Dying Embers

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Two: Friends

"Ang ganda nung dress na nakita natin kanina... pero ewan ko, parang ayoko talaga." reklamo ni Jilliana habang naglalakad kami sa hallway ng mall, heels namin sabay na tumutunog sa tiles. "What do you think, Rain? Bili na lang kaya ako online?"

Graduation na the day after tomorrow. Literally two days away. And si Jilliana? Wala. Wala pa ring napipiling isusuot.

I shot her a look. "Online? Girl. Hindi 'yon aabot kahit ipakiusap mo pa sa courier na may life-or-death emergency ka."

Napanguso siya, parang bata na walang nabili sa toy store. "Wala kasi akong nagugustuhan dito, swear."

"Eh 'di magpatulong ka kay Tita Carol?"

"She's busy. And besides— ayun, tara na." Before I could protest, hinila na niya ako papasok sa isa pang boutique, 'yong tipong may full-body mirror sa bawat sulok.

Pagpasok namin, sinalubong agad kami ng amoy ng bagong tela at maayos na hilera ng mga dresses, heels, at handbags na parang naka-display para lang sa mga special occasion.

Tumaas nang konti 'yong kilay ni Jilliana, sign na interested siya kahit nagrereklamo lang siya kanina. Hindi siya maarte, pero meticulous. She wants the dress, not just a dress. And honestly, I get it. Graduation doesn't happen every year.

Ako? I already have a dress. May napili na si Mama for me. Pinakita niya sa video call. Maganda naman. So I'm just here to be moral support. And maybe... to make up for the times lately na lagi akong busy with Psalm. Best friend muna. Always.

"Rain, look."

Paglingon ko, muntik na akong mapatulala.

Jilliana was holding up a white mini dress na parang kinuha sa isang Pinterest board. Medyo puffy 'yong short sleeves, enough para magbigay ng soft, elegant look. Pero ang highlight? 'Yong likod, open, with a big ribbon tied right at the waist. The skirt flared just enough para sumayaw habang naglalakad, and the crisp white color made it look so fresh, so perfect for a milestone like graduation.

"That's... actually perfect." I crossed my arms, checking her from head to toe, already imagining the fit on her curves. "Bagay sa'yo."

She bit her lip. "I'm not sure..."

Napailing ako. "Pareho talaga tayong hirap mag-decide."

Nag-ikot pa siya sandali, kunwari tumitingin sa mga iba pang dresses, pero, of course, bumalik din sa white dress. And eventually, she bought it.

Pagkalabas namin ng store, she exhaled so loudly na parang galing marathon. "Grabe. Emotional damage 'yong decision-making na 'yon."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Whatever you wear naman, ang ganda mo pa rin. Alam mo 'yan."

"Pero gusto ko perfect. Graduation 'to eh." She clutched the paper bag like it was treasure, then leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Tsaka, Rain..."

I raised a brow. "Hmm?"

She bit back a giggle, pero kita sa mata niya ang excitement. "Do'n ko... sasagutin si Nimbus."

I stopped walking. "Ha?" My voice cracked. "Hindi nga?"

She burst out laughing. "Oo nga!"

I stared at her, then dramatically placed a hand on my chest. "Wow. Dalaga. Lumandi with commitment. I'm so proud."

She nudged me with her shoulder, still smiling. "Imagine mo... new dress... graduation... and then... finally."

I smiled back.