Jade's POV
"Hoy, Jade! Anyare teh?" I felt Sally nudged me from my side.
"Hmm?" I asked completely lost on what she seemed to be saying.
"Ay sus talaga naman. Kawawa naman yung steak oh! Lamog na lamog na." She said after she rolled her eyes on me. "Ano ba kasing iniisip mo?"
"Oh, nothing. May naalala lang ako." I said while I'm staring blankly at Ahya Gab and Pearl who are currently having their first dance as a married couple.
"Nothing pero may naalala? Hay nako, Jade. Kanina naman ang lively ng aura mo, pero ngayon para kang nalulutang jan."
I chose to remain silent and ignore what she just said to avoid her from pushing the issue. Actually, hindi ko din maintindihan bakit ganito yung nararamdaman ko after what I saw.
Inaasahan ko naman na makikita ko si Althea hanggang dito sa reception. Aware din ako na as the wedding coordinator, mauuna sila dito sa venue para masiguradong ayos ang lahat. Ang hindi ko lang talaga inaasahan ay yung pakikipag-flirt niya kay Maricris. I know I shouldn't be reacting like this, but I can't help it. Parang nawala ako sa mood noong nakita kong ang saya-saya nilang magkausap na dalawa.
Pero bago pa iyon, kaninang nasa simbahan kami ay nakita ko na ito. Nakayuko ito habang nakatitig sa cellphone niya. I couldn't help but wonder kung sino ang katext nito dahil ngiting-ngiti ito. Doon pa lang, nakaramdam na ko ng kaunting inis but I chose to ignore it. And besides, I don't have any right to get jealous.
Jealous? Really? Did I just say that?
"No! This can't be!" Out of frustration, I suddenly exclaimed it out loud that caused Sally to look at me, wide eyed. Good thing were alone in this table.
"Ano ba kasing problema, Jade? Bakit ka ba nagkakaganyan?" I faced her and contemplate if I'm going to confess what Althea's making me feel after our first meeting.
"C'mon, Jade. Ganoon ba kabigat yung problema mo na kahit sa bestfriend mo, hindi mo masabi?" Sally said and I know she's testing me because of the tone she used.
I know I shouldn't keep this from her pero kung ganoon lang sana kadaling i-confess yung nararamdaman ko towards Althea, I could've done it from the start. Kahit na bestfriend ko si Sally, hindi ko pa din maiwasan na baka i-judge niya ko or layuan dahil sa mga sasabihin ko.
I shouldn't forget that she's been there for me through my ups and downs, sa lahat ng kalokohan ko, suportado niya ko. But this isn't a game anymore. I know what I feel for Althea is as serious as my father's business proposals.
I heave a sigh to lessen the tension that's been building up inside me. "Sally, remember what you told me at the bar three months ago?"
"Ahh, which one? The one we talked about David?" She said as she scooted near me so that we can talk, whispering to each other.
"N-No. The other o-one." I stuttered unwillingly.
Fuck. Why can't I just get to the point?!
"Alin ba dun? Ang dami-dami nating napag-usapan nun, Jade. Sabihin mo na lang kasi ng diretso." I can sense she's getting impatient. This is what Sally hates. Gusto niya straight to the point ka lagi. Ayaw na ayaw niya yung paligoyligoy. Hindi niya maiwasang mairita sa kausap niya kapag ganon. And yes, including her.
"Jade, kung ayaw mong sabihin. Okay lang naman. Maiintindihan ko naman. Siguro nga hindi pa tayo ganon ka-close para-" I cut her off before she could finish her dramatic speech. She's really like this para makuha ang gusto niya. Pilit niyang isisingit yung pag-question niya sa friendship na meron kami. It starting to get into my nerves pero hindi ko na lang pinapatulan.
"The one about soulmates." I said nonchalantly.
"Now we're talking. Okay, spill." She said, all of a sudden getting hyped. This girl is also impossible, like my mother. They can change mood quickly with just a blink of an eye. I wonder how are they doing it.
"I think I found h-" Should I tell her that my soulmate is a she? Ugh. It's harder than I expected. "I think I found my soulmate." Better safe than sorry. I'll wait for the perfect time to spill the beans.
"Ha! I told you so. Ang bilis naman ng tama ng karma sa'yo." She said in a matter of factly voice, then she gave me this I-am-always-right kind of look but I just rolled my eyes on her. "Okay, so gwapo ba? Anong itsura, best? Mayaman ba? Nakuha mo ba yung name niya? Paano kayo-" She asked too excitedly so I didn't stop my self from cutting her off.
"Sally! Pwede isa-isa lang yung tanong? May lakad ka ba?" I asked sounding pissed. The thought of Althea and Maricris earlier and this sudden hint of jealousy I'm feeling, but to hard to admit plus, her high pitched voice, are really creeping up.
