Tease Me, Bella Beatrice

06:

Silence took over as soon as we both heard what Gigi said over the phone. Awtomatiko rin na napatingin kami ni Bella sa isa't isa. Hindi ko sigurado kung ano ang reaksyon niya dahil neutral lang ang tinging ibinibigay niya sa akin. I could not speak for a moment. Hindi ako nakapaghanda roon.

"Baby, you there?" Pagpapatuloy ni Gigi. "I know, baby. It's not a good choice but for me, okay naman. I mean as a woman, I respect your past and as your woman, I want you to let go of the emotions. Thank God for Bella breaking you and making you stronger. Isn't that what really matters? It has been three years. Hindi mo pa rin ba siya nakakalimutan?"

Sa pagpapatuloy ni Gigi sa sinasabi niya ay mas lalo lamang akong nawala sa sarili. I admit this phone call is making me uncomfortable. This is making me anxious knowing that Bella is just in front of me listening to us. Listening to every word that comes out of my mouth and observing my every mood.

"Bella is a good woman. No hate. I get it why you cannot move on that fast-"

"No. Moved on na ako." Putol ko sa sinabi ni Gigi at diretsong tumingin sa mga mata ni Bella na sa ngayon ay nakatingin din pala sa akin. "Matagal na akong nakamove on kay Bella, baby. Sobrang tagal na panahon na iyon. Kahit nga bumalik siya ngayon ora mismo e walang-wala na siyang babalikan pa, e. I mean, I am not looking for the possibility that she comes back and say she wants me back, but nothing is impossible. I loved her so much, but she chose to take advantage of that. It's not my fault. Wala akong regret sa relasyon namin ni Bella noon. I did my best. Wala akong pagkukulang and I think that is what is making my book so damn interesting. Sige, I'll trust you in making this a movie."

"Oh, thank you. Sobrang appreciated ng trust. I love you, baby."

"I love you too. Sige na. I'll go back to work. Be safe."

Hinintay ko lang na babaan ako ng tawag ni Gigi bago ako bumuntong-hininga. I still haven't taken off my eyes off Bella and that's what she's doing still. Ang pinagkaiba lang ngayon, hindi na neutral ang kaniyang reaksyon. She is annoyed right now.

"Corny."

"Inggit ka lang, Bella. Tss. Umuwi ka na nga."

"Tss. Ulol ka." She hissed. Nag-umpisa na ring magmartsa papalabas. "Makikipaglaro pa ako kay Chibi, e. I am his mama. Huwag mo akong pagbawalan kung ayaw mong kunin ko siya. Hmp."

I just watched her walk away annoyed. Napailing nang ilang beses at napabuntong-hininga. I watched her move and to start playing with Chibi outside. Kulang na lang ay mapasabunot ako sa aking sarili. I am too confused on what to feel right now. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang plano ng Diyos sa akin at kay Bella para pagtagpuin niya kami muli. Kung ano ang nais Niyang mangyari sa ngayon na nakikita ko si Bella sa labas ng bahay ko just like what I normally see years ago. Nakakapagtaka na hindi nawala sa akin ang excitement sa ganitong klase ng view. It is very familiar. A familiar scene I am looking for. Ngayon ko na lang din ulit nakitang ganito kasigla si Chibi.

"Bella, did you say you're going to-"

"Don't talk to me." Putol niya nang tuluyan na akong lumapit sa direksyon niya. Nakahiga siya sa mga damuha at kaharutan pa rin si Chibi. It is almost as if she does not care about nothing else but him.