28: Misunderstood
ALEXID
Something changed.
Something definitely changed. And it's something good.
Matapos ang naging usapan namin sa Westville Park, nawala ang tensyon sa pagitan naming dalawa. I mean, we have this... barrier that kept us from trusting each other, but now, I can't even see it.
Masaya ang lahat para sa'kin. I was slowly recovering from all that cr*p and everyone was being supportive. What I mean by everyone, is Royals.
12:11 pm
grabegirl
Intrams na niyan diba?
marchaprilmay
Yup
The whole week
gangsta
May attendance ba yan?
@March
marchaprilmay
Yes
The usual
Alam ko namang hindi ka aattend
grabegirl
#whatsnew
jerkface
Like everyone wants to watch
Id rather watch Enrico whine
Than all those cr*p
gangsta
Wtf?
sassyb*tch
HAHAHAHAHAHHA
gangsta
And since when did I do that f*ckface?
jerkface
Since you've met me, *ssh*le!
grabegirl
Ayieee may endearment!
Kuya @Cosine
Gawa tayo endearment bilis
Agad akong natawa sa mga salita ni Aira. Talagang crush niya ang walanghiya. And speaking of him, bigla ko tuloy siyang naalala. There was something weird with him after and even during the times I was hospitalized.
It's not bad, but he's unusually... nice? Like the time I went off my myself from Royals, he never left my side. At noong na-ospital ako, lagi siyang nasa kwarto ko kahit pa may sarili siyang kwarto. May dala rin laging prutas, kaso nagreklamo naman ako dahil sa dami ng dinadala niya.
Like b*tch, pasyente ako, hindi patay gutom!
And he talks normal lately. Of course, hindi pa rin mawawala ang mga scientific trivias niya, pero bibihira lang niya iyon ginagawa tuwing kinakausap ako. As if he trained himself to talk to me normally.
gangsta
WTF
marchaprilmay
Actually
I wanna ditch the event too
gangsta
Oh f*ck
Nakainom ka ba?!
marchaprilmay
Wag oa, rico
sassyb*tch
Why is it like a big deal tho?
grabegirl
Grabe sinong hindi mabibigla
Eh laging present yan sa mga events
Dahil officer
alligator
What do you have in mind?
sassyb*tch
ALLLLIIIII!
alligator
hey @Alexid
marchaprilmay
Another sleepover?
Something like that
Just want to rest from the stuff that has happened
gangsta
i mean
Yeah
Your house?
grabegirl
Wait what?
nerdboi
March's house?
alligator
Hmm
sassyb*tch
oooOOOoh
OHOHOHO
jerkface
HAHAHAHAHAHA
marchaprilmay
don't get the wrong idea
b*tches
Pero di pwede for now
May mga bisita kami lately
Mga collegues ata ni Papa
sassyb*tch
For now huh?
marchaprilmay
Would u quit it?!
grabegirl
Grabe bes di ka nagsasabi ha
Ikaw @Enrico ayus ayusin mo
Pwede ba sa inyo, ate @Alexid?
sassyb*tch
Hindi kaya
Nandyan si Papa sa bahay
Sa inyo? @Cosine
nerdboi
The possibility would be around 60 to 67 percent
It would depend on my sister's mood
After her big presentation later
The outcome would affect her behavior
sassyb*tch
Si Tan?
nerdboi
Yes.
grabegirl
Tan?
sassyb*tch
Short for Tangent
Masungit ang isang iyon
Mas mabait si Sine tho
grabegirl
Grabe so lahat pala ng mga pangalan nila
Related sa math?
Ang cuuuute
sassyb*tch
Wow ang criiiinge
marchaprilmay
Pero san nga tayo mag-stay?
jerkface
How 'bout my house?
Wow. Surprise is an understatement to describe my reaction upon the sudden invite. Para kasi siyang matanda tuwing nasa bahay: ayaw sa maingay. Tapos ngayon siya mismo ang mag-aaya na mag-sleep over sa bahay nila? Something's not right. Meron na 'kong hula kung bakit but I still want to play along.
sassyb*tch
Seriously? Sa inyo?
jerkface
Is there a problem with it, alexid?
sassyb*tch
U know wat?
No
Sige, sa bahay niyo na lang.
DARYLL
Immediately after Alexid replied at the GC, I received a DM from her. I heaved a sigh, reading her usual snarky greeting.
Alexid
B*tch u drunk or what?
You
What are you talking about?
Alexid
Really? Inviting us over YOUR house?
What are you on?
Not that I'm angry.
You
You already know.
