One More Chance

VI

I'm meeting with my friends today, including Thirdy, catching up lang after 5 long years. I feel anxious cause I don't know if they'd still treat me like they used to. Si Cayla lang ang sasama sa akin dahil hindi pa daw handa si Issa, I understand naman. We're on our way since La Creperie is 30 minutes away from our house and its traffic as well.

Cayla: "Daddy, why didn't mommy go with us?" she asked.

AJ: "She wants to rest princess because she's tired." I lied.

Cayla: "Is she sick? We should've stayed at home with mommy so we can take care of her." She asked worried.

AJ: "Mommy's not sick princess. She's just tired. How about we bring her food later when we go home?" I said while still focusing on the road.

Cayla: "Okay daddy. But can we go home right after we have dinner?"

AJ: "Of course princess."

Cayla: "Are we there yet daddy? I'm already hungry."

AJ: "We're here, don't worry." I said and looked for a parking spot.

I decided to meet them here at La Creperie since we used to hangout here before, and the place is not crowded. A lot has changed in this place, this used to be a small cafe. Now, it has a garden and a second floor. When we got inside, I instantly saw Thirdy and the rest. They were already complete.

Julian: "Oh andito na si AJ. Dude! Long time no see. Langya ka, ang tagal mong di nagparamdam."

Tumayo silang lahat at lumapit sa akin, ang iba niyakap ako habang ang mga lalake binatukan lang ako.

Thirdy: "Gago ka talaga bro. We thought you're dead." He punched me lightly in the shoulders.

AJ: "Miss you too bro. Really busy lang with dad and the company." I said.

Ponggay: "Let's talk while eating, sayang ang oras. And the food is here na. But first, mind to introduce us to your little companion AJ?" Ponggay said while pointing at Cayla

AJ: "Sorry nakalimutan ko." I scratched my head. "Guys, this is Cayla my daughter. Princess, they are my friends." Sabi ko sa kanya at pinakilala ko sila isa isa.

Julian: "Ang tanda mo na dude, may anak ka na talaga. Haha." He teased.

Maddie: "Hello Cayla. Where's your mom? Why isn't she here?" She asked Cayla who was silent.

Cayla: "Daddy said mommy wants to rest because she's tired, that's why she couldn't come with us."

Maddie: "Langya naman AJ, sana sinabihan mo ako na magdala ng tissue. Mauubos dugo ko sa anak mo." We all laughed.

AJ: "Makulit as always. Let's continue talking na lang while eating." Umupo na kami lahat and started eating.

It feels good to be with them again, yung feeling na at home na at home ka. I'm also happy kasi yung kulitan namin dati, yung mga asaran, still the same. Its true when they said true friends remain good friends even without seeing each other for a long time. But of course, di ko maiwasang malungkot dahil ang dami kong na miss sa mga buhay nila. I didn't know that Jolo and Rhiana broke up, Kat and Bacon are already engaged.

Jules: "Baby girl, can you tell us about your mom?"

Cayla: "Mommy's a fashion designer." She said while chewing her food.

AJ:  "Princess, what did I tell you? No talking when your mouth is full."

Jarvey: "How did you two meet bro?" He asked.

AJ: "Long story bro." I said. I dodged his question because I don't know what to say.

Cayla: "Mommy told me that daddy was her college friend." I was surprised by what she said.