Never an Us

Two: Long Time No See

Dave

I decided to take a walk sa bakuran nila Cici. It's been a while since nung huling punta ko dito.

"Hindi ka pa ba magpapahinga Dave?" I turn around and found Ally walking towards me.

"Just wanted to take some fresh air. Papasok na rin ako in a while."

"Pinapatulog na ni Ate si Drake.. binabasahan pa niya ng story book e."

"She's really very hands on mom, and that's what I admire her the most. Very caring, thoughtful, loving... I could go on and might run out of adjectives to describe her." 

"You love her that much huh?" Ally asked.

"Does it shows?"

"Sa katulad kong observant, yes it does. I can see how your eyes glow everytime you talk about her. I just wish Ate Cici could see that also." 

"I wished of that also, everytime! Hahaha" I gave her a fake laugh.

"But she only see me as a friend. And I already learn to accept that."

"Don't loose hope Dave. You've been around her since forever, ngayon ka pa ba susuko?"

"Hindi ako sumusuko Ally. A part of me still hopes, but I don't expect. I just learned how to place where I should be and not to push anything. As musch as possible, I am trying to be your Ate's bestfriend muna."

"I admire your being like that Dave. I just hope na sooner, makita ni Ate ang worth mo. Aren't you worried na baka nagsasayang ka lang ng oras mo?"

"I don't see it that way. Your Ate is all worth the wait. Pero if eventually, somewhere along the way, someone comes and swept me off my feet and help me to realize that I could love her more than what I feel with Cici, I will give it a shot. HIndi naman ako ganun kamartyr."

Ally

I'm so happy that nakauwi na si Ate. It's been so long since nakasama namin siya dito sa bahay. We're always the one who goes abroad and visit her. 

Both mom and I understand why. She needs those time. And she promised naman na when the time's right, she will come home. And she did.

At the same time, masaya din ako dahil alam ko na Ate's staying here for good will also mean that Dave will do the same.

Yes. I admit. I'm in love with this man infront of me. Pero just like him to Ate, I could only be a friend to him... for the meantime.

"I hope na ma-reciprocate ni Ate ang feelings mo Dave. Pero if she don't, I'm pretty sure that there will always be the one who will love you back the way you wanted to be loved. You're a good man." Pagbibigay ko ng encouragement kay Dave, and just like him, eventhough it hurts, I need to pretend.

"Oh, that is so sweet of you Ally. I didn't know na you're also looking for my sake? I like that."

"Hey, you're my ate's best buddy, hindi ka na iba noh. Masyado lang kasing naka-focus ang mata at puso mo kay Ate kaya 'di mo napapansin na may iba rin namang tumitingin sa'yo. Tingin-tingin din sa paligid 'pag may time! Hehehe" Pagbibiro ko sa kanya.

"Hahaha, yeah, I'll remember that."

"I'll go up first, medyo late na rin e. Hindi ka pa ba matutulog?"I asked Dave as I get ready to go up.

"Maya-maya din aakyat na ako."

"Ok. Good night then."

"Good night Ally."

Tumalikod na ako at akmang aalis na when...

"Ally....." Dave called me.

Napalingon ako sa kanya and saw his smile and said...

"Thank you. I'll keep in mind all what you've just told me."

After hearing that, I only smiled at him and went to my room.

---

Cici

 "Mimi wake up!!!" naalimpungatan ako ng may biglang nagtatalon sa kama ko to realized that it's my angel Drake.

"Five minutes more baby, Mimi is still sleepy..." antok pang sabi ko sa anak ko.

"But Mimi, I'm hungry. I can't eat without you. Get up Mimi... Lola Mommy said that breakfast is ready and Papa Dave and Tita Ally are all awake... Please Mimi, get up!" Patalon-talon pa ring sabi ng anak ko.

"Ok, ok. Stop jumping. Go ahead down stairs, Mimi will just wash up and I'll be with you in a while." Bumangon na rin ako.

"No, I don't want to. I'll just sit here and wait for you just to make sure." sabay halukipkip ng anak ko na akala mo ay matandang naninigurado habang nakatulis ang nguso. 

Napapailing na lang ako na pumasok sa bathroom. 

Pag baba namin sa kusina, nasa hapag na sila Mommy, Ally at Dave na masayang nagkukwentuhan.

"Good morning everyone!" masaya kong bati sa kanila. I sat beside Dave and Drake beside me.

"Ano bang pinakukuwentuhan ninyo at dinig na dinig namin yung tawanan ninyo pababa pa lang kami ng hagdan?"

"Wala naman Ate. Ito kasing si Dave ang daming baong jokes."

"Masaya pala talagang kasama itong si Dave ano anak?" dugtong naman ni Mommy.

"Yes Mommy, he's very fun to be with and he never fails to make me smile whenever we're together." sang-ayon ko naman sa sinabi ni Mommy.

"If that's so, then bakit until now magkaibigan pa rin kayo? ARen't  you guys planning on taking your friendship into the next level? I mean, you look good together and you've been through a lot also together.."

"Mommy... we already talked about that. Let's just eat." pagputol ko sa sinasabi ni Mommy.

"Both Cici and I are happy how things between us is as of the moment. And if ever we find to take it to the next level, you'll be the first person to know." sabay lingon sa akin ni Dave and gave me a wink.

"O, siya, bahala na nga kayo. Kumain na nga tayo. Drake apo, eat plenty ha. After breakfast I'll take you to the mall and we'll have fun." Baling ni mommy kay Drake na busy sa kanyang kinakain.

"Yehey! You heard that Mimi? Lola Mommy will take me to the mall."

"yes baby, I heard that. Eat more pala para you have the energy the whole time of your gala with lola."

"But Mommy, can you handle Drake alone? He's so makulit pa naman and very hyper. Baka mapagod ka ng husto." nag-aalala kong tanong kay mommy.

"Don't worry much Ate, I'll go with them.." 

"Hello every one!" napalingon kami from where the voice coming from and I'm very surprise seeing him standing there sa bukana ng pinto ng dining area.

Then suddenly, my heart beats so fast.

"Long time no see... Cici." 

"Derreck!"