A Dribble

A Question

Joanna and Frankie

J: Frankie?

F: Hey Jo, are you free right now?

J: Yeah, why?

F: Wala lang, gusto ko lang ng kausap.

J: Okay, I'm here. You can tell me anything.

F: This is why I love you, Jo. You're always here.

J: You love me?

F: Yeah, of course I do. You're the best friend I've ever had.

J: Yeah, I feel the same.

F: So, ano ginagawa mo now?

J: Wala lang, nanonood lang. Ikaw? Kumusta na kayo ng girlfriend mo?

F: Oh that? Wala na kami.

J: Huh? You mean, iniwan ka na naman ng girlfriend mo?

F: No, I broke up with her this time.

J: Bakit?

F: Hindi na ako masaya eh. Last na talaga 'to. Hindi na kami magbabalikan.

J: Palagi mo naman sinasabi 'yan. Haha

F: I promise, last na 'to. No more comeback. Pero sa totoo, hindi na ako masaya kasama siya. Hindi kagaya kapag kasama kita.

J: But I'm not your girlfriend.

F: Hindi nga, but you know, you're always here for me. You're with me through my ups and downs.

J: No.

F: What do you mean, no?

J: I'm... not there with your during the happy moments in your life. You never allowed me to be with you during those times. You only allow me to be with you whenever you and your girlfriend break up.

F: That's not true.

J: Yes it is! You don't hang out with me whenever you're dating your girlfriend.

F: But I invited you last time!

J: But that's because you wanted to make your girlfriend jealous because of some stupid fight you started.

F: I'll have you know that I don't start fights

J: But you do.

F: I don't! Ano ba problema? Bakit galit ka sa akin?

J: I'm not mad, Frankie. I'm telling the truth. You treat me like I'm some reserved girlfriend. Someone you can talk to when you need someone. Gusto mo lang yung makakausap mo, pero ako hindi kita pwede kausapin.

F: Jo, that's not true. You know that's not true. I like being around you, you always listen to me, give me advice, and you understand me.

J: You reach out to me when it's convenient to you. I can't even contact you when my dog died and I needed you by my side. And you told me I can contact you anytime.

F: Hindi naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon libre ako.

J: Hindi ka ma-contact for months. Ilang tawag, text, spam sa email at mga social media accounts mo. Wala. Ni ha ni ho, wala. It's like you didn't exist. Tapos kapag maayos na ako; kapag hindi na kita iniisip araw-araw; kapag hindi na ako naghihintay sayo gabi-gabi, uma-umaga that's when you show up.

J: Gusto ko rin ng kausap, Frankie. Kailangan ko rin ng kausap, but apparently para sayo lang ang benefits ng friendship natin.

F: Jo, that's not—

J: After all, I am the most convenient, the most approachable whore. Walang ginawa buong araw kaya madali lang na guluhin ako. Booty call, am I right?

F: Jo, please do not call yourself a whore. You are not like that. You're my friend.

J: Friends talk to each other. Friends try to understand each other. Friends are there for each other. You're only friends with me because you know I am wrapped around you finger. A... A thing that you can control whenever you want. I'm just a backup toy, a reserved ball, and your second option. Maybe even the last.

J: Frankie, I'm tired. I don't want to be wrapped around your finger anymore. I don't want to be your puppet anymore. Ayoko na.

F: Jo... I'm sorry, okay?

J: No, sorry won't do anything. It can't erase the fact that you used me as your shock absorber every time na maghihiwalay at magaaway kayo ng girlfriend mo. I need to know the truth, Frankie.

J: What am I to you?