Note: Sorry for the late update, been busy with my midterms lately huhu.
This chapter might contain some spoilers for the second installment of the series. I hope you enjoy reading! Malapit na tayo sa ending!
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Condition
After the event, we continued our plan on Rowilyn's birthday. It will be on Canigao Island, one of the famous islands here in our province Leyte.
Nagpahinga muna kami ng dalawang araw bago tumulak para sa plano. As usual, it will be a three-day vacation. On our second day, it will be Rowilyn's birthday, we'll be having a celebration on it and a very big surprise that his suitor prepared for her. And the rest, we'll enjoy ourselves and have fun.
Sa tuwing naiisip ko ang planong gustong gawin ng manliligaw ni Rowilyn, hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti. She'll finally have the happy ever after she deserves, after all the challenges she faced, she deserves everything.
"At last, makakapagbakasyon din pagkatapos ng nakakapagod na araw sa trabaho!" It was Sandy's words after entering the van we'll be using to travel.
Madaling araw pa lang kaya hindi kataka-takang ramdam ko pa ang antok. But nevertheless, I still laughed with her statement.
"Same here, dude," Welmar agreed.
"Tangina, halos 'di pa ako payagan ng boss ko na mag-leave, tatlong araw lang naman 'yon," reklamo ni Rochelle.
Tumawa ako. "Baka special asset ka nila kaya ganun."
Nagmura siya. "Tanginang special asset 'yan, ayoko na lang."
Tumawa kami. Nagpatuloy kami sa kwentuhan habang ang iba ay naisipang matulog na lang muna dahil sa antok. I also did the same. I didn't sleep just yet and just leaned my back on the seat. May hinihintay pa kami kaya hindi pa kami umaalis.
Pinikit ko ang mata at pinakiramdam ang paligid. My friends are all silent now, maybe asleep. Huminga ako ng malalim hanggang sa narinig ko ang mahinang tunog ng pagkatok mula sa gilid ng bintana kung nasaan ako nakaupo. I slowly opened my eyes and looked outside the window. Dahil medyo mag-uumaga na, may kunting liwanag na sumisilip kaya naging madali sa akin ang kilalanin kung sino ang nasa labas.
"Open the window just for a second," I heard him say.
Dahil ayoko namang mag-ingay at magreklamo, tahimik ko na lang na binuksan ang bintana. When I finally did it, he leaned forward to clearly see me inside.
"Sino pa ang hinihintay?" he asked.
Tahimik ko namang nilibot ang paningin.
"Si Kristine," sagot ko sabay baling sa kaniya. With my answer, he slowly nodded his head as he got something from his pocket. Inabot niya din sa akin ang dala-dalang naka-plastic.
"This is for you," he started. "Pagkain lang 'yan kung sakaling magutom ka. And I also bought you some coffee and choco drink, just choose between the two. You can give the other one to me if you don't want it."
Pinasok niya iyon sa bintana sabay maingat na nilapag sa kandungan ko. After that, he handed me the thing he got from his pocket.
"And medicine in case your head hurts during the ride."
Akala ko pagkatapos nun ay tuluyang na siyang aalis pero hindi pala. He went back again with a hoodie on his hand.
He slowly sighed. "And a hoodie for you."
I blinked my eyes. Natawa siya dun lalo na't bahagya pang nakaawang ang labi ko sa gulat.
"Nasa isang van kami. Aalis na yata tayo kasi nandito na si Kristine. Just take care of yourself here. Text me when you feel uncomfortable or what, okay?" He once again crouched to reach my forehead and planted a gentle kiss on it. Hindi ko namalayan na naipikit ko na pala ang mata kung hindi pa siya himiwalay at ginulo ang buhok ko.
"See you."
Natulala ako. Hanggang sa umandar ang van, nasa kawalan pa rin ang tingin ko. Not until, I heard one of my friends cleared her throat that made me flinch. Binalingan ko ito. It was Sandy.
"I don't know what's going on but I hope everything is okay," she stated.
Nag-iwas ako ng mata at bumuga ng malalim na hininga. Tiningnan ko ang lahat ng bigay niya.
"I don't even know what's going on," I sarcastically said because yes, that's the truth.
