"You just loved too much," I replied.
She nods. "Yeah. And it's true when they said too much is bad." Pandalian siyang napayuko. "So, until we meet again?"
And that was the last time I saw and talked to Gwen because it's true that she's leaving the country and not planning on coming back.
Months had passed already, and I still don't understand what she meant when she said, "It's all for you to find out, Nicholo". I know women shares this bond that they're only the ones who can understand.
Mavi and I are already fine now after of months of thinking on how will I approach and talk to her.
I explained her everything aside from why Gwen did that dahil mukhang ayaw naman na niyang malaman. Hindi ko rin alam ang dapat na maramdaman when she offered me friendship. At sino nga ba ako para tanggihan iyon? I waited months for us to become friends again, and I won't waste the chance.
Those times that we spent together on the jeep was so much meant to me. Call me corny, or what, but every time I'm with her, I always felt this unfamiliar feeling on my chest.
And I guess, it's time for me to find out what this is all about.
Pero, mukhang gusto akong paglaruan ng tadhana. It's funny to know na kung kailan inamin ko na sa sarili ko ang tunay kong nararamdaman para kay Mavi, ay saka ko naman malalaman ang pagmi-migrate nila sa ibang bansa.
Nakakatawa lang kasi hindi pa nga nagsisimula, tinatapos na kaagad ng tadhana.
Gustung-gusto ko na ring umamin kay Mavi, pero hindi ko alam kung papaano. Walang kasiguraduhan kung pareho nga ba kami ng nararamdaman para sa isa't isa, o ako lang ang nagmamahal sa aming dalawa?
It was Kurt's birthday, and I was stunned when I saw Mavi there. I mean, fine, Kurt knows her kaya siguro niya ito inimbitahan.
But, it's least of my concern that time because what she said after leaving me in front of the elevator confused the hell out of me.
"Kaya kong umuwi mag-isa, okay? And I'm not avoiding you. Puwede bang kahit ngayon lang, maging unkind ka naman sa akin? Kasi, hirap na hirap na akong pilitin ang sarili ko na huwag i-misunderstood 'yang mga ginagawa mo."
"Please, Nicholo. Just leave me alone, will you? And fine! Iniiwasan kita. Alam mo kung bakit? Kasi, sinasanay ko na ang sarili ko na wala ka sa tabi ko!"
"Goodbye, Nicholo..."
And it was really a goodbye for the both of us. Dahil pagkatapos no'n, ay hindi na ulit kami nagkausap pa.
God knows how I really wanted to talk to her and to confess my feelings for her. I always waited for her to come out every night, but she didn't. It was as if she was already expecting me to be on the jeep and waiting for her.
At kagaya nga nung sinabi niya, ay totoong iniiwasan niya ako.
It was still a puzzle for me until now why she was avoiding me. Ayaw kong mag-assume, pero posible bang may nararamdaman din siya para sa akin?
I scoffed. It was so too late for me na alamin pa iyon gayong paalis na rin ako sa bansang ito kagaya niya. And I guess, I should forget and bury my feelings for her from now on.
Noong sinabi sa akin ni Mavi ang tungkol sa pagmi-migrate nila, kinabukasan sa trabaho, ay walang pagdadalawang-isip ko kaagad na tinanggap ang trabahong inaalok sa akin sa ibang bansa. I've been refusing this for months, pero ngayong napagtanto kong wala nang mapapala itong nararamdaman ko, I grabbed the job without thinking properly. Siguro, ay mas mabuti na rin ito upang makalimot.
I sat quietly here at the waiting area as I watched Fatima walk her way out. She volunteered to accompany me here nang malaman niyang ayaw kong magpahatid sa parents ko. I was so insensitive of letting her do that when she confessed her feelings towards me a minutes ago.
Fatima and I are friends since then. Well, we never talk that much, but I treasure her as a friend. It's just that, I never thought na all this time, ay may nararamdaman pala siya sa akin. Ayaw ko siyang paasahin, but I've been so kind to her before that made her hopes high na baka may chance kaming dalawa.
She even asked earlier if she could come with me at Las Vegas, but I immediately turned her down dahil ayaw ko nang bigyan pa siya nang kahit anong assurance na may pag-asa siya sa akin.
