Behind Every Pages

Chapter Thirteen:

Lestari

After receiving a letter from Ezra, I decided it was time to talk to him. I couldn't bear not speaking to him any longer. I messaged him immediately to apologize.

Ezrahel Astley Valera

Hi

I didn't know what to say; I was biting my nails while waiting for his reply. I almost threw my phone when I saw that he had seen the message.

Ezra
Hi, how are you?

Are you okay now?

I bit my lip to hold back my tears. He still asked about me even after I hadn't spoken to him for days. Why are you like this, Ezonme?!

Sorry.

I'm really sorry if I didn't
talk to you for a few days,
something happened.

I'm really sorry.

Ezra
It's okay. I understand.

I know you have a problem; your
friend mentioned it to me. I saw her
at the event yesterday, so I asked about
you. So it's really okay. I'm not mad.

Are you okay? If you have a problem,
don't hesitate to talk to me. You supported
me for two years. Now it's my turn. My message inbox is always open if you have a problem
I understand, Lestari.

As I read his messages, tears streamed down my face. I still couldn't believe that the author I admired for so long is telling me these things. How could he understand me when I've been unfair to him all this time?

I still wanted to apologize.
I couldn't make it yesterday. Sorry,
kasi nangako akong magkikita
na tayo, tapos wala naman pala.
Sorry talaga. Babawi ako. Promise

Ezra
It's not important. I understand
that you couldn't make it. Kuntento
na akong nandito ka na ulit at kinakausap ako.

I stopped when I read that.

Hmm?

Ezra
Wala po

Tumagal ang usapan namin non. Natigil lang dahil kailangan ko nang puntahan si Luther para dalhan ng pagkain. Sabay na kaming kumakain sa kuwarto niya dahil napagpasyahan naming hindi na sasabay kay Daddy. Hindi naman iyon pinagtaka ng ama namin dahil hindi na rin naman siya kumakain sa bahay. Umuuwi lang ito para matulog sa gabi.

On Sunday, Luther and I decided to attend church. Even though he didn't want to, we asked Dad for permission, and he just nodded without looking at us because he was talking to someone on the phone while drinking coffee.

Nagpigil kami ng ngiti ni Luther nang pumayag siya. Tahimik kaming lumabas at nang tuluyan nang makarating sa kotse niya ay ang ingay namin.

"So saan tayo after church?" tanong ko. Sobrang excited kasi ako dahil first time kong makakalabas, maliban sa pag punta ng school at church, after isang buwan na grounded. It's also our first bonding together.

"Hmm? Any idea?" he asked while starting the engine of his car. Napaisip naman ako. Gustohin ko mang makipag kita kay Ezra, baka magalit naman ang kapatid ko. Dapat bonding muna namin ito.

"Hindi ko pa na ta-try manood ng sine." nahihiyang sabi ko. Hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa akin si Luther.

"What? Are you fucking serious? Grabe ang lungkot pala talaga ng buhay mo." he laughed at me.