Since Childhood

9: Mistook in the Dark

[2 YEARS LATER...]

“What did you just said?” I mused to Amanda.

“Please, Daniela. For Tim.”

We are at the Starbucks. I got text from her just this morning na gusto daw nya makipagkita. At first, I have second thought of coming or not. Matagal na kaming hindi naguusap ni Amanda and Tim. After finding out that they’re officially dating, I distant myself from them and I am doing fine since then. Ngayon na lang ulit kami nagusap ni Amanda. I don’t even know where the hell she get my number.

“Amanda, you are fully aware that I have a boyfriend right? Tapos papapuntahin mo ako sa supposedly belated anniversary celebration nyo? I mean, are you okay? Are you being sarcastic now?” Kunot noo kong sabi kay Amanda.

She’s so annoying! And she’s stupid.

“No, Daniela. I’m begging you. Wala akong intention na inisin ka. It just happen that I have a very important schedule on that day. I–”

“More important than your anniversary with Tim?”

“Yes.”

I was definitely stunned on her answer. What? She is ditching her boyfriend for something else?

“That’ll be the day that we will send off our grandma. If you were on my shoes, pipiliin mo bang mag celebrate kesa sa libing ng kapamilya mo?” There was pain in her eyes by mentioning her grandmother.

“Pero bakit ako? Bakit hindi mo na lang sabihin kay Tim na hindi ka makakapunta? Bakit hindi mo nalang sabihin sa kanya ang tungkol sa lola mo. Why are you dragging me into this? Why me?!”

“Because you’re the only one I know who I can count on. And this is my grieve alone. Ayoko na maging malungkot si Tim because of my personal problems. Please, Daniela. You’re the only person I know na makakatulong sa akin. You knew him very well. He will understand it better if it was you.” She look at me like she’s about to cry. I started feeling sympathetic for her. Ang bigat ng pinagdadaanan nya ngayon and she’s excluding Tim from her pain. That was heroic but stupid. “Please, Daniela...” She plead.

Bumuntong hininga ko bago ko tanggapin ang request nya.

Tear escaped her eyes when I agreed on her plan. And then she grabbed my hand. Minasahe nya iyon, she’s smiling but crying.

“Thank you so much, Daniela. Thank you.” She cried.

“It’s okay. I got it.”

“Please give this to him.” Tapos ay may iniabot sya sa akin na maliit na box.

We just finished talking when August came. He is here to pick me up. August is my boyfriend. We are one and half year couple. Alam ni mama at ni kuya, and his family knew me as well. Having him was like having a boy best friend who will protect you from all forms of pain existing in this cruel world. I don’t know how did we ended up like this from mere friends. He makes me feel comfortable every time we’re together, or talking on the phone.

He can make me laugh and can sooth me from crying. He was such a nice guy. And I love him. I do. And I hope that I can prove to myself that I do really love him after seeing Tim again.

Sa loob kasi ng dalawang taon ay ginawa ko ang lahat para hindi magtagpo ang landas naming dalawa ni Tim. Timothy became very busy too because of his studies. Every time I get the news that he’s coming to our house with kuya Hirro and Gael, lagi naman akong lumalabas. I always ask August out and he never ditch me. August was such a very big help all those years. And I’m grateful that he was still with me.