Huminga din siya ng malalim. "Then just do what your heart desires."
"Kung sana ganun lang kadali," mahina kong bulong.
Hindi na siya sumagot at huminga na lang ng malalim. Alam kong meron pa siyang sasabihin pero napansin niya yatang parang wala ako sa sarili kaya minabuti niyang huwag na lang magsalita. Well, for sure, she'll find a way to converse with me later.
Buong biyahe, tahimik ako. My friends noticed that especially when they woke up after the announcement that we're already near. Hindi na lang sila nagpuna kahit na alam kong may ideya na sila.
I leaned as I took a deep breath. Really, everything is confusing me. Mag-ex na kami, eh, dapat ganun n lang iyon pero bakit parang may mali? Bakit parang iba ang dating sa kaniya? His actions really confuse me. Hindi ako tanga para hindi mapansin iyon dahil hindi naman bago sa akin ang mga bagay na ito. What he is doing now is what he did before, so who wouldn't be confused?
Kahit na gusto kong isipin na pagkakaibigan lang, parang sobra pa rin lahat ng ginagawa niya. Hindi naman kasi siya ganun sa iba.
We arrived at the place at exactly nine in the morning. Kahit papano kumalma ako dahil sa nabungaran. The calmness and the beautiful sight of the place, it was enough to calm my system.
"Oh my gosh, ang ganda!" Welmar exclaimed that my other friends agreed.
"I agree."
Nagsilabasan kami ng sasakyan. From my peripheral vision, I also saw my friends on the other van come out including him. Napahinga ako ng malalim nung agad akong binalingan ng tingin ng lalaki. When he was about to go to our place, I immediately walked out and busied myself with the view. Kinuha ko ang camera mula sa bag at nagsimulang kumuha ng litrato sa paligid.
And seeing the whole place, I can't help but to feel excited as well. Sa ganda ng lugar, alam kong mag-e-enjoy ako rito.
We were being guided by the staff into a big and grandiose cottage where their reception area is. And just like usual, Henrick tried to go near me, I don't even know the reason, but I tried to avoid him because I don't like the feeling I'm feeling lately as his actions confuse me.
"We reserved four cottages. Kasya ba lima bawat kwarto?" Rowilyn asked the receptionist.
The woman immediately smiled. "Of course, Ma'am. The cottages here can occupy more than five persons as we have 4 small beds and a queen size bed inside, and also the last room you reserved, it's all ready, Ma'am."
Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap, agad kaming sinamahan ng isa nilang empleyado para puntahan ang mga cottage. Clinching on my bag using my left hand, I was busy with my phone when someone suddenly held it from me. Dahil medyo nahuhuli ako sa mga kaibigan, buong akala ko na ako na lang ang naiiwan.
"Ako na," sabi niya habang nasa harapan pa rin ang tingin.
Kumunot ang noo ko. I shook my head at him while making my pace faster.
Rinig ko nag pagsunod niya. Pinipilit na sumabay sa lakad ko pero nung nagpagitna na ako sa mga kaibigan, wala na siyang nagawa.
"Anong problema, Basi?" Welmar asked when he recognized me.
Umiling lang ako at maliit na ngumiti. "Wala, ayos lang ako."
Tumango siya. We continued until the employees introduced us to the place.
"So, ito na po ang mga cottage niyo. As per suggested, it's better if the boys and girls are separate but it still depends on you, Ma'am and Sir," she smiled. "I hope you'll have a great stay here! Have a nice day!"
"Thank you," we said in unison. The employee nodded her head politely before bidding goodbye.
"So, bahala na kayo kung saang room kayo basta kami, ayos na," Rowilyn said with a smirk. We only scoffed at her that made her laugh afterwards.
"Landi mo. Remember, wala lang label!" kantiyaw ni Sandy.
We laughed.
"Tama! Ang loving loving ay very illegal pa kasi wala pang label," segunda pa ni Welmar sa kaniya.
"Tse," she rolled her eyes. "Bahala na nga kayo diyan, papasok na kami."
Nagtawanan lang kami dahil tinotoo niya talaga ang sinabi, pumasok ito sa cottage na nila na malapit lang rin sa amin.
