T.S. STORIES #4: Say Don't Go (Completed)

Chapter 23

We're at Kristelle's school, specifically at their library. We were seated at a table, with the girls sitting across from me. They wanted some urgent tea about what happened at the gala. To start, I showed them some pictures I got from the event.

"Oh, wow, you pulled it off so well! That lace was bold yet a perfection," Kristelle commented.

"I wanna have that look sa gala namin," Annie gushed. "I bet, ikaw ang eye candy that night."

"Sort of?" I said.

"Tell us about Raiver."

"Siya escort mo?"

I shook my head. "No, but I met his parents."

They exchanged a knowing look and nodded. "Legal na."

"No, it's not like that. Pinakakilala lang niya ako as one of the lead mural volunteers sa project. Nothing else," I interjected, trying to set the record straight.

"But at least, his parents already know about you. Hindi ka na stranger if pinakilala ka na ulit as—"

Kristelle cut her off. "Girl, 'wag kang spoiler. Ituloy mo, Icarus."

"Okay," I sighed.

I resumed talking about everything that happened since I met his parents. The whole time they were listening to me, I saw traces of disbelief on their faces, multiple gasps, and they held onto their heads upon hearing what had happened to us at his condo.

They almost shrieked upon knowing he took my first kiss.

"Girl," Kristelle tapped Annie. "Confirmed: loyal si Icarus sa red flag."

"Correct. Bakit siya pa kasi? You know, pwede naman si Greg na lang," Annie agreed.

"I don't know. No'ng una, wala na talaga akong feelings sa kanya eh. Kaso, it happened. I couldn't explain it better. but somehow, it feels right," I explained, trying to make sense of my emotions.

Annie tapped her. "Kristelle, I guess we're finally witnessing Icarus falling in love. 'Di ba, once na makita mo na 'yong true love mo, 'yong feeling... hindi talaga siya ma-explain."

"Annie, hahayaan na lang ba nating mahulog 'to kay Raiver? I'd like to remind you na kaka-break lang niya sa girlfriend niya. Baka, in the end, masasaktan lang si Icarus kapag nalaman niyang ginawa lang pala siyang rebound," Kristelle argued, concern etched on her face.

I smiled, upon realizing how much these girls cared about me. "Kristelle, Annie.," I called them. "Thank you for being here for me. Alam kong concern kayo sa akin dahil sa pinasok kong sitwayon, pero this time, I'll figure out everything on my own. Kung magiging okay 'yong outcome, mas maayos. Pero, kung hindi, eh 'di hindi. Tatanggapin kong baka ito na talaga ang oras para iexplore ko kung ano ba talaga ang pakiramdam kapag magmamahal ka ng isang tao."

They nodded. "Maybe, you're right. Hindi namin hawak ang desisyon mo. Kaya, ang magagawa na lang namin..."

Kristelle reached for my hand. "Susuportahan ka sa anumang gusto mo."

Annie sighed. "Me too," she reached for my other hand. "At, alam naming matapang ka, Icarus. Kaya, kakayanin mo ba?"

"Kakayanin."

I thanked the girls for giving me their time. They're truly the best among my friends. I waved goodbye to them as soon as I left their school. Somehow, it felt lighter after talking with them.