Faking Delays

61. Introduction

Three years.

Three fucking years of torture, liquor, and isolation from the world. I don't even know what time is it. All I know is that I miss her. Every single fucking day.

"Big bro! I brought you—my god, what is that smell?" Napapikit ako nang buksan ni MJ ang ilaw sa kwarto ko. "Your room's a mess! And you're smoking again? The hell, kuya, akala ko ba you already stopped?!"

Bumuga ako ng usok mula sa sigarilyong hawak ko. "What are you doing here, Mary Jane?" I asked, my voice ragged.

"What are you doing?" she said asked back. Ipinatong niya ang plastic bag na hawak niya sa bedside table ko. She looked at the torn calendar on it. Then she sighed. "Tumayo ka na nga d'yan and could you take a bath, please? No offense, but you smell like the sewer."

"Later..." I murmured. Muli akong humithit and just feel the smoke enter my body. My system feel so numb.

Umubo siya at hinablot sa akin ang sigarilyong hawak ko. "Kuya... stop doing this to yourself. Wala na si ate Kristeena. Kailangan mo tanggapin yun. Masakit but she wasn't for you to keep in the first place. Sir Ron specifically told you to bring her daughter back and nothing else." Umupo siya sa kama. "Falling in love with her wasn't part of the deal. But you did. And now look at you." She sighed.

I closed my eyes as I think of the moments we shared together. "Hindi ko 'yun pinagsisihan," I told her.

She tsked. "I already told you to tell her, 'di ba. But you didn't! Hinintay mo pang magkabukingan kayo." I may not see it, but I know she's shaking her head.

"I knew my mistake, Mary Jane..." I whispered.

She kept silent. Then said, "you've been paying for it for too long. Come on, brother. May nangangamusta sa'yo. Gusto ka raw makausap."

Minulat ko ang mata at tumingin sa kisame. "Sino?"

"I, umm..." she hesitated. Tinignan ko siya. "Well, ate Cecelia insisted and..."

Napaupo ako ng maayos. "You told her where I am," pagtatapos ko sa sasabihin niya.

"Uh, yeah." I groaned. "I might have told her some details. But don't worry! She said she won't try and come here." Ngumiti pa ito. "Exactly like you said."

"You always do the opposite of what I tell you, Mary..." Sinapo ko ang ulo dahil sa kirot.

"She just want to have a friendly chat with you at the mall. Mamaya daw mga 10. Sa coffee shop na lagi niyong pinupuntahan noon."

"Pass." Tumayo ako at lumabas sa kwarto. Dumiretso ako sa kusina para kumuha ng beer. "Tell her I'm sick."

Sumunod siya sa akin sa kusina. "Kung hindi ka raw sisipot ngayon, mapipilitan siyang pumunta rito!"

Bigla akong natigilan sa pagbukas ng hawak kong inumin.

"Please, kuya. This is a favor not just from her but from me as well. Noong sinabi mo na gusto mong ako na muna ang mag manage ng kompanya natin, pumayag naman ako, 'di ba. I even have to study abroad about this business crap for you." Ibinaba ko ang beer sa counter.

"Please. Puntahan mo na si ate Celia. Ang tagal mo nang nagkukulong dito sa bahay mo. Kahit para sa akin lang," dagdag niya pa.

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"So, Luigi, how are you?" tanong ni Celia sa akin. She still acts and dress the same, as if she have nothing to lose. Unlike noong pagkakakilala ko pa lang sa kaniya. Napaka simple niya lang.