25: Wrong Movie
Sam's POV
It's the last day of July. Fours days after the incident with Thomas. I still haven't heard any word from him. Well, I do but they're either through JC or Nica. It's crazy, you know.
I'm not feeling well today, but I am forcing myself to go to class. Well, I'm not sick. I just feel heavier maybe because it's a red day.
I took a really quick shower. I didn't blow dry my hair. I'm too lazy to do it. I picked out an old pair of skinny jeans and a plain salmon shirt, and I don't want to put any make-up on. I just used my Nivea lip balm for my lips. Dry lips is the least I want to have right. I looked at the mirror and I was horrific.
I know that I should be mindful of my attire, but my abdomen hurts so much that I just don't give a single care about anything in this world.
I went out of my room, and I saw JC munching on some pastry. I sat across him. He just looked at me like something is terribly wrong.
Sam: JC, wala pa rin?
JC: Sorry Sam ah. Wala pa rin talaga.
I saw on his face that he too was disappointed. It's been four days that no rose ever arrived. Maybe even my secret admirer got tired of me.
Sam: Hey. Cheer up. It's not that I am disappointed or something.
JC nodded and smiled at me.
JC: I'm your twin brother, Sam. And, there are times when I think I know you better than you know yourself.
I shook my head and faked a smile. I tried eating, but even my mouth can't take it.
JC: Hey, are you okay?
I nodded, but he didn't look convinced.
Sam: It's a red day, and as usual.
JC: Are you sure that you'll still go to class?
Sam: Yes. Don't worry about me, okay? I'm far from dying. I'll tell you when I feel like dying.
He chuckled. He sliced a bread, spread a spoonful of Nutella on it before handing it to me.
JC: C'mon. Once in a green moon lang yan.
Sam: Green?
JC: Animo La Salle!
I smiled at him, and continued eating. JC fed me more until I told him that I'm really full.
Sam: I'll see you later at lunch? Lunch is on Nica, right?
JC nodded. I kissed his cheek before I grabbed my bag and left the unit. I made my way to DLSU in a slow pace. My mind's bothered with too many things. First, I wonder why Thomas hasn't contacted me yet. Second... There's no second. No one makes me this bothered aside from Thomas Torres.
I arrived at my room with all of my classmates' eyes on me. I just shook my head and bowed my head. I don't want or need this much attention.
I took the empty seat beside Saab while she was giving me that look that says 'seriously?'
Sam: What?
Saab: Salmon? Really?
Sam: I've seen you wear something worse.
I said before I looked away. I heard her chuckle before she tapped my shoulder.
Saab: PMS?!
Sam: I would highly appreciate if you just shut up.
Saab and I have known each for years, and I don't this type of conversation offends her. Maybe, more of amuses her.
Saab: I love annoying PMS-ing Sam. She's the calmest annoyed girl I have ever known.
I gave her another shut-up look, but she didn't stop talking until the professor showed up.
Class went on, and I know that I am not this room here in the LS building. Physically present, mentally absent. I didn't even understand what my Advance Accounting prof taught. I'll deal with that later.
I went out of the class at exactly 11:40. Arnold was outside, waiting for Saab. I looked around hoping that he's with Thomas, but no. No signs of Thomas Torres.
Arnold: Hey, Sam! Looking for someone?
Sam: Nah. Is my brother at Razon?
Arnold: Are you really looking for JC or for JC's best friend?
I rolled my eyes on him. Saab and Arnold make a good couple. They're both annoying. It was like a match made in heaven.
Sam: Can you not?
He laughed at me.
Arnold: They're not there. I think, there in class. Are you and Thomas okay?
Sam: I'm okay. He looks okay.
Arnold: Are we playing who's dumber? C'mon!
Sam: I don't know. He saw me with Kiefer a few days ago, and he never let me explain the story behind that.
Arnold: Oh, that makes sense.
Then out of nowhere, Saab is already beside Arnold. He gave her a forehead kiss before slipping his hand on hers.
Saab: Hey, we're going down. Walk with us.
Sam: Nah. You two are too sweet.
Arnold: C'mon. Walk with us. Someone asked us to keep an eye on you.
