HINDSIGHT

014

"El!" I frowned when Aira greeted me with little enthusiasm. "Why do I get the implication that I am unwelcomed?" I entered her condo while asking. "Oh, no. I wasn't just expecting you'd come." She came to her defence. I squinted my eyes, giving her a scrutinizing look. "Hi, Juli!" Napatingin ako sa may sofa when I heard Samara. "Oh, wow. You were having a mini forum here, I see." I said in an accusing tone, then turned my gaze on Aira. She raised both her hands in the air. "I left a message sa gc. Hindi ka nag seen." linagpasan niya ako pagkasabi niya non.

Sumunod naman ako sa kanya. Right, I saw that message. Hindi lang nag register sakin agad because I was groggy, and it left my mind swiftly later on. "Hi, El!" Bati sakin ni Anika na may dalang bowl of grapes. "Oh, so everyone's here, but me?" I asked with utter disbelief. "No. Sol and August are not here." Samara muttered. "But you're here, El, aren't you?" Tanong niya sakin. "Well, I wouldn't be if I didn't have urgent matters I need consultation from Aira, and I guess, from each one of you now." Pagpapaliwanag ko at kumuha ng grapes.

I lifted my gaze and met Cha's grim face. "What?" Takhang tanong ko. "Nothing. I am genuinely curious about your matters." I could tell that she was. Hindi ko lang alam bakit nakabusangot ang mukha niya. Kumuha rin siya ng grapes and averted her gaze. "Okay. So what is it, Eleana?" Napalingon ako kay Aira who is sitting beside me. I drew a deep breath when I remembered what I came here for. It's about Theo, obviously. I gnawed my lower as my palms turned sweaty at the thought I would be confiding to my friends regarding such matters. It never dawned on me that I would reach this certain point in life where I would be awkward, jittery, nervous, and the subject of laughter.

"I bet it's about Theo." Right on cue, Anika. "It is, isn't it?" Chalila said in a tone I didn't appreciate; it was taunting. I knew it. She was up for something. "Oh!" Aira grinned and I rolled my eyes. "Hay, you sweet thing." I scowled at Anika. "Wait! I don't follow. Why is it about Theo, anyway?" Lahat kami ay nabaling ang atensyon kay Samara. "Well, there's only one way to find out." Sabi ni Aira at lumingon sa akin. I sharply exhaled and steadied myself. "Okay." I uttered at tinignan sila sa mata isa isa. I opened my mouth, attempting to let the words out of it, but I failed miserably.

"Oh my gosh!" Napabalikwas ako sa kinauupuan ko when Aira exclaimed. "What, Aira?" Tanong naman ni Samara, her eyes glittered. "Something spicy transpired between her and Theo!" I quickly shook my head and came to my defence. "No!" I exclaimed and Aira jerked an eyebrow and sneered. "Wala kang dapat itago samin, El. We're your friends! What are friends for, if ain't this?" I stared at her hard. "Yeah! Unless you have something hidden beneath that cloak of yours." Chalila drawled, each word filled with taunt.

"She wouldn't be here if she didn't have something hidden." Anika said at the corner. "Yeah! Tell us what it is already, Juli!" I closed my eyes and took another deep breath. "Fine! But promise me you won't laugh." I gave them a stern look. They nodded their heads. "I… you're definitely on point, Aira. Something spicy did happen between Theo and I. I will not deny it any longer." Pinaglaruan ko ang mga daliri ko at hindi sila tinignan. I was anticipating teasing from them, but I heard none. Kumunot ang noo ko kaya tinignan ko sila. Their expressions were hilarious. "Bakit ganyan ang mga mukha niyo?" I said laughing.

They are surprised. "Pinch me." Sabi ni Anika kay Aira. Sinunod naman niya ito. "Ow! Okay, this is not a dream! It is happening." I, once again, frowned at their reaction. "What is happening?" I was confused. Hindi ko alam kung bat sila nagkakaganyan. "You and Theo, apparently." Chalila answered. "What happened between you and Theo, Juli?" Oh, Sam. She's so innocent and pristine. I can't believe I am sullying her.

I writhed in my seat and told them my demeaning experience.

…

I feel weird. Aira is just grinning, Anika pursing her lips, Samara is frowning, and Chalila is staring at me. "What?" I asked, for once and for all. "What sort of advice do you seek out from me?" I swatted Aira's face away from me. This is what I am talking about. Alam ko nang ganito ang mangyayari kapag nalaman nila ang nangyari samin ni Theo. But I can't help it! I need advice from the experts. And it's no denying that these three, excluding Samara, are quite acquainted with the situation. Well, Aira is. "It's your fault! If it weren't for your endless blabbing of your sexual encounters, I would not behave like an animal in heat!" I levied on her. She gasped and gaped at me.