The Memories of December [Sequel]

Chapter Five

"What took you so long, Hon?" salubong na tanong ni April sa akin nang nakabalik ako sa table.

I smiled at her and sat down. "I encountered someone I knew at the restroom," sabi ko sa kanya. "A friend of mine from college," pagsisinungaling ko pa sa kanya.

She just nodded and put her attention back in front.

Although the encounter with December a while ago wasn't pleasant, I still couldn't help myself from smiling. Lalo na kapag naaalala ko ang masungit niyang mukha. We were just a meter apart. Nakatatak pa rin sa isip ko ang buong parte ng mukha niya. And her scent still lingered inside my nose.

It's sweet.

If I was not able to control myself back then, I might have sealed the distance between us and claimed her lips. I still regretted of not doing it though.

What magic are you using on me this time, December?

Tiningnan ko muli ang table nila. I saw that her energy was still the same. She's still laughing with whatever cheesey jokes the jerk was telling her. It's as if our encounter didn't affect her even the slightest. I clenched my jaw.

"Kung gusto mo siyang kausapin, you can approach her."

I froze when I heard April spoke. It's like all the blood inside my body drained down. Nilingon ko siya para sagutin. Pero naunahan niya ako...

"Hindi ko alam anong pinag-usapan niyo sa banyo sa tagal ng oras ang ginugol mo d'on," saad pa nito, "I already knew she's here, Brave. And I confirmed the reason of your uneasiness kanina pa. It's because of her."

I couldn't utter even a single word. I didn't know how to answer her. Kahit na kalmado lang ang tono ng boses niya habang ang atensyon ay nasa stage, pero alam kong galit siya lalo na't tinawag niya ako sa pangalan ko.

She then looked at me in the eyes. Her eyes sparkled with pain. Napayuko ako dahil sa inis sa sarili. "Gusto mo pa ba siya?" medyo nanginginig na boses na tanong niya sa akin. Her expression was as cold as ice.

Hindi ako nakasagot.

Realization struck me. I hurt April dahil sa katangahan ko. I reached her hand on the table. "Hon, I'm sorry. It's not what you think it is."

She didn't say anything. Binawi niya lang ang kamay niya at tsaka tumayo. She got her bag on the table and turned around then started walking away.

Mabilis ang lakad niya palabas ng convention hall. Kaya medyo napatakbo ako para mahabol siya. I was able to catch up with her near the elevator.

"Hon, let me explain." I was trying to catch her eyes pero hindi siya tumitingin sa akin. Dumiretso lang siyang pumasok sa loob at pinindot pasara ang elevator.

I tried to stop the elevator from closing when I saw the tears streaming down her face. I froze. My mouth remained shut. Until she disappeared in my sight as the elevator totally closed.

Nakatayo lang ako sa labas ng elevator nang ilang minuto. My mind was totally blank. I balled my fists when I recalled the so much pain in her eyes because of me.

'You are such a jerk, Brave. You are such a jerk!'

Hinampas ko ang dingding habang patuloy na pinapagalitan ang sarili. Napakalaking gago ko. I hurt my fiancee who did nothing wrong but only love me so much.

*****

Katatapos pa lang ng event. Subalit marami pa ring tao sa convention hall. Ganito talaga ang kadalasan ng event ng mga bigating tao. Half of its time is the formal presentation while the other half is the casual talks and acquaintances with the other guests pagkatapos.