Before Sunrise (Scenery Series #2)

Kabanata 19

TW: This part contains words that may trigger your emotion.

Blood

Napasalampak ako sa isang monoblock after running for almost an hour. Tinignan ko ang malawak na field at ang ibang students na maaga rin katulad ko. I was wearing my sport uniform. Mamaya ay magpapalit na ako para sa group meeting namin.

Napalingon ako sa gilid ko nang alisin nito ang suot kong airpods. Jaycee Acierto, one of my seniors in publication smiled at me. An academic achiever, sporty, at nagmo-model rin ng isang brand. I also heard from Tasha that he's from a wealthy family. 

"Are you free today, Che?" He asked.

I bit my lower lip and blinked twice. Naghahanap nang puwedeng isagot. I've been courted by many guys around school, but Jaycee's confession will never be forgotten. In-announce ba naman sa buong campus. Kaya hanggang ngayon, kapag nagkakasama kami sa isang news project, naiilang ako.

Tumayo ako at kinuha ang tubig sa gilid. "Sorry, I have something to do later, e. I need to go."

I was about to go when he pulled me. Nagulat ako sa ginawa niya kaya hindi ko mapigilan bawiin ang kamay ko sa kan'ya. He stood up and let go of my hands. Napansin ang pagkakataranta ko.

"Kailangan na ang headline for the event last week. I told them to finish it and the article with you."

I sighed. "I've excused myself for some projects I need to finish this week, Jaycee. Maybe you can just email your part and I'll do my part as well. I'm so occupied this week."

Umalis na ako. I know he's not after of the school paper. Maybe he's just trying to win me again. Just like how he did last month.

I tied my hair after putting all my things inside my bag. Umalis na ang mga ka-groupmates ko. Tapos na rin ang project na pinapagawa sa amin.

I was spacing the whole time while my classmates are exchanging suggestions. I was thinking of Tasha. Ilang araw nang hindi nagpaparamdam. Our last conversation was when she told about Altaro. At hindi pa mabuti ang usapan namin. It's been weeks. Sanay naman ako na hindi kami nagkikita, I know she's dealing with the pressure her parents gave her. Pero hindi ako sanay na hindi nagpapakita nang dalawang linggo.

Mabilis akong bumaba sa taxi nang tumapat sa dating tambayan namin sa BGC. Baka nagbabakasakaling nandito siya. And she is mad with me. And I was expecting she won't tell me she's here. 

I was wearing a fit dress, a black one. Nagmamadali ako kaya hindi na naayos ang nakalagay na buhok. I was welcome by the bouncer. Pagkapasok ko ay sumalubong ang usok at maingay na kanta ng isang modern artist.

"Chekaia," isang familiar na boses ang narinig ko.

I turned around and saw some acquaintances. I smiled and just gestured my hands to say hi. Matapos ay umakyat na ako kung nasaan ang dating puwesto namin. But she's not there.

"Have you seen Tasha?" I asked the red-haired girl with a piercing on her nose.

Umiling ito. "No. Just saw her last week?" Not even sure with her answer.

Isang malaking buntong hininga ang pinakawalan ko sa labas ng BGC. The usual night-out vibes of people escalating around the area. Napatingin ako sa phone ko nang tumunog iyon. Nabuhayan ako nang makita ang name ni Tasha doon.

Tasha:
I want to drink alcohol with you, but I think today is not enough. Maybe we can drive ourselves with some alcohol next time when we meet.

Nangunot ang noo ko. I was about to type my reply but another text message entered.

Tasha:
I've been keeping something that no one knows except you and him. It's time for me to smile and be happy again. I hope you'll be happy with me, too. I wish you to heal from things you didn't say, Che. I'm so proud of you. And I always thank God for having you in my life. Ily <3