Loving Bestfriend

Chapter 36

I shifted uncomfortably on my seat when I saw who we picked up first. Standing outside their gate, clad in a yellow summer dress with a messy up-do bun, is Jean. Even from a few meters away, I can tell that she's still the beauty from years ago. The beauty that the beast next to me fell in love with.

I don't know why they broke up and chose to remain just friends, whereas, what they had was something so precious, so rare yet so true.

I should know. Now I feel guilty for trying to come between them. I fumbled on my safety belt and opened the door as soon as the car stopped in front of her.

"Ven, where are you going?" Narinig ko pa ang pagtawag ni Yohan dahil sa ginawa ko pero hindi ko siya pinansin.

Nang harapin ko si Jean pagbaba ko ay nakita ko ang gulat sa kanyang mukha. I'm quite sure I can hear her thoughts in my own head and I cannot help but agree.

I know! It is fucking awkward, isn't it?

Nginitian ko siya at hinawakan ang bukas na pintuan ng sasakyan para sa kanya.

"Good morning! Hop in!" I said trying to lighten up the thick atmosphere. Nakita kong nanatili ang gulat sa kanyang mukha at tinignan si Yohan sa loob. I saw how her expression changed from shock to hesitant. And when she turned to me it became apologetic.

Nanatili ang ngiti ko para sa kanya to let her know that whatever she's concerned about, it's okay. And I figured it's how I was the first one to occupy the seat but now she feels guilty that I'm giving it up to her.

"Go on. Sa likod nalang ako, gusto ko kasing matulog. Hindi ako makakatulog dyan sa unahan, besides Yohan needs some company. We don't want our driver dozing off." I told her then opened the sliding door to the back seat and settled myself in. I gave her an encouraging nod just before I closed the door.

Nakita kong walang nagawa si Jean kundi ang sumakay sa unahan. Hindi ko maiwasang obserbahan silang dalawa. Binati nila ang isa't isa sa kaswal na paraan at nag-usap na para bang walang nakaraan. Wow! I'm impressed. How can they do that? Ako kasi, I can never stay friends with my ex after a breakup.

Nagtama ang tingin namin ni Yohan sa rearview mirror, nahuli niya akong nakatingin sa kanila. It's hard not to notice that he's looking at me, when his serious and accusing eyes are piercing through me. Umiwas agad ako ng tingin at umusog patungo sa may bintana ngunit hindi ko maiwasan ang pagkunot ng noo. Ano na namang problema niya?

Why was he suddenly giving me that look, like I just did him wrong? I honestly think I might have given them both a favor. Malay namin, baka naman may pag-asa pa silang magkabalikan.

Tumagilid ako ng upo paharap sa bintana upang maisandal ang ulo sa upuan at pinikit ang mata. Hindi pa nag-lilimang segundo sa pwesto ay mumulat ako at naghanap ng ibang pwesto. Shit! Hindi talaga ako mapakali. Wala bang unan? I'm used to having pillows in the car during long trips. Pakiramdam ko kasi ay nasa kama ko lang ako kaya mas nakakatulog ako ng maayos. I think it's how my brain deceives me.

"Are you comfortable there?" Rinig kong tanong ni Yohan, malamang para kay Jean, kaya inabala ko ang sarili sa paghahanap ng magandang pwesto para matulog. See? It's possible! Pwede pa silang magkabalikan. The concern is still there.

"Ven..." Tawag ni Yohan. Oh! Ha? Tinignan ko siya at nakitang nakatingin pa rin siya sa akin mula sa rearview mirror. Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay bilang tanong kung bakit.