They're both smiling at me. Such a nice couple.
Sam: Thanks guys, but I have to go somewhere pa. Go ahead. I'll be fine.
Saab: We'll go with you. Right, babe?
Saab tugged Arnold's arm. I'm starting to smell something fishy around here, but I'm choosing to let it go since I promised myself that I'll be less assuming.
Sam: Thank you guys for the offer, but I think that you should save yourselves from the hassle, love birds. I'll see you tomorrow.
I gave Saab a kiss on her cheek and I gave Arnold a soft punch on his arm. I turned around and started walking away. I can hear them calling my name, but I didn't turn around.
*Duck*
I smiled upon hearing my phone ring. I was so bored last night that I gave certain people their own ringtones.
I fished my phone out of my bag and smiled more at the name on the screen.
Kief *blue heart emoji* calling...
I have a logical explanation for the tone, okay. Ducks are birds. Eagles are birds. Kief is an eagle. Therefore, Kief is a duck. Fallacious, I know.
Sam: Yo! What's up?
Kiefer: Where are you?
Sam: Earth.
Kiefer: Tss. Where on Earth?
Sam: Asia.
I heard him snicker from the other line. One point for Samantha Torregoza.
Kiefer: C'mon!
Sam: I'm at school kasi. What do you need?
Kiefer: I need you... JOKE! I'm waiting for you here sa U Mall. Nica asked me to pick you up.
Sam: Oh, okay?
Kiefer: Okay.
Sam: Okay.
Kiefer: Okay.
Ugh, this is annoying.
Sam: Yes, naglalakad na ako! Stop the okay.
Kiefer: Pikon!
I heard him laugh from the other line. Ugh, this guy is annoying.
Sam: Wait forever, eagle.
Kiefer: HEY! HEY! I WAS KIDDING.
Sam: Okay, fine! I'm on my way.
I walked towards U Mall. I found him standing against his car. Feeling pogi in his sunnies. Minsan, sobrang feeler din ni Kief.
Sam: What's up, eagle?
Kiefer: I didn't know that archers are such slow movers.
He reached for my bag and books and put them in his car. He opened the door to the front passenger's seat.
Kiefer: Hop in!
I smiled and rode in. He ran to the driver's seat.
Sam: Alam mo kung saan tayo pupunta?
Kiefer: Of course. I'm not a lousy driver.
He smirked at me.
Sam: Did you just call me lousy?
He brushed the back of his hand against my arm and laughed. He started the engine and drove away. In fairness to Kiefer Ravena, his car smells good for a guy's car.
Sam: Bango ng car mo, eagle.
Kiefer: There's a neck pillow at the back seat.
I reached for the pillow, put it on my neck and closed my eyes.
Kiefer: Sleep well, my archer.
--------
Kiefer: Wake up, sleepyhead.
He said in a soft voice as he was flicking my arm. How ironic.
Sam: Stop flicking me, Ravena! I'm awake!
He smiled.
Kiefer: Ang sama ng ugali mo! Bakit pag si Thomas ang gumigising sayo, ang lambing mo?
My faint smile turned into a frown in an instant. Kief must have noticed it.
Kiefer: Still not okay?
I shook my head and gave him a weak smile.
Sam: The world doesn't end naman even if Torres stops talking to me. Let's go.
I tried to sound cheerful, but I know that I didn't try hard enough. I opened my door and hopped out. Kiefer did the same.
I was walking ahead of Kiefer as we walk to the restaurant Nica has texted.
The restaurant attendant pointed us to where our friends are. Kief walked behind me.
We found Nica, JC, Jeron and Jade waiting for us with four more unoccupied seats. I chose to sit on the unoccupied chair beside Jade across another unoccupied chair. Kief sat beside me.
Nica: What took you two long?
Kiefer: Ang bagal kasi ng isa dyan.
I rolled my eyes on Kiefer. Through my peripheral vision, I can't help but notice Jade and Jeron's flirting.
Jeron: Jade, ang lampa mo.
Jade: What the?!
Jeron: Kasi naman tumatawid ka lang sa isip ko. Nalaglag ka pa sa puso ko.
Jade giggled and started pinching Jeron's arm.