"Sorry about that," Rowilyn's suitor but with a smile flashing on his face. Looking at him, I can't help but to silently thank God for giving my friend such a good man. Rowilyn deserves this kind of man, who will love her unconditionally, take care of her, not only her physical health, but also in a mental way. Actually, they deserve each other in any aspect.
"Kami ang dapat mag-sorry. Sure ka na ba talaga sa kaibigan namin? Kasi kung hindi may chance ka pa," biro ni Rochelle.
"Tama 'yan. Baka 'di mo kayanin ang ugali niya. Kaya habang maaga pa, mag-isip ka," Hazel added.
"Kasi kung hindi mo kaya, ibalik mo na sa amin habang mas maaga pa," Salem stated, "We will take care of her if you can't."
"Kasi kung ngayon ka lang magaling, atras ka na," Milrose commented.
"Kaya naman siyang mahalin," Chazel added.
"We can protect her." It was Justin this time.
"And we can stay on her side if you can't because we are her friends." Hindi ko maiwasang mapalingon kay Henrick nung sabihin niya iyon. He looks so serious that I can't help but to gulp when our eyes meet.
Nag-iwas ako ng mata at tiningnan ang lalaking kanina pa namin ginigisa pero nakangiti pa rin. "Ibalik mo lang sa amin kung hindi mo kaya kasi kami, kaya namin." It was my words.
Shanice slowly nodded her head. Rowilyn's suitor looked at her with a smile. "I do agree with them. I know you're a good man but circumstances really come, we can't tell. So now, decide. If you chose to stay with her forever, then okay, good it is, but if you still have second thoughts, please just back down. Our friends don't deserve a man with a second thought about her."
Imbes na makitaan ng takot pagkatapos nang lahat ng sinabi namin, mas lumawak pa ang ngiti ng lalaki. He seems even grateful to hear those words!
"Now I know why Rowilyn loves you all. And now I understand why one of your friends punched me before, well, I deserve it anyways," he chuckled. "But no, I'm not backing out because I'm really sure with her. Sobra pa sa sigurado. But still, thank you for giving me your words, it means a lot to me, especially because she considers all of you as her family, one of the reasons why I invited you here. I want all of you to be part of this special day of her life. Aside from that, I'll be asking permission from all of you."
"What is it?" Rochelle asked.
Bumuga ito ng malalim na hininga tsaka kami nginitian isa-isa.
"Is it okay if I propose to her? I know it seems fast because I'm still courting her but I can't stop myself anymore. I want her not just to be my girlfriend but to be my wife," he stated sincerely. "Ayos lang din kung hindi pa pwede. Kung kailangan naming dumaan sa boyfriend girlfriend stage, I can wait until all of you approve."
Sumeryuso lahat. Kita ko ang kaba sa lalaki pero pinilit pa rin nitong ngumiti sa amin.
"You decide fast, huh?" Rochelle commented with a smirk. "Marriage is not a joke, remember that."
"I know. . ."
"But. . ." she trailed off. "We'll be supporting you with that. Welcome to our family. And please, be with her forever. Love her and take care of her."
Rowilyn's suitor almost fell on the ground. Nagsitawanan kami dahilan para lumabas ulit ai Rowilyn mula sa kwarto niya.
"Oh my goodness, anong ginawa niyo sa jowa ko?!" sigaw niya at inalalayan ito. Her suitor only shook his head while tears continued to fall from his eyes.
He kissed her on her forehead before facing us again. "T-thank you, it means a lot to me."
We smiled at him even though we knew how Rowilyn is giving us death glares.
"We didn't do anything," I said, laughing.
"Tse, sarap niyong tirisin, eh."
Hindi na namin siya pinansin at pumasok na lang sa kwarto.
We rested for a moment before going out to have our lunch.
"Basi, baba na tayo, kakain na daw," saad ni Shanice.
Binalingan ko ang kaibigan at tumango. "Sige, mauna na muna kayo. Maliligo lang ako saglit."
She understandingly nodded her head. "Okay, sige. Bababa na kami, sunod ka na lang agad."
I did what I said. Saglit lang ako naligo at nagbihis ng komportableng damit. Dahil sinabi nila kaninang maglilibot daw kami, dinala ko na ang camera tsaka ang phone. I put in my small backpack, bringing sunglasses as well. I only wore sandals to complete my blue sunny dress.
