Its been what? Days? Weeks? Months? Alyssa doesn't even have the sense of time. She just goes on with her day as if nothing happened. Everyone knows, of course. Yung dating, di mapagahiwalay, hindi na nila nakikitang magkasama ngayon. Si Alyssa na laging kausap si Den sa phone dati, lagi na lang tulog or nakikipagkwentuhan sa kanila kapag break time. Si Den na laging pumupunta kila Alyssa dati, ngayon kahit sa harap ng gate, di mo makikita. They didn't really broke up. As Den said it, she can't, even she wants to. She just thinks that they really need a rest or a break from each other. Things are just so tiring and each and everyday just gets toxic and toxic and she doesn't want to reach te point na ubos na sila parehas. For now, time away from each other is what they need. She's been worried about Alyssa kasi nga alam niya na therea are days that she just won't go out of her room. Sometimes, she doesn't wanna take a bath 'cause she feels like she won't be able to go out and its extra hard to do that now 'cause Den's not here to push her and assure her that things will be okay. But she's able to manage it, so far. Time went by so quickly and yung three days nilang di pag-uusap was actually extended to two months now. Its December and wala na silang pasok 'cause Christmas break na.
"Ly, tara mall! Shopping tayo pang-Christmas!" Sabi ni Nicko from outside her room.
"Ayoko, kuya. I still have clothes here." Ly answered.
Nicko sighed, "Eh sige na. Sasama rin sila nanay. Tsaka, sabi ni daddy, isama ka daw namin. Dadaanan natin sila ni kuya sa office."
"Ayoko nga, kuya. Kayo na lang." Ly said, not even opening the door.
"Can you atleast, open the door for me?" Nicko asked. Alyssa lazily got up from bed and opened the door. "Ayaw mo talaga sumama?"
Umiling si Alyssa, "I don't need to shop for anything naman. May damit pa ko diyan na di nagagamit."
"Eh hindi ka ba bibili ng Christmas gifts mo? Anong gift mo kay Den?" Nicko asked.
"Love." Ly answered and launched herself to her bed.
"Tatanggapin ba?" Nicko meaningfully asked.
"Matagal ng oo." Ly said. "Sige na, kuya. Hindi talaga ako sasama."
"Aish. Bahala ka nga. Umasa pa naman si nanay na kumpleto tayo tas wala yung favorite niya." Nicko said and stood up tas lumabas na sa kwarto ni Alyssa.
"Bawi ako!" Sigaw ni Alyssa.
Hindi na rin siya sinubukang yayain ng mga kasama niya sa bahay kasi alam naman nila na hindi talaga siya sasama. She heard the car start and blew a horn before actually leaving. She grabbed her phone and itetext sana si Ara when she got a notification from Twitter.
"@kimfajardooo: Long overdue tambay! Puro busy eh. MIA @alyssa_valdez 🙄"
*insert picture ng buong barkada, except, well, Alyssa*
She just sighed and decided not to text Ara. Sinabihan kasi siya for that tambay but she declined. Andun sila kila Bea ngayon. Niyaya nga siya ni Kief at Gretch pero sabi niya masama ang pakiramdam niya. Kaya din siya hindi sumama sa shopping. Bukod sa hindi niya talaga feel lumabas, baka malaman ng mga kaibigan niya na umalis siya eh sabi niya nga masama ang pakiramdam niya. Nagbukas na lang siya ng TV at nag-Netflix. Halfway through the series she's watching, her phone vibrated but di niya pinansin kasi nood na nood na siya ng series. It kept on vibrating and she knows na text yun kasi naka-silent yung phone niya lagi at vibrate lang yung naka-on. Pinansin niya lang yung phone niya nung may tumawag na.
"Aish." She said before answering the call. She didn't look kung sino yun kasi nanonood pa rin siya. "Yo?"
"Anong yo ka diyan?" Sabi nung kausap niya. She turned the TV off and talked to the person on the other line. "Asan ka?"
"Bahay." Ly answered.
"With?" Cha asked.
"Anong with? Bahay namin 'to, malamang pamilya ko kasama ko." Ly answered. "Bakit ba?"
"Bakit din ba ang sungit mo?" Cha asked back. "Anyway, can I come over? I need your help eh."
"Ano pa nga ba? Kinakausap mo lang naman ako pag may kelangan ka eh." Ly said.
"Grabe naman. Kinakamusta naman kita ah!" Sabi naman ni Cha.
"Yeah. Whatever." Ly said. "But, you can't go here. Wala akong kasama dito. You don't want people thinking na we're doing some monkey business here."
"Akala ko ba okay lang?" Sabi ni Cha.
"Wala akong sinabing ganun." Ly said.
"Nakakainis ka!" Cha said.
"Sino satin ang mas nakakainis, sige nga?" Ly said which made Cha silent. "Sagot agad!" She said and laughed.
"You're so mean!" Reklamo ni Cha.
"Hahaha. Just stating facts." Ly said. "Basta, don't go here. Dami-dami mong friends, sakin ka pa talaga hihingi ng tulong? Ex mo ko, baka nakakalimutan mo."
"Ikaw kasi magaling sa ganito eh."
"Sa ano?"
"Pag-iisip ng gift.."
"What?"
"Eh diba, dati, maganda mga gift mo sakin. So, I thought na you can help me out sa pwede kong ibigay na gift kay Julian." Julian is Cha's new boyfriend.
