Arra
Yup, si Cheska. My first heartbreak.
Cheret. Heartbreak dahil kay Pong.
Yes, maarte talaga ako.
Alam ko naman that he didn't see me as girlfriend potential and all that. During that period, our four year age gap seemed much bigger especially when I was still in high school while he was already in college.
But still, my young heart hoped, you know? I didn't dream of dating many guys and then finding the one. I wanted to meet one and then he would be "it". And I thought, it was Pong.
So, when he showed up with her... masakit. I truly, truly tried to dislike her but she was charming, sweet and kind on top of being very fashionable.
Hindi makatarungan!
"Arra, you and Pauline could check my makeup bag. There are some great products there that would make you look natural but prettier than normal!"
Of course, we rushed to look! Kahit ayaw ko, wala na naman akong magagawa dahil sila na. Next best thing? Makeup.
Pong would roll his eyes but look at Cheska fondly as she coached us on how to use those cheek tints.
They were together for quite a bit. They were still together when I had my first boyfriend when I was a sophomore in college.
One time that we were in the same bar together, Cheska noticed that my then underaged boyfriend already had a couple of drinks. She approached my table and whispered to me what she saw, "Arra, we're taking you guys home. Your boyfriend is in no shape to drive — he really should not be drinking."
"Kaya naman namin, Chek," I pushed back.
She seemed torn, understanding a young girl who wanted to spend time with her special someone, but when she saw him drink again she was certain. "I don't care if you end up hating me, he is not driving and you are not riding in a car with him."
Not leaving my side, she somehow managed to signal to Pong, tell him what was going on and in no time, we were all leaving. Pong drove my boyfriend's car home, while Cheska drove Pong's car as we followed them.
I was so mad and didn't speak to her but when I saw how my boyfriend could barely get out of his car, I knew they were correct.
Pong didn't allow me to get out of the car and Cheska held me back as well.
When I was finally home, I wiped my tears in embarrassment. I headed inside without saying good night.
I saw them the following week after church. "Pong? Chek?" When I had their attention, I meekly said, "Thank you."
"Call us again if you need us to drive."
I gave a wry smile. "I broke up with him."
"Well, you deserve better," Cheska said.
So, yeah, I was a fan and I learned so much from Cheska.
When Pong later on told me that they had broken up, I cried. Mas madami pa yung iniyak ko sa break up nila kaysa sa break up ko. "Whyyyyyyyy! Pong you have to get her back! Huhuhuhu! Were you horrible to her? Say sorry! Huhuhuhu!"
"Bakit ako agad?"
"Eh kasi alam kong nakakainis ka madalas!"
"Wow. Maraming salamat sa'yo."
"Pong naman eh. Get her back! Let's call!"
He put a hand around me and said, "We decided to end it. Magkaiba kami ng direction sa buhay." He went on to tell me that Cheska wanted to stay in the Philippines while he still had many dreams that didn't include living in Manila.
"Long distance relationships can work!" I insisted.
"Arra, we're done. We have to get used to this."
Still sniffling, I asked, "How are you feeling?"
He shrugged. "Sad... horrible actually. But, it's for the best. She's a great person and she deserves to have her dreams come true. I can't give her that."
I cried again because of how unfair the situation seemed. "I'll miss her."
"I'll miss her, too," he said. Jokingly, he poked me, "O, single na ako. Baka ito na chance mo sa akin."
I rolled my eyes. "Feelingero. For your infor —"
Whatever I was going to say was cut off by a honk. Seeing the driver, I waved and slowly walked to his direction. "Hi, James." Turning back to Pong, I made introductions. "James, this is Pong, my childhood friend. Pong, James — my boyfriend."
