Faking Delays

80. Trusted Friend

Kristeena Abegaile

   

THAT RING did fend off "admirers", so Atom and I decided to stick to it. But that setup, which is not supposed to be taken seriously, went a tad far when my dad found out about it. We then had no choice but to say that Atom was the man behind the ring and that we were "seeing each other".

I thought nothing of it at first. I mean, why would I worry? Atom is being helpful by letting me use his name. But then my father started visualising, looking far into the future where he sees me in a white gown, walking down the aisle.

I've already told him not to have his hopes up and now look at this.

Sighing, I massaged my throbbing temple and pray to god this situation doesn't get any worse.

"I'M REALLY SORRY, SIR!" Sandy, bowing, shouted in great regret. "Hindi ko po alam na andito pala kayo!"

"No worries, hija," he said, waving his hand in dismissal. "I've heard worst," he jokingly added.

"Sorry po talaga..." Fel, behind Sandy, muttered. "Nabigla lang po kami."

Tumayo si dad at kinuha ang coat. He clasped his hands together. "Anyway, now that's out in the open, I expect you guys to prepare after this wedding is done, congratulations by the way, hija," aniya kay Fel. Then he turned to look at me. He sighed and held my shoulder. "Abby... I know, this must be a shock—"

"Why, of course, dad!" I brushed his touch off and stood a feet away from him. "God, you two were planning a wedding – which I am a part of – without me knowing! Did you even ask for my approval? For my say in this? Atom and I aren't even engage, dad! Let alone togeth—!"

Atom calmly stepped in, and held my shoulders tight. "I'll explain everything to her," putol ni Atom sa anumang sasabihin ko. "As for you, sir, I think it's best if we leave now. It's almost rush hour and we don't want to be stuck in traffic."

"Y-You're right, um... I'll just fix my hair a bit and we'll be on our way. Give me a second." Dad, still stunned with the way I behave just a minute ago, left the room.

No one spoke a word after he was gone. Even Sandy, and she's never silent. "Tangina talaga," I groaned. Great, now I feel terrible.

"Kris," Atom was the first one to talk.

Itinabig ko ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa akin at lumayo. God, I want to puke.

"I really hate being talked about behind my back and you know that." Distant memories of Harris talking to my father arised and it irritates me just thinking about it. "I trust you and your judgment, but you know this is taking it way too far, Atom. Why the hell did you agree?!"

"I'm ready, son." Dad, wearing new suit with neatly combed hair appeared, stopping Atom from answering. Mukhang naka recover na siya sa sudden outburst ko kanina. I stepped back and evaded my gaze. "I know everyone are very busy, so I won't push this conversation any longer. But it's been set, Kristeena," I heard him say in a very authorative tone. "We'll talk about it after we clear our heads. Everyone, excuse us."

I'm not one of your employees, I wanted to say but decided against it.

Narinig ko na lamang ang mabibigat niyang yabag patungo sa pinto, hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang naka labas ng apartment.

Atom muttered something under his breath before following my dad. I think it was an apology, but I'm not sure. I was to preoccupied to process anything.

An awkward silence stretched between us. If you listen close enough, you can almost hear their hearts pounding out of their chest.

Until Sandeiya broke into laughter which echoed across the room. Napatingin kami sa kaniya.

"Well, wasn't that intense! It felt like a scene in a drama, so heavy that I had to hold my breath!" she exclaimed. "I can never get used to your dad's presence, Kris. No offense." I exhaled, finally, after hearing her lighten up the mood. "So," she begins. "Mrs. Badenas, huh."

"Not funny," I said through gritted teeth.

She shrugged and crossed her long legs after taking a seat on the couch. "Well, your facade of almost three years finally went to bite you back in the ass. Can't say I didn't see it coming, hon."

I let out a long sigh. "Never should've done it in the first place."

"Don't worry, Kris," Fel comforted, patting my back. "May prutas akong dala. Why don't we eat it first?"

"Akin na, Fel, " Loui offered. I gave him a side-glance, but he kept his mouth shut. I honestly thought he'll have something wise to say about this, but I guess not today.

Inabot naman ni Fel ang plastic ng prutas bago ako hinila papunta sa couch para maupo sa tabi ni Sandy.

Sandeiya, after I sat down, put her shoulders around me and made me ease into the sofa so I could relax. "Don't be so stiff, Kris, come on."

"Sorry." I let my back relax against the soft foam. "Nagulat lang talaga ako. I thought Atom would be—"

"Maybe he has his reason?" ani Fel. "He's your trusted friend, 'di ba. And I can tell na mabait naman talaga siya, so maybe there's—"

"Seriously, girls..." naiiling na sambit ni Sandy. "How dense could you guys be? Fel, I'd understand, but you, Kris? I am disappointed, seriously."

"Right – wait, what?" Fel, confused as me.

Nilingon ko si Sandy. "Teka, ano na namang ginawa ko?"

"Really? You can't tell?"

I groaned and held my head. "Enough with the word games, Sandy, my head can take no more!"

She gave me an "are you being serious" look. I gave her a "tell me now or I'm killing someone tonight."

She rolled her eyes. "Atom, who went with you when none of us can, took over your supposed-to-be position in your daddy's company because you can't, came with you here so you won't have to face your past alone, been with you all these years and you're telling me he's just a trusted friend? You're shitting me, both of you."

"So what are you saying?" Fel asked, still confused.

"What, that he likes me?" I concluded before Sandy could say anything. This time, ako ang natawa. "Come on, Sands, that's impossible! Believe me, we've been friends for years!"

She looked at me, dead serious. "You'll stick to that reasoning? You serious?"

"I... it must be. Atom wouldn't..." my voice trailed off.

Hinawakan ni Sandy ang balikat ko at tumango tango. "Yeah, you're right! The same guy who is not against the idea of marrying you, couldn't possibly like you, I know. I one hundred percent agree," she said, filled with sarcasm.

But I just had to shake my head and shrug it off. No, Atom wouldn't see me like that. I know he won't...

I hope he won't.