"Wow. Wow talaga, Cha." Ly said. "Malay ko kung anong gusto niyang Julian na yan! Di ko naman kilala yan!"
"Bat parang galit ka? Nagseselos ka ba?" Biro ni Cha.
"Oo, selos na selos nga ako eh." Sarcastic na sabi ni Alyssa.
"Eh, Alyssa kasi! Help me na!" Cha said.
"Alam mo, ang arte mo." Ly said. "Pano nga kita tutulungan eh ni hindi ko pa nga nakakausap ng matino yang boyfriend mo. Basketball player yan, diba? Regaluhan mo ng sapatos." She said and laughed. She was just joking kasi parang napakamainstream ng sapatos para hindi maisip ni Cha na yun ang ibigay sa kanya.
"Oo nga, no!" Cha said. "Sabi ko na, you can help me eh. Thank you, Ly! Gotta get him a pair! Thanks!" She said and ended the call.
"The hell.." Ly said as she shakes her head on what Cha just said. "Maganda nga, eng-eng din minsan."
She went down to drink some water pero may nakita siyang Sprite kaya yun na lang ininom niya. Naupo siya sa bar stool habang kumakain ng chips. She smiled thinking how far her friendship with Cha has gone. She never really thought na they'll be this close again, to the point na Cha will call her to ask for help sa gift niya sa boyfriend niya. But, in a span of four years, they've both matured and understood that they value their friendship more than the relationship they had. They started off as friends, after all and it just happened naturally na naging comfortable ulit sila sa isa't-isa. Pati sa family nila, okay na din sila. Hindi kagaya ng dati, siyempre, pero nag-uusap na. Alyssa's smile vanished when she remembered Den and their situation now. She's afraid that she'll experience the same thing of iwasan and lost connection of family members with Den. But, what can she do? Den asked for this. Natigil siya sa pag-iisip when someone knocked on the door. Bumalik pa siya sa kusina to get her towel then she twisted the knob with the towel.
"Kief.." Ly said. "Pasok ka. Ay kayo pala." She said when she saw their other friends na galing sa backyard nila. She felt disappointed when she didn't see Den. "Tara sa loob."
They all went in and nagsi-upo sa couch.
"San sila kuya?" Kim asked.
"Nagshopping." Ly answered. "Kuha lang akong pagkain. Wait."
"Wag na, Ly. Busog kami, kumain kami kila Bea." Ara said. "Bat di ka sumama?"
"Masama nga pakiramdam ko, diba." Ly answered and naupo na rin sa tabi nila.
"Consistent." Kief said. Medyo may tampo din kasi siya kay Ly kasi halos lahat ng invite nila, hindi siya sumasama lalo pag alam niyang andun din si Den. Di na lang siya sumagot at tumayo para buksan yung TV. "Lalaro ba kayo?"
"Ly, miss ka na namin." Sabi bigla ni Mika which stopped her from what she's doing.
"Oo nga, Ly. Di ka na sumama samin nung kila Gretch." Kim said.
"Nung birthday ko, sandali ka lang sa bahay." Sabi naman ni Thirdy.
"Tas ngayon, di ka rin sumama." Sabi ni Ara.
Ly slowly faced them, "S-sorry, guys." She said.
"Kelan ba hindi sorry ang sasabihin mo?" They all looked at the door, Den just came in. Nagpalit lang pala siya ng damit kaya di kasama nila Kiefer. "Puro ka naman sorry eh. Do you think it will make things better, ha?"
"Den.." Mika said, trying to calm her down.
"I guess, its another wrong idea to be in a place where you're at!" Den said and turned her back to leave.
"Is this what you really want, Den?" Ly said. That stopped Den from walking out. "J-just tell me. If y-you really w-want this, I'll g-give this to you. Cha said na she don't want me to do the same mistake I did with us. Ayaw niya na hayaan lang kita na magdecide for us and sundin lang kung ano yung sasabihin mo. Kasi, for her, its not a form of sacrifice. For her, duwag ako. For not fighting for her. For not making her realize that leaving is not the only way out. For letting her go just because she said, she's tired. She doesn't want it to happen to us kasi alam niya how much we love each other. She knows what you've sacrificed and what I haven't. Ayaw niya na magsisi ako at sabihin sa sarili ko na ang tanga ko for letting you go." Yes, they're having this moment, infront of their friends. "I never get to ask her if gusto niya ba yung ginawa niya kasi she just left me. Kaya, I'm trying to do this right. Den, do you really want this? Is walking out of that door and of my life gonna make you happy? Just say it and I'll do it. I'll give you your happiness." She said and smiled even if tears are rolling down her cheeks. After some time of not hearing anything from Den, she chuckled. "Uh, sorry, guys ah. Drama ba? Si Den kasi eh." She wiped her tears. "Uhm, sige, Den. Sorry ulit." She said tas naglakad na paakyat.
"You haven't heard my answer, yet." Den said. This time, si Ly naman ang napatigil sa paglalakad. "Go on, walk to your room. I just wanna say yes." She said and stormed out of the house, she promised herself, she'll never be back at, ever again.
"I'll be fine. I think, this is the only time I'll say this, but OCD will help me out." She said and went to her room. Alam kasi niya na sa dami ng rituals and routines niya, hindi malayong mawala sa isip niya si Den. Although, not totally, she just knows how her OCD can control her life if she'd let it.
+++++
December 24, 11:45pm. If this was like the past years, Alyssa and Dennise would've been having their yearly Christmas FaceTime para sabay nilang salubungin ang pasko. They've been doing that for the past three years and this would've been the fourth time. Malamang. Lol. Alyssa's just sitting on the couch as they all wait for Noche Buena.
