Snippets (One shots)

Snippet 5 - Choice

Do I really have to choose? Again?

Do I really have to suffer this kind of scrutiny from almost everyone?

What have I done wrong?

I admit I have made decisions which were not exactly ideal, but do I have to get punished for that time and time again?

Why do I have to choose again when I knew deep in my heart I have already chosen?

I have chosen... for good.

Or is it because my choice is not your choice?

Talo sila. And my name was dragged into it... again. When will this stop?

"Kieeeefffferrrrrrr!"

I stood up as I heard her call my name. I was seated on the floor in a deserted part of the arena in desperate hopes of finding a place to block the deafening cheers outside and the noisy, unwelcome thoughts in my head. But to no avail. They were coming after me. With each movement, they managed to keep in step. I can't help but feel frustrated.

It was only when she hugged me that I found the place I've been longing to find the past couple of minutes. And then it hit me. I realized. She is my safe place - my home. No wonder I chose her.

Vania: Ep ep ep, hanggang hug lang ha. Mamaya makunan na naman kayo ng picture, ma-issue pa kayo ulit.

I looked behind Aly and there I found Ate Vania, her momager. Tumawa ako and I heard her laugh as well but it took a while more before she broke free from my arms, but she had her one arm around my waist.

Ly: Momager naman e! Panira ng moment.

Vania: Ay sorry, neng ha. Pasensya napo. Sige pagpatuloy niyo. Tutal, mabibitter lang naman ako dito.

Ly: Tampo ka na nyan?

Vania: Sus mamaya gagatong na rin yang si Kief. Makaalis na nga bago niyo pa ako pagtulungan.

She walked confidently. In a few strides, she disappeared from our sight. Ang cute talaga ni Ate Vania kala mo bagets at walang anak.

Moments later, naramdaman kong humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin. I hugged her from the side tightly.

Kiefer: Are you okay?

She faced me and encircled her hands around my neck. It didnt take too long before I noticed her eyes. They were probing, and worried. She offered no words. She just stared at me, searching.

I felt uncomfortable. In times like these, alam kong she's deep in thought.

Kief: Oy magsalita ka naman.

She sighed and kissed me lightly on my lips.

Didnt momager just tell us to watch our backs para iwas issue? Well, who cares? Kami naman, e. Walang masama dun.

Ly: Are you okay?

I felt my forehead crease. Why is she throwing the question back to me? Of course i was okay.

Ly: Don't even dare lie to me. I know you, Kiefer.

It's my turn to sigh. She really knows me well. I took a deep breath and brought her closer to me.

Kiefer: I'm okay, Ly. Really.

Pinitik niya ang ilong ko and I gasped. Masakit yun a!

Ly: Sus kita ko kaya ang trendlist. Trending ka na naman oy!

Kief: Talaga?

I knew. Of course I knew. I was browsing my feed.

She just nodded.