Alexid
Seriously I have no idea
You just don't let people stay there
Unless its me
Nabigla lang ako
You
Its a good idea for a change.
Alexid
I mean they haven't seen your house anyway
Except for me and Allison.
Oh f*ck
Now I know!
Ayieeeee
Nahiya ka pa ha
Si Alli lang pala ang nais
HAHAHAHAHA
This annoying *ss! I kept myself from emitting colorful rainbow of curses at her and fortunately, I held on my breath, trying to compose myself.
You
Atleast I ain't going for a guy who spits trivias
Like he's Einstein
Alexid
Sh*t nakalimutan ko pala siya
Ang weird lang niya lately
You
When you were in the hospital
He confessed that he likes you already.
Alexid
The f*ck?
Binibiro mo ba ako?
Kailan pa?
You
When you were asleep after your conversation with Alli
He's serious about it.
Honestly, I couldn't focus on the whole thing about that nerd crushing on Alexid. I don't even know what I would call myself: an *sshole, sh*thead or a coward.
It has to be that day. I tried not to cringe about everything that I want to do today, but I have to.
It wasn't new to me. I already did this beforehand. And all those ended up in heartbreaks just because I couldn't keep it in my pants. Again, I am that *sshole. But this new fear of knowing how will she respond has been nerve-wracking.
I ain't a sappy sh*t, but I know to myself that if I don't do it now, I'll lose my chance.
After our talk at the rooftop, I had the time to actually think, not that I don't. And as the day passes by, I kept thinking, and thinking of the things that she does, especially with Alexid. She took her to Westville Park to talk it all out and actually be her friend. Her friend. It was also the reason why she's in this in the first place. For her bestfriend.
And here I am, treating people- girls like sh*t. Pathetic.
I needed a drink.
This time, I was accompanied by the f*ckface. He was wearing a smug look, glancing at the empty beer cans on the table.
"Really? Sa convenience store?" Enrico asked with a hint of disbelief.
For once, I decided to ditch the club and drink outside a convenience store. Fortunately, there were tables set up, and there was no one to bother me.
Well, until the f*cker showed up.
"Why are you here?"
"Should I ask you the same question? If I'm not mistaken, this is not Jack '97."
I sighed. "Look, do what business you have here. I don't have all day to entertain your nagging *ss."
He sat in front of me. "Bumili lang ako ng cup noodles. Not really in the mood to eat dinner at the house. Just rather do it here, so if you don't mind if I join you. Tahimik naman ako eh."
"You're already sitting. What am I supposed to do." I sigh, but he just shrugged and placed the things he bought from the store on the table.
And being true to his words, the following minute, both of us were silent. I kept drinking, while he ate his cup of noodles. I quickly glance on his phone when the screen lit up.
"Why don't you buy a new phone? You can't see sh*t in that!"
"Papaayos ko pa yung screen, but it still works. Sayang naman, bigay pa man din ni March 'to."
My ears perked up, hearing a familiar name. "March... your ex... right?"
His smile quickly faded. "... Yeah."
"Who broke up?"
"Her."
"How?"
"I screwed up. She was only trying to help me but in the end, I let my pride get the best of me. She ended up hurt."
But how are they still friends?!
He chuckled. "Fortunately for me, she gave me a second chance... as a friend. Kinda disappointed, but I'll take my chances."
"Why let yourself get a 'second chance'? You could've stayed."
"I wish I did, but I was immature. I decided to go find another girl, not knowing she actually knows stuff and just kept it behind her back. Instead, she patiently waited for me to confess. The bad thing is, I never tried to understand her doubts about me since I was too occupied with the fact that I was 'bored' with her, she never liked intimacy that much."
He stared at the beer bottle that I was holding. "Una pa lang, sinabihan na niya 'kong wag na wag ko siyang subukan dahil alam niyang hindi siya ang ideal type ko, pero ang tigas ng ulo ko. My mind was like... 'is she joking?'. I couldn't really deny that I was smitten over her. For all the little things she did... Tama naman kasi, he was way too far for my ideal type, but damn... her little squeals whenever she does something she wants hits me hard."
I visibly cringed upon hearing that.
"Dude, that's too f*cking cheesy!" I can't help but chuckle. He did the same.
"Trust me, it's going to be hard saying that, but it'll be the same for you with Allison."
That certain name made me stop. It was the sole reason why I am here at the first place. Enrico's black hoodie instantly reminded me of her innocent face.
"I'm gonna put a warning sign for ya, right now... Alam ko joke pa rin yan sa iba pero nahahalata kita na may gusto ka sa kanya. Be careful of what you want from her. I know I don't have the rights to stop you from doing what you want, but I just need to remind you that we are in a group."