Sam: Can you guys not? Ang corny. Nakakainis.
JC: I have to agree with my twin sister, Jeron. Throwback high school?
Jeron placed his hand on his nape and bowed his head. Jade held his arm and pinched his cheek.
Jade: Don't listen to them, Jeron. You're cute. Really cute.
Jeron looked at Jade, and I felt that my heart got ripped. Not that I am secretly in love with Jeron, but because it's been a long time since someone has looked at me like that or has someone ever looked at me like that? It was a look that as if says, "you're the most beautiful girl my eyes has ever laid on." It's the kind of look that can melt anyone's heart.
I was lost in another universe until Kiefer tapped my shoulder.
Kiefer: Sam, alam mo bang gasolina ka at pamasahe ako.
I gave Kiefer a what-the look. He smiled.
Kiefer: Dali na kasi!
Sam: Fine. Bakit?
Kiefer: Kasi ikaw and dahilan kung bakit nag-mamahal ako.
I laughed at Kiefer. Not because I find his pick up line cheesy, but because it's annoying.
Sam: Kief, gasolina ako at pamasahe ka talaga.
Kiefer: Bakit?
Sam: Kasi kahit kailan hindi ikaw ang magiging dahilan ng pagmamahal ko.
Kiefer: Alam mo ang sama ng ugali mo?
Sam: Is this another pick up line?
Kiefer: Hindi. Ayoko na mag-pick up line sayo!
He turned his back on me, and I laughed.
I continued poking him, but he just didn't budge.
Sam: Hey, sungit!
Kiefer: I'm not masungit!
Sam: Hey, pogi?
He faced me with a grin on. Kiefer's such a feeler. Don't you think?
Kiefer: Yes?
Sam: Kapal ng mukha mo.
Kiefer: Gwapo ng mukha ko? Yes.
Jade: Ahm, Nica. Why is Thomas not yet here?
I turned to her upon hearing Tho's name. Wala, ganoon talaga.
Jade: I mean, is it because of us?
Jeron: Of course not! May ibang dahilan kung bakit wala si Thomas.
Then he looked at Kief and my direction.
Sam: Cut that off, Teng! Kief and I...
Kiefer: Are friends!
Sam: Ugh. What was that?! Why didn't you let me finish my sentence?!
Kiefer: Masakit kaya ma-friendzone ng paulit-ulit!
That earned him a lot of laughs from everyone.
Nica: Paranoid ninyo. He's on his way na daw. Medyo na-traffic lang daw.
JC: And my surprise daw siya.
Jeron: What surprise?
JC: Kaya nga surprise, di ba?
The chatting went on. Jeron and Jade still share this look at each other, and I can't help but notice the way JC holds Nica. For other single people, this type of view is annoying, but I find this view majestic. There are around a billion or more people in this planet, how often do you see real love?
Jade: Hey, he's here.
I looked at the direction Jade's pointing and there I saw Thomas.
He was talking to the attendant. Maybe asking for the reservation. The attendant smiled at him and led him towards our table. He waved his left hand at me, I mean at us. His right hand I cannot see. The way he smiles. It's warm like the summer breeze.
It was a perfect moment until I found out where his other hand was. Thomas looked at his back and let a girl walk in front of him. His hand holding hers.
Who is she? Why is he holding her hand? Why are they together? Those were the questions I kept looking for answers while they were walking towards that table.
Nica: So, that's the surprise?
Nica asked Thomas as they reached the table. Thomas smiled and put his hand on the girl's waist.
Thomas: Sorry. Traffic talaga. By the way, I want you to meet my girl, Basha.
My girl. My girl. My girl. I don't know what went wrong, but those two words kept playing in my head like crazy.
I looked at the girl. She smiled. Yeah, I have to say that she's pretty. Thomas pulled her closer to him. Leech, PDA.
Thomas: Ba, these are my friends. My cousin, Nica. My best friend, JC. Well, you know Jeron and that's his girl, Jade.
Jade blushed. Tss. Kinikilig pa rin siya sa Jeron's girl. I blushed. Naiinis kasi ako kay Thomas. Ganoong kabilis mag-move on? Tss.
