Right Time To Fall ( PIP BL COLLABORATION )

CHAPTER 8

Jared Travi

“I’ve liked Ysa when we were still on high school. I’ve been expressing my love for her since then but she kept ignoring me because of you. Ikaw ang gusto niya, Ja. Kaso, ang manhid mo, eh. She even chose to study with the same University as yours even her father wants her to study here at New York. When we were having a mini celebration, marami akong nainom at nalasing ako. Before our celebration, sumubok ulit akong humingi ng chance na patunayan ko ang pagmamahal ko sa kaniya pero you know what she answered me? Sabi niya, hindi na raw magbabago ang tingin niya sa akin. Kaibigan lang daw talaga ako. That’s why I drank a lot that night. Pumasok ka na sa kwarto mo at sumunod si Pia na kasama si Glysa na lasing na rin. Sinundan ko sila. Before Pia excused herself dahil nahihilo na raw talaga siya, she told me about her plan. You knew it already, right? Then, pinilit ko si Glysa na bigyan ako ng chance but she kept on rejecting me. Until I came to the point that I kissed her and bring her to your guest room and … something h-happened to us. When Pia came back, it’s already 4 am. Doon na namin isinagawa ‘yong planong pagmukhaing may nangyari sainyo. I agreed with her plan because of anger. Kinain ako ng galit ko noon. Pia also blackmailed me na sasabihin niya ang totoo sa’yo once na hindi ako pumayag sa plano niya. When we knew that Glysa is pregnant with our child, I told her to go here. You know what, it still hurts me that even she knew that I am the real father of the child she’s carrying, she still chose to be with you. I know, I was a piece of shit. I played dumb that time. I fooled you. But believe me, I really want to admit the truth to you. I am sorry, Ja. I am really sorry.”

Hindi parin mawala sa isip ko ang inamin sa akin kanina ni Gary. I thought, he’s just a consummate of Pia. I never thought that my friends, whom I treated like my own siblings will betray me just because of love. Grabe talaga ang nagagawa ng pagmamahal, ‘no? Handang gawin ang lahat kahit sa maling paraan pa para lang makuha ang gusto niya.

I am sitting alone here at the seats outside Ysa’s room when someone sat beside me. I looked at her seriously. I don’t know what to feel towards her. I want to hate her but I can’t.

“Ja…” Sa unang pagbigkas pa lang niya ng pangalan ko ay bumuhos na ang mga luha niya. She held my hand. “Ja, I’m sorry.”

I looked on the other side for a while to stop my tears from falling down. Seeing her cry causes pain to me. When ready, I looked at her again. “Pia, ano ba’ng nagawa ko sa’yo? Why did you do that to me? How can you…” I didn’t finished what I am going to say when my tears fell down on my cheeks. “I sacrificed my love for Zion and chose Ysa over him and my parents got mad at me but turns out that it was just a lie!”

She tightened her grip on my hand, “I’m sorry, Jared. Nadala lang ako ng emosyon that time, eh. Knowing that my bestfriend likes you but you ignored her. I liked Gary, too but he kept showing his interest on Ysa. I am really really broke that time. That’s why I made up the plan. Please, Jared, accept my apology.”

“Pia, I-I can’t …” my voice broke. “Pia, it’s hard to forgive you. Grabe ‘yong nagawa mo sa akin eh. Halos dumating na ‘yong point na tinatanong ko sa sarili ko na ‘karma ba ‘to?’ o kaya naman ‘masama ba akong tao at nararanasan ko ‘to?’ Napakahirap, Pia.”

She kneeled down and begged, “Please, Ja. I am sorry!” she cried. “Please, please forgive me! Promise, I’m going to change. I’m gonna be a better person. I will do kind treatments to other people.” She cried harder. Some of the hospital staffs and patient’s relatives are looking at us with a sad eyes.

