Parallels

what if...

what if in 2014, Alyssa made a different decision?

(fiction only hehe)

—

Alyssa never expected it. To be known and be loved by a lot of people.

After all, she's only playing the sports she love, the same sports that sent her to Ateneo.

Ang goal lang naman talaga simula pa noong una ay, leverage her talent in playing volleyball, graduate, maybe pursue a corporate career or play in pro. 18 year-old Alyssa thought it was that simple.

But after season 76, her life turned 360 degrees. Nakilala siya ng mga tao, some people even organized a fanclub just for her.

Hindi na siya makalabas ng walang nakakakilala. Someone would always go to her and ask for a photo together or get her autograph.

This was never part of the plan, to be under a microscope, yung tipong lahat nakatingin sa bawat galaw mo.

If it was already difficult to be living with fame, what more with being secretly in love with your best friend?

Kung sa mismong bagay na nakilala siya, marami nang nasasabi laban sa kanya, paano pa pag nalaman ng madla kung sino talaga siya?

Alyssa has been thinking about that. For so many nights.

Dennise even gave her space, and only told her, "kung ano man ang magiging desisyon mo, I'll accept it, Ly."

It's too early, Alyssa thinks. Kung kailan naman nahanap na niya yung tapang para umamin kay Dennise, tsaka pa niya kailangan mamili.

And although Dennise said she can wait, Alyssa knew Dennise couldn't wait forever.

Alyssa enters their dorm, she sees Ella busy playing on her phone while Dennise is at her study table.

She signals to Ella, and Ella understood it right away. She stood up and left the room, leaving Alyssa and Dennise.

"Den," Alyssa says, "is it a good time?"

Dennise closes her book, she sighs, then looks at Alyssa, "to break my heart?" Dennise asks then chuckles right after, "kidding. Made up your mind, Ly?"

Alyssa nods. She reaches out for Dennise's hands, "it's not going to be easy, Den."

"What do you mean?"

Alyssa looks at Dennise, "to be with me," she smiles at her, "pero kahit gaano kahirap man, pipiliin pa rin kita."

Tears started to pool in Dennise's eyes, "Ly..."

"I don't want to let go of this chance to be with you, Den. Gusto kong matupad yung mga pangarap ko na kasama ka."

Dennise hugs Alyssa, "nandito lang ako lagi, Ly."

"Stay with me, hmm?"

"Lagi. Mahal kita, Ly."

Alyssa sighs in relief, "mas mahal kita, Den."

Alyssa snaps back to her senses. If Ella didn't tap her shoulder, she wouldn't realize she's zoning out.

"Sa susunod naman na matutulala ka, wag naman habang nakatingin kay Den, besh,"
Ella whispers.

Alyssa fakes a laugh, "nasakto lang."

Ella side-eyed her but didn't say anything. Tumawa lang si Alyssa.

She quickly looked at Dennise again before looking away.

Because at the end of the day, it's all just a what if.

Minsan, Alyssa would zone out and think of the past, thinking what could be her life now if she made a different choice.

Mas masaya kaya siya?

Iba kaya ang buhay niya?

Sila pa rin kaya ni Dennise?

Kinasal na rin kaya sila?

Those are the questions that will remain as questions for the rest of her life.

Because 11 years ago, Alyssa made a different choice. A choice that she thought would be the best for everyone.

Even if it means breaking Dennise's heart. Or even if it means letting go the love of her life.

Lagpas isang dekada na, pero hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin siya makalaya.

Hanggang ngayon, minumulto pa rin siya.