Thomas paused, then looked at Kiefer and I.
Basha: You're Sam Torregoza, right?
I nodded. FC much, girl? I don't know you, but I already hate you.
Thomas: How'd you know her?
Basha: C'mon. I follow her blog.
Thomas smiled. Ugh. Why so pogi, Torres?
Thomas: Yeah right. That's Sam and his guy, Kiefer.
MY WHAT?!
Sam: Hold your horses, cowboy! He's not my guy.
Kiefer: Not yet.
I looked at Kiefer and he's smirking. Anong not yet?! Tss.
Thomas: Arte.
I don't know if that's supposed to be a whisper or something, but I heard it! Loud and clear.
Kief might have heard it too because he placed his arm on my shoulder. I looked at him and smiled. I needed that. I needed that support right now.
Seeing your ex-boyfriend with another girl when you haven't fully recovered from the fall.
No one warned me about this. Akala mo masakit na yung break up ninyo? May mas masakit pa pala.
Nica: Take a seat. Ipapa-serve ko na yung food natin.
Thomas pulled the empty chair across me for Basha.
Nica: Hi, Basha! Welcome to the group.
First, she's not welcome. I hate her. Second, her name reminds me of the movie One More Chance. Tss. What is she doing here? This is not One More Chance. This is my story. I hate to break this, but I think she's in the wrong movie.
JC: So, how did you two meet?
JC asked in a serious tone. I looked at him, and he gave me a big brother look.
Basha: We met...
Thomas: Does that even matter? What matters is we met.
I don't know if I'm assuming things, but I'm quite sure that Thomas gave me a mocking look.
As if I care, Torres. Magsama kayo ng new girl mo. This is my story and you two are in a wrong movie.
Basha: Sam, I'm a fan of your blog.
I looked at her, and I regretted my outfit today. As I noticed earlier, she's wearing a dress. I actually saw that dress na sa Mango. I didn't buy it because I was broke that time. Ugh, of all the days, bakit ngayon pa ako nagt-shirt?!
I felt a nudge from Kief. I looked at him and he nodded as if requiring a response from me.
Sam: Thank you, Basha. I think we have the same taste.
Then I looked at Thomas and it was awkward. Everybody felt that, I know.
Nica: Oh, there's the food na pala.
The food was served, but I lost my appetite. Trying to eat in front of my ex-boyfriend and his new girl is just unbearable.
I watch as Thomas put food in her plate.
Kiefer: ano bang gusto mo? lalagyan din kita!
He whipered and I saw him grin at me. Ugh, Kiefer.
Sam: WHAT?!
I talked in a louder than usual voice that I won everyone's attention.
Kiefer: Hindi pa naman ako nagpo-propose kung maka-what ka naman.
He said in a cheerful manner. My golly, Kief has been saving me.
I saw Thomas mouth the words 'landi.' What's his problem now?
Basha: Tho.
Everyone was caught off guard. Surprised by the name Basha called Thomas.
JC: What did you call Tom?!
Basha: Tho? Isn't that his nickname?
JC: No. We call him Tom. Only Sam calls him that name.
Basha: But, Tho asked me to call him that name.
I can't help but mouth the word, jerk.
Thomas: C'mon! Why make a big deal out of that? May copyright ba yung name na Tho, Sam?
I gulped. What is wrong with him now? I tried to fake a smile.
Sam: Nah. Anyone can call you Tho.
We continued eating. I tried to stop myself from looking at Tho and Basha's direction, but they're so distracting to go unnoticed.
I ask myself, where in the world is that pause button to all these feels. I wish I could press that pause button until everything becomes more bearable or until I become numb.
Nica tried opening topics, but it always ended up being awkward. Until Jeron started throwing pick-up lines. Seeing Jeron and Jade puts hope in my heart that there will be a happy ending. Someday.
Jeron: Jade, let's play pero wag taguan.
JC: Ano na namang ka-cornihan yan?!
Jade: Jade daw, di ba? Jade ka na din ngayon, JC?
I offered Jade a high five that she gladly gave away.
Jeron: Jade, ano laro tayo?
Jade: Bakit wag taguan?
