Saving May

51

Confession

"Are you jogging?" July asked as soon as I answered her call.

"Yeah, so make it quick." Pahingal kong sagot. I woke up this morning feeling light. I had the urge to jog plus it's been a while. Lagi naman tahimik ang subdivision namin at safe. Jogging was part of my daily life before. Simula nung summer vacation, doon lang siguro ako hindi nadalas. Lumabas ako ng subdivision para maiba ang tanawin ko. On my right was the wide bay, with the rising sun. I took a picture and saved it. Mamaya ko na i-share.

"Tambay sana ako sainyo."

I raised a brow saka tumigil sa pag jog. "Tambay? Don't you have a game this 8am? Final Game ninyo sa volleyball."

"Yeah, kinakabahan ako kaya kailangan kong kumalma."

"And my room is your calmness pill?" Nakapamewang kong sagot. Naka Air Pods ako and people around me looked at me weirdly. Tumayo ako ng tuwid. 

"Oo, may angal ka?"

I sighed "Kung gusto mo, mauna ka na doon." I told her and started walking instead. Pabalik na ako sa subdivision. Hindi naman malayo itong napuntahan ko

"Hintayin kita syempre noh! Awkward kaya. Considering, huling punta ko doon was during your, you know. Family meeting."

"It's not like you're a stranger to them." I rolled my eyes.

Ngumiwi lang siya. "Ay oo loka! Hinahanap ka ni Jake kahapon! Nag kita ba kayo? I told him to check your IG story para malaman niyang you're with someone."

I groaned. "Was that necessary? Galing siya sa bahay kagabi. Naabotan namin ni Kyle noong hinatid niya ako."

"Yieee! Hatid sundo kita~"

"Stop. I'm serious." Natanaw ko na ang entrace ng village namin and started jogging fast. I greeted the guard and showed him my ID. Ilang saglit, tumigil ako sa paglalakad saka umupo sa isang bench malapit sa fountain. I checked the time and it was almost 6am. "Jake has been acting weird."

"Sus. Kapag si Jake, napapansin. Kawawa naman yon bata ko, ang manhid mo sakanya?"

"What?" I asked boredly.

"Wala. Oh, ano naman itong weird?" Kung kasama ko siya, for sure her arms are crossing again. It's her famous thing to do. Nagmumukha tuloy laging galit.

"I'll tell you later, I'm on my way back. Labas kana."

I ended the call then went home. The whole morning was normal. Of course, nanalo sila July sa game nila. Their team were all former volleyball players, unless may katapat silang ganon, 50-50 for sure. I didn't see Kyle the whole day. I assume he was busy. Kumusta na kaya ang mama niya?

"Looking for someone?" It was Jake.

"Ha? No. Tiningnan ko lang ang booth namin." I said to avoid his gaze. Pumasok ako saka kunwaring nag ayos. Really, May?

"So, have you had lunch?" I think he was casually starting a conversation. Pero wala akong ganang makipagusap.. it only reminds of something from the past..

"Not yet. I'm waiting for the girls."

I saw him scratching his neck. I grabbed the tray with some materials on it, saka naglakad palayo sakanya.

I knew he followed me.

"How about early dinner? For old time's sake?"

Napatigil ako. Really? I remained calm and stopped myself from showing him I'm mad. I gave him a straight face..

"Old time's sake? Saan don, Jake?" Yun lang ang nakayanan kong sabihin.

"You never gave me an answer."

Muntik ko ng mabitawan ang hawak ko. Did he really had to say that?

"I was wondering. That's why I'm inviting you for dinner."

Huminga ako ng malalim.

"We don't need to have dinner for that." I said, not looking at him. "You're like a brother to me, Jake. Let's keep it that way."

I finally said what I should have done before.

"Atleast tell that to me while facing me."

I sighed and faced him. I leaned on the cabinet and crossed my arms trying to act cool. Kami lang ang nandito sa booth so the silence was killing me.

"You heard me."

"I'll court you. Kahit gaano pa ulet katagal."

I brushed my hands to my face dahil medyo naiinis na ako. Magkapatid nga talaga sila ni Kuya Jerson.

"My answer will always be the same."

"You don't know that."

"I know... For sure. So don't even try." I firmly said without avoiding his gaze. I looked at him straight hoping he could understand me.

"Look, I don't want to ruin this friendship. Can we just stay as friends?"

"You like someone." He said. He didn't even consider what I just said.

I sighed while shaking my head. Nakakapagod na.

"Even if I had, it won't be a reason."

Both of his hands are on his pockets. Umiwas na din siya ng tingin. For now, I just want him to leave. I don't want to hurt his feelings anymore.

"I can't be friends with you. So I won't stop liking you."

"Jake--" He left. Umalis siya ng hindi man lang ako pinagsalita sa sinabi niya. Why is he stubborn?

I heard my phone ringing saka ito sinagot. "Yeah, I'm on my way."

It was the girls. They were waiting outside kaya lumabas na din ako. I locked the room since walang tao. It has a password so it can only be open by us.

Habang naglalakad, pinagmasdan ko mga booth ng ibang section. I smiled on how creative they were. Ours was just simple. But to other sections, grabe ang effort nila.

"I'm craving for pasta." I heard April ng makalapit ako sakanila. I waved a hand to them as they saw me. July and Feb were hugging each other as usual while April was sitting down on one of our bench.

"Tara?" I said.

"Oh, kumusta usapan niyo ni Kyle?" July started teasing. Or for the least that's what I thought. Hindi ko naman nakita o nakausap si Kyle ngayon araw.

"Kyle? He was here?" I asked, giving them glances. "Hindi kami nagkausap."

I could see the confusion on their faces. "Ganon ba? He was asking for you kanina e." April spoke.

"Pero baka may napuntahan." July.

I only nodded thinking about it. Hindi ko rin siya nadaanan so where could he be?

"Tara kain na tayo. I'm starving!" Naunang mag lakad sila Feb at April, followed by July.

I was standing still.

"May?" July was waving her hands catching my attention. I smiled and followed them.

Don't overthink, May. It's fine..