Before going out, I made sure the lights were off. When everything was fine, I decided to follow them in the restaurant.
I opened the door and locked it after closing.
"They're waiting for you," someone said that made me startled in surprise.
Nanlalaki ang mata kong hinarap ang nagsalita.
Bahagyang tumawa ang lalaki. "I'm sorry, did I surprise you?" he asked in a low voice, holding my elbow.
Umiling ako tsaka dahan-dahang umatras. "Ayos lang," mahina kong saad.
"Sabay na tayo."
Hindi na ako nagulat sa sinabi niya. It wasn't a request nor a question but a statement coming from him. Wala sa oras akong napabuga ng malalim na hininga. At kahit hindi ko gusto, binalingan ko siya ng mata tsaka dahan-dahang pinilig ang ulo.
"No, I can go there alone," I firmly stated.
It was as if he was already expecting it because he didn't seem surprised with my answer. Nginitian niya pa ako bago tinango ang ulo.
"Okay," he answered. "You go first. I'll follow you."
Iyon ang sinabi niya. And because I don't like the feeling of being around him, not because I hate him or what, I did what he said. Dali-dali akong naglakad at iniwan siya sa labas ng kwarto namin.
I immediately searched the name of the restaurant and looked for my friends there. Nung nakita ko sila, agad akong naglakad papalapit.
"Oh, nandito na si Basi," they recognized me.
Ngumiti ako. "Hi. . ."
"Si Henrick? Nasa'n na 'yon?" tanong nila, tinitingnan ang paligid.
Umiling ako. "Hindi ko alam."
It was as if it was destiny, Henrick entered the restaurant with his hands in his pocket. Marami ang napabaling sa kaniya kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I just started eating the food that was already served on my plate.
"I'm sorry, I'm late," he apologized.
Hindi ako nag-angat ng mata pero alam kong nasa akin ang tingin niya. He took the seat in front of me. I just ignore his stares and join the topic of my friends.
"Rowilyn, baka mag-expect ka pa ng surprise, huh, 'wag na girl, hindi ready ang mga beshy mo," sabi ni Sandy.
Umirap lang ang babae. "Sus, hindi naman ako umaasa, eh. Kilala ko na kasi kayo, wala talagang aasahan sa inyo."
Tumawa kami. "Mabuti naman kung ganun."
"Naniniwala ka pala sa less expectation, less pain. Correct 'yan, girl. Tamang behavior."
"Walang kwenta, huh,"Rowilyn scoffed.
"Ay, nakakahiya naman po sa 'yo, 'no? May kwenta ka, girl?" Welmar smirked.
"Iuuwi na kita, girl. Masyado ka nang maraming nalalaman."
We continued that kind of conversation until we decided to roam around the place.
Hawak ang camera, mangha kong nilibot ang paningin sa paligid.
"Hala, ang ganda. . ." I whispered in awesome. Halos maiwasan na ako ng mga kaibigan dahil patuloy lang ako sa pagkuha ng litrato. Tumatakbo na nga lang ako para mahabol sila.
With the skies forming another beautiful shape, with the combination of this green and amazing place, I once again clicked my camera to take some pictures. Sa puti ng buhangin, mas gugustuhin ko ang magpaa na lang para maramdaman ito pero dahil mainit, hindi ko sinubukan.
Hindi ganung marami ang tao sa labas dahil siguro tanghali, natutulog ang iba, pero habang tinitingnan ko ang mga tao, halata sa mukha nila ang saya sa simpleng tanawin. And just like these people, I'm already doing nothing and just simply looking around the area. But I guess, your stay wouldn't be complete without roaming around the island and discovering more beautiful and attractive things.
Nakangiti kong inangat ang camera at tiningnan ang kuhang litrato. When I was already satisfied, I glanced at my friends and saw them far away from me. Ako lang pala ang naiwan dahil abala sa pag-picture.
With that, I was about to run to chase them when suddenly, someone gently held my hand, stopping me with my plans.
Nilingon ko ang may pakana nun at nagulat nang makitang si Henrick iyon. And just like awhile ago, his hands are still in his pocket, while calmly staring at me.
