His Third Downfall (MSS#2) [Completed]

Kabanata Treinta y seis

36th Fall

Past Tense

"How things' going on there, Al?" My mommy's voice came out of my phone.

I look down at the stilled water in front of me. I can see my reflection down there. With that pink sleeveless shirt and a white short shorts on. I'm also wearing my aviator for sun resistance.

I put my left leg on top of the other. I rested my back on the lounger. Tahimik na tinatanaw ang paglangoy ng mga bisita rin sa malawak na pool.

"Everything is fine, mom..." Ngumiti ako sa isang kaibigan kong kumaway sa akin. She's mouthing when will I'm going to swim with them. I replied, "later."

"That's good then. Where's your ate Zammi?" Binalik ko ang atensyon kay mommy.

"She's home, kasama si baby C..." sagot ko.

"Nasaan ka?"

"I go out with some friends, mom..."

Saglit na tumahimik sa kabilang linya. "Okay. Enjoy yourself, Al..."

I smiled upon hearing mommy's words. "Sure, mom. Thank you..." Ibinaba ko na ang tawag.

Biglang lumapit sa akin sina Via, Ghen, at Shayra. They're my girl friends here in California. Yes, I'm in Cali. And it's been a month since...

"Hey, Alma! When are you going to swim with us?" Shayra asked. Nakapalibot sila sa lounger na kinahihigaan ko. They're all wet. And guys keep on looking at them because they're on their sexist two piece.

Bumangon ako at tinanggal ang aking aviator. "Later, guys..." I answered them.

Via rolls her eyes at me. "Why so KJ? Come on, Alma! Loosen up, girl!" Hinila nila ang mga braso ko para patayuin.

"Yeah, right!" Ghen agreed and before I know it, they already threw me at the pool. Napatili ako. They are all just laughed.

"I hate you, guys!" Lumutang ako at naghilamos ng mukha. Dinaluhan naman ako nila habang nagtatawanan pa rin. Nasa gitna kami ng swimming pool.

"Because you're so tight! I don't get why do you prefer to be alone than to be with us." Via told me.

Tiningnan ko lamang silang tatlo at binigyan ng simpleng ngiti. "There are just so many things I need to think over, guys..." mahinang sabi ko.

Okay. All of them do not know the reason why I came back here in Cali when I'm supposed to have my summer in Philippines. Maybe because I don't want to talk about it...yet. Or, I am just coward and afraid I might break down again or both. Oo na. Matagal ko ng inamin sa sarili ko na hindi ganoon kadali ang paglimot katulad ng formula sa mathematics ang pagmomove on. Moving on takes time...Everything takes time...Fuck that line. Naaalala ko na naman ang taong dapat ay kinakalimutan ko na. Siguro nga ay ganoon nga, missing him is just a part of moving on. Naniniwala akong makakaget over din ako sa kanya. Tutal one month palang, no. Ang hirap magmove on, to tell you!

"Things such as?" Ghen furrowed her eyebrows at me while her hands are freely floating on her sides. The other two are also raising their eyebrows at me. Curiosity fills their blue eyes.

I stared back at them, unsure of what I'm going to say or do.

"Come on, Alma! We are your friends. You can share what's bothering you with us. Who knows we can give you a...uh, a piece of advise, sort of." Shayra flashes her unsure smile. I return them my sweet one.