Roller Coaster

RC --- Chapter SIXTEEN

There is only one happiness in life—to love and be loved. - Anonymous

November 24, Monday                                                                                                                   

7:30 PM                                                                                                                                      

Somewhere

Three days. Exactly three days after wrecking the friendship I had with Miguel and true to form, I never heard from him again. Nagtataka na sina Xas kung bakit hindi daw dumadalaw si Miguel samantalang nagpromise daw ito na  ilalabas sila nung Sunday.

I could only formulate a reason of him perhaps busy at work. No matter how closed we friends were there were some things I kept to myself. This was one of them, lalong lalo na’t ako ang may kasalanan kung bakit siya nagalit.

I left my parked car at dumiretso sa restaurant where I was to meet up with Erick. This was a friendly date he humbly asked in exchange for his birthday celebration I won’t be able to attend this Sunday. Dahil nga sa kasal ni Nix.

Pumasok ako at luminga sa paligid, I immediately saw him on the right side, four tables away from the entrance. I gracefully marched towards him, smiling. Tumayo ito kaagad and offered a seat. “Thank you.”

“You look stunning! As always.” He complimented as he took his seat.

“You don’t look bad yourself.” It was true. He was charming in his casual attire, blue striped V-neck shirt and dark blue jeans.

“I’m glad I impressed you.” He smiled boyishly.

Natawa ako. “Sira ka talaga!” I thwacked him on the arms lightheartedly.

Ever since the chat we had two weeks ago, I can sense he was tripling his effort of letting me go. I was happy. I was glad he could soon be free of me.

The date went amazingly well, I didn’t expect it ending awkwardly confusing.

Just because of one man.

We finished dinner and decided to hit one bar briefly. I wanted to at least make it a memorable day for him since it could very well be the last time we’ll be alone together.

Galing ako ng bathroom nang hindi ko nakita si Erick sa dati naming table bagkus nakatayo ito at may kausap sa kabilang dulo ng resto. Naglakad ako palapit sa kanya. He was talking to two men whose backs I could only see, in front of them were two lovely women most likely their dates.

15 feet. How come it was only 15 freaking feet afar before I apprehended that familiar back? My steps slowed down, desiring to turn around and leave. Pero paano si Erick?

Kaya mo yan Adrianna! It’s only Miguel!

“Adrianna!” Erick took my hand. “These are my friends, Miguel and Andrew.” Umpisa ng pagpapakilala nya. “And these are their dates, Patricia and Anya.” Matipid akong ngumiti sa mga ito. “This is Adrianna, a friend.” I looked at him, surprised with his introduction.

My mouth crafted a pleased beam indifferent of the other four heads. It was the first time he called me a ‘friend’ not the usual ‘special friend’ or other peculiar descriptions.

“Let’s go.” It was a jolly night, staying further with Miguel could very well create a tensed ambiance. I could feel it. I think we both could and it was something I wouldn’t risk having.