A Letter from Gabrielle

II

Year, 2018

'Can't believe you acted so matured that time. I was dumbstruck at how you showed your love to Tita Maila. No wonder, she kept on telling me that even she got you at a very young age, she will never regret having you. And I am one of those people who's lucky enough to get the chance to be part of your life. Thank you, Ka-el! You just don't know how you're understanding and kindness left me in awe..'

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko at napatingin sa wall clock na nasa maliit naming living room. "What is it, Gab?!" Iyon agad ang bungad ko sa kanya nang pagbuksan ko siya ng pinto.

I hated it when my sleep is being disturb. But Gabrielle is an exemption. I wanted to be mad at her everytime na ginagawa nya ang pang iistorbo sa akin sa kalagitnaan ng gabi but I only ended up sighing and convincing myself na may deperensya siya sa utak nya at kailangan ko na lang mag adjust.

Its been two years since naging malapit kaming magkaibigan. We even decided to go in the same university for college. That's how we get closer.

"Mikaellle!!!" Niyakap nya ako at suminghot singhot sa aking balikat. "I'm so broken!"

I rolled my eyes. "You reeked of alcohol, Gab!" Pilit ko siyang inilalayo sa akin pero mas lalo nya pang hinihigpitan ang pagyakap nya sa akin.

"Janice broke up with me. It hurts, Ka-el!"

Napahugot ako ng malalim na hininga saka isinarado ang pinto habang nakayakap pa rin siya sa akin. "Its a good riddance right? You wanted to break up with her since you said that she's starting to piss you off!"

Mabilis siyang lumayo sa akin habang napapangiti. "I know right!" Napahalakhak pa siya saka siya naglakad papunta sa kitchen at nagbukas ng fridge. "I had to pretend in front of our friends that I'm really affected! Baka kasi sabihin nila wala man lang akong puso!"

See? Paano ka bang hindi mag-a-adjust sa kanya. The way she act is not really normal. I probably bring her in a mental hospital one time. She needs some help! "Don't you have class tomorrow, Gab?" Napahikab ako saka sumunod sa kanya at kumuha ng tubig sa fridge. Napasimangot ako nang magsindi siya ng sigarilyo. "C'mon! Not here, Gabrielle!"

"Just one please!!!" Mabilis niyang nailayo sa akin ang sigarilyo nang magtangka akong agawin ito sa kanya. "After this one, I'll sleep! I have class at eight!"

"Then why the hell you came home late?! And why are you even here?!" Lumayo ako sa kanya nang mag-umpisa na naman siyang magbuga ng usok. One of the things I hated about her. Smoking. "Kapag umatake ang asthma ko, I will kill you!!!"

She rolled her eyes and smirked. "You know that it won't work on me, Ka-el! Matagal ka ng walang asthma!"

"Okay fine! But just to remind you that you are in my apartment, and you know how much I hated the smell and the smoke of the cigarette!"

She raised her both hands. "Okay! Here!" Humithit muna siya sa sigarilyo bago nya tuluyang pinatay ang upos nito saka itinapon sa kitchen sink. Mabilis siyang lumapit sa akin saka ako muling niyakap at hinila papuntang kwarto.

"Iiwwww! Gab let me go!" I tried to get away from her grip but failed. "Mag-aamoy yosi na ako neto! Saka magpalit ka muna nga!" Maktol ko ng tuluyan na kaming makarating sa kwarto.

"Yeah, magsha shower lang ako ng mabilis!" Agad nyang hinubad ang suot nyang damit saka dere-derechong naglakad papuntang banyo. "Give me some comfy clothes, babe!" Sigaw pa nya bago tuluyang isinarado ang pinto.

Napabuntong hininga ako saka pinulot ang mga damit na pinaghubaran nya. "You've got to buy me that new black shirt from vans!"

"Yeah yeah!" She shouted back.