I fell in love

Chapter 31

"Tara." Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto bago bumulong. "Baby, dumugo yung lips."

I looked at her with a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips, the kind that came out naturally when I was both amused and trying to stay composed.

My left brow lifted on its own, a silent reaction I didn't even try to hide.

It wasn't anger. It wasn't even jealousy. It was something else. Something sharper. Something quieter but heavier.

My smirk widened, this time more deliberate.

 I leaned a little forward and gave her a light pat on the shoulder, almost like I was reminding her of something she might have forgotten.

A warning disguised as a gesture of calm.

"Oh?" I exaggeratedly breathed out, still with a smirk. "Anong gagawin ko?" Binasa ko yung mga labi ko gamit yung dila ko.

Matagal na akong nagtitimpi sa babaeng 'yon. Mabuti na lang ngayon, may dahilan na para hindi masabi na literal na freak ako.

Isa pa, Althea is my girlfriend, for pete's sake. I know my rights. Alam ko kung kailan dapat walang imik at kung kailan ko kailangang makisali.

She exaggeratedly breathed out and looked down. "Nothing," she said.

Ngumiti siya sa mga tao sa table namin at naramdaman ko yung kamay niya sa baywang ko. "Aalis na kami." Isa isa niyang hinalikan sa pisngi yung mga kasama namin. Ganoon din ako.

"Drink responsibly, guys." Pahabol ko bago damputin yung cellphone ko at bag.

We were both quiet when we got to the car. No one said a word. Not even a sigh.

Althea walked ahead and opened the door for me without looking back. I got in without thanking her, staring straight ahead, jaw clenched.

Why does it suddenly feel like I'm the one who did something wrong? Why does it feel like I have to explain myself when all I did was stand my ground?

I only did that because her ex was clearly out of line. If it had just been some passive-aggressive looks or subtle side comments, I could've let it slide.

 I've dealt with worse. But that? That kiss? Right in front of me? On Althea's cheek like I wasn't even there? Hell no. That's not okay. Not even close.

Why am I still thinking about it? The more I replay the scene in my head, the more my blood boils.

 It wasn't even about jealousy at that point. It was about respect. And boundaries. And how that girl clearly has none.

And Althea? Don't even get me started. She hasn't said a damn word.

Not a single explanation, not even a question. Just silence. As if me keeping it in was supposed to be enough. 

 What does she want me to feel? Happy that her ex still can't move on? Should I just sit there smiling like it's cute?

Then they should've just gone home together. I swear, nakakainis.

"Sana hindi mo na sinampal," she finally said, her voice soft but steady.

My head turned toward her slowly, eyes narrowing.

"Her lip was bleeding," she added, still calm.

But that calmness didn't help. It only made it worse. It was like something about her tone flipped a switch in me. 

As if I was being scolded for defending what we have. As if I was supposed to stand there and just take it.

There was something in the way she said it that made me feel small. Like I overreacted.