"Hey." Her dad said and sat beside her tas inakbayan siya. "You miss her?"
"Mom? Yes, so much." Ly answered.
"Smart mouth." Sabi ng daddy niya.
"Got it from her." Ly said.
"From Den? Oh yeah, she has a smart mouth too." Ruel said.
"Dad!" Saway ni Alyssa, he just smirked at her.
"Its okay to miss her, nak. She was your life, after all." Ruel said and smiled at her.
"She really was." Ly said but immediately regret it. "I m-mean, she's important to me kasi friend ko pa din naman siya."
"Di kelangang mag-explain, Ly. Okay lang." Nicko said and tapped Alyssa's shoulder.
"Baliw." Ly said.
"Halina kayo at limang minuto na lang pasko na!" Tawag ni Nanay Elsa sa kanila. Nagpunta naman sila sa kusina at dun na naghintay na mag 12.
"Merry Christmas, mommy!" Kian said after nila magbatian. Nagsigaya naman sila sa kanya at binati rin ang mommy nila. "Dad, can I go kila Mosh tomorrow so I can give my gifts for them?" He asked as they start eating.
"Yeah, sure. After natin nagsimba mamaya." Ruel answered.
"Yung mga may ipapadala, lagay na lang sa ilalim ng Christmas tree ah. Kami na magdadala. Or kung gusto niyo kayo na mismo." Nicko said, obviously, nagpaparinig kay Alyssa.
"Padala ko na lang yung akin. Nakalagay na dun lahat." Paulo said. "Ikaw, dad?"
"Andun na din, kahapon pa." Ruel answered. "Kayo, nay? Tay?"
"Aba eh nung isang araw pa namin inayos sa ilalim ng Christmas tree at excited itong nanay niyo." Sagot ni Tatay Max.
"Okay na pala eh. Dalhin na lang namin ni Kian lahat mamaya. Wala na ah? Baka may maiwan pa." Nicko said.
Ly was hesitating if ipapasabay ba niya yung regalo niya kila Den o kung siya ba mismo ang magdadala o kung ibibigay pa ba niya. Hindi na lang siya nagsalita hanggang matapos sila kumain. Bahala na mamaya kung ipapadala niya. They went to sleep after sharing a meal together. At 6am, Nanay Elsa was already knocking on her door, waking her up para magsimba sila. Nagising naman siya agad, mainly because of the fact ba di rin siya masyadong makatulog. She took a bath and bumaba sa sala after niya magbihis. She's just waiting for her brothers and her dad to go down din. Siya yung babae, siya pa pinakamabilis magprepare. Hindi naman kasi talaga siya maporma. For her, less is more. Tamang white shirt lang na may konting details, faded jeans and her fire sneakers, which she really don't consider as good. Its just what she really wants daw. While waiting for them to finish preparing, she got a text from Cha, binati siya.
From: Cha
Merry Christmas, Ly! I hope you're enjoying the holidays, so far. 😊 I heard what happened and I wanna punch you in the face right about now!!! Sira ulo ka talaga! 😠 Basta, Merry Christmas!!! See you when we get back there sa Manila.
She's typing a reply when she got another text.
From: Cha
Thanks for the suggestion. Julian really loved the shoes! See u!!!
Ly smiled and typed her reply.
To: Cha
Diyan ka na lang sa Bacolod, wag ka na bumalik! 🤣 Jk. Merry Christmas, Cha! Enjoy your time with your family and with Julio!
From: Cha
Its Julian, not Julio! Grrr. 😤 Talk to me when we get back ah!
To: Cha
Not a chance, Charleen! Sige na, simba kami nila daddy! Adios!
She didn't get a reply from Cha so she just read all the messages sent to her kaninang 12 midnight. Greetings from her friends and classmates and some random people from NHS na ni hindi niya alam kung san nakuha ang number niya. She replied to them since wala pa naman siyang ginagawa.
"Batiin mo na!" Nicko said. "Kuya, si Angie, diba sabi mo kanina babatiin mo? Go na!" Sabi niya kasi tumingin si Alyssa sa kanya.
"Ay, oo nga pala! Sige, wait lang. Eto na." Sabi naman ni Paulo. Alyssa just shook her head.
Once done, nagpunta na sila sa simbahan. They used their car and daddy na nila yung nagdrive para makapahinga naman daw si Tatay Max kahit ngayon lang.
"Alyssa, nakita ko si Dennise kanina sa may labas nila. Binati ako ng Merry Christmas." Sabi ni Tatay Max. Natawa naman silang lahat dun, maliban kay Alyssa.
"Ay talaga, tay? Ang saya naman non." Sarcastic na sabi ni Alyssa at lalo silang natawa.
They took the break up this way kasi. Binibiro-biro lang nila si Alyssa about it kasi ayaw din nila na sobrang mag-isip siya about it. Pero, siyempre, alam din nila when to stop. But, the main reason why they always tease Alyssa about it is because they believe na this is just a phase in their relationship. They'll soon realize na they need each other and they love each other so much, and eventually, will get back with each other. When? Only time can tell. Pagdating nila sa simbahan, pumasok agad sila para makaupo kasi nga pasko at madaming tao. Okay naman yung misa, payapa naman silang nakapakinig sa mga sinabi nung pari.
"Dad, kain tayo!" Request ni Kian.
