Just the Ticket

Chapter 35

Chapter 35 #jttwbs

I don't need a best friend book guide. Well, for starters, you should be on the day when your best friend ties the knot with their one true love.

So, I said yes.

Kung iisipin, wala namang mali. I showed him that I already accepted the idea of him with Ingrid and he saw that. Both of us exhibited the signs that we're already past what occurred between us.

Kaya inimbitahan niya ako, at pumayag ako. Because it's us finally starting anew as the kind of friends that we are.

'Di ko na lang maintindihan? Sarili ko. I couldn't seem to find peace with the idea of attending their wedding.

"Teka lang, absorb ko lang!"

"Faster," I hissed at June over the phone, my teeth gritting. I need her to enlighten me right at this very moment!

"Teka, Eri. Puso ko, makirot. Bakit ka naman kasi in-invite?!"

"Because we've talked about everything. Natanggap na namin ang nangyari at ang nangyayari. Balik na ang friendship and for step one, there you have it. I'm invited to their wedding!"

Nagulat ako sa sarili ko. I mentioned the last part that sent me into hysterics. But truly, freaking hell. Why, in the name of holy shit, am I now invited to their wedding?

"Hmm," June thought aloud. "So, tama lang. Kasi kung settled na nga lahat sa past at nagsisimula ulit kayo bilang friends, why would he not invite his best friend to his wedding nga naman. 'Di ba?"

I nodded fervently, as if she could see it.

"But... now you're freaking out."

"Am I?" nagulat kong balik, kahit nahalata na rin naman sa sarili kanina pa. "P-Pero basta ang alam ko, tanggap ko na at best friends na ulit kami. Kaya dapat lang na nandun ako."

"Kailan mo ba nasabi sa sarili mo na tanggap mo na?"

"Nand'yan pa 'ko, June, tanggap ko na!" iginiit ko. It's as though I was convincing myself, so a grimace made its way to my face.

Pumalatak si June nang ilang ulit.

"Nandito ka pa? Edi! Tanggap mo lang kapag hindi mo sila nakikita! Kapag nakikita mo sila tulad ngayon..." and her voice faded for she knew it was self-explanatory, and it was.

Natahimik ako. My initial response was to debunk her statement but I knew in myself it would just be a waste.

"Sa tingin mo tatanggalin na ako ng airline kung sasabihin kong babalik ulit ako d'yan?"

"H-Ha? Bakit? Gagang 'to. Sinisira mo rotation, ah!"

I occupied one of the sun loungers beside the swimming pool. It's not the sun rays I was basking in, though, but the moonlight.

Katatapos lang namin ng dinner at nasa pool bar ang mga lalaki. It would serve as their unplanned bachelor's party for Marion according to them.

Kaya mag-isa ako ngayon at malayang nagpapahayag ng damdamin kay June.

"Huy, bakit? Nakaligtas nga tayo sa manpower reduction noong pandemic tapos sa ganito ka mate-terminate?! H-Hindi naman siguro. Pero bakit ba?"

Kumipot ang pakiramdam sa dibdib ko. An unwanted chunk found shelter in my throat. I felt like shedding tears but there weren't.

"Delikado na ako, June... I need to l-leave this place."

Siya naman ang natahimik.

"Kasi nagkaka-crack na yata, June, 'yung puso ko. It's taking effect. Baka imbis na mabuo ako rito, madurog lang ulit. I cannot risk myself, you know that... Not myself. Not again."