Ends With A Bet

13. Decision

Phone rings. Im trying to ignore it but the caller is persistent. I opened my eyes only to be happy because Trina is sleeping soundlessly in my arms. It is such a nice view. The phone stop ringing kaya inayos ko ‘yung mukha niya na natatakpan ng kanyang buhok.

I kissed her nose. I can’t believe I had a night with her. I can’t believe that she loves me, too. Damn! Ang saya sa pakiramdam. Pakiramdam ko ay lalabas na ang puso ko sa aking dibdib. It was beating fast. Sa kanya lang ito dumadagundong. Napapailing ako.

Love makes me say sweet things I can’t imagine thinking.

Tumunog na naman ang telepono kaya dahan-dahan kong ini-angat ang ulo ni Trina at ipinatong ito sa unan. I’m afraid that I’ll wake her up. I know she’s sore and I’m glad she’s sore because of me. I smiled. I kissed his lips once more. I can’t get enough seeing her face. She’s lovely.

I stand up trying hard not to make a noise. I wore my boxers that scattered in the floor. I got her shirt and boxers, to which I lend to her para may maisuot siya. Pinatong ko iyon sa bed side table.

Hinanap ko sa buong kwarto ‘yung nagriring pero wala naman doon. Tumungo ako sa pinto, nakabukas pala iyon kaya pumunta ako sa sala. Doon ko nakita ang phone kong nagriring. I saw Daddy's caller ID so I answered it.

"Hi, Dad!" I greeted cheerfully.

I heard Dad sighed. "You sounds so happy son. What happened?" He asked. I was about to answer but he spoke again. "It’s not good to get jealous every time, you should avoid that. Can't you see, your proposal to her was ruined? You're so clingy, son. Do you want Trina to leave you, just like Mel did?"

My smile faded away. "Trina won't leave me, Dad. I know that. Besides, we are okay now. The proposal is just cancelled." I smiled at the thought. "Don't compare her to Mel, dad." I said as I remember that woman.

"You sounded bitter, don't you?" He asked.

"No Dad, I just hate it. You're bringing the past in the present. I hate it." I hissed.

"Okay, son. I know you love Trina but I don't think–"

"I love her, dad. No buts added." I said and hang up the phone.

I sat in the couch. Thinking about what my father told me.

Melissa is my first love and my first heartbreak. She left me seven years ago for her career in USA. I pleaded her many times not to leave me but after all, she just leave me. I hate her for doing that. Siya ‘yung dahilan kung bakit ako naging Cassanova. I screw girl because of her. Iniwan niya ako ng ganoon kadali. Naging kami ng tatlong taon, nung mga panahon na naging kami, wala na akong ibang inisip na iba kung hindi lang siya. Tinanggihan ko ‘yung proposal ni dad na mag-intern ako sa Thailand dahil sakanya – dahil hindi ko siya kayang iwan. Pero nung siya na ang may oportunidad na naghihintay, she accepted it immediately. She didn't think of me. Iniwan niya ako na nasasaktan. Hindi siya nagpaalam sa akin. Sabi niya ay babalikan niya ako pero hindi ko siya hinintay. Napuno ng galit ang puso ko ng dahil sa kanya. Pinangako ko noon sa sarili ko na hindi na ako magmamahal pa – na gagawin kong laruan ang mga babae – pero naramdaman ko ulit sumaya noong dumating si Trina. Binago niya ang pananaw ko sa buhay. Sa loob ng anim na buwan na kasama ko siya, naramdaman ko ulit sumaya at magmahal ng walang alinlangan. I love her the way she is. Pinaramdam niya sa akin ang totoong pagmamahal na hindi ko naramdaman noon kay Melissa.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ko ng mag-ring ulit ang phone ko. Si Gelo.

"Sir, my urgent meeting po–"

"Cancel it. Appoint it the day after tomorrow." I said then I hang up.

I noticed Trina's purse vibrating. I knotted my forehead. I opened it and I looked for her phone. She has many messages and missed calls. I prefer to put it back in her purse but it vibrated again. The caller ID appears MN. Kumulo na naman ang dugo ko dahil sa lalaking ito. I answered it with fist hands and clenched jaws trying not to explode of anger. How dare him to call Trina.