Stonehearts 7: Ruby

Twenty Nine