Akala ko nandun na din siya. . . iniwan ako.
"No need to run just to follow them," he said in a low voice. "You. . . you can take pictures as long as you like. I'll be at your back."
Nitong mga nakaraang araw, kahit na medyo nasasanay na ulit ako sa ginagawa niya, pilit ko pa ring binabalewa lahat kasi natatakot ako, hindi ko alam kung tama pa ba 'yon. And now. . . just now, he's acting like before again and I can't help myself to compare him to the man he is before because there's no changes. And I'm afraid of the outcome of this.
I wanted to shake my head, to decline his offer once again. But it seems like my body and my mind is betraying me even though my heart is already shouting to back down, it's because in the end, I slowly nodded my head, agreeing to what he said.
This time, it seems like he wasn't expecting my response. Nanlaki ang mata niya, gulat na gulat sa sagot ko.
"Really?" he asked, still surprised. "I can. . . I can follow you around?"
Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Ayaw mo?"
His eyes widen more. "Of course not!" he said, shaking his head.
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at pasimpleng kinagat ang labi. Well, he's still childish as before. Nothing changes at all, huh.
At katulad nga ng sinabi niya, habang patuloy ako sa pagkuha ng litrato sa paligid at mga bagay-bagay, nasa likod ko siya, sumusunod kung saan man ako magpunta.
Minsan sasabihin niya pa ako kung hindi na pwede ang pupuntahan ko dahil delikado. The scene tells that he's my slave and I'm the master. . . that he's willing to kneel.
"Jas, ayun oh, maganda," bigla niyang habang nakatingin sa isang tabi.
Kumunot ang noo ko habang sinusundan din ng tingin ang tinitingnan niya. It was a seashell! Nanlaki ang mata ko at napaawang ang labi dahil sa ganda nun. It was shining like crystal. Its color is white with the combination of yellow orange that seems gold in the end. Parang sa palad ang laki niya na dumadagdad sa ganda nito. Its shell is not thorny or what, it seems smooth if I touch it but I didn't tried with the thought that I might hurt the creature inside it. Instead, I just opened my camera and took some pictures of it.
Habang nakangiting nakatingin pa rin sa camera, inangat ko ito. And I almost fell on the sand when suddenly, Henrick's face came into my view. Seryuso ang mukha niya at titig na titig sa akin. Halos mabitawan ko din ang hawak na camera, mabuti na lang at mas mabilis siya kaya nahawakan niya agad ako.
"Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
Napakurap ako. Wala sa oras na napaatras at pinagpag ang sarili kahit wala namang buhangin.
"O-oo. . ." Nilibot ko ang mata. "Tara na, balik na tayo sa kanila."
Hanggang sa maghapon, hindi na kami nakapag-usap ni Henrick. Bukod sa iniiwasan ko siya sa hindi malamang dahilan, naging abala din kami sa mga bagay-bagay. We planned the proposal. May kinuhang planner ang manliligaw ni Rowilyn pero kailangan pa rin naming tumulong para mas madali. We made sure that Rowilyn was already asleep before starting everything. Her suitor decided to propose early in the morning, the sunrise to be exact to make it classic.
Kahit hindi para sa akin ang ginagawa namin, hindi ko maiwasang maiyak at ma-excite. At last, one of my friends will be marrying their soulmate. And I hope the others will have, too.
Kaya kinaumagahan, parang kisapmata lang ang tulog namin, nagising kami para maghanda. We don't want to be ugly in the pictures that's why we made ourselves presentable and beautiful.
Wearing a white summer dress, I let my hair fall. I simply put light makeup and gloss. To complete everything, I partnered my dress with white sandals as well. Wearing heels is not advisable since it's in the sand. At bago pa man magising ang babae sa kabilang cottage, lumabas na kami at pumewesto sa labas katulad ng pinag-usapan. Dinala ko ang camera para makunan ang magiging eksena mamaya.
Pagkalabas ko ng cottage, kumpleto na din ang lahat sa labas. Medyo lumiliwanag na din kaya nakikita ko na ang paligid. I can't help but to be amazed on how it turns out this beautiful and fancy. Ang ganda ng paligid. Blue and white things scattered around. Parang kasal ang dating pero proposal pa lang.
