Since Childhood

6: A Friend's Betrayal

Amanda and I were walking, we're heading out of the school premises when she spoke to me.

"Are you going?"

Huminto ako sa paglakad. She too halted and then we face each other.

"To the J.S?" I asked.

"Yeah,"

"Honestly, hindi ko alam. Maybe not. I don't know if there is someone I can grab to party with me as my date." I shrugged while frowning.

It's already December and we have a school event next week which is the J.S Prom. Everyone was looking forward. I wanna be excited too, but I just can't feel it because I have a self-issue. Especially now that Amanda have started noticing Timothy's effort. The three of us are good friends. Pero every time na magkasama kaming tatlo, it feels like I was their shadow. Tim is setting me aside. Kung hindi pa ako papansinin ni Amanda or call my name, Tim wouldn't have noticed my existence kapag magkakasama kami.

Sometimes, I admit to myself that I hate being friends to Amanda and regrets introducing her to Tim. But my problem is that I have no rights even just a little to be mad. Timothy made it clear that I am just a little sister to him. A little sister since our first interaction. And until now, I still can't accept it. Hindi ko matanggap yung sisterly feeling nya for me. Because I love him. I know I'm too young to say such thing but what can I do? I know that this is love and nothing else.

"Ikaw? You coming?" It is my turn to ask.

"I don't know either. It sounds fun but if you won't be going, then I won't as well. I would rather stay home if you're staying home."

"But you should go if you feel like going." I feel guilty because she's holding herself back just because of me.

"Party means nothing without true friend."

Right there, we exchanged warm smiles and then we hug each other. And on this very moment, I discarded all my insecurities for Amanda. If Tim likes her and go after her, I'll accept that without hate. If she likes him back and they started dating, I will also accept it. Because she is true friend, and we don't hinder our true friend's path to happiness.

After a week, we become closer, although we are close already. Maybe it all happen because I finally let go of my insecurity, that I was able to accept the situation as it is.

Tonight is the night of J.S Prom. I'm lying in my bed, with the earphones on my ear. Listening to my favorite music. I was simply browsing the internet. After some time, I stopped. I stare at my ceiling, imagining and visualising how the party is goin' at my school. They all must be having the time of their lives tonight as they enjoy their dates. I wish I was there, with Timothy.

I was gazing, spacing out when I felt a weight on the side of my bed. Napalingon ako. It was mom, sitting next to me. I didn't hear her coming because of my earphones.

I sat up straight and then I pull the earphones off and then stopped the music.

"Mom, sorry. I didn't noticed you." I had my legs crossed while looking at her.

"Don't you have schedule for tonight?"

My forehead twitched. Then I started recalling my memories if I made a plan for tonight. I replied, "I... don't know. Do we have a plan tonight?"

"The J.S Prom?"

"Ahh. No. I decided na magstay na lang dito sa bahay."

"Again? Last year you didn't attend too. Why?" Mom was kinda disappointed.

"I don't have interests." I said boringly.

"Just go, anak. Parties in high school are the best. It is once a year and it comes only twice your whole life. And you already missed one."