And Then He Cheated

25

It took me for about three days to finally decide what to do. With the help of my friends I already have the courage to text him. My four girl friends are with me waiting for my phone to receive a text from him. Hopefully, he'll accept my invitation. This is the only way we have to set ourselves free.

Mas mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro yung pagtapon namin ng tingin sa phone ko nung umilaw ito. It came from an unknown number. I stared at them one by one, getting an enough courage from their faces. Inangat ni Dianne yung kamay ko para abutin yung phone ko sa ibabaw ng lamesa.

"Inhale and exhale. You're just going to read his message" ani Hazel. I shut my eyes and immediately opened it.

Rinig na rinig ko ang pagpintig ng puso ko habang unti unting binubuksan ang mensaheng yun. My hands are also shaking, I can't even hold my phone properly.

'Hey, sorry for the late reply. I can free my schedule if you want.' he replied.

Hazel and Katy screamed like a teenager. Tinulak tulak pa nilang dalawa yung braso ko dahilan kung bakit mas kinain ako ng kaba. Why am I nervous, by the way?

"What should I fucking reply?" nanginig yung boses ko at hindi ko alam kung para saan yun.

"Tell him when are you going to meet. Duh, and please stop shaking" hinawakan ni Rosie yung kamay kong nanginginig na pala.

Me:
Yeah it's okay. Let's meet tomorrow? Sa may isang café malapit sa subdivision. Is it okay?

I was stunned when I received an immediate reply from him. Labis ang pagtitili nila Hazel at Katy habang nakamasid lang sakin sila Dianne.

Him:
Yeah sure. Just text me, I'll be there :)

Sinabihan nila ako na huwag na ulit magreply para daw hindi halatang sabik ako sa mga texts niya. Eww, that word.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong nagising dahil na rin siguro sa kabang nararamdaman. After we ate they helped me choose my clothes later. I let them do it even though it's not really necessary. I won't dress for him. Wala din naman akong magagawa kung sila na ang nagsalita.

Hapon na nung magtext ako sakanya. Ayoko din naman kasing istorbohin siya sa oras ng trabaho. I'm just wearing a yellow puffsleeves fitted dress and a white strappy sandals. Hindi ko na pinakialaman yung buhok at mukha ko dahil ayokong isipin niya na pinaghandaan ko itong pagkikita namin. Sinadya ko ding mauna na sa lugar kung saan kami magkikita para mas magkaroon ako ng oras para makapag isip.

Sure, I was the one who initiated this meeting but still I doubt my emotions and physical self. I feel like they will contradict with each other and I don't want to look stupid in front of him.The door attendant greeted me as I enter the establishment. There's also one staff that entertained me about their specialties and other offers. I told her that I'm still waiting for someone so she just gave me a glass of water. While waiting I can't stop myself from feeling scared and nervous all at the same time. Imagine, this is our first meeting after five years. I don't know if how should I act in front of him. How would I address him. Should I say sir?

Ilang beses akong napakurap nung ilang beses kong marinig ang pagtunog ng cellphone ko. Dun ko lang napansin na sa sobrang lalim ng iniisip ko ay natulala ako. Bumuntong hininga ako at marahang dinampot ito.

I received a message from him. The format and smileys are still there. Nothing change, but only his feelings. Kahit na naka unknown number siya ay alam ko na agad na siya yun.

Him:

I'm sorry for keeping you wait. Nasa labas na ako, i can see you here.

Hindi ako lumingon kahit na isang beses man lang sa labas. Ayokong makita niya na meron pa siyang epekto sakin dahil wala na. Hopefully wala na.