Greed

15

Lia

Why was I even here?

Tangina.

I feel so... weird.

"Do I really need to be here?" I asked Oscar. Nasa loob kami ng bahay nila Aaron at nakalubog ang paa namin sa pool.

"I don't know what's up with Aaron and you,"

"Kailangan ba merong something?"

He shrugged.

Nagsalin siya ng wine sa baso at iniabot sakin. Umiling ako. I don't drink anymore.

"Suit yourself..." He downed the wine in one gulp which made him drink mine too. "Dad's wines are awesome." He mumbled before drinking another glass.

"But seriously, Liandra. I don't know anything else. Should I know anything else?" He gulped.

I chuckled. He's so loud.

"I don't think so,"

"What I do know is Aaron's been crushing on you for so long. He's only had eyes on you. But he backed off upon finding out about Kyle's existence."

I nodded. I knew.

"And when you two broke up, you avoided us. He never had the chance again. So tell me, what should my friend feel?"

"I don't know,"

"For me..." Uminom ulit siya ng wine. "I love this wine.. For me, I don't think my friend deserves that. But he's been in love with you for years... I can't blame him."

"But why is he suddenly getting married?"

"Ask the guy,"

"I can't cause a ruckus." Napahawak ako sa balikat ko.

Ayoko talaga.

Naiisip ko dati si Aaron, and the kind things he did for me. But I love Kyle too much.

"You should stop saying things like that. It makes me think you like him. And believe me, the guy's already confused enough."

"Hindi ko naman to ginusto."

"Fine, let's say you don't want to be stuck in this shit, but Aaron needs to get a life of his own, you know?"

Napairap ako at tumungo.

Whatever.

"Just... why did you tell Aaron to wait for you?"

My lips parted. Kahit ako kasi, hindi ko alam kung bakit ko yun sinabi.

I knew I had something weird with Aaron. And when he confessed on the night of my graduation, I was... caught up.

I knew I couldn't get married with Kyle anymore. Akala ko hindi na bibigay ang puso ko kay Kyle.

But I was wrong.

"I... I don't know."

"You were such a douche, you know?"

"I know."

"So... do you like him or not?"

Tumingin ako sa kaniya, but he was waiting for my answer. "Does it still matter?"

"It matters to Aaron."

"What if I said yes?"

"Then you should be ready to leave your husband because sure as hell Aaron's not giving up on you,"

Napasampal ako sa sarili ko. I can't leave Kyle.

Can't.

Why do I always feel the need to stay?