Fidelity

53rd

Lies

"Bridal showers really excite me!" puno ng enthusiasm na sabi ni Einj nang sunduin niya 'ko sa gate ng bahay nila sa Calle Nueva. "I'm so glad I get to be part of the planning committee for Raya's," she grinned.

"Well... it's not like Raya has a lot of friends to begin with," biro ko kahit totoo naman. "We don't have any choice but to join forces for this,"

Nagpapanggap lang akong nonchalant pero ang totoo ay sobrang stoked na ako para sa bridal shower ni Raya! This is my bestfriend we are talking about! Ang totoo niyan ay nagsimula na kong magplano bago pa man sabihin ni Raya na ako ang maid of honor niya!

"I didn't know you're still staying here in Calle Nueva.." wika ko. Nagulat nga ako nang sabihin niyang nandito siya at dito na rin siya nag-ayang magkita. Hindi ko na maalala kung kailan ako huling napadpad dito sa lugar nila.

"Oh, no.. I'm just here today since it's Sunday.." aniya. "I don't really live here anymore.. I just come over during weekends or holidays,"

Tumango ako. That makes a lot more sense. Ganon din ang narinig ko kay Cal. It seems like bumabalik na lang sila rito to get together with their families. I heard each of them got their own place as soon as they started working.

That must have caused such tremendous changes in their friendship knowing that they all grew up together. Sanay silang magkakasama at nakikita ang isa't isa halos araw araw. Then one day, all of a sudden, they all start living their own lives. Nakakalungkot kung iisipin.

But I don't really think there's anything to be sad about since they all still seem so pretty close. I'm actually amused. I wonder how they managed to get intact and keep the bond after all these years.

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating din si Adea. The three of us are in-charge for the preparations for Raya's bridal shower. Nung engagement dinner pa lang ay nagkasundo na kaming magkita-kita para rito. It just took us months to finally set a date because of each of our busy schedules.

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea.." ani Adea. "Considering Raya, it's best to keep it intimate.. Mas maaappreciate niya 'yon."

"Alright so we're all set with the guest-list, the theme, and the food.." wiko habang chinecheckan ang notepad ko.

"How about the venue? I actually how some great places in mind but I'm really torn between two choices," Einj said before turning to her Mac to show us some pictures.

Nahirapan kaming pumili dahil parehong may good points ang dalawang lugar. The other one would fit Raya's love for astronomy but the other one would fit more perfectly with the agreed theme.

"Should we go and check them out?" suhestiyon ko. "Baka mas makapili tayo pagnakita natin nang personal,"

"I think so too. Tara? Malapit lang naman 'to." sang-ayon ni Einj. "Nasa kanila ba si Davion? Pahatid tayo,"

"Nandyan.. Umuwi 'yon kagabi," ani Adea habang nakadapa sa kama ni Einj at nasa phone ang mata. She pulled herself up. "Tara, kunin ko rin yung flannel ko."

"Great! Let's go," ani Einj at kumuha lang din ng cover-up sa closet niya. She was pretty much good to go. Adea's phone rang while we were on our way out.

"Oh? Oo, mamaya. Di ko dala. Pupunta kami jan," she briefly answered before dropping the call.

Kasabay ng simoy ng hangin ang pagtindig ng balahibo ko sa pagtapak namin sa residence nila Davion. The place feels familiar yet strange to me at the same time. Hindi ko inaakalang makakabalik pa 'ko rito. The last time I was here, binato ko si Davion ng headphone sa pagitan ng hita niya. I bit my lip. I hope I don't run into his family members.