Race Against Love (on-going)

Teaser

" Reese..."

Am I dreaming? Pumikit ulit ako at dumilat. Namamalikmata lang ba ako?

He is real. God, it's been so long. Akala ko hindi ko na siya makikita ulit. Bakit ngayon pa? Kung kelan pinatay ko na siya sa puso't isipan ko.

When he speaks, he utters my name like a cupcake with mallows and candy sprinkles. Just by the sound of his voice, I almost melted. His voice is deeper and a little bit hoarse.

" Adler..."

My tone sounded like accusing. Hindi para batiin siya. I did not sound like acknowledging his presence as well. Isa itong panunumbat.

" You guys know each other?" Naguguluhang tanong ng isang babae.

Hindi ko napansin na may kasama pala siya. Kahit nahihilo ako, I tried to focus on his handsome face with little stubbles growing on his chin. I blinked when he slid his arms around her waist. At hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata ko nang marahan niyang haplusin ang tagiliran ng babae. I froze. Like I was hit by an arrow. Here, in my chest.

" She's a good friend," maikling sagot ni Adler sa babae.

And Adler looked at me once again, like a good friend does. So that's what I was to him? A good friend. So he never considered me as his girlfriend.

Masisis ko ba siya? He left and we didn't get the chance to talk. I refused to see and talk to him because it was no use.

She smiled sweetly at me. " I'm Nahya. Sorry, you're not familiar. Lahat kasi ng friend ni Adler kilala ko. You must be one of his college friends."

Nahya.

A name I can't forget. Siya ang babaeng minahal ni Adler noon.

" It's nice to meet you..."

I was pulled back to my senses when we shake hands. New friends shake hands. But she shakes my hand like she's rocking my world. Bakit siya bumalik kasama ang babaeng ito? Pakiramdam ko, sila ang gugulo sa tahimik kong mundo.

Her smile is genuine. But I can't extend the same courtesy.

I hate this feeling. Ikakasal na ako. What Adler and I had is now a history. Ayoko nang balikan pa. Ayoko nang balikan pa ang mga panahong nagpakatanga at nagpakababa ako sa para sa kanya. I was too young then, and innocent.

Just as I thought I'm over him, pero bakit ngayong kaharap ko na ulit siya, my heart still aches. It aches not just because of pain, but for longing.