Way Back Into Love (Back Again Series #2)

15

How can someone show so much affection and then act like nothing happened in the following days? Hindi ko maintindihan at hinding-hindi ko maiintindihan.

So, I acted like nothing happened. I shrugged everything off. That way, I could convince myself that I wasn't the one who lost.

"Samahan niyo na akong magpasa ng plates, please!"

Tinawanan naming dalawa ni Claire si Friah. Pauwi na sana kami, pero kanina pa niya kaming hinahatak para samahan siya. Paano ba naman kasi, inuna na naman niya ang pag-iinom kesa gumawa ng plates. Kaya ayon, late submission na naman siya.

Speaking of drinking, I suddenly remembered what happened the last time I got drunk. I couldn't clearly recall that night, but the thought of not remembering anything scared the hell out of me.

But I guess what happened that night will stay in that night.

Besides, that was before midterms. Finals were coming up next week, so I really had to forget about it. As if I could do anything to undo everything.

"Hihintayin ka na lang namin sa bench," sabi ko kay Friah at hinatak si Claire papunta roon para wala na siyang magawa.

Ibinaba ko ang materials ko sa lamesa bago ako naupo. Paniguradong isang katutak na kaba ang nararamdaman ngayon ni Friah dahil mahigpit ang professor namin. That's one of the reason kaya ayaw ko siyang samahan. Baka pati kasi kaming dalawa ni Claire, mapuna niya.

I hated being scolded, which was why I always did my work on time. Growing up, I despised being lectured or yelled at. Because of that, I've always had a soft spot for people who are gentle with me.

"Emcy," Claire suddenly called my name. Tumingin ako sa kaniya. "I think today's lucky, there's a handsome guy over there."

Matalas talaga ang mata niya pagdating sa ganoon. I followed her gaze, only to mentally curse her when I saw where she was looking. My eyes landed on Benj. He was sitting on the other side of the bench. Wayne was with him.

Agad kong hinila ang buhok niya para mawala ang titig niya roon. Wait... Was she looking at Benj? I hope not.

"Claire, umalis na tayo," sabi ko agad.

"Why?" Nangunot ang noo niya. Tinakpan ko agad ang mukha ko para kung sakaling magawi ang mata ni Benj sa pwesto namin, hindi niya ako makita. "Wait! Don't tell me kilala mo?" She sounded surprised and excited at the same time.

"No," I denied.

"Your action say otherwise." Tumawa siya. "Emcy, minsan lang akong makakita ng lalaking type ko. Help me!"

"Sino ba dyan?" tanong ko dahil alam kong hindi niya ako titigilan.

"The one wearing the blue hoodie," she said.

Saglit ko ulit tiningnan ang gawi nila. For some reason, I let out a breath of relief when I realized she wasn't talking about Benj. Gusto ko tuloy sabunutan ang sarili ko dahil doon.

Tangina naman kasi, Emcy, pinakitaan ka lang ng kaunting malasakit ng tao, rumurupok ka na ulit!

"Ano? Will you help me?" tanong pa niya, inaalog-alog ang balikat ko. "Emcy, 'wag mong sabihing hindi! Samahan mo ako roon! Please!" pagmamakaawa niya.

"Patayin mo na lang ako."

I stayed away for a long time. I spent months regretting, healing... even when I shouldn't have had to. I buried everything just so I could move forward. Moved forward, even when I was the one at fault.