There's a sweet candlelight from the entrance of the reception area to the sand. Blue and white petals of roses are being scattered in between. Sa huli nun ay ang heart shape na candlelight na puno ng bulaklak sa paligid. I can't really describe everything but all I can say is that it's beautiful.
Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa kumpulan.
"Si Jasmin?" rinig kong tanong ni Henrick.
Dahil medyo nasa likod ako at natatago, hindi niya ako makita lalo na't pinilit kong itago ang sarili sa kaniya. Until Rowilyn arrived, he still looked for me.
Everything happened so fast. My heart is full as I watch my friends enjoy the day. Parang naging whole day celebration ang birthday ni Rowilyn dahil sa dami ng kaganapan. Ang resulta, pagod lahat nang sumapit na ang gabi. Halos umagahin na rin kami.
"Good night, everyone. Thank you for today, I really enjoyed it a lot," Rowilyn heartfully said.
I smiled at her whole gently nodding my head. "Well, you deserved it anyway, no need to thank us."
"But still, thank you for being here with me. . ."
"Malamang sasama talaga kami kasi libre tsaka invited," Rochelle interrupted.
Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin dahil halatang mga lasing at antok na. It didn't take them long to say goodbye. Halos ala una na din ng umaga.
"Ikaw, Basi, hindi ka pa matutulog?" Rowilyn asked me after we cleaned up. Kami na lang ang natitira dahil nagsipasok na ang iba.
I smiled at her. "Mamaya. Magpapahangin lang muna ako sandali tapos matutulog na."
Tinanguan niya ako. "Sige. Salamat nga pala sa inyo."
"You're very much welcome. Deserve mo naman 'yan," ngiti ko. "Happy birthday and congratulations!"
She pouted her lips as her eyes became teary. She walked towards me and hugged me tightly. Niyakap ko din siya pabalik.
After everything, I decided to go back first to our cottage to get a jacket. Saktong natutulog na ang mga kaibigan ko na kasama ko sa loob kaya tahimik na.
When I got out of our cottage, it was the exact moment the door of the cottage in front of ours also opened. And it was Henrick coming out.
"May lakad ka?" he asked. "Sa'n ka pupunta? Gabi na, delikado sa labas."
Umiling ako. "Sa may tabing dagat lang ako."
When he heard my answer, he slowly nodded his head. "Okay, hindi kita didisturbuhin pero pwedeng hintayin kita dito? Promise, I won't watch you there, I'll just wait for you here."
Nag-iwas ako ng mata sabay buga ng malalim na hininga. "Okay, ikaw ang bahala. Aalis na ako."
Tumango siya, hindi na nagsalita. I don't know what he did next but all I know is that he stayed in the area where we talked after getting a chair.
I crossed my arms and stared at the calm, dark sea. Rinig ko ang mahinang tunog ng paghampas ng tubig sa buhangin. Hindi ganung malakas ang alon, parang natutulog din ang mga ito.
I stayed there for a long while. I don't know how many hours or minutes it was, but when I opened my phone to know if there's a message, I saw that it's already past two in the morning. Kaya nagdesisyon akong bumalik na dahil nakakaramdam na din ako ng antok.
I thought Henrick would choose to sleep rather than wait for me but I was wrong. Dahil nung malapit na ako sa may mga cottage, nakita ko siya, simpleng nakaupo at tahimik na naghihintay.
I was about to approach him but before I could even do that, I was stunted when I heard him talking to someone. May. . . may kasama siya?
Sa hindi malamang dahilan, bigla akong nanlamig. Hindi masyadong rinig ang sinasabi niya kaya kahit ayoko, pinili ko pa rin na maglakad ng ilang pang hakbang para marinig ang sinasabi niya.
"Ayos ka naman na siguro, 'no?"
I heard someone ask and if I'm not mistaken, it was Rochelle's voice. Gising pa pala siya.
Henrick chuckled. "Oo naman. Anong akala mo sa 'kin, mahina?"
"Oo, bakla ka kasi, eh," she also laughed. "Pero seryuso, gago, kamusta na ang sakit mo? Hindi naman na malala, 'di ba?"