"Dami-daming pagkain sa bahay eh." Sabi naman ni Alyssa.
"Sus. Takot ka lang kasi baka may mascot eh. Wala ka pa namang kasama na magchi-cheer sayo." Asar ni Kian sa kanya.
"Whatever. Kain na lang agad tayo para makauwi na." Alyssa said and nauna ng maglakad papuntang Jollibee kasi alam niya naman na dun din ang bagsak nila. Diretso lang siya ng lakad ng biglang nakita niya na palabas yung mascot. "Shit."
"If you're not gonna go in, pwede tumabi ka? May ibang dadaan." Someone spoke from behind and when she looked, it was Den. She gave way for them para makapasok sila. Den's family waved and smiled at her, but not Den.
"Ano, Ly? Natakot ka ba sa mascot o dun?" Nicko said at tinuro si Den gamit ang nguso niya.
"W-wala. Hindi ako takot. Tara na." Ly said and went in. Kahit takot siya sa mascot ay nagtapang-tapangan na lang siya at naupo na.
While eating, patingin-tingin siya sa katapat nilang table. Si Mosh at Kian naman, nag-uusap pa about sa anime na pinapanood nila parehas. Yung mga pamilya nila, medyo nagngingitian din dahil napapansin na parang parehas hindi mapakali yung dalawa.
"Okay ka lang, ate?" Jus asked.
"H-ha? Yeah. I'm fine." Den answered. "Lets visit dad, mom ah?"
"Sure sure." Arlene answered. "Gusto niyo dumiretso na tayo after natin kumain?"
"Pwede naman, my. Para di makapunta yung mga namamasko." Natatawang sabi ni Jus.
"Ay, oo nga. Mamayang hapon na lang?" Sabi ng mommy nila.
"Okay lang naman kahit anong oras, my. Basta, puntahan natin siya." Den said.
While eating, Ly's phone rang so she had to excuse herself to answer it.
"Sup, Miks?" She said when she answered the call.
"Kila Kief daw mamaya. Ano, g ka?" Mika asked.
"Pwede naman. Basta nakauwi na kami. Pupuntahan kasi namin si mommy eh." Ly answered.
"Anong oras?"
"After lunch ata. Baka mga 3 uuwi na din kami."
"Sakto. Text ka na lang if nakauwi na kayo. Basta, we'll wait for you."
"S-sige. I'll message you na lang." Ly said.
"Den will be there also." Pahabol ni Mika.
"Yeah, sure. Okay lang, ano ka ba." Ly said.
"Yon! Wala ng bawian yan ah! Magtatampo na talaga kami sayo pag di ka nagpunta." Sabi ni Mika.
"Oo na. Sige na. Kumakain kami eh. I'll text you later. Bye!" Ly said pero si Mika pa rin nagpatay ng tawag. 'Cause Ly never ends calls.
She went back to her family and nagpaalam sa daddy niya.
"Sure, anak! Ilang beses ka na din nila niyayaya eh." Ruel said.
"Pwede kaming sumama?" Paulo asked.
"Kuya naman! Wag na, hayaan mo na si Ly dun. Para makapag-bonding sila ni De--I mean ni Mika, Kiefer, sila Gretch ganun." Nicko said. Tinignan kasi siya ng masama ni Alyssa. They just continued eating and went home after.
Pagkadating nila, kinuha na agad ni Nicko at Kian yung mga regalo na dadalhin nila kila Den.
"Oh, last call na sa mga magpapadala ng regalo diyan! Wala na bang hahabol? Mga pahabol na regalo, dito na agad!" Sigaw ni Nicko na.
Alyssa went out of her room, "Kuya!" She called.
"Oh, ano? Magpapadala ka rin?" Nicko asked.
"Anong magpapadala? Hindi. Tatanong ko lang kung alam mo san ko nalagay yung susi ni Cammy?" Ly said. Di niya narinig yung sinabi ni Nicko kasi she's wearing her Airpods and was listening to music habang asa kwarto.
"Ano ba yan! Andun sa kwarto ni daddy. Diba ginamit niya yun last week." Sabi ni Nicko.
"Ay, oo nga pala. Thank you!" Ly said.
"Wala ka talagang ipapadala, ate?" Tanong ni Kian sa habang naglalakad siya papunta sa kwarto ng daddy nila.
"W-wala. Sige na." Ly said and pumasok na sa loob. Paglabas niya andun pa rin yung dalawa. "Akala ko aalis na kayo?"
"Sure na talaga, Ly? Wala ka talagang regalo sa kanila?" Nicko asked.
"Wala nga. Big deal ba yon? She's my ex now. I don't think I still need to do that." Ly answered.
"Bahala ka ah. Alis na kami." Nicko said. "San mo pala gagamitin si Cammy eh kila Kief lang naman kayo?"
"Magdala daw akong sasakyan eh. Baka aalis kami mamaya. Wag ka mag-alala, nagpaalam na ko kay daddy." Ly answered. "Sige na, shooo! Give that sa kapit-bahay na." She said and went to her room. "Meron naman talaga eh." She said to herself as she looks at all the gifts she has for the Lazaros. Di niya lang alam kung paano ibibigay yun. She just feels awkward doing it, knowing na halos isang linggo pa lang silang nagbe-break ni Den at fresh pa ang lahat.
