Whispers of the War

Kabanata 16

KABANATA 16.

Start.

            “YOU’RE LEAVING ON Monday? Why didn’t you tell me?” he called, okay. After receiving his text, he called to say the exact words on his text.

Napaupo ako sa kama. I inhaled a huge amount of air before talking. “Busy ka kasi, Polo,”

Natahimik ang kabilang linya. Wala sa sariling nakagat ko rin ang ibabang labi ko. The tension beginning is to build.

“You can text me,” mahina niyang sabi. Napabuga ako ng hangin. Pero kahit nararamdaman ko na ang tensiyon ay nagawa ko pang kumalma at sumandal sa headboard ng kama ko.

“You texted Alonzo and Ate, but not me. Hindi naman ako ganoon ka-busy para hindi mabasa ang text mo, Adi,” pagpapatuloy niya pa.

“Ikaw naman kasi, ni-hindi ka nagpaparamdam,” halos pabulong na sabi ko. Alam kong narinig niya parin iyon dahil bumuntong-hininga siya.

“I’m sorry, Adi. Hindi talaga ako maka-hindi…” he paused. Napapikit ako.

“Naiintindihan ko naman. Sasabihin ko naman na aalis ako, kaso hindi ka naman nagpaparamdam. At saka, isang linggo lang naman ako roon,” sabi ko ulit.

“Kahit na, Ading. Kina Lonzo nagsabi ka, tapos sa’kin hindi?” may bahid ng pagtatampo sa boses niya.

I want to roll my eyes. Mas grabe pa nga iyong pagc-cancel niya ng lakad namin at hindi niya pagpaparamdam ng ilang linggo pero hindi naman ako nagreklamo.

“Sabi mo nga may one week break ka pagkatapos ng birthday natin. Anyare?” hindi ko man sinasadya pero kusang lumabas ang sarkastiko sa boses ko.

Silence filled us again. It was not until two minutes later, when I was about to hang up, when he talked.

“I’m sorry, Adi. Busy lang talaga sa taping—,”

“Is this about what happened on our birthday?” I cut him off. I heard him let out a sigh.

“Can we… can we not talk about this over the phone? I’ll go to your condo. Usap tayo, Adi,” aniya. Almost sounding like he was pleading.

“Fine, bahala ka.” I hang up.

Maybe I had enough of our little drama that has been going on for quite a while now. I don’t even know if he feels the same tension that I felt. And I don’t even know if this whole situation is difficult for him, but it is to me.

After almost thirty minutes, my doorbell rang. I’m sure it’s Apollo. Agad ko siyang pinagbuksan.

He’s wearing a grey hoodie and a black shorts. Even with the dim lights, I can see traces of make up on his face.

Medyo na-guilty ako. Parang kakagaling niya lang sa taping at dumiretso agad dito. Mukhang busy talaga siya tapos ina-artehan ko pa.

Napakurap-kurap ako nang hilahin niya ako papasok sa unit ko. Pinakawalan niya lang ako nang nakaupo na kami sa sofa sa sala. I stayed silent. Parang biglang nawala ang tapang ko.

“You’re staying in Japan for a training camp for a week?” he asked. I silently nodded.

I felt him changed his position and blew some air. Napalunok ako. “Are you upset? Sorry na, Ading. Busy lang talaga. Matatapos naman na kami. Pagkatapos ng unang screening, libre na ako ng isang buwan.” Ani Apollo.