A Far-fetched Love ✓

AFL 37 ✓

I woke up with the scent of brewed coffee emerging from the kitchen. That must be Kael's doing because there were no other occupants other than the two of us inside my den, for Kai's been ignoring me for days that she prohibits herself from stepping in, nor paying me a quick visit, nor texting me to check on me. But I do check on her from time to time through text. Asking her of her whereabouts and how her day went, yet I didn't receive any response. 

Honestly, for me she was a bit overboard with the madness she got toward me. Had no idea where she was coming from, for this never happened in our entire friendship. We've known each other since our diaper days, and never have I thought of her planting such an act for this long. 

"Are you okay, Shimon?" It was Kael's voice that brought me back to my senses. "You're deep in thought, mind sharing it with me to lighten up your shoulders?"

Ngumiti ako at umiling. "Wala," sagot ko bago nagsimula ulit kumain. 

"Are you sure? 'Cause you've been preoccupied these days. Was this about our date a night ago?" 

That night was a blast, but the thought that rocketed in my mind kind of ruined the night that I became a little aloof and reserved. Must be the wounds of my heartaches, unchaining themselves inside me. 

"It's not about you," sagot ko. 

"If it's not about me, then—"

"Kai's been acting weird. Hindi naman siya ganito. Hindi naman ako natitiis no'n. Ngayon lang." Napatigil ako sa pagkain ko, gano'n din siya na biglang ibinaba ang kutsara't tinidor sa plato niya. 

"She's been acting that way because of me, isn't she?" 

"Kael—"

"Shimon, let's face it, okay?" he said, looking intently at me, as he leaned his back on his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "Your friend doesn't like me around. Might be because I inflicted pain in you or because I'm gay. And for her, this kind of set-up isn't acceptable 'cause you're at a high risk of losing, of breaking. And I can't blame her for that, neither she can blame me for falling for you hence my homosexuality. But we can talk that out. I can talk to her to make her feel at ease that I'm so sure about you. Just give me a go signal and I will, Shimon. I will." 

"I doubt she hates you for being homosex—"

My words were cut short when he laughed bitterly while shaking his head. 

"A lot of people abhor people like me, Shimon. That's reality."

"But Kai isn't one of them."

"Not until circumstances prove it."

"Kael...."

"My availability to talk is up to her watch." He gave me a smile that didn't reach his eyes as he stood from his chair and started cleaning the table. "Go get ready for work. You might run late," he added, darting a quick glance at me. 

Something inside me twitched at the idea of him, trying to avoid the topic. And consoling him came at the bottom of my list, for I know that if I were him, I'd rather push people off my circle for a while. Adding the fact that I somehow know where he was coming from—from being loathed by his father, I really decided not to comfort him. 

I opted to oblige to his order of dolling up myself for work. 

Nang matapos akong maligo at makapag-ayos, lumabas na rin kaagad ako ng kwarto. Nadatnan ko si Kael na nakabihis na at nakasandal sa pader sa gilid ng pintuan habang nakakrus ang mga braso sa dibdib.

"I know you'd turn me down again, but it wouldn't hurt to try and try," he mumbled, smiling. "Can I drive you to school now?" 

For the nth time, I said, "No."