Two Sides of Love

8

Sa loob ng tatlong linggo, hindi ko na siya kinakausap. Iniiwasan ko si Esmael nang buong puso.

Simula nang nakita ko ang larawan nila ni Wella sa bar na pag-aari ng ama ni Esmael, doon ko naramdaman ang sakit sa aking dibdib. I don’t know how to face him.

Every time we cross paths, I avoid him.

But one night, while I was walking home, he suddenly appeared in front of me.

Esmael: “Elia, are you avoiding me?”

Napalunok ako. Hindi ko alam kung paano sumagot. I am so confused. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, hindi ko pa rin matanggap na mahal ko siya. Kaya’t saka ko siya tiningnan, ngunit ang mga mata niya’y puno ng pag-aalala.

Baka naman, sa pag-iwas ko, hindi ko lang siya nasaktan, kundi pati na rin ang sarili ko.

"Elia, we need to talk."

"Oh, Esmael. What's there to talk about?" I answered, trying to sound nonchalantly.

His voice strained "Don't play games, Elia. You've been avoiding me for weeks. Why?"

I shrugged "Busy. Life. You know how it is."

"No, Elia. I don't know. Now it's like you're allergic to my presence."

"Esmael, it's not—"

He cut me off "And that photo! You saw it, didn't you? Me and Wella. You think I'd betray you like that?"

"I never said—"

His voice is breaking "Wella is my sister, Elia. My sister! That night at the bar, it was her birthday. We were celebrating. Nothing more."

Putangina....

I looked away "I didn't know."

"You didn't ask. You just assumed the worst. And now you're avoiding me like I'm poison."

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

My heart fluttered as our class adviser stepped to the front of the room, holding a piece of paper.

The air seemed to hold its breath, and my palm grew clammy. The room was silent, except for the distant hum of the air conditioning.

Then, the words spilled forth...

"Elia Cliteria Adriano" our adviser smiled. "with the highest honor."

The room erupted in applause, and my cheeks flushed. I felt a mix of pride and disbelief. I had worked tirelessly for this moment.

But it was Louise, my exuberant best friend, who stole the show.

Louise leaped from her seat, arms flailing, and let out a joyous scream that echoed through the hall.
 

"KAIBIGAN KO 'YAN!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon others joined in, clapping and cheering. I couldn't help but smile, my heart swelling with gratitude.

Louise's unbridled celebration was a reminder that achievements were meant to be shared, celebrated, and cherished.

"Salamat bakla-"

"Deserve! Deserve maging valedictorian!" She shouted so proudly.

Im just so thankful for her

"May Esmael na, may certificate pa ng with highest honor!" She joked

"Ewan ko sayo bakla"

"Kayo lang ata dalawa ang with highest honor eh, balita ko 98.4 yung general average ni Esmael" balita nito sa akin