"Woah! Okay, chill. I'm sorry. Nakalimutan kong may PMS ka nga pala."
"Sally.." I said in a low warning voice.
"Just kidding! Loosen up, best. Masyado kang seryoso."
"Whatever"
"Okay, so gwapo ba?"
Kung pwedeng ipalit yung gwapo sa pagiging maganda, "Oo, this person is really handsome."
"Care to describe further?" Her face suddenly flashed into my mind and I can't help but to smile.
"The eyes that could melt, that in every stare, it feels like this person knew me all along. Pointed nose, prominent jawline and those kissable lips that I think is so sexy every time it utters a word.."
"Wow, best. You're in love." I was snapped out from being all dreamy about her when I heard Sally spoke.
"W-What do you mean?" I suddenly felt my heart beating in an irregular manner and my hands began to sweat.
"You've been dazed. The way you talk about this soulmate of yours is a perfect epitome of love at first sight."
Hell no! I can't be in love with her!
I tried to laugh at her absurd declaration but I knew it sounded fake and awkward. My heart that was beating frantically earlier, doubled after what Sally just said. My stomach starting to hurt because of nervousness.
"Y-You know t-that's impossible, Sally. I o-only met this p-person once! Eh ni hindi nga rin kami naging sweet sa isa't-isa, so no. I don't believe I'm already in love with my soulmate." I tried hard to sound so cool and not affected but I knew it just made me sound too defensive that caused Sally to raise an eyebrow at me.
"Are you telling me that or to yourself?" I was caught off guard by her question. My mind suddenly went blank and I can't think of a great comeback.
"See? You can deny it anytime you want but your body and your eyes are giving you away, Jade. And besides, I'm your bestfriend. I know you so well. You can fake everyone, but not me."
Damn it! I can't help but to curse mentally since everything she said is right. I tried all my best to at least cover this stupid feeling but even my own body is betraying me.
Even though I intentionally avoided her for the past three months, never a day had passed that I didn't think of her. Her face will always be the one I thought of every morning and the one whose keeping me awake at night. It seems like the more I wanted to forget her, the more this feelings become stronger. The more I deny it even to myself, the more it shows from within. It's like she has already won me over.
Althea has won me head over heels.
"You know, Jade, there's nothing wrong about what you're feeling right now. Swerte ka nga dahil nahanap mo siya kahit hindi mo naman ginusto. Yung iba nga tumanda na o di kaya naman nakatali na sa iba bago pa man nila nakilala yung talagang para sa kanila. It will only come once, Jade. And if I were you, I will never let it go."
It is easier said than done. Especially when you're tied with a fucking-strict-controlling-parents, I doubt that it would be just like rainbows and unicorns. Baka mas madalas pang maging impyerno ang buhay namin pareho once na ipinaglaban namin 'to. And besides, I don't know if she's into girls. Ha! I'm pathetic.
I heave a long, frustrated sigh. "You don't understand, Sally. It's not that easy and it will never be easy. Hindi pwedeng maging kami. Malabo. Sobrang malabo." I said trying not to sound bitterly but I know I'm failing miserably. Alam kong mas mapait pa sa SanMig light na iniinom ko ngayon ang tono ng boses ko.
"Bakit naman? Masamang tao ba siya, Jade? Drug addict ba yung soulmate mo?" I looked at her and snorted. Nanlalaki ngayon yung mata niya habang naghihintay ng sagot ko.
"What the hell, Sally? Of course not! Kung alam mo lang.." She's perfect. She's the most beautiful person I have ever met. Partida hindi pa kami nagkakasama niyan ah. Dala siguro ng tama ng beer sakin kaya naiisip ko itong mga ganito.
"Eh bakit ayaw mong i-push, best? Are you still thinking of your engagement?"
Ahh, yes. My engagement. My fucking arranged engagement.
I didn't notice I was quiet for a while when Sally continued to talk. "You still remember what I told you before, right? Na kapag nakilala mo na yung soulmate mo, saka ka lumaban. Maybe this is the odds' way of saying na your engagement should not be pushed through since they knew na hindi ka magiging masaya. They finally sent you your soulmate para magkaroon ka ng dahilan na lumaban."
I snorted once again and shook my head. I just can't believe her predicaments over this soulmate thing.
"Really? You believe that? I don't think so." Because if they really wanted to help, they shouldn't even send a girl for a soulmate. I wanted to continue but I decided to just keep it to myself.
"And why not? Don't you think it's their perfect timing? Ngayon naiipit ka, binigyan ka na nila ng dahilan na piliin kung ano ang gusto mo talaga."
Wow. She's really persistent about this. If only you knew, Sal. If only you knew..
I looked away from her and drank the beer I was holding which was newly opened. I needed it to compose and relax myself. It was bitter since hindi na rin masyadong malamig but I love the effect it's giving me. I can feel my face and hands getting numb because of the alcohol starting to kick in.
