Fragments of Us

36: Jema

And just how dumb could I possibly be? There I went, confessing my love for the person who clearly just wanted me for some playtime.

I can't believe I just poured my soul into someone who's just going to walk out on me.

"Ky, I badly need a drink."

I called my best friend because I really can't think straight.

"Name the place. I'm on my way."

She immediately ended the call, and I texted her the place.

I bravely ordered a bottle of gin as soon as we sat down.

"Woah, slow down."

Kyla was shocked upon seeing me with the bottle.

"What made you this devastated? Who made you?"

She took the bottle away from me, and she made me face her.

"Ella."

That's the only thing that went out of my mouth, and I wasn't sure if I was just telling Kyla about her or if it was a plea for Ella's presence.

"Uh huh, enlighten me."

I saw her drink on my bottle after hearing Ella's name.

"We hooked up once. Maybe it was her first night of being back here because I met her at Bea's pub."

Kyla was all ears, and she didn't even let go of my booze.

"I'm listening."

She confirmed.

"I confessed my feelings for her, but she just walked out on me after reading a text message that might be coming from her lover, Ky. It just hurts so bad that I want to disappear right now."

I can't hold back my tears any longer.

"Uhm, Jema?"

Kyla moved my shoulders because my eyes are already bawling.

"Maybe you should immediately book a flight to your hometown right now."

Kyla's face turned sour.

"What? I just told you Ella just left me hanging, and your solution was for me to book a flight back to Siargao?"

I was literally furious at Kyla's reaction.

"Bea just texted me because she can't reach your phone. Ella went to Siargao. She called Bea on tears, pleading to let her borrow Bea's private chopper. She said Tatay Jessie's been brought to the hospital, and her sister Mafe badly needs her. Wasn't your father named Jessie and your sister named Mafe? "

My blood turned cold upon hearing what Kyla just said.

"But how?"

Nothing's making any sense right now. How and when did Ella know my family?

"I don't know, J, but the chopper's not returning for two more hours. You're going to save some time if we book your flight now."

My best friend's already in panic mode.

We immediately went to the airport to arrange my immediaten flight. So many questions were running through my head. How did I end up in this mess?