The Last Shot

Chapter 20: The First Dance

People say I’ve got everything within my reach; fame, money, wits, and face. But I must say they have missed something. I don’t have a complete family. Perhaps, I’m not even loved.

Siguro nga lahat ng gusto ko nakukuha ko. Everything that money can buy, except for love. Since I was young, hindi ko na alam kung paano ang mag-mahal at mahalin. Girls say they love me. But it is not really that love I always wanted. All they want is my fame, money, and  my body.

I’ve been living like a royalty all my life. But my life is actually nothing but a complete mess, sugarcoated with our wealth. My dad is a workaholic. After Annika’s death, mas lalo pa siyang naging workaholic. Hindi ko nga alam kung anong ginagawa ni Annika para magpahinga naman si dad sa work niya. We used to have a family day before at our beach house. But I really never enjoyed it, lalo na at alam kong dahil yun kay Annika. I just despise her and her presence. But I did not realize, she tried to bring me closer to our father.

“May problema ba Gab?” I heard Saab’s voice.

I shifted my gaze to my back. I saw Saab with her arms crossed.

She went closer as she looked up to the family portrait which I have been staring at for a few moments already. “You’re staring at her again. Do you still hate her that much?”

I looked up and stared at Annika’s photo. “No.”

“Then why are you looking at her?” Saab asked.

I heaved out a sigh and looked at Saab. “Why do you think mom left me?”

She was caught offguard with my question, but she managed to speak. “She has her reasons Gab. At siya lang yung makakapag-sabi sa’yo nun.”

“Right.” I mumbled. “I just hate her.”

“Gab…” Saab mumbled.

“You know, I wouldn’t be this kind of man if not for her.” I said as I curled my fist. “I could have been someone better.”

I shifted back my gaze to our family portrait. “I could’ve treated her better.”

Saab gave me a pat on my back. “Gab it’s still your choice. You can change for the better.  At isa pa, I’m sure Annika was so happy with all your efforts to make her happy before she died.”

“And Gab, why can’t you just leave all those in the past? I’m sure napatawad ka na ni Annika.” She added.

I looked back at Saab. “Hindi lang naman si Annika ang nasaktan ko Saab.”

“Marami akong sinaktan Saab.” I said.  “I broke their hearts. And its all because I wanted revenge.”

“At nakuha mo ba ang gusto mo?” she asked. “We’re you happy na you broke their hearts?”