She looked outside from her window and saw na Kian and Nicko are going inside the Lazaros na. She sighed. For the past 3 years, kasama siya magdala nung mga yun. Siya pa nga ang nauuna lagi kasi excited siya to give Den's gift. Even without OCD kasi, observant na talaga siyang tao and yung nga gifts na binibigay niya kay Den ay yung nga nao-observe niya na gusto ni Den. Kagaya nung one time na Den said na she wants to have a painting set kasi gusto niya matuto. Once niya lang sinabi yun pero naalala ni Ly and binigay niya nung 1st Christmas nila together. This year, she got Den a necklace na she saw one time that they went out and said was beautiful. Matagal na yung nabili ni Ly and now, di niya alam if maibibigay niya pa. Its a necklace na Dennise yung pendant. Yung nakita kasi ni Den, isang n at dalawang s yung spelling kaya di niya nabili. Tas ayun, Ly went back to the store and nagpacustomize ng necklace for Den na hindi niya na alam kung anong gagawin ngayon.
"Fam, gifts!" Kian shouted. Alyssa heard it but she didn't go down kasi baka wala siya since wala naman siyang padala.
"Uy, ang dami ah!" Paulo said.
"Oh, hindi sayo yang isa! Kay Ly yan!" Nicko said. "Ly, baba ka! Meron ka rin!"
She smiled at how thoughtful the whole Lazaro family is. She got up from bed and went down.
"Parang lugi pa kami sayo, Ineng. Wala kang padala tas pinakamadami yung sayo?" Ruel joked. "C'mon, open it!"
"Sa kwarto na lang, dad." Ly said and sat on the couch without touching anything.
"Dito na. Ano ba yan! Kami nga oh, binuksan na namin yung samin." Paulo said.
"Eh baka gusto siya lang makakakita, Pau." Sabi ni Nanay Elsa.
"Parang yung regalo niya sa kanila, siya lang din nakakakita." Sabi ni Tatay Max.
"H-hindi, tay. W-wala po talaga." Ly said.
Kumuha siya ng isang regalo that she saw is hers and opened it. Its from Mosh. She smiled when she saw na its a LeBron action figure. May collection kasi siya ng mga NBA player action figures sa kwarto niya and Mosh knows na LeBron is her favorite player. One thing that she and Den argues about is when she beats Den in 2K. Den loves the Warriors kasi and she loves the Cavs. Pikon pa naman si Den pag natatalo. Binuksan niya lahat ng regalo sa kanya except yung galing kay Den. Mamaya na lang daw. After nila magbukas ng mga regalo, they ate lunch and went to the cemetery after.
"Hi, mommy! Merry Christmas!" Kian said.
"Merry Christmas, my! Ano noche buena niyo diyan? Sarap siguro, no?" Sabi naman ni Paulo.
"Kami, my, may lechon! Merry Christmas!" Nicko said and chuckled.
"Merry Christmas, hon!" Ruel said. Hindi na sumama yung dalawang matanda kasi may mga namamasko daw. Pupunta na lang sila mamaya pagbalik nila Alyssa.
"Merry Christmas, mommy!" Ly said and smiled.
"Ay, mommy, kulang na pala kami ngayon. Si Ly at Den, break na eh." Nicko said.
"I already told her about that, kuya. Shut up." Ly said and rolled her eyes on him.
"Tignan mo, my. Masungit na ulit! Tell Den to get back with her na nga." Asar ni Nicko sa kanya.
"Whatever." Ly said and naupo na lang sa gilid and used her phone. Natawa lang naman sila sa kanya.
After some more kwentuhan, umalis na rin sila. Ly was hesitating pa kung pupunta siya sa daddy ni Den pero she decided not to na lang kasi baka biglang dumating sila Den and makita pa siya dun. They went home na agad and since wala naman siyang ginagawa, umalis na lang siya at nagpunta kila Kief. Its still a struggle for her to drive kasi it takes time bago siya tuluyang makaalis kasi bukas-sara siya ng pinto. On the 16th time, she finally left. Unknown to her, Den was watching her from her room's window and she just can't help but sigh. When she arrived, wala pa yung mga kaibigan nila.
"Aga mo naman. Namiss mo ko, no?" Kiefer joked.
"Wala kasi akong magawa sa bahay." Ly said as they made their way in.
"Di man lang sumang-ayon. Kahit Christmas gift mo na sakin." Kief said.
"May gift naman ako sayo ah." Ly said.
"Wow, parang di ko ramdam, Ly." He said.
"Asa kotse. Kunin mo nga." Ly said.
"Inuutusan mo ko sa sarili kong bahay?" Kief said.
"Oo. Go na. Madami yan ah. Dala ko rin yung sa kanila eh." She said and smiled at her bestfriend.
"Madami tas di mo man lang ako tutulungan?" He asked. She just shook her head while smiling. "Tindi mo!" He said, pero kinuha rin naman. "Walangya ka, andami nga!" He said, after niya magbuhat. Dala niya kasi yung para sa buong barkada tsaka sa mga family nila.
"Okay lang yan, pasko naman! Hahaha." Ly said. "San na sila?"
"Papunta na raw." Kief answered. "Ready ka na ba to see her?"
"OA, Kief. Nakikita ko siya araw-araw, nagdidilig ng halaman." Ly answered.
"Ay, stalker!" Asar ni Kiefer. Ly just smiled kasi somehow, she stalks Den talaga. Lagi siyang nakadungaw sa bintanan niya, expecting to see her there.
"Merry Christmas, Ravenas!" They heard someone said from outside. Of course, its Kim. "Hala, ayaw magbukas! Namamasko po!" She said and Kiefer and Alyssa laughed. Asa likod kasi yung family ni Kiefer kasi nag-iihaw ng kung anu-ano.