As I roam my eyes on this magnificent venue, which Althea planned, I saw her once again. But she's not alone. I can feel my heart being pricked by a thousand invincible needles as I stare at her, laughing with Maricris. They were standing so close to each other and Maricris will constantly swat Althea's arm after exchanging series of laughs.
I can't help but to clutch my fist and grit my teeth. Pretentious flirty bitch. Even I, myself, was surprised with my sudden outburst of emotion. Hindi ko naman ugali na magsalita ng masama sa kapwa but this jealousy and alcohol kicking in are really not helping.
She probably felt the weight of my stare when she swing her head towards my direction and met my gaze. I can't really see the reaction on her face since she's a few feet away plus they were standing at the dark side of this venue. We stared at each other for quite a while before I decided to look away.
"Excuse me, Sally. I'll just go to the powder room." I didn't wait for her reply and stood up instantly. Pero bigla akong nahilo at napahawak sa upuan.
"Hey, best. Are you okay? Lasing ka na ata!"
"Pft. I'm okay, Sal. Kaya ko pa." I said with half-wide eyes since I can feel my eyes starting to get heavy.
"Are you sure? Do you want me to call David?" She said then start to roam her eyes as if looking for someone.
"No! Wag na wag mong gagawin yan, Sally. I said I can manage." I said to her with anger evident on my voice. I didn't mean it but I don't want to deal with him anymore. Alam ko pipilitin niya kong umuwi kapag nakita niyang nakainom ako.
"Woah! Relax, Jade! You don't have to shout, my God." Sally said, annoyed. Well, she hates being shouted at. Who wouldn't?
"Okay, I'm sorry. I'll go now." I said and she just nodded. I then walked straight to the powder room.
Habang naglalakad, hilong-hilo ako dahil sa tama ng beer. Hindi ko inakala na ganito na pala kalakas ang tama sakin. Nakaka-anim na bote pa lang naman ako pero tinamaan na agad ako. Idagdag pa itong malilikot na ilaw na lalong nagpapadagdag sa hilo ko.
Fuck. I really hate strobe lights.
I can't take it anymore. I feel like I'm going to collapse until I saw a vacant chair. I tried to grasp it but it is still a feet away from me. Dahil siguro sa hilo kaya feeling ko malapit lang sa akin yung upuan. I was preparing myself to hit the floor but a strong pair of arms grabbed my waist and pulled me up.
"What the-" I automatically placed my hands on this person's shoulder but I wonder why it is small but firm. And the scent.. Oh God, it smells so good. I can't help but to inhale this intoxicating smell and snuggled my face at the crook of this person's neck.
"You smell so good." I instantly blurt out and boldly inhaled this person again and again. I must be really drunk to have the guts to do this.
I felt this person's body, who is currently hugging me, stiffened and starting to breathe heavier than usual but not pulling away even an inch.
Hmm, must be enjoying huh?
I don't know but I feel safe and secured in this person's arm even though it seems like it's too skinny for a guy. And this person's silky smooth skin, under my palms, is too feminine.
Then it hit me.
Maybe this isn't a man after all..
I still can't get a clear view of the one who is holding me right now since I'm too drunk to even focus my eyes. Besides, I prefer to just rest my head on this person's shoulder and I'm still yet to enjoy this scent.
Well, I wish this is Althea.
I can't help but to giggle with a mere thought of her. So what I did was, I pulled her closer to me and snaked my arms around her nape then I realized she has a shoulder length hair, like Althea's. I don't know but I can't help to imagine this is Althea who is holding me that's why I'm letting myself to look fool in front of this person.
Well just this once, I'll make a fool out of myself even though I have no idea who is this person I'm hugging.
"Ganyan ka ba talaga malasing? Mahilig mangyakap?" The person I'm hugging started to talk and my heart automatically beat rapidly upon hearing her voice.
Oh my God! Even her voice is sounded like Althea! Am I that drunk? I know I'm just imagining it's her but God be damned, it's too realistic for an imagination.
"A-Are you Althea?" I carefully asked not pulling away my embrace. I felt her arms encircling my waist, completely hugging me, as if not wanting to let go and then she whispered..
"Yes, Jade. It's me, Althea."
Upon hearing her say her name, I just found myself smiling on her neck and pulling her much closer to me. I can already feel her heart beating against my chest, because her body is hardly pressed against mine, which I didn't mind at all. With all honesty, I really like the feeling of her body into mine. It feels like she's a puzzle piece that perfectly conjugated all my curves and spaces.
For now, I just let myself be me. Just this once, I will savor this once in a lifetime moment with her. Just this once, I will let my emotions won me. And just in this one precious moment, I'll just let myself love her.
"Good." Then everything went black.