AMONG US

To be mine

Zendrick is a snob at first sight but when I get to be with him that day I realized that he is a nice guy. Hindi man siya friendly but that is understandable. He's into music but not as addicted like Killion.

"Did you happen to audition if your friend did not, you know."

"No." That single word stopped me from asking more na may kinalaman sa kaibigan niya. Ayaw niyang pag-usapan. They might be like brothers. He auditioned to fulfill his friend's dream. Not everyone is lucky to have a faithful friend. Na kahit wala ka na, siya ang tutupad sa pangarap na naiwan mo. That is why I am really grateful sa mga kaibigan ko. They always got my back.

"Do you have any siblings?"

"Two. They're both in the US. Where are your parents?" I smiled.

"They went abroad for work. Kami lang dito ni kuya but sometimes they come home when they're not busy." He nodded like he understood what it's like for parents to not be home most of the time.

"Oo nga pala. I heard that you have businesses abroad at doon na kayo naka settle. Is it okay na nandito ka while your family is there?"

"May bahay parin kami dito and we're always having our vacation here. Some of our relatives have businesses here so it's not that hard to come once in a while. Babalik parin ako sa States when the time comes."

"So there's a possibility that you will leave the band. Ayaw mo bang mag stay na lang dito sa Pilipinas?" Nagtagal ang tingin niya sa akin. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung iiwas ba ako ng tingin o hindi. Baka sabihin niya naco- conscious ako.

"If there's a good enough reason for me to stay, I will."

Our conversation went on hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan ang oras mag-l-lunch na naman. We ate together again. Killion called after lunch, kinukumusta niya ako at si Zendrick. When I told him we're okay at sinabing pinatugtog ko kay Zendrick yung kinompose niya ay pinapasa niya ang telepono.  He left after they talked.

"Thank you for the breakfast and lunch. Next time I'll treat you to dinner. See you." My heart skipped a beat for an unknown feeling. What was that. It was like my insides are tingling at parang gusto kong mag-panic nang ma-realize na nakangiti ako habang pinapanood siyang papaalis. 

I never get to talk to him again after that. Kahit na may practice sila at nanonood kami ng mga kaibigan ko ay hindi kami nag-uusap. Minsan naisip ko na baka iniiwasan niya ako dahil panay ang tukso nila sa amin at ayaw niya ng ganoon. Madaming lumalapit sa kanyang babae at isa na doon si Louise na minsan na niyang tinaggihan. But knowing Louise hindi siya ganon kadaling mag give-up lalo na kapag gusto niya talaga. Persistent siya and she doesn't know how to accept rejection. 

Lagi ko ng nakikita si Louise sa mga gigs kasama ang mga kaibigan niya. One of her friends is a long time fan of my brother. One of the reasons why my brother became over protective. Some people will befriend you for their benefit. Ginamit niya ako noon para mapalapit kay Killion and that made me lose hope of having a true friend again until I met Jasmine and Harmony. 

"Lian kakain tayo sa labas. Saan mo gusto kumain?" Lion asked when they're done with their last song. 

"Lion gusto namin ng pizza at pasta." Biro ni Bryan.

"Kailan pa naging Lian ang pangalan mo bro?" Harry said tapping Bryan's shoulder. Nagtawanan sila.

"I want pizza and pasta too." 

"Sigurado ka hindi ka napipilitan lang dahil sa mga to ah." 

"Oo nga Lion." Ngumuso ako at tumingin kay Zyndrick na inaayos ang pagkakasukbit ng gitara sa kanyang balikat. He showed a half smile and it made me feel excited for some reason.