TIRED
Final Chapter
Movie premiere na. Magkasama sina Maqui at Julie sa bahay at sabay nilang balak magpunta sa mall kung saan gaganapin ang Premiere Night nila. They were both busy preparing nang magsalita si Maqui.
“Jules.”
“Hm?”
“Happy ka?” she asked.
“Oo naman. Why?” she asked. Matagal siyang tinitigan ng bestfriend at saka nangiti.
“Wala, wala. I’m just happy for you.”
“For me?”
“Yeah. Syempre another achievement to. Tapos, you have him pa. Odiba?” napangiti na din si Julie sa sinabi ni Maqui and nodded.
“Yes, Maq. Another achievement para sa atin. And...” she couldn’t help but smile. Si Elmo na yan eh. Yung matagal na niyang gustong makasama. “And yes... I have him.”
“Aww. Jules.” Maqui hugged her and nag-iyakan na silang dalawa. “Julie, this is it. Finally, your dream is coming to reality. And I’m just so happy na nalampasan mo na yung hardest stage in love.” She said. Umiyak na si Julie and she hugged her bestfriend. Sa lahat ng pinagdaanan niya, Maqui was the one who stayed. Kahit pa minsan naiirita na ito sa kanya dahil sa pagiging makulit, bulag at tanga niya, she still stayed. Hindi niya iniwan si Julie. She stayed true to their ‘for better or for worse’ promise to each other. Dinaig pa nga nilang dalawa ang magboyfriend dahil sa promises nila sa isa’t isa.
“Thank you, Maqui. Thank you for staying with me kahit na di ako nakikinig sa iyo madalas. Thanks for being the bestest bestfriend I could ever have. I love you, Maq.” Sabi niya.
“Sus. Don’t thank me. It’s my role, Jules.” She said habang pinupunasan ang luha ng bestfriend. “Oh. Stop crying na baka jombagin ako ni Elmo niyan eh.” She added.
“Hahaha. Okay I’ll stop. Masaya lang talaga ako kasi di mo ko iniwan kahit yung iba tinalikuran na ko, ikaw, you chose to stay with me.”
“Eh saan pa ba ko pupunta? I never break promises, Julie. Especially, pinky promises. Remember?” she said. Tumango naman si Julie at saka niyakap na uli ang bestfriend.
“Oh, prepare na tayo. Mamaya niyan kakadrama natin, di pa tayo makadating on time sa mall niyan eh.” Sabi ni Maqui.
*****
They reached the parking lot and saktong dumating na din sila Elmo. He immediately walked towards them at nakipagkamay pa sa papa ni Julie and nakipagbeso sa mama ni Julie.
“Hi, Tito. Hi, tita.” He greeted.
“Hello, Moe.” Julie’s parents said.
“Hi, JM and Jac.” Bati niya naman sa mga kapatid ni Julie.
“Hello, kuya.” Bati ng dalawa. He searched for Julie but she wasn’t there.
“Sabay sila ni Maqui, Moe.” Sabi ni Marivic.
“Ah. Ganun po ba. Sige po, I’ll wait here.” He said. Maya-maya ay dumating na si Julie at Maqui. Nagliwanag naman agad ang mukha niya and he smiled widely.
“Hey. Kanina ka pa?” she asked pagbaba ng kotse ni Maqui.
“Not that long naman. Nauna na sila mom and sila tita sa loob.” Sabi niya.
“Ako din lovebirds. Mauuna na ko. Gino’s waiting for me inside.” Paalam ni Maqui saka na pumasok sa loob.
“You ready?” he asked her. Julie took a deep breath and nodded.