"Ingay mo, Kim!" Kief said. "Paso--" Di na niya natapos yun kasi pumasok na sila agad. Dumiretso pa sa likod at binati ang family ni Kiefer. Nagsipasok namans sila at hinayaan na lang na yung mga kasama nila sa bahay ang magluto.
"Tita, pwede po kaming uminom ngayon?" Gretch asked.
"Di man lang nag-Merry Christmas eh!" Mika said and natawa naman sila.
"Ay naku, hindi! Kahit pasko, hindi!" Tita Mozzy answered.
"Ma, naman. Minsan lang naman eh!" Kief said.
"I think, its okay, hon? Andito naman tayo and kita naman natin sila while drinking." Tito Bong said. "Tsaka, pasko naman."
"Oo nga po, tita. Please?" Ara said.
"Nagpaalam ba kayo sa mga magulang niyo?" Tita Mozzy asked.
"Opo! Sabi nga po ni daddy, wag daw ako uuwi ng hindi lasing eh!" Kim said and they laughed.
"Eh ang mommy mo?" Tanong ni Tita Mozzy.
"Okay lang naman po. Sinampal niya si daddy." Kim answered and again, they all laughed. "Pero, okay lang po talaga. Legal age naman na daw po. Ewan ko lang po sila." She said and pointed their friends.
"Oh edi, yung legal age lang papayagan natin dito." Tito Bong said.
"Luge!" Sabay na sabi ni Thirdy at Bea. 17 pa lang kasi sila.
"Mali yon." Thirdy said.
"Samahan ko na lang kayo, Thirds." Ly said.
"Ay, ano yun? Di ka iinom? Corny! Chance na nga natin 'to eh!" Gretch said. Pasimuno talaga ang pinakamatanda.
"Di ako nagpaalam kay daddy na iinom ako. Yari ako pag umuwi akong lasing." Ly said.
"Ikaw, Den? Uy, andiyan ka pala!" Gretch joked.
"Baliw." Den said.
"Hangin ka, girl?" Kief said and they laughed again.
"Di nga, di ka rin iinom, Den?" Gretch asked.
"Di rin ako nagpaalam eh." Den answered. "But I--"
"Sus, magsama kayong dalawa!" Gretch said.
"Boo!!!" Sabay-sabay na sabi nila.
"Ay naku, kayo talaga! Hayaan ang ayaw. Wag pilitin. Akala mo naman ang ganda niyang gagawin niyo." Tita Mozzy said.
"Wala 'to." Gretch mouthed to Alyssa and Dennise habang umiiling-iling pa.
"I can ask mom naman. Wait, I'll call her." Den said and fished her phone from her pocket. "Hey, mom."
"Loudspeak!" Thirdy said and Den put it on loudspeaker.
"Oh, Den. Why?" Tita Arlene said.
"Uhm, mom. Kasi, nagyayaya po sila uminom dito kila Kief. Is it okay if I join them?" Den asked.
"Push naman konti!" Gretch whispered.
"Andiyan ba sila Mozzy at Bong?" Tita Arlene asked.
"Yes po." Den answered.
"Eh si Alyssa?" Tanong niya ulit which suprised everyone, especially Alyssa.
"U-uh, y-yes po. She's here." Sagot ni Den.
"Okay, sige. Andiyan naman pala si Alyssa."
"Mom." Den said.
"What? I feel comfortable pag alam kong kasama mo siya--"
"Okay, this is taking so long." Den said and inalis na sa loudspeaker yung phone niya then medyo lumayo sa kanila to talk to her mom. "Mom, okay na po. Basta, okay lang sa inyo ah?"
"Sure. Basta don't get yourself drunk. I mean, sobrang drunk. Though, I know Alyssa will look after you there." Tita Arlene teased her.
"Mommy naman eh!" Reklamo ni Den.
"Hahaha. Sige na sige na. Enjoy, ate!" She said and ended the call.
"Oh, Ly, ikaw na lang! Call tito na! Baka comfortable din siya pag--" Alyssa glared at Gretch. "--pag kasama mo naman yung buong barkada. Sige na, paalam ka na!"
Ly sighed called her dad.
"Loudspeak din!" Ara said.
"No way." Ly said.
"Pano namin malalaman kung anong sasabihin ni tito? Baka sabihin mo hindi kahit payag naman talaga." Kim said.
"Alak na alak eh!" Natatawang sabi ni Kiefer.
"Sus. Nagbabait-baitan ka lang kasi andiyan sila tito eh." Sabi naman ni Kim.
"Ayaw sagutin oh. Wag na lang." Ly said.
"No. Try it again." Ara said.
"Ako na lang tatawag!" Ella said.
"Ang kulit niyo. Hindi ba pwedeng andun na lang ako? Ayoko rin uminom." Ly said. Wala na silang nagawa at hinayaan na lang din si Alyssa.
Habang asa likod na sila at nagkukuwentuhan at umiinom, Ly got a call from her dad. Nakapatong sa table yung phone niya kaya nakuha yun ni Ara at siya yung sumagot ng tawag.
"Hello, nak? Are you still there kila Kief?" He asked.
"Ay, hello po, tito! Si Ara po 'to! Merry Christmas po!" She said. Napapailing na lang si Alyssa.
"Oh, Ara, Merry Christmas din! Si Alyssa?" He said.
