A Letter from Gabrielle

VII

Year, 2021 (Middle of the year)

'You were there. You were always there to witness all the happenings in my life. I used to ask myself what I did in my life to deserve someone like you, Ka-el?

I should be grateful right? But why am I hurting? What was that pang in my heart when I looked into your eyes the moment I asked Reina to spend the rest of her life with me? Why does it hurt to see you smiling for my own happiness, Ka-el?'

"Tell me Ka-el, how do I look? Is this color fine? What about my hair? Can you check my sandals as well? You think this looks good wit--"

"Hey, hey hey!" Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang pisngi ni Gab at pilit siyang iniharap sa akin. Nginitian ko siya ng makahulugan saka hinawi ang ilang hibla ng buhok sa kanyang mukha. "Believe me, Gab, you look fantastic! But it doesn't suit you being nervous like this!"

She bit her lip and looked outside the window. Sinundan ko rin ng tingin ang tinitingnan nya. Nasa kwarto kami ni Gab ngayon na nasa second floor ng kanilang bahay. I'm trying to give her a 'pep talk' dahil obvious na ninenerbyos sya. Which is very unusual of her. "All my relatives are coming, Ka-el. What do you expect? I don't want to screw this up!" Panic is written all over her face.

Nagsalubong ang aking kilay. "So what? Gabrielle, you already passed the bar exam! Just so you know, this is just a celebratory party for you! What are you so nervous about?! And why would you screw up?! Magte-thank you ka lang naman sa mga taong magco-congratulate sa'yo!" Lalong nangunot ang noo ko nang bigla siyang nag-iwas ng tingin sa akin saka ako tinalikuran at naglakad papunta sa kanyang vanity mirror. "Is there something that you missed to tell me?!"

Tumingin siya sa akin mula sa repleksyon ng salamin. Napakagat labi siya saka huminga ng malalim. "I think this is the perfect time, Ka-el.."

I raised my brow. "Perfect time for what?"

She didn't answer my question. Instead, she opened one of the drawers and took something from the inside.

"Gab.." Untag ko ng nananatili pa rin siyang tahimik.

Napatikhim siya. "Tonight, I'll propose to Reina."

I wanted to ask her if I'm just hearing things. But she said it very clear. I put my hands in my trouser's pocket and smiled. "Yeah?" What am I supposed to say? Damn it, Mikaelle! She's your bestfriend. You should cheer her up.

"Ka-el? Did you hear what I said?" Humarap siya sa akin at pilit hinuli ang aking mga mata.

Napakurap kurap ako saka ngumiti. Lumapit ako sa kanya saka siya niyakap ng mahigpit. Napatingin ako sa sarili kong repleksyon sa salamin. You know that this day will come, Ka-el! Come on! Give your bestfriend a pat in her shoulder. She deserves this happiness! "Oo! I've heard it! Loud and clear, Gab! Now I understand where are all these coming from! Don't be so nervous! You won't screw up, Atty. Gabriel Romualdez!" Good job Ka-el! Keep it up!

Lumayo siya sa akin at hinawakan ako sa magkabilang balikat. "You think she will say yes?"

Its been how many years now since Gab and Reina became official? And everyone's expecting that they will end up together. But damn it. Why is it still here in my heart? What is this damn feeling inside me that makes me want to cry?

Tumango tango ako. "Of course, Gab! Who wouldn't want to marry someone like you? C'mon!" I patted her shoulder. "So you've really decided huh?"

"Yes!!!"

I nodded and hugged her again. "Please Gab, know that I'm always happy for you, okay? Always and forever!" Whom are you really convincing, Ka-el? Is it really your bestfriend--or yourself?!