Change of Heart

Chapter 3

TRISTAN

“Okay, drink all you want, guys. The booze is on Tristan.” Dennis sang happily.

We were at Terravago at our usual favorite table. 

“Yeah, order whatever you want.” I said cockily.

“Remember the time I lost the drag race? That was almost two weeks ago. Ever since that night, Dennis had been constantly reminding me about the bet. He never fails to surpass a bet. Even if it’s a simple fifty peso deal, he makes sure he gets paid if he wins.

I wasn’t able to entertain my friends for almost two weeks now. The family was very busy holding eents for the launching of Alcala Foundation that my brother was supposed to lead. Because unfortunately, I was an Alcala, I had to be present at the events and make an appearance. My mother was very particular with my attendance. She ensured that our family projects a perfect image of a happy and loving family. I read the headlines in some magazine and you would be amazed at how brilliant the writer mother hired for publicity. I can event quote myself saying that, “I took up Medical Technology because I was inspired by my brother to become a doctor,” in one interview that as far as I know never took place.

Because most of the time I was bored, It was hard to imagine that I got through two weeks without going crazy. I would have to thank Candy Crush for that. As of now, I’m already at the 128th level.

Tonight was my first night away from my nauseating life at home. I’m with my buddies, with alcohol, with cool music and with a bunch of sexy girls who are impatiently ready to devour you. Tonight, I plan to drown myself in joy, away from the claustrophobic feeling at home. I don’t care if I become very drunk, as long as I can just get away.

“Don’t you think you’re drinking too much, Tristan?” I heard my conscience say. And by conscience, I meant Seth.

“Let him be, Seth.” Dennis shouted through the loud music that his voice was almost inaudible. “He is just making up to us for the lost time.”

Dennis with a bunch of girls all stood up and danced their way through the crowd. Marcus followed them with his girl friend Tonia. Gio was nowhere to be seen. He was probably outside the bar smoking. Some girls were offering Seth and me to join them on the dance floor. Seth, as usual rejected them curtly and I, on the other hand, wasn’t just in the mood, much to the girls’ chagrin.

“You’re not dancing.” Seth asked.

“Not in the mood.”

He looked at me as if something is wrong. “You know, if you want, you can talk to me about it.”

Hahahahaha! I guffawed. “What am I? A girl? Dude, I don’t do girl talks, okay? Just leave me alone!”

Seth walked out. He probably went up to one of the soundproof cubicles.

I drank a lot. Drank some more. Until my head was spinning. Til’ I hit the floor.

The next thing I know, I was already at home, dressed in my PJs with a slight bit of headache. I barely recall what happened last night except my last conversation with Seth.