"Ay andito po. Kaso, lasing na po eh." Ara said. Ly's eyes grew wide while their friends are laughing.
"Ha? Umiinom kayo?"
"Opo eh. Eh si Alyssa po lasing na. Sorry po, tito. Hatid na lang po namin mamaya. Sorry po talaga." Ara said.
"I didn't know she drinks." Tito Ruel said. "But, its okay. Kasama naman kayo eh. Tsaka, andiyan naman ata si Den?"
"Oh shoot me." Ly said. Their friends laughed at that. Si Den, tahimik lang.
"Ay, opo, tito! Andito po si Den." Ara said.
"Okay, sige sige. Kayo na bahala kay Alyssa ah! Can I atleast talk to her?"
"Ay, tito, di niyo po makakausap ng maayos--"
"Tulog!" Kim shouted.
"Taob, tito!" Sabi naman ni Ella.
"Ay, tulog na ba? Tulog na daw po, tito." Ara said.
"Di talaga sanay uminom yan eh. Pero sige, just take care of her, please."
"Yes po, tito. Kami na po nila Den bahala." Ara said. "Thank you po!"
"Sige sige." He said and ended the call.
"Okay! Shooot, Alyssa!" Ara said and threw her phone to her.
"No. Ayoko nga." Ly said
"Corny!" Gretch said. "Si Den nga uminom na eh!"
"Si Den ba ako?" Ly said. She sighed when they fell silent. "Akin na nga." She said and sinahod yung baso kay Kiefer na may hawak nung bote ng alak. Nagsalin na lang si Kiefer then Alyssa downed it. Bottoms up. "That's it?"
"Yoooon!" Gretch cheered and nag-ingay na rin ulit sila. Ending nalasing nga si Alyssa at siya pa pinakamaraming nainom. Inabot na rin sila ng gabi dito.
"Keif, tama na. Lasing na yan eh." Mika said.
"Ako? Lasing? I'm not, Miks." Ly said, words are slurred. "Sige lang, Kief. You want me to drink, diba? Sige lang!"
Den wants to stop her pero she feels like she's not in the position. Ayaw naman niyang maging KJ kaya hinayaan niya lang si Alyssa.
"CR lang ako." She said and stood up.
"Pasok ka na lang, Den. Alam mo naman, diba?" Kief said.
"Yeah, thanks." Den said and went in.
Sinundan siya ng tingin ni Alyssa.
"Hoy! Ano yan? Habol-tingin?" Kim said and binatukan si Alyssa.
Alyssa slightly smiled at them, "Parang na-c-CR din ako." She said and laughed, sabay tayo.
"Oy oy oy, san ka pupunta?" Mika asked, she's holding Ly on the wrist to stop her from walking.
"Naiihi nga ako, Mika. Ano, dito ako iihi?" Ly asked. "Sige, wait." She said, pulled her hand from Mika and unbuttoned her pants. Lasing na nga. Hahaha.
"Oh shit!" Mika said. Napatayo siya to stop Ly. "Alyssa, umayos ka nga!" She said and siya na nagbutones ng pantalon ni Alyssa.
"Eh, ayaw mo ko paalisin eh naiihi nga ako. Ang kulit mo naman eh!" Ly said.
"What's happening?" Tanong ng kakabalik lang na si Den.
"Shi, Mika eh, ayaw ako paiihiin." Ly answered. "You'll go with me ba?" Baling niya kay Mika.
Mika looked at Den as if asking for permission from her. Den just smiled so Mika went with Alyssa inside. Patumba-tumba pa sila dahil kay Alyssa. Ganun siya kalasing. Mababa lang kasi talaga ang alcohol tolerance niya.
"Go na, Ly. I'll wait for you here. Umayos ka ha!" Mika said.
"Di mo ko sasamahan?" Ly asked.
"Jusko. Sige na, dalian mo na. Dito lang ako." Mika said.
Ly went in but lumabas ulit, "Uhm, don't go ah? Baka di ako makalabas dito." She said.
"I won't. Go na." Mika said. Ly opened the door again, Mika sighed. "What again?"
"Can you call Den?" Ly asked.
"Wag na. Sige na, dalian mo na. Mapaihi ka na diyan." Mika said.
"Miks, please? I c-can't do it.." Ly said.
Mika sighed, "Wait for me."
She came back with Den and saw Alyssa sitting on the floor of the comfort room.
"Oh my God!" Den said and rushed to her. Nakasandal si Alyssa sa pinto ng CR and tulog na. "Ano ka ba naman, Alyssa!"
Mika helped her na itayo si Alyssa, "Shit, Ly." They struggled kasi kahit papayat-payat ay mabigat pa rin siya. "Kiefer!!! Thirdy!!!"
"Ano?!" Kief asked pagkapasok niya.
"Tulungan mo kaya kami dito!" Mika said. Den was just pulling Alyssa up. Di talaga siya nagigising. Hindi nga lasing, mahirap na gisingin, ano pa ngayon, diba.
"What the hell, Alyssa! Hahaha." Kief said as he and Thirdy lift Alyssa up.
"Weakshit!" Sabi naman ni Thirdy.
"Wag ka na iinom ulit ha! Mahinang nilalang!" Sabi ni Kiefer. Nagsi-sunod naman sa kanila yung iba nilang kaibigan at tawang-tawa rin habang itinataas nila Kiefer si Alyssa sa kwarto. "Whooo!" He said when they laid Alyssa on the bed.