Ayaw kong masaktan siya, though I already did, but I know it's better if I'd be honest with her. Kaya naman, sinabi ko sa kanya na may ibang babae na akong napupusuan, and it's not her.
I wanted to regret on saying it when she cried, but I didn't because I know that I did the right thing.
"It's Mavi, right?" she asked, and I nodded. "Sabi na nga ba. The way you looked at her? And the way you followed her noong birthday ni Kurt? Doon pa lang, alam ko na. Pero, umasa pa rin ako gayong nalaman kong aalis na pala sila ng pamilya niya."
I remained quiet as she wiped her tears.
She chuckled. "But, I know I was just fooling myself. Siguro nga, ay hindi ikaw ang para sa akin." A tear fell from her eyes again. "Don't worry, naliwanagan na ako. Thank you for being honest, Nicholo. And... goodbye."
At bago pa man ako makapagsalita, ay mabilis na siyang tumalikod upang iwanan ako rito sa may waiting area.
I was back to myself nang marinig ko na ang announcement about my flight. 1 PM pa ang flight ko, pero napaaga ito at hindi ko alam kung bakit.
Kinuha ko na ang luggage at bag na dala ko while readying my boarding pass and identification as I neared to gate 12.
Tahimik akong naghihintay sa pila nang muling tumunog ang pager. I thought, it was about other's flight, pero natuod na lang ako sa aking kinatatayuan nang marinig ang boses nung nagsasalita.
"Um.. P-Paging Mr. John Nicholo Salazar. If you hear this... Please... Please, meet me at the lobby. I-I'll wait you there. Just... Just don't leave yet. Please, Nicholo."
"Sir? Sir? Your boarding pass, please."
Napatingin ako sa staff at hindi ko namalayang ako na pala ang nasa unahan ng pila matapos kong mawala sa sarili pagkatapos na marinig iyong nag-page sa akin.
"Sir?" The staff called again, but instead of showing my boarding pass, ay mabilis akong umalis sa pila at naglakad papunta sa may lobby.
I don't really know if I was just hallucinating that it was Mavi who paged me. I mean, today's their departure as well! Papaanong narito siya at sinasabing hihintayin niya ako sa lobby?
My heart was pounding so loud at this moment. Hallucinating or not, I was so sure that it was Mavi. Umaasa ako na naroon nga siya sa may lobby at hinihintay ako. Wala na rin akong pakialam kahit na umalis na ang eroplanong dapat na sasakyan ko paalis.
Nang makarating ako sa lobby, ay kaagad akong napahinto nang makita siyang nakaupo habang umiiyak. Nakayuko lang siya sa kanyang puwesto, but I know that she's crying.
And when I approached her, our whole conversation became blurred to me when our lips met. I kissed her with passion, gentleness, and of course, with love.
Everything's just so unexpected. Life is full of surprises. One minute, I was so ready to forget about my feelings for her, but now, I am here, willing to give her the love she deserves. Kung hindi lang siguro ako naging manhid at kung naging matapang lang sana ako na aminin sa kanya ang tunay kong nararamdaman, siguro ay hindi na ito kailangan pang mangyari dito sa airport.
If only I was brave enough to confess my real feelings.
But, it doesn't matter now anymore. What matters now is that we're now together. Those unsaid words were already spoken wholeheartedly from the both us.
"A penny for your thoughts?"
Naalis sa aking isipan ang pagbabalik-tanaw ko sa mga nangyari nang maramdaman ko ang pagyakap sa akin ni Mavi. Umayos ako ng tayo bago siya nilingon.
"How about, a kiss for my thoughts?" I asked back and chuckled when she rolled her eyes. "Kidding. But, I was wondering kung okay lang sa parents mo na hindi ka sumama sa kanila?"
"Well, I'm here, so I supposed it's fine with them," she replied. "And besides, si papa rin ang nagsabi na puwede akong hindi sumama sa kanila," she gave me a smirked. "Are you worried?"
I gave her a nod. "Of course, I am. I am the reason why you didn't go with them, I assume."
Her smirked replaced with a hearty chuckle. "Well, don't worry. My family likes you. Hindi naman nila ako hahayaang maiwan dito kung wala silang tiwala sa 'yo."
