VINTAGE BOOKS

SHE LOVED ME WHEN I WAS A GAY

SHE LOVED ME WHEN I WAS A GAY

I looked down after catching everyone's outrageous stares.

This world was filled with discriminative, disdainful, disrespectful and ill-mannered people—Where a gay like me was not accepted. Well, I cannot blame them for I am aware that differences plays important roles in life.

However, I kept on moving forward and have learned to enjoy their rants. Actually, it helped to boost my confidence and to believe in myself as well.

"August, basketball tayo mamaya?" Anyaya ni Clent matapos tapikin ang balikat ko.

Ilang beses akong napalunok bago napagpasyahang tumango. "S-sige." Maiksing sagot ko na nagpangiti sa kanya.

He grinned from ear to ear as he threw his warm glances at me. And then, he left.

Hindi naman talaga ako marunong mag-basketball. Ang totoo, matagal na akong may pagtingin kay Clent at natatakot akong mapuna niya iyon. The only thing I can do is to pretend, that's why I always come along with him—together with his friends.

Kasalukuyan akong nag-aayos ng gamit sa locker nang may biglang kumiliti sa baywang ko. "Hoy, bakla! san ka gogorabels?" It was Jake, my gay bestfriend.

Pumihit ako paharap sa kanya. "Siyempre sa baby ko." Pabulong na sagot ko na nagpakunot sa kanyang noo.

He tilted his head. "Kay Clent ba--"

"Malamang!"

Ngumisi ito habang tila may tinitingnan sa likuran ko. "Sige na, mukhang ayan na si prince charming mo." He winked after saying those.

Walang anu-anong hinarap ko si Clent at mababakas ang kuryusidad base sa ekspresyon ng mukha nito.

"Your friend?" There's a hint of disgust in his voice, which made me lie.

"No, napadaan lang. May gusto yata sa'kin." Hindi ko inasahan ang lumabas na iyon mula sa bibig ko, but that's the only thing I can say to make him believe.

Sorry, Jake.

"Alright. Tara na?" Paghingi niya ng permiso. Pagkuwan ay dumiretso na kami sa court para maglaro.

"Bobo, traveling!" Someone cursed. Luminga-linga ako sa paligid para makita kung sino ang sinabihan no'n, but I was stunned, right on my standing point as my gaze landed to an alluring lady, sitting still on the bleachers.

Iginalaw ko ang aking panga nang makaramdam ng isang biradang suntok.

"Sa'n ka nakatingin, ha!" It was Clent, he made a grip in my collar and glared at me. Deadly. "Sagot!"

I gulped. "W-wala pre," I stuttered.

Mariin akong napapikit nang muli niyang itutok ang kamao at akmang itatama 'yon sa akin. My eyes remains closed, waiting for his fist to land on my face.

But, I felt nothing.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the back of the girl I was staring at earlier. Nakapagitna ito sa amin ni Clent. Well, whoever she is, I owe her a lot.

"Cut the crap, Clent. Hindi mo talaga mapigilan 'yang pagbabasag ulo mo e, 'no?" Nanggagalaiting saad nito.

Kamot-ulo akong tinitigan ni Clent. "August," hinila niya 'yong babae palapit sa kanya. "She's Solemn," they looked at each other,

"My girlfriend." A sudden stab landed on my chest as he said those.

Wala sa sariling napatango ako. "Yeah, she is... Beautiful." Saad ko habang pinipigilan ang mautal.