"Yun na yun, boi?" Gretch said and pinalo si Alyssa sa paa.
"Mahinang nilalang!" Ara said and laughed.
"Yari ka niyan kay tito! Paskong-pasko pa naman!" Sabi naman ni Kim.
"Kayo kasi eh!" Biglang sabi ni Den. "Tabi nga diyan!" She said at inayos yung pagkakahiga ni Alyssa. "Inom kasi ng inom, hindi naman kaya!" Their friends are just watching as Den unbuttons Ly's polo.
"Ehem.." Ella said. That's when Den realized what she's doing. She stepped back and left Alyssa on the bed.
"Uhm, Mika, oh." Den said, telling Mika na ituloy yung ginagawa niya. Aside from her and Kiefer kasi, si Mika din talaga yung pinakaclose ni Ly.
Lumabas naman si Den ng kwarto at sumunod na yung iba. Si Mika at Ella lang ang naiwan kasama ni Alyssa. They found Den sitting outside.
"Okay ka lang, Ate Den?" Bea asked.
"Y-yeah." Den simply answered at nagsi-upo sila sa tabi ni Den. Sila na lang kasi yung gising. Mag-aalas dose na rin eh. Dani and the parents of the Ravenas are already sleeping.
"Concerned ka pa rin, no?" Kief said.
"H-ha?" Sabi ni Den.
Inside the room, Mika and Ella are struggling changing Ly's clothes.
"Bakit kasi break na kayo ni Den eh! Edi, sana siya nagpapalit sayo ngayon." Mika said. "Ano, Ells? Nakahanap ka?" She told Ella kasi to look clothes Alyssa can wear from Kiefer's closet.
"Oo. Okay na 'to." Ella said and gave her a shirt. "Pati ba short?"
"Malamang, basa oh." Mika said.
"Basketball shorts?" Ella asked.
"No. Kahit boxers lang." Sabi ni Mika so Ella handed her a pair. "Okay na yan. Tara na. Tulog naman na eh."
Palabas na sila when Ly spoke.
"Den.." She said. "No, please. I love you.."
"Oh fuck." Sabi ni Ella. Natawa na lang sila ni Mika and bumaba na.
"Bat kayo nag-iiyakan?" Mika asked and chuckled. She's kidding. No one's crying.
"Nabihisan niyo?" Gretch asked.
"Yup. Hirap nga eh!" Reklamo ni Ella.
"Sus. Kunwari ka pa eh pinagnanasahan mo nga yung katawan ni Alyssa!" Mika said.
"Oy, konti lang naman." Ella joked. Everyone saw how Den gave Ella a death glare. "Joke lang. Besh naman, di mabiro!"
"Okay lang yan, Ella! Hindi naman na sila, diba." Gretch said. She's just trying to see how Den would react and nagets naman nila yun so sinakyan nila.
Same as Alyssa and Den's family kasi, they all think na magkakabalikan pa yung dalawa. Sabi pa nga nila na parang di naman daw sila nagbreak kasi kalmadong-kalmado pa sila nung nag-usap sila. Alyssa just asked if Den really wants it, Den said yes and yun na yun. As for Ara's words, "Wala man lang murahang naganap. Corny." Sabi niya when they were talking about it, the day after the break up.
"Sabagay. Pwede ko ng maging crush si Ly, no?" Ella said. "Tagal ko din pinigil 'to eh!"
"Parang ako rin eh. Idol ko talaga si Ate Ly. Pwede bang share tayo, Ate Ells?" Bea said.
"Sure. I don't mind." Sagot ni naman ni Ella.
Naiinis na talaga si Den pero ayaw niya naman magreact masyado kaya tumayo na lang siya.
"Guys, uwi na ko. Mom's looking for me na rin." She said.
"Sige lang, Den. Sana wag mo pagsisihan." Kief said.
"What do you mean?" Den asked.
"I mean, sana wag mo pagsisihan na aalis ka na. Magkukuwentuhan pa kasi kami eh. You'll miss out on this." Kief answered.
"Its fine, Kief. Una na talaga ako. Pakisabi na lang kila tito at tita. Thanks! Merry Christmas, guys!" Den said and turned her back on them and lumabas na ng gate.
"Den!" They all heard Alyssa shouting. Bumaba na pala siya. "Den, wait!" She said and tumakbo papunta kay Den. She didn't even mind holding the gate and leaving it unlocked. All she thinks of is Den. She backhugged Den. "I'm s-sorry, Den. P-please, come b-back to me. I-I love you so m-much."
Den slowly took Alyssa's hands off of her, "Ly, no." Sabi niya lang and tumakbo na pauwi, leaving Alyssa there at the middle of the street.
With or without OCD, Alyssa is a generally hygienic person. Siya pa nga nagagalit sa kanila pag naka-paa lang sila kahit sa loob lang ng bahay. But, right now, she didn't mind walking out on the streets, barefoot and all. Maybe, because she thinks that it'll be worth it. But, she's wrong. Den really let her go. Den isn't worth every sacrifice, big or small. She loves her yes, but right now, the pain she's feeling have overpowered the love she has for her.
"Ly, tara na sa loob." Kief said and guided Alyssa to walk back in.
Alyssa smiled, "Why did I even think that she wants me back?" She said and chuckled. Drunk, tired and hurt, she just fell on Kiefer's arms.
The next day when she woke up, she's in her room already. She sure forgot what the hell happened last night. But she's sure of one thing, Den's gone and she is never coming back. Ever.
~