The Story of Us

Another Lifetime (Part 2) (Jeric Teng - Wensh Tiu)

It didn't turn up the way I planned it, and I haven't proofread this. Sorry for the late update!

Jeric sighed as he finished another day of papers and reports. He loooked around his office and realized that except for the high bookshelf and file-filled cabinet beside his desk, his room felt empty and he felt lonely. He couldn’t help but imagine how different things would have been if it weren’t for that night – the night that changed his fate forever.

“Jeric…”

 

Jeric mentally cursed himself; he still felt the familiar tingling in his stomach whenever she called his name. He didn’t know how to respond, so he simply pretended not to hear her and continued to walk through the sea of people congratulating him.

 

He reached the parking lot when someone grabbed his arm.

 

“Alam kong narinig mo ako kanina, bakit mo ba ako iniiwasan ha? Eh gusto lang naman kitang icongratulate!” she annoyedly asked him.

 

When he didn’t answer, she slapped his arm with the power of her signature spikes.

 

“Ano ba, Wensh! Masakit kaya! Akala ko ba gusto mo akong icongratulate!” Jeric replied as he nursed the part of his arm that Wensh hit.

 

“Eh kasi naman ikaw eh, bakit mo ba kasi ako iniiwasan? Natapos na ‘yong basketball season niyo, nanalo na school namin, ito na-draft ka na sa PBA hindi pa rin tayo nakakapag-usap ng matino!” Wensh attacked Jeric with a sudden barrage of emotions.

 

Jeric felt his heart slowing thawing and warm up to her once again. “Sorry na, medyo naging busy din kasi. Thank you nga pala sa pagpunta.”

 

“Of course, para sa best friend k-“

 

“BABE!”

 

Jeric felt his thawing heart slowly freeze again. Ryan approached them and held Wensh close to him.

 

“Bro, congrats nga pala!” Ryan held out his hand to Jeric.

 

Jeric took it, out of politeness, and firmly shook Ryan’s hand, “Congrats din. Sige mauna na ako sa inyo.”

 

Again he found himself overspeeding, he was driving without a certain destination. He was at a crossing, when suddenly a speeding truck came his way.

 

~~~~~~~

 

“Sorry, Coach Yeng. I don’t think I’m ready and capable of playing basketball right now. Magpapaalam po sana ako, if I can take a temporary leave to use my degree and work abroad.” Jeric bowed his head in shame, taking all responsibility of his actions.

 

“It’s okay Jeric. I just hope one day you’ll be able to come back.”