Napalunok ako, humigpit ang hawak sa kahoy na kinakapitan. Hindi siya agad sumagot. From that moment, I felt something forming on my throat.
"I'm. . . I'm not yet healed but don't worry, I'm on the process," he said in a low voice.
Sumikip ang dibdib ko. I slowly swallowed the lamp on my throat as I continuously blinked my eyes.
"Mabuti naman. Alagaan mo 'yang sarili mo kung ayaw mo pang mamatay," natatawang sabi ni Rochelle pero kahit ganun, rinig ko sa boses niya na nasasaktan siya para sa kaibigan.
"Oo naman, may aalagaan pa ako, eh."
Rochelle scoffed. "Ang landi, akala mo naman walang sakit."
"Gago," he chuckled but my heart break.
"Pero sige, kung ayaw mong mapunta si Jasmin sa iba, magpagaling ka. 'Wag kang maging mahina, hindi ka pipiliin nun."
Gumalaw ako sa pwesto. Pasimple ko silang sinilip kahit ramdam ko ang panghihina ng tuhod ko. And there, I saw Henrick playing something on his finger and when I studied it thoroughly, my heart breaks even more. That was my ring. The ring he gave me on his proposal. The ring I gave back when I chose to leave him. He. . . he was wearing it.
"Yeah, I will," he firmly said like as if he was sure of it. "Sige na, matulog ka na. Matutulog na din ako kasi aalis ako bukas ng umaga, pupuntang hospital. Hintayin ko lang si Jasmin."
Rochelle stood up and nod. "Sige, 'wag na kayong nagtagal dito, matulog na din kayo."
When Rochelle leave, it was the time I stood up properly and calm myself. Nung tuluyan nang kumalma, tsaka pa lang ako lumabas sa pwesto at lumapit sa kaniya na parang walang nangyari o narinig.
The moment he saw me approaching, he immediately stood up.
"Hi," he greeted me with a smile. And just like a déjavu, I looked away when the memory of us flash backs.
Huminga ako ng malalim. "Sana natulog ka na lang. . ."
Umiling siya. "No, I promised you, right? Hihintayin kita kahit anong oras basta makita lang kitang papasok diyan sa loob para matulog."
"Alas dos na," pilit ko kahit wala namang silbi.
He rolled out his tongue on his dry lower lip. "I know and it's fine."
"Pero. . ."
Ngumiti siya. "Tara na, pasok na tayo para makapagpahinga ka na rin. It's already dawn."
I lowered my gaze. And slowly, I move my head up and down, agreeing to what he said.
"Sige," mahina ang boses kong saad.
"Good. Mauna ka na, susunod ako."
Hindi na ako nagpakipot pa. I turned my back on him and made my way to our cottage. I was opening the door when I remembered something.
"Rick," I called him.
Dahil nakatalikod na din siya, gulat niya akong nilingon, hindi inaasahan na tatawagin ko siya.
"Huh? Bakit? May kailangan ka ba? he immediately asked.
"You're okay, right?" I asked, feeling the fast beating of my heart. "You'll be fine, right?"
He gasped. Nanlaki ang mata niya. His lips even parted with my question. He didn't expect it.
Ilang minuto bago siya nakabawi. Kalaunan, maliit siyang ngumiti pero alam kong hindi iyon abot sa mata niya.
"Of course, I'm okay," he whispered. "I'll be okay. . ."
Dahan-dahan akong tumango. "Okay. . ."
"You're okay with that, hmm?" he voice sounded relieved. He even bit his lower lip while staring at me.
Para akong batang tumango. And this time, his smile showed.
"I'll do everything to be okay, just for you."
I sighed. "Pwedeng magtanong? Isa na lang."
Agad siyang tumango, masaya dahil kinakausap ko pa siya.
"Si. . ." Lumunok ako dahil nahihirapan akong bumuo ng salita. "Si T-tito, kamusta na? O-okay lang naman siya, 'di ba?"
His smile slowly vanished. Nag-iwas siya ng mata tsaka pasimpleng lumunok. And with his reaction, my heart slowly sinked again.
"Pwede ko ba siyang makita?"
★ S H A N A Y S 2 3 ★