I can't help but feel confused, as his face now was serious.
I raised a brow. "Chill the f*ck up. It's not like I'm asking for her hand."
"Just my 2 cents. I mean, it might help you. Don't want you to end up like me."
"Look, you ain't my mother to scold me."
"But we're friends. And I don't give a flying f*ck if you don't even consider me one, but... this is what I'm asking for... If you want to feel sure, just do this for Allison... or even Alexid."
Those were his last words before parting ways. I casually shrugged it off, but doubts already started forming in my head. I fished out my phone from my pockets, and sent a message to Allison.
You
Hey
Allison
oh hey
You
How's u?
Allison
I'm fine
What's with the sudden question?
You
Nothing
You've been through a lot
Allison
The word lot doesn't do justice on it
I should say the same to you
You
But we're still here
Allison
Is it just me or you're so optimistic today?
You
Why not?
A change of heart, maybe?
Allison
I find it weird
You
As if you aren't?
Allison
...Touche.
You aren't the type of guy to be too 'friendly'
You
Too friendly?
Give me one example why I'm not tho?
Allison
Enrico.
You
F*ck. Fair point.
Hold on
As if you're not being too friendly to me!
Allison
In what way?
You
Just look at our chat history
Allison
You started it tho.
Believe me, half of our conversations went like that. I can still feel her hostility from me but I can tell she's trying to be cool about it. Even with the things I thought that she was, it made me realize what kind of a person she is. She is normal, only misunderstood.
***
The Supreme Student Council Vice President of the Junior High School Department went on with the plan: ditch the f*cking event.
All we did was attend school to sign the attendance sheet and be on our ways. We decided to go stay at Asplund's Cafe to plan it all out.
"Ah! Fresh air!" March exhaled. Her eyes were closed, and her hands raised, as if she felt the blow of the wind against her skin.
"Pero hindi fresh ang grades!" We didn't stop our laughter as Alexid tried to pull a rather, slightly truthful joke.
"Siguro naman, wala muna tayong plano niyan, diba Alli? Mukha naman silang bugbog sarado kaya chance naman natin magrelax." Aira turned her head at Allison, who was in front of a rectangular touch screen that was showing the cafe's menu.
"I guess so." Her eyes never left the screen, as she kept tapping the screen, adding orders of coffee that were requested by the others.
"Oh sige, bale libre ko na 'yan! Basta pag-isipan niyo na muna kung anong gagawin naten." The group bursted into cheers when the f*cker announce his charity. We decided to find a table while waiting for Allison and Enrico to come back with the receipt.
"This time can we please not allow to have drinks? The last time we did is we ended up playing Truth or Dare!" March exclaimed. I'm really starting to believe that Alexid is really telling the truth about her complaining a lot like a grandma.
"Oh come on! That'll take the fun out!" I retort, earning a nod from Alexid.
"'Nood na lang tayo movies! Tapos bili tayong snacks!" Aira suggested.
"Not bad." Alexid nodded. "So, bili muna tayo niyang ng mga pagkain-"
"Samgyup na lang!" This time, Enrico suggested, and sat down beside March.
"Oh! That's not half bad too! What do you think, Alli?" Alexid turned her head to Allison, who just got her seat beside me. I would say she looked startled for a half second, but soon tried to paint a small smile on her face.
"Sure. It's a good idea."
"Na-try mo na ba mag samgy?"
"I tried it times with Evan."
I swear, when everyone heard his name, the air became tense. I can call it awkward, but most likely it's because we know by now, how sensitive Allison is with him as a subject. Her hands that were on her thighs were slightly shaking, but still, her face looked unbothered. I mustered up the courage to speak.
"He really loves to eat, I can say. Met with him at some party, ate pretty much what was prepared, and it's a lot." I say, earning a few chuckles from the table, and suddenly, I felt relaxed.
"Wow grabe, ang ganda kaya nung katawan non pero malakas kumain?!" Aira couldn't believe it either.
But I am true to my words. I really met him at some party I don't even remember. Unlike my so called 'friends', he doesn't stick to people much. I would see him with a couple of guys, his swim team, a couple of girls, and sometimes, he would be alone. This led to rumors that he's a player but somehow didn't get in the head of people since he's really clean in terms of achievements and intentions.
And now that I've mentioned it, I do see him with a girl. It's just weird since I never really noticed that it's Allison. Because I never really cared.
"Medyo suplado rin iyon, hindi ka kakausapin unless may kailangan ka or hindi ka member ng SSC," March sipped her coffee, "pero campus crush ng Asplund." she added, placing the cup back to the table.
