I woke up with a splitting headache and my whole body aching from falling asleep on the floor. I wasn't sure if I woke Jia up with my groaning or Jia woke me up with her own protest of pain. We both looked like a mess as we tried to sit up.
"Let's not do this again, Jia," I struggled to say with my dried up throat.
"Bakit kasalanan ko? Parang kasalanan ko," Jia croaked with difficulty.
I grabbed a throw pillow from the couch and threw it lightly on her face for that Four Sisters and a Wedding reference.
She groaned loudly. "Ano ba, Isabel?!"
"Isabel ka diyan!" I protested.
Jia only sneered. She knows I don't like being called Isabel. But she also knows she's one of the few people who can get away with it.
"Seriously, though. As much as gusto ko ng walwal, it's not to the point I fall asleep on the floor. My body aches, Jia," I whined.
"Agreed," Jia also groaned out.
We tidied up the mess slowly and painfully before we decided to freshen up. I let Jia borrow some of my clothes. Then, we ordered and ate before plopping down on the couch. We just sat there trying to limit our movements as much as possible, regretting what we did.
I don't know when but we fell asleep. When we woke up, it was already afternoon and Jia decided to go home.
"Hatid na kita," I said.
"Hindi na, Bei. Alam ko namang masakit pa katawan mo. Mag-Grab na lang ako," she replied.
"Jia, I'm fine. I'd rather make sure you get home safely."
Jia argued and protested but I'm a hell lot more stubborn than her so I won.
We were quiet most of the ride with just small talks in between. Jia didn't want to talk about her problem anymore and I decided to give her the space and time she needed.
"Pasok ka muna," Jia said when we arrived at her house.
"Hindi na, Jia. May aasikasuhin pa ako, eh."
Jia nodded. "Thank you for yesterday and today, Bei. Sobra. Ingat ka pauwi, ah."
I smiled and pulled Jia to me so I could kiss her on the forehead.
"Wala 'yun. Don't be a stranger, okay, Jia? I'm here if you need me."
Jia's eyes got teary and she hugged me tightly.
"Thanks, Bei," she whispered.
She got out of the car after but before she passed through their gate, I rolled my window down.
"Jia!" I called her.
She turned to me with a curious look.
"Love you."
Her eyes softened and she smiled.
"Love you, too, Bei."
I smiled and waved goodbye before driving away.
When I got home, I made sure to text Jia. I knew Jia. She'd tell you the problem once because she needs to get her off her chest then she'd avoid talking about and deal with it on her own. She'd joke around and keep up a façade that she's okay. She won't approach you.
I decided to bug her and be the friend that she needs.
-
Several days later, I made my way to the gym where Jia's team practices. It was a familiar yet strange feeling to hear the sound of hand and ball meeting as a player spikes and the bouncing of the balls. Ah. I missed this.
