The Magnetic: Loving The Torturer

Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Rear view mirror

Letting go is like pulling a tooth. Once it was pulled out, you're relieved, but how many times does your tongue run itself over the spot where the tooth once was? Probably a hundred times a day. Just because it was not hurting doesn't mean you did not notice it. It leaves a gap and sometimes you see yourself missing it terribly. It takes a while to get used to not having it anymore. 

Like how I'm trying to get used to the fact that Inaki ain't around me anymore. It's been months since that painful goodbye. I still miss him. My heart still aches and longs for him. I still cry over him but not as often as I used to anymore which is something I should be proud of, I guess. I used to cry myself to sleep at night and wonder what happened to us. But not anymore...

I guess I just woke up one day and realized that I didn't want to feel miserable any longer. I deserve to be happy. 

"Looking great today, Raigne. Inspired?"Kara said. She's one of my classmates.

I smiled. "Nope."

"In love ka no?"

"In love with life."

Her forehead knotted. "Life as in buhay or.. name yun ng guy?"

I just chuckled and shook my head. Napakamot na lang siya sa ulo. Dumating na ang prof namin kaya nag-focus na ko sa lesson namin. After my class, I went out to meet up with my friends at a coffee shop near our school as planned. Pagdating ko ay napansin kong kasama din nila si Luke.

"Hi guys!" Binalingan ko si Luke. "Welcome back!"

"Hey beautiful." Luke said with a boyish smile.

I chuckled.

Pinalipas namin ang oras sa kwentuhan. Si Luke ay maraming kalokohan na ikunukwento kaya tawa kami ng tawa. I had so much fun that I didn't even notice the time. Kinabukasan ay sinamahan nila ako sa isang photo shoot para sa isang magazine dahil wala naman daw silang ibang gagawin. 

"With or without make up, you're beautiful." Biglang sabi ni Luke habang mine-make up-an ako. 

"I know, right?" Biro ko.

Tumawa siya at bahagyang pinisil ang pisngi ko. Jill cleared her throat. 

"In case you've guys forgotten, Sandy and I are still here." She said sarcastically. 

Nagkatinginan kami ni Luke at sabay na napangisi ng may tunog. Bago magsimula ang photo shoot ay nagkaroon ng aberya. May sakit daw ang modelo na partner ko dapat kaya hindi siya makakapunta. Namomroblema tuloy sila kung sinong tatawagan para ipalit. Bigla akong nagkaroon ng ideya ng mapatingin ako kay Luke.

"I think I know someone who can help us out." I said.

"Sino?" Tanong ng photographer.

Itinuro ko si Luke na nakikipagkwentuhan kina Jill at Sandy sa isang tabi. "What do you think of him?"

"He's got the looks." He said, nodding. "But can he project?"

"I'm sure he can."

Matagal bago siya sumagot. Then he siged. "All right. Let's give it a try. Will he agree?"

I grinned. "Leave it to me."

I walked towards Luke, dragged him, and told him that he'd be my partner, leaving him no choice. He was shocked. Pero wala siyang nagawa. At first, it was awkward. Parang nahihiya pa siya kaya tinulungan ko siya at binigyan ng ilang tips. Biniro-biro ko pa siya para mawala ang kaba niya. Kinalaunan ay nagawa na niyang tama ang mga poses niya. The camera loved him. His shots were good for a first timer.