Bruised (A Thomas Torres Fanfiction)

Fifteen

Another flashy and expensive letter arrived in my mail today. I've lost count as to how many I've received over the past two or three years. A sigh escaped my lips as I picked it up from my pigeonhole before going up to my unit. In the elevator, I was staring at my name written elegantly in cursive. Even after receiving invitations similar to this one, I can't help the bitterness that was swelling inside me.

How many of my friends and teammates have decided to finally tie the knot with their special someone? Jeron, Kib, Von, and even Prince have gotten married and that's not everyone that finally settled down. Now, it's Kiefer and Mika. I was shaking my head in disbelief. Those two took a break during the peak of their relationship and decided to focus on their own agendas. In the long run, they still ended up together. It's almost like those stories you read that the two protagonists find themselves together in the end even after going their separate ways.

I plopped down on my sofa with the invitation still in my hand. I ran my fingers through my hair as I huffed in disdain. I guess we weren't meant to be together in the end like Mika and Kiefer. Our relationship was probably one of those that were not meant to stay forever. Maybe it's a lesson for us. I can't really say.

How long has it been anyway? I can't remember. Rather, I don't want to. If I'm being honest, just the thought of walking away from what we had is enough to reopen wounds.

I rushed to my feet as I quickly grabbed my phone, wallet, and the keys to my unit. I have to get out. I need to get out for a while to clear my head. If I stay in there for one more second, I will probably lose my mind thinking of past events that I can't ever change.

Thankfully, there was a small coffee shop a few blocks away. Living in Bonifacio Global City is quite convenient because almost everything is within walking distance. Thankfully, the humble coffee shop wasn't packed like on most days. There was only a short queue leading to the counter but I didn't mind. Standing in front of me was a couple that looked kind of familiar. I can't seem to pinpoint why so I opted not to mind them. I busied myself with my phone as I waited for my turn.

It wasn't long until I was able to place my order for a cup of coffee. As I waited, the familiar couple was there too and the girl glanced my way.

"Thomas?" She called.

My eyes widened in surprise. The guy looked her way before asking, "What?"

"Not you, Tommy," she rolled her eyes.

"Oh," he sheepishly grinned before turning my way. It was only then that he realized that his companion was calling me. "Hey, long time no see,"

I could only spare them an awkward smile. "Yeah... It's been a while, Angel, Tommy," I said.

"How have you been?" Angel tried to create small talk.

"Great," I told her. Yeah... Everything's great, right Thomas? My work life is great. My social life is great too. My love life... Well, let's not even bother with that. "I'm doing great," I repeated just for the sake of it.

Angel forced a smile. For sure, she was already feeling the awkward air hanging above us. No one bothered to say anything anymore. Their orders were called and I thought that was it.

"Thomas," Angel called before they left. She looked so hesitant to say what she wanted to say. "If you're wondering, she's okay but..." Angel sadly smiled before she shook her head. "Nevermind. It probably doesn't matter,"

It probably doesn't matter, like what she said, but why did I want Angel to continue what she was saying? It's been years and I should stop wondering. After all, I was the one who decided to turn my back and walk away.