Astig II (The Promise)

Chapter 26 - Creating Memories

Nang makaalis ang mga kaibigan.  Kinausap na ni Jaybee ng masinsinan si Mandie.

Jaybee: You wanted to go tapos iyak ka ng iyak. How can I be sure that you can take care of yourself if I am seeing you like that?

Naupo na sila sa couch. Humarap si Jaybee kay Mandie.

Jaybee: What if, I go with you?   I can make my Lolo to get me a position at one of his hotels while I am waiting to get an entrance exam to your school for the next semester.

Mandie:  Jay, I cannot let you do that... you have a responsibility with your family.  Besides who will look after my Nanay and Siblings and make sure that they are okay if you are leaving with me.  I need you to be here, for my family especially for Lolo Ricardo.  he can't wait for you to take over your Lolo Art's business and Position as a Board Member.  And I also want you to teach Jonas on how to be a man someday because I want him to be as responsible and loving as you.

Jaybee:  You are indeed a Capili, galing mo mambola eh.  so, what are your plans?

Mandie:  Babalik na ako ng Manila, to go to the US Embassy to apply for a Visa. 

Jaybee:  Where will you stay while you are in Manila?

Mandie:  Hotel or condo for rent around Makati or Manila while I am finishing the requirements I need.

Jaybee:  It's too expensive.  You need to be trifty... or you may run out of money quick.  You can stay at my Condo Unit.  It's a one bedroom unit at La Verti around Pasay.  You can use it for as long as you like. 

Mandie:  You have a unit?

Jaybee:  It's a gift from Lolo for my 18th birthday. He said its accessible to all and in the heart of Manila so when I start working in Makati, I can use it.  So, what do you think?

Mandie:  If you insist.. fine I'll stay at your unit.

Jaybee:  Would you mind if I stay there with you sometimes?

Mandie:  Of course not.

Jaybee:  It's settled then.

Nang gabing yon bumiyahe sila pamaynila at  sa Condo ni Jaybee muna sila dumerecho para ibaba doon si Mandie.  Tsaka naman umuwi sa bahay nila si Jaybee.  Pagdating ng umaga hindi na niya inabutan ang mga magulang dahil tanghali na siyang bumangon kaya matapos kumain at maligo ay isa-isa niyang inihatid ang mga padala ng mga kaibigan niya. 

Tanghalian ng makarating siya kila Shawn.

Jaybee:  Hello po Tito Robby, Tita Sheryl.

Sheryl:  Kamusta?  I saw Shawn's post. How have you been holding up?

Jaybee:  Ok lang po Tita.  Nice to be with the gang at least I had fun even just for a while. 

Robby:  Malamang nagbar kayo?

Jaybee:  We did got drunk... would have been nice if we got laid... maybe that can take my mind off her.

Inakbayan ni  Robby si  Jaybee...

Robby:  Yun ba talaga ang gusto mong mangyari?  Bakit hindi mo na ba gustong hintayin yung araw na it was the woman you love that you made love with?

Jaybee:  I just want the pain to go away Tito.  I really don't know what to do.  si Ice, he gets laid different girl every time at least walang emotional investment puro lust lang pag natapos makakalimutan mo din pati pangalan ng babae.  He seems happy.

Robby:  Si Ice yon and that's how he is... ikaw iisang babae ang pinagukulan mo ng pansin all your life, iisang babae na mahal na mahal mo.

Jaybee:  Yun nga Tito, I love her too much,  I'm willing to suffer kahit iwan pa niya ako. Is that right?  I waited until she's at the right age, it hasn't been a few months umalis na naman siya. Now, I wanted to question, if she really loves me ba?