I stand up when I saw Gary walking towards us. I looked at Pia who’s still kneeling down and crying. “Darating din ‘yong oras na magiging handa akong patawarin ka.” Binawi ko na ang kamay ko at sinalubong si Gary. I tapped his shoulder, “Ikaw na ang bahala kay Ysa. Take good care of her and your baby. Please give this to her also.” I handed him a small piece of paper. I smiled, “Thanks, bro.” Then I started to walk away.

I went back to our house. Kinuha ko ang luggages ko na nasa loob pa rin ang gamit. Matagal pa bago ako nakaalis sa loob ng kwarto ko. Nakatulala ako sa labas ng bintana. The things that happened today… it’s too much to absorb. When I have the courage, I went down with my luggages.

“Oh, where are you going, brotha?” Inabutan ko sa sala si Jira. As usual, she’s watching series again. “Going back to the Philippines?”

I shooked my head, “Nah. I’m going to Alberta, Canada. I’m going to find a job there and earn enough money before going back to the Philippines.” I answered.

She gave me a teasing smile, “I bet, you’re going to earn for you and Z’s future, ‘no?”

I clicked my tongue, “Napakachismosa mo naman.” She just laughed and give a peck on my cheeks before I went to the airport.

“Do you want me to accompany you?” Jira asked and paused the series she’s watching, waiting for my answer.

“Nah, I’m fine. Just enjoy watching but don’t stay up late. Lagot ka talaga kay mom.” I reminded her. There are some times that she’ll watch a series until four in the morning.

“Aw, what a sweet brotha.” Tumayo siya at pumunta sa akin at niyakap ako. “Safe flight.”

After landing at Alberta, I bought an apartment there and find a job. Thankfully, nakahanap na rin agad ako ng trabaho. I was hired as a broadcast news analyst of one of the most famous Media company here.

Years has passed, mas nagiging maayos ang lagay ko rito. I became a famous analyst here and I became popular all over the country. Of course, hindi mawawala ang bashers. They’re everywhere. But as a matured individual, I don’t mind their negative comments anymore besides, I treat them as my inspiration to bring all the best out of me. Finally, I’ve earned enough money. I guess, three years is enough. Besides, I also miss the Philippines and also him. Two days before I decided to resign, I saw a familiar face. Hindi ko alam kung siya ba talaga ang nakita ko o namamalikmata lang ako dahil nami-miss ko na talaga siya. Oh, Zion, why are you kept on running on my mind?!

I've made up my mind already and sent my resignation letter personally. I want to thank them for giving me chance to prove my skill in writing. Nanghihinayang man daw sila ay hindi na naman nila ako mapipigilan. I bowed my head as a respect before I leave my boss’s office. No’ng nasa labas na ako ng building, I heard a familiar voice.

“Hoy, ito ‘yon, ‘di ba?! Hala ka, nasa harapan na tayo ng sikat na media company dito sa Alberta!”

“Shh, quiet…”

“Hehehe, sorry naman. Na-excite lang.”

I looked at the direction where I heard the familiar voices but I didn’t see any familiar faces. I know that voice! It’s Zion’s! But it’s impossible that he is here. Maybe I am just missing him again. Wala naman talagang araw na hindi ko siya namiss kahit litong-lito man ako sa nararamdaman ko noon. Bumalik na ako sa apartment ko para mag-impake. I hate leaving this country where I started my writing career but I need to go back where my little guy is. I let my Canadian friend live at my apartment for free dahil sayang naman kung walang gagamit. After kong maasikaso ang lahat ng papeles ko, I booked a flight to the Philippines. I am both happy and nervous. I am happy because finally, I’m going back to our country and be with my loved ones again while I feel nervous because of overthinking. What if Zion has found someone else? ‘Yong taong masusuklian ang pagmamahal na ipinaparamdam niya. What if he fell inlove with another man or woman? What if he forget me already? Ugh, I don’t know what to think of. But whatever happens, I’m not going to leave again. I will do everything for him to love me back again. I will do everything to win my little guy back.