silhouette

Chapter 1

Hindi ko alam na magiging kakampi mo pala ang ingay ng musika sa masalimuot mong buhay.

"She's very sick, Ciara. When are you going to visit her?"

Those words still linger in my head while dancing slowly in contrast to the loud music. Nadismaya ako ng malamang  wala ng laman ang bote ng beer na kakabili ko pa lamang.

Was I that thirsty?  I thought to myself.

"Ruby!"

Tawag sa akin ng isa sa naging kaibigan ko dito sa Boracay, si Lucas. He's a bartender. Ruby is my "Club name". I need to fake my name everytime I go somewhere. For security purposes na rin.

Nakangiti ako habang papalapit sa bar. "What can I get for you, Ruby?" Tanong nito sa malakas na boses. Dahil na rin sa lakas ng tugtog ng musika kahit open space naman ito. The club is close to the seashore with its vibrant color.

"Can you give me something strong? I just bought this beer and emptied it in just half a minute!" Biro ko dito.

"Ikaw talaga! Sige, I'll make you some."

I was busy thinking random things while waiting for my drink when I heard the boys near the bar talking about politics.

"Dude, are you really running as a Vice Mayor?"

"I am not really sure, bro. Dad's been bagging me about this but I'm not sure if this is the right time."

"Ang seryoso naman ng usapin na'to. Let's go to the bar and let's get wasted tonight, shall we?"

Napaupo ako ng maayos ng makitang papalapit sila sa bar station na kung saan ako. I want to move to the end chair as I am seated in middle. They're about 5 men and it would be awkward if I'll stay in the middle.

why the fuck do I care? They can stand! --or..hmm. Damn it!

I decided to stand and thought of going to the washroom.

"Here's your drink, Ruby! My secret recipe. Hope you'll like it!"

Nagulat ako sa biglaang pagsulpot ng kamay ni Lucas sa harap ko kaya hindi ko maiwasang masagi ng kamay ko ang basong may laman ng alak. "Shit! I'm sorry, Ruby!"

"It's okay----

"Hey bro, can we get your best drink tonight. Something that would help us forget the past.." Said the guy who I think was part of the group.

Tumingin ulit sa akin si Lucas and I give him the sign that I'm okay and that he can continue his job. I then started to wipe my right arm and dress with some table tissue.

"You okay, Miss? Here's some tissue."

Agad akong napabaling sa lalaking nag abot ng tissue. We stared at each other for a split second. I quickly took the tissues from him then mumbled my simple thanks.

"Woah..ang aga pa bro!" One of the boys teases him. Sumunod naman ang iba.

I didn't bother to look at him again and took some bills from my tiny sling bag and left it on the counter. Mabilis akong nagpaalam kay lucas without even glancing at them na patuloy pa rin sa pang-aasar sa kanya.

"Look at what you did, stupid." Ang huli kung narinig galing sa kanya. I could still hear them laughing and teasing him.