The Second Time Around (The Starving Squad #1)

Chapter 37: Looking For A Hiding Heart

He should have gone after her, but Bullet had to deal with the mess that Fresia left behind. He had to talk to the police. He had to pay for the damages. He had to apologize to the people who got involved in the accident. And Ernest was right there, watching him struggle.

There were no words exchanged between them. Ernest looked confused. Yes, he does remember him now. He will never, ever forget his face. Pinigilan niya ang sariling lapitan ito at suntukin.

Right now, he needs to find Fresia and beg for her to listen. Alam niyang malaki ang kasalanan niya rito. He won't stop until he earns her forgiveness.

So when everything's been settled, he headed to her apartment. Wala pa rin ito roon. Maybe she went somewhere else. Tinawagan niyang isa-isa ang mga kaibigan nito pero walang sumasagot. Tinawagan din niya sina Felix at Mickey.

It was Felix who gave him the answer.

"She's with Mona," he told him.

"Okay. Thank y—"

"Dude, hayaan mo na lang muna."

"I have to talk to her, Felix."

"She wouldn't listen, Bullet," sabi nito sa kanya. "You've done enough damage for tonight. Let her recover first."

Sumandal siya sa upuan at sinapo ang noo. "May sinabi ba sya sa 'yo?"

"Wala. But she was hurt, man. Ano ba kasi ang nangyari?"

Bumuntong-hininga siya. "She found out the truth."

"You told her?"

"No. She found it from someone else." Damn that guy. Damn that guy for ruining everything. Right when he was ready to tell Fresia the truth, someone went ahead and stole his chance.

"Damn. We told you this could happen."

"I know. Save your lectures, Felix. Alam kong mali ako. Kaya nga sinisikap kong itama ang pagkakamali ko."

"Dude, kalma. I'm not the enemy."

"Sorry."

"Do you want to head over to Mickey's?"

Umiling siya. "No. I have to wait for Fresia."

"I don't think she's coming home tonight," narinig niyang sabi nito. "I'll meet you at the bar, okay?"

--

Magdamag na siyang umiiyak. Parang naging bukal na naman ang mga mata ni Fresia. Hindi niya mapigilan ang mga luha. Hindi na siya makahinga sa kasisinghot. Masakit na ang ulo niya. Mugtong-mugto na ang mga mata niya.

But she just couldn't stop crying.

"S-Sorry... for... finishing off your wine," she said in between hiccups.

"Sus, ano ka ba! Dala naman ni Felix 'yan."

"I'm sorry... for ruining... y-your date."

Mona heaved a sigh. "Stop saying sorry or I'll slap you. You didn't ruin anything, okay? Just think about yourself tonight."

Nakahiga na siya sa kandungan nito dahil sa kalasingan. Umiikot ang paningin niya.

"Ano na'ng plano mo?" tanong nito. Bigla siyang inantok nang simulan nitong hamplusin ang buhok niya. Her former nanny used to do this when she was a kid. Kapag napapagalitan siya, pinahihiga siya nito sa kandungan at hinahamplos ang buhok bilang pag-aalo sa kanya.

It used to comfort her. She found out that night that it still does.

"I don't know." She exhaled, feeling a bit relieved. She closed her eyes, finally giving in to sleep and rest. Siguro magmimilagro ang langit. Baka paggising niya, ayos na ulit lahat.