So It's You

SIY 22: 319 days before separation

"Ano ba Edward? Nahihilo na ko sayo!" Sigaw ni Pat kay Edward na kasalukuyan ngayong naglalakad pabalik balik sa salas nila Maymay. Birthday kasi ni Maymay ngayon at may hinanda itong sorpresa para dito.

"Bakit wala pa sya Pat? Di ba sabi mo kinuha lang nya yung pinadala ni Mama Lorna so she is supposed to be here in just a couple of hours. Pero magdadalawang oras na. May nangyari na kaya sa kanya? O baka mamaya may pinuntahan pa sya, masisira yung hinanda ko para sa kanya sayan——Ouch! Hey what was that for!?" Sabi ni Edward habang minamasahe yung ulo nya na kinutusan ni Pat.

"Napakaparanoid mo Edwardo ha? Wag kang OA. Maya-maya nandito na yon!"
Sigaw ni Pat habang may katext sa phone nya. Nacurious naman si Edward kung sino ang katext nito kaya kanya itong tinanong.

"Who's that?" Sinilip ni Edward ang phone ni Pat at medyo nainis sya nang makita nya na si Ricci ang katext nito at mukhang inimbita ito ni Pat. "You invited Ricci?!"

Napatingin si Pat kay Edward. "Oo naman! Kaibigan din naman sya ni May no kaya mas masaya kung nandito din sya."

"But you know that he's my rival when it comes to Maymay! Why'd invite him?!" Edward crossed his arms in disapproval.

"Edwardo, birthday ni Maymay ngayon. Kilala mo naman si Maymay, sob—" Natigilan si Pat ng tumunog yung phone nya. Maya maya may nagdoorbell at dali dali itong lumabas at pinagbuksan kung sino man ang nagdoorbell. Mga ilang segundo pagkatapos iniluwa ng pinto si Pat at si Ricci.

He was still about to question and argue with Pat about her decision of inviting Ricci despite knowing the fact that he was the one who organized this birthday surprise for Maymay but then he realized she was right—Maymay would be happy if everyone she loves are with her especially in special occasions. Maymay has always been very sentimental. That's what makes her special, her unconditional positive regard for everyone in her life. And this party is for Maymay, not for him. Her happiness should be his priority. And even if that means dealing with the fact that Ricci has a special place in Maymay's life, that should be okay for him. Because at the end of the day, Maymay's happiness should be at the top of his list.

Ricci walks toward him and offered him a handshake. He grabbed it and shook his hands. "Kamusta?" Edward blurted out casually.

"Eto, naghihintay pa din ng go signal mula sa doctor ko kung pwede na ko maglaro ng basketball."

"That's good to hear." After that, an awkward silence started to air between the two of them.

Ricci was the one who had the courage to break the deafening silence. "So..are you brave enough now?" He had to ask this. Ito kaagad ang gustong itanong ni Ricci dito. Matapos ang nangyari sa outing noon, he was a witness of how quick Maymay and Edward's relationship reconciliated.

Edward knew exactly what Ricci means with that question. He was asking about his feelings for Maymay. He let out a big sigh and smiled. Normally, if he was still the Edward several months ago he would be confused. But right now, he has never been this certain. "I have never been this sure, Ricci. I love her,"

It was a mixed emotions for Ricci upon hearing those from Edward. Part of him aches so much, because he knew he lost. But a part of him is also jumping up and down in joy for Maymay. She deserves that happiness. She deserves all the happiness the world could ever give—and he knows Edward is a huge part of it. "So you're officially together?"

Ricci was puzzled when he saw Edward shook his head. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want to make the same mistake I did with Heaven. Aminado ako na masyado akong nagpadala nun sa nararamdaman ako at masyado akong nagmadali. Look what happened, I have hurt them both. For now, I want to take things slow. But one thing's I am a hundred percent sure of right now, it's what I feel for Maymay."