Present Time
[Over text]
Eris: Good morning, Engr. Gerona. I would like to apologize for my behavior the last time we met. I know there is nothing physical that can compensate for that. But I would like to offer you to join me for coffee today as an apology if you would like that.
Ela: Good morning, Ma’am Torres. That would be great. Thank you. Is it the cafe down the street? If yes, see you at 15?
Eris: Yes. See you. Again, I'm really sorry for acting that way.
Ela
I was in the middle of our snack break when I received Eris’s message. My heart beats loudly in my chest as I slowly lift my phone and open the notification. As I read her text, I bit my lips to stop myself from smiling. Tangina, ang lakas pa rin ng epekto mo sa akin, Analiza Eris Torres. Hindi na ako nakapag-reply sa kanya because I really don't know how our conversation could end up. But I was kinda relieved that at least a part of her was regretting the viciousness of the things that she'd said.
“Huy, huy, tingnan niyo si Ela parang humithit na naman, ngumingiti mag isa.”
I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Toni speaking.
“Ano ba yan, Toni? For da gulat ka naman eh.”
I said while deliberately stopping myself from smiling. I rolled my eyes at the two gentlemen as I packed my bag, ignoring both Toni and Kayden’s teasings. I know that what Eris did to me years ago should have been a wake-up call for my feelings for her. But I don’t know, it seems that my heart is really stubborn and kept all those emotions buried but not deeper than I thought.
As I went inside my car, I played the radio, attempting to ease my nerves. But I guess destiny has its own plans.
But I can see us lost in the memory
August slipped away into a moment in time
'Cause it was never mine
And I can see us twisted in bedsheets
August slipped away like a bottle of wine
'Cause you were never mine
August.
It fitted our situation back then perfectly. She was never mine— I've moved on from that, but the thought and what-ifs themselves are haunting me. It’s been almost 8 years since the last summer we met when we first accidentally saw each other in a cafe. Back then, life was treating me like a punching bag. But there she was, chipping away the wall I built, with her warmth and her smile. She taught me to trust in people again, but I guess I never expected her to be the one to break it more than it was before.
My thoughts stopped as soon as I arrived at my destination. There I saw her sitting outside. As soon as she saw me, she smiled reluctantly. I took deep breaths and returned her smile. I don’t know what I look like but I guess, I look fine cause I literally saw her body relaxed as I did.
“Hi, Engr. Gerona. I was about to order, do you still like the same coffee order?”
I was shocked by how casually she talked about the past. My mind suddenly short-circuited. I don’t know how to react. ‘Wag kasing ganyan Eris lagi na lang ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit nakakalimutan ng utak ko paano mag-isip.
“Oh… uhm… y-yes.”
Yep. Ang galing mo, Gerona. Nagmukha ka na namang tanga sa harap ng ex mo na ‘di mo ex pero muntik na. I heard her giggle slightly as she walked away. She came back a few minutes later with our drinks and there was the awkward silence I’d been avoiding since our first professional meeting.
“I would like to apologize, Engr. Gerona. For my behavior last time. I should have acted professionally and I’m very sorry if I hurt your feelings.”
She said as she sipped her coffee. Oh, how I would have loved to hear those words from her in a very different context. That she’s sorry if she hurt my feelings. I smiled at her slightly. I don’t know what to say. I mean, this may not be our very first meeting since the day she left me hanging but this is the first time we met outside of work again. It’s just different. The uneasy silence kills me. I never experienced this with her. Even the first time we met, we were never like this. We never walked around eggshells with each other.
“Uhm, yes. Please don’t call me, Engr. Gerona. Parang wala naman tayong pinagsamahan. Ela is fine.”
I said, offering her a smile. I hope she won’t notice how messy my mind is right now.
“Well if I’m calling you, Ela. Then you can call me Eris.”
Pwede bang baby na lang? No, Ela, no. Stop that thought right now.
" That's a good way to start."
" I'm really sorry, Ela. The way I reacted earlier was very unprofessional and I would understand if you'll report this to the heads and executives because — "
" Don't worry, I understand the way you reacted. Nothing to worry about. Ano pa at naging friends tayo… I mean dati but yeah all is well."
Liar. I didn't actually understand the way she reacted when she saw me, after all, they're the ones who hired me.
" I'm glad to know. And for the record, I was really glad to cross paths with you. I was a bit harsh earlier because of stress and work so I guess that's what happened and also the chemical imbalance. I hope you do understand hahaha."
Palusot ka sis, sabihin mo na lang na ayaw mo lang mawalan ng engineer sa project niyo.
" Hahaha, chemicals nga naman. I understand, Eris. Please don't overthink too much. Sige ka magkaka-wrinkles ka?"
" Oh gosh, meron na ba?"
" No, wala! tsaka if ever na meron you'd still look stunning with it." Lagi ka naman na maganda Analiza Eris.
I saw her smiling genuinely. I felt relieved and content with whatever this moment is.
After some chit-chats and laughter, we sat in silence but this time, the air feels a lot more breathable than it was an hour ago. I guess we never really noticed the time as we were in each other’s presence so when I checked my phone, I saw that I was already running late for my meeting. I stood up abruptly as I packed my wallet and phone.
“I’m sorry, Eris but I really need to go. I’m running late. Goodbye!”
I said as I hugged her goodbye and our lips were already inches apart from touching. I beelined to my car. As I started my car, that’s when I processed everything I did. I almost fucking kissed her. Holy shit.
Ela, ang tanga tanga mo. I drove away with my mind all around the place and my heart beating faster than it should be. Holy shit. What am I going to do? Ella mag-isip is.
Nothing, fucking nothing.
Everything seems unclear and hell it happened fast just like our third August.