I smiled at her, and this time, I hugged her back tightly. I placed her head right in my chest where she could hear the loud beating of my heart as I gave her head a peck.
"Do you have plans tomorrow?" I asked.
"Hmm? Wala naman. Maybe, I'll just fix my things. Why?"
She looked up at me to wait for my answer. "Be ready at 7 AM, then."
"Huh? Ang aga naman? Ano'ng gagawin natin?"
I tucked some strands of hair behind her ears and gave her a smile. "Let's date for the rest of the day tomorrow."
Tumitig siya sa akin at napanguso. "That would be our first date, right?"
Kumunot ang noo ko. "No, it's not. Remember when I brought you at the architecture museum? I said it was a date," I reminded at mas lalo lang siyang napanguso. "At bakit ka nga pala nag-iwan ng pera sa may dashboard?"
"Um.." napalabi siya. "Siyempre, nahihiya ako..."
"Paano na lang pala bukas?" pang-aasar ko.
"Ako naman ang manlilibre--at! Bawal kang tumanggi!" pigil niya nang akmang aalma ako sa gusto niya.
Natawa na lang tuloy ako bago siya marahang hinalikan sa kanyang noo.
"Alam mo... Quotang-quota ka na sa mga firsts ko," nakasimangot niyang sabi. "Ako, wala pa yata akong nakukuhang first mo. Lahat yata may nakakuha na.."
"Nagseselos ka sa nakakuha ng first kiss ko?" I teased. Inirapan niya lang ako at iniwasan nang tingin. "May natitira pa naman."
"Ano?" she asked innocently as she looked at me.
I gave her a taunting smile.
"Well, you can't still have it unless we're already married," I stated. Her forehead creased at me as she process what I've said before her eyes widened bago ako sunud-sunod na hinampas sa aking dibdib.
"Aw! Hey!"
"Ang manyak mo!"
"What?!" natatawa kong sabi. "Ano ba ang iniisip mo?"
"W-Wala!" Kumalas siya sa pagkakayakap ko bago bahagyang lumayo sa akin. "Uuwi na ako!" asik niya ngunit 'agad kong nahuli ang kanyang kamay upang pigilan siya.
"Are you thinking about..." I smirked.
"Wala akong iniisip!"
"Ang apelyido ko ang tinutukoy ko, Mav.." I explained. "Ikaw ang una't huling makakakuha ng apelyido ko.." bulong ko na nagpatigil sa kanya.
Kagat-labi siyang nag-angat nang paningin sa akin.
"B-Bakit, sigurado ka na bang... ako na ang pakakasalan mo?" mahina niyang sagot at napaiwas nang tingin.
I held her chin to make her look at me. "I can feel it, Mav. At kung hindi lang naman din ikaw ang pakakasalan ko, 'wag na lang."
"Ang corny mo, John Nicholo."
"Mahal mo naman," turan ko bago siya mabilis na hinalikan sa kanyang labi. "Come on. Dito ka na matulog sa kwarto ko," nang-aasar kong sabi na muling nagpairap sa kanya.
"Mag-date ka mag-isa bukas," naaasar niyang sabi at bago pa man niya tuluyang mabuksan ang pinto ng kwarto ko, ay mabilis ko na siyang nahila bago marahang isinandal sa may pader.
"Okay. Shall I message Fatima na siya na lang ang ida-date ko?" I said, and I almost laugh when she gave me a deathly glare.
"Edi i-message mo! Wala akong pakialam!" Itinulak niya ako palayo, and this time, ay hindi ko na siya napigilan pang lumabas mula sa kwarto ko.
"Where are you going?"
"Sa London--" her words were cut off when I grabbed her waist and pinned her on the wall again.
"Mavi," seryoso kong tawag sa kanya.
"A-Ano? Akala ko ba ime-message mo si Fatima?" she fumed and tried to freed herself from me.
"You think I'd really do that?" I asked back. "I was just teasing you, Mav. I don't want my girlfriend feel jealous to anyone."
"I'm not jealous."
Napangisi ako. "That's right. Kasi wala ka namang dapat na ipagselos... I am all yours, Mavi. Remember that."