Jeron: Kasi a girl like you is impossible to find.
JC: Corny!
Sam: Ikaw nga!
JC: Ganito! Nica, alam mo bang scientist ako?
Nica who was chewing her food raised her hand, so we waited until she swallowed her food.
Nica: Huh?
JC: Scientist ako at ikaw ang lab ko.
JC winked at Nica, and I felt kilig. Six years of being together, yet they never fail to show each other that they really love each other.
Thomas: Guys, ang corny ng pick-up lines ninyo. Ganito kasi ang pick-up line.
Everyone looked at Thomas. Will he throw that on me? My heart pleads. Let that pick-up line be for me.
Thomas: Ba...
I closed my eyes. Conceal. Don't feel.
Thomas: New year ka ba?
Heart, you're stupid. Just stop beating. World, please stop. Where's that pause button?
Basha: Bakit?
He looked at me, smirked and turned to Basha again.
Thomas: Kasi I new year the one.
I opened my eyes and as if on cue, I saw Thomas winked at Basha.
Basha blushed. That's it. That's my cue, I guess. I should go.
Sam: Hey, excuse me. I just have to make a call.
I grabbed my phone which was lying peacefully on the table and ran outside of the restaurant.
You're a jerk, Sam. It's been a long time and you know that this day will come. Ugh, no one warned me that it'll be this painful.
I ran outside and leaned against a post. I closed my eyes and tried thinking of happy thoughts. Happy thoughts that have nothing to do with Thomas. But, thinking happy thoughts ain't enough. It hurts so much that my heart just want to get out of my chest and explode.
You know what hurts more? The fact that you know that the only thing that can take all this pain away is the one who caused it.
C'mon. Don't cry. Big girls don't cry. Conceal. Don't feel. Don't let them know. Ugh, Frozen.
Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked at him and smiled.
"Need a hug?"
I just stood there, totally frozen.
Sam: Kief.
He smiled and opened his arms.
Kiefer: I know that you need someone else's hug. I'm also aware that you're expecting someone else to hug you. But, there are things na you can't handle alone. Kahit yung comfort man lang sana na galing sa akin, tanggapin mo.
I hugged Kief tight and buried my face on his chest, and there I started crying.
Sam: Kief, why can't I feel numb? It hurts so bad. Bakit ba kasi hindi ko siya makalimutan? Why can't I hate him na lang? Why can't I move on? Why can't I get up? Why did I fall so hard?
He started running his fingers on my hair.
Kiefer: Sam, there is no such thing as moving on. Thomas will always be a part of you, and you can't move on. You just have to accept the fact that he's happy, and you're not the reason behind that happiness anymore.
I bit my lip and wished that the blood gushing in my mouth is my feelings for Thomas. Sana may off switch ang feelings. Life would have been so much better.
Sam: Kief, ano bang mali sa akin?
I removed my head on Kief's chest. He cupped my face and his thumbs wipe the tears falling from my eyes.
Kiefer: You're beautiful, smart and adorable. You're a keeper. How many times do I have to remind you of that?
Sam: I'm scared.
Kiefer: Scared of what?
Sam: I'm scared that no one else will love me like Thomas did. I'm scared that I will never be enough.
Kiefer: Cheer up, beautiful. I may not be your prince charming or your knight in shining armor, I'm your squire naman.
He kissed my forehead, and I smiled.
Kiefer: I can be your back-up boyfriend din.
Sam: But no one deserves to be a back-up.
Kiefer: But no woman deserves to get hurt.
I smiled and hugged him.
Kiefer: There. Ano, pasok na tayo?
Sam: Hold my hand?
He nodded and locked my hand in his.
We went back inside the restaurant and sat back to our places.
I looked at Thomas and he's totally expressionless.
You don't love me anymore? Fine, let's make the feeling mutual. Because from now on, Thomas. I will stop loving you. I will stop caring for you. I will stop feeling anything for you. Just like how you want it to be.
Goodbye, Thomas Torres.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey, loves! I missed you all! Thank you for patiently waiting for my update. Thank you for all the kind words and support.
So, what do you think? Let me know. Comment below, message me and vote.
May God bless you all and till my next update. 😘❤️