"Baliw nga e! Inisnaban lang ako nung nilandi ko!" again, laughter erupted from all of us because of Alexid.
I glance at Allison, who is now, smiling unlike earlier. She seemed to be more relaxed, her arms now leaned on the table.
The conversation went on, until we finally decided that everyone wanted samgy for the occasion, or Samgyupsal. I've tried it a couple times with Mom and Alexid. I honestly think that it would be much better we would eat with a larger group. Now, we would. For the drinks, we decided to get a few bottles of beer and juice to be fair to the ones who doesn't want to drink.
Enrico then, volunteered to bring his home speakers since we don't have one in our house. Mom would always be in the restaurant 24/7 so she doesn't have much time to watch movies or even news in the TV, instead she uses her iPad. While I have my on desktop computer to do that, so there was no use in buying the said speakers for the TV.
Alexid insisted on getting ice cream as side dishes. I let them decide what flavors to choose. Of course, they got their own, but my eyes went focused on Allison, who was looking at the fridge. She was getting something from it, so I decided to come closer.
She pulled out two small-sized tabs, one coffee-flavored and peanut-buttercups-flavored.
"I would give the other one to Allena when I get back. She loves Reese's too much." her eyes were focused on that one tab, as if she doesn't want it to disappear. Her smile was anticipated, just like how you would expect a kid to react when you give them Christmas gifts.
"What flavor do you like? I'll get them for you." She asked, her lips curved into a smile.
I looked back at her like she as a statue at a museum. 'Cause I look like an idiot like that. Unlike my previous encounters with her, she's now more friendly and approachable (at least, inside of Royals). Funny how pain bears change.
"Daryll?"
"Huh?"
"The others are already on the register. I think you need to think fast." she pointed the others at her back where they were already holding their own snacks and tubs of ice cream.
I had the urge to facepalm myself but I held it in.
"I'll just get the same." I chuckled, pinching her nose.
She looks slightly startled, looking back at me in surprise, but nonetheless, she kept her smile and took another tub from the fridge, and went to the others.
But then I realized what I did.
"Yeah, what the f*ck did I just do?"
***
Fortunately, even if the house isn't as big as Alexid's, it managed to accommodate us seven. Mom wasn't around in the house but I managed to tell her that we were going to sleep over. We have a single guest room that I guess... could fit the other six?
"I'll wash the utensils to avoid harmful microorganisms from sticking... We don't want to get Salmonella enterica or even Escherichia colis." Cosine volunteered, just as we set up the grill in the middle of the living room.
Of course, we just nodded to whatever the f*ck he said about Salmonella.
Enrico and the other two tried to set up the TV meanwhile Allison and Alexid got the ingredients prepared.
I was the one to watch them all 'cause I'm a lazy *ss to do anything. Besides, the house is mine.
When everything was set up, things started getting crazy. And it's a good kind of f*cking crazy. Each of us ended up telling stories and laugh about it while waiting for the slice porks to be cooked so we could eat while watching movies.
"Siguraduhin mong maganda yung horror ah! Ayoko nung p*nyetang parang bobong mag-isip na protagonist na kapag may kumatok sa pinto sa gitna ng gabi, bubuksan kaagad!" Alexid was already on barrage of complaints against typical horror movie characters.
"Lalo na yung madadapa sa gitna ng takbuhan! Ano ba!" March added.
"Alam mo... ngayon lang ako a-agree sa'yo!" Alexid pointed at her direction whilst holding the tongs.
"Tapos yung biglang sasara yung ilaw sa kwarto sa gitna ng gabi? Grabe bes, 'di ka ba nakapagbayad ng kuryente?" Aira joined the conversation.
All seemed to agree, as everyone had a fair share of complaint to every horror movie cliches. But I seemed to be spaced out. I was loving everything.
I've never seen Alexid so happy. Even before we got into our house, she was estatic of buying food and the plans that we made for the night. Enrico and I got a faint exchange glances but I noticed his faint smile. The other two were finally warming up to us. Cosine was... Cosine, but I can tell the chance in his confidence. The confession he just made to me. And I saw myself, stepping away from cheap thrills. Instead, a certain group kept me busy. After a series of events, I saw things in a different light.
And Allison.
Her tired eyes were long gone. She was still reserved, but I could see her smiling, sometimes, even butting in to conversations.
I contemplated whether I was going to do the right thing. I may not know her that long, but I think as long as I see this change in me, I don't really mind. I still did a lot of cr*p, but somehow, I saw hope.
I was slowly getting that peace that I wanted. That we all wanted. Temporarily forgetting all the pain, and just enjoying what we have.