#SquadGoals

Chapter 76 - The Last Hurrah

Sometime last year

They asked why I shipped the two of you when I knew that nothing was going on.

They said I was only teasing the two of you because it was my job to keep the fire burning.

I was turned from a beloved friend to a user of some sorts.

The same thing happened to all our other friends.

Because it doesn't make any sense.

Not everyone could see things from our perspective. Not everyone tries to re-examine what actually happened in the past. 

Suddenly, everything became a farce just because of a statement made out of frustration.

I ---

"You know, I honestly think that ship has sailed," Sam interrupted his would-be long-winded speech. "Let's just respect their decision and move on."

Jerald's jaw dropped in shock. Move on? M O V E  O N ? He will never move on if he had a choice. "How can you say that? You know how..."

"Yes, I know." Sam rolled his eyes in exasperation. "I know they love or loved each other. But it's over now. Sometimes, you have no choice but to let go even if you still want to hold on. Or so they say."

Jerald said nothing in response. He only watched one of his best friends let out a sigh for the umpteenth time that night. That was when he finally remembered. Sam just broke up with Joyce. Oops. Sorry, sorry.

"Papi, hindi naman sa ano ha," Sam started. "Pero kasi iba sila eh. I refuse to believe that everything was a lie. Ikaw mismo kitang kita mo naman kung ano ang totoo."

"Hindii...it can't be true," Jerald told Sam through gritted teeth. "Eh nahuli ko kaya sila! Ano iyun? Peyk lang? Imahinasyon ko lang? Lokohon na nila ang lasing, 'wag lang ako! Ilalabas ko na lahat! Bahala na kung magkagulo. Kala nila ha. Hinahamon nila talaga ako! Lintek lang ang walang ganti."

Sam looked at him pityingly. "Je, I know you're frustrated. I know you're concerned. But you've got to stop this. Things are starting to look up for both of them after that fiasco so stop meddling in their affairs." 

"But we need to talk to RJ! We need to find out..."

Sam dragged his fingers through his hair. "Look, I talked to RJ, okay? He doesn't want to talk about it for now. Can't we just let him, no, them be?"

"I know you're right. But I can't help myself. I'm so invested in their relationship that I can't just do nothing."

"You're not going to do nothing, Je. You're going to let them live their lives. Let them fall back together or go further apart."

"Ang sakit lang kasi, Papi Sam. Ilang buwan na iyung lumipas pero ramdam ko pa rin."

Sam smiled sadly at him. "The pain never goes away. But maybe someday, you know? Maybe someday they'll get the ending they both deserve. Whatever that is."

***

Time passed. 

Jerald...moved on? Nah, that was impossible. He was a shipper through and through. Instead, he kept quiet. That is, until he unfolded that day's newspaper.

Phenomenal Star Maine Mendoza reveals she's getting married today! Read our exclusive interview on Page 15.

"What is this? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?" Jerald scanned through the pages with shaking hands. "BAKIT HINDI AKO NA-INFORM? TEKA. PAPI SAM NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS!"