as the stars would have it

28

[MESSAGES]

Mila 🩷

06:07

Mila
Jachin?

Jachin
Yeah, baby?
Sorry, kasusundo lang namin ni Rigo kay Evie.

Jachin
Papasundo ka na?

Mila
I know I said susunod ako, but mom's really not feeling well. Baka hindi na ako makapunta in time.

Jachin
Oh. That's no problem.

Jachin
Do you want me to ditch the event and spend the night with you? Diyan lang ako sa inyo kung gusto mo.

Mila
No, no. We're okay. Pakisabi na lang sa kanila na hindi ako makakapunta kasi hahanapin ako for sure.

Jachin
Si Rigo nga kanina pa nagtatanong kung papasundo ka ba. Sumasapaw pa sakin eh.
Mila reacted 😆

Mila
Thank you, I appreciate your offer.

Jachin
Anything for you. Tumawag ka lang kung may kailangan ka, I'll keep my phone open.

Jachin
Di rin naman ako iinom kaya tumawag o magtext ka lang, pupuntahan kita.

* * *

[DIALOGUE]

< HALLOWEEN PARTY. EVENING. >

Parang gusto nang magpalit ni Rigo ng damit sa sobrang hiya dahil lahat halos ay magaganda ang costume at halatang pinag-isipan.

Rigo
Hindi na talaga ako uulit ng ganitong costume.

Tumawa ni Jachin at Evie.

Evie
It looks nice! I promise, hindi kita niloloko.

Rigo
'De, alam ko namang pangit, Wednesday.

Evie was dressed as Wednesday Addams and even though she looked the part—with her hair in braids and dark make up—Jachin couldn't help but smile and be honest.

Jachin
'Di bagay sa 'yo ang dark look.

Sinamaan ito ng tingin ni Evie.

Evie
Then what suits me?

Jachin
'Yong kaibigan ni Wednesday. Mukha kang emo sa ganyang look, Eve, I swear.

Evie
I made an effort!

Jachin
Pati pagiging masungit, dehins bagay.

Rigo
Oo nga. 'Di kami sanay makitang naka-poker face ka at 'di lumalabas dimples mo.

Evie laughed—the one where her eyes sparkles—at the observation. Totoo namang it's taking everything in her to not smile because she wanted to embody her character.

Evie
Where is Mila pala?

Jachin
Ah. 'Di makakapunta kasi may inaasikaso sa bahay nila. Pero 'wag mong alalahanin, she's okay.

Evie knew of Mila's mom because she had already heard of her story in one of their classes na nagka-kwentuhan sila, so she didn't press Jachin for more information.

After an hour, the party became more packed and crowded.

Jachin
Sorry pala naistorbo ko kaibigan mo kahapon.

Jachin and his were playing pool at tinuruan siya nito, explaining to her the rules of the game.

Evie
It's okay. She doesn't mind.

Jachin
But she was a bit hesitant. . . okay lang ba malaman kung bakit?

Evie
Ah, kasi hindi niya rin alam kung nasaan ako kahapon.

Jachin frowned when the chuckle that followed her statement sounded forced.

And when Evie noticed that Jachin became quiet, she quickly waved her hand.

Evie
But she did find me! So, all is well. Nagtatago lang ako kahapon kasi masama pakiramdam ko.

Jachin
Are you okay now? Kung sinabi mo, 'di na sana pinasama.

Evie
No, okay na ako. And wala kang kasama! I think I owe Mila your safety.

Jachin smiled.

Jachin
Akala ko pa naman baliktad. I think I owe you your safety after helping me.

Evie shook her head and stuck her tongue out on him.

Jachin was about to tease her when his phone rang from an incoming call, and as soon as he answered the call, his expression changed.

Evie
Jachin? Si Mila?

Tumango ito habang hawak ang phone at kausap si Mila. His voice was almost inaudible because of the loud music.

Nang ibaba nito ang telepono ay napatingin lang ito kay Evie. And Evie understood.

Evie
It's okay—just go! I'll them you left.

Jachin
But you—

Umiling si Evie at marahang inilapat ang kamay niya sa braso ni Jachin.

Evie
I'll be fine. Sasabay ako kay Rigo or kay Abe, whichever is most convenient.

Jachin looked conflicted, his dark eyes fleeting from Evie to the exit door just behind them. And Evie hated to see it.

She didn't want to confuse Jachin. She didn't want to get in the way.

Jachin
'Di kita pwedeng iwan—

Hinabol ni Evie ang mata nitong ayaw siyang tignan. For what reason, she didn't know.

Evie
And you can't leave Mila alone. Now, go! Emergency 'yon.

With one last look, Jachin left without another word.

* * *

#ATSWHIwp