She was about to speak again, but my lips was fast enough to shut hers. I felt her hands on my shoulder as I held her nape to deepened our kiss. Naramdaman ko ang bahagya niyang panginginig, kaya naman mas lalo ko siyang hinawakan sa kanyang baywang to support her weight.
Mas lalo ko siyang isinandal sa pader at pakiramdam ko ay pareho na kaming nalulunod sa lalim ng mga halik na parehas naming pinakakawalan.
"Nicholo?"
Mabilis naman akong naitulak ni Mavi palayo nang marinig namin ang boses ni mama. Naramdaman ko ang pilit na pag-alis ni Mavi sa kamay kong nasa baywang niya ngunit mas lalo ko lamang iyong hinigpitan.
"Yes, 'ma?" I asked.
"Bakit kayo nakatayo riyan?" kunot-noo niyang tanong ngunit halata ang naglalarong ngisi sa kanyang labi. "Okay ka lang ba, Mavi? Namumula ka," puna ni mama at nang tingnan ko si Mav, ay sobrang pula na nga nang kanyang mukha.
"U-Uh, o-okay lang po ako," nauutal niyang sagot.
"O, siya. Halina kayo sa ibaba. Nagpabili ako ng ice cream at puwede kayong manuod ng movie ro'n sa salas," ani mama at kinindatan muna ako bago siya muling bumaba.
"Aw!" inda ko.
"'W-Wag mo na nga uulitin 'yon!" asik niya. "Gosh, paano kung nadatnan tayo ni Tita na ganoon kanina?!"
"So what?"
She glared at me. "Tara na nga sa ibaba!"
I chuckled. "Yes, Ma'am."
Pagkarating namin sa salas, ay naroon na nga ang ipinabiling ice cream ni mama. Pareho silang nasa kusina ngayon ni papa, at nakita ko pa ang pasimple nilang pagsilip sa amin mula roon.
I opened the TV and choose an action movie before I pulled Mavi to sit beside me on the sofa. I felt her leaned her head on my shoulder as she eats her ice cream.
"Saan tayo pupunta bukas?"
"Saan mo ba gusto?" balik kong tanong.
She shrugs. "Kahit saan. I know you knew lots of beautiful places here in our city."
Napangiti ako dahil kaagad nang may pumasok sa isipan ko kung saan kami pupunta bukas
"Alright. Ready your swimming attire, then," bilin ko sa kanya.
"Dagat ba ang pupuntahan natin?" she asked excitedly.
Yumuko ako upang matingnan siya.
"It's a surprise," sagot ko at akala ko ay maiinis siya, pero mas lalo lamang siyang napangiti.
"Well, I trust you. Alam kong magugustuhan ko ang pupuntahan natin bukas," aniya at bahagyang natawa.
Ibinaba ko ang hawak na basong may lamang ice cream bago ko siya niyakap palapit sa akin. "Yes, you will."
Inilapag niya na rin sa may lamesa ang hawak niyang baso bago sinalubong ang mga mata kong nakatingin sa kanya. We've been so close like this before, pero ngayon ko lang mas natititigan nang mabuti ang napakaamo niyang mukha.
"Ang saya ko... Sobrang saya ko ngayon, Nicholo.." she spoke as a tear fell from her eyes. I used my thumb to wipe the tears.
"Then, why are you crying?" nag-aalala kong tanong.
"It's tears of joy," she chuckled. "Parang ngayon pa lang kasi talaga nagsi-sink in sa akin ang lahat.."
Napangiti ako. "Just let it sink in to you. Alam ko namang mahirap talaga paniwalaang ganito kagwapo ang boyfriend mo."
Pinanliitan niya ako nang mata. "May itinatago ka rin palang kayabangan, ano?"
I snickered. "I love you," I said instead and pulled her to tightened my hug.
Pareho na lamang kaming napatingin sa TV. Wala na akong halos na maintindihan sa pinapanuod namin dahil tanging siya lang ang naiisip ko sa mga sandaling ito.
I know this woman is really the one for me.
"Nicholo," she called.
"Hmm?"
She looked up at me and her chuckled lingered in my ears.
"Mamamatay 'yong bida sa movie."
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Thank you so much for making it till here! The next will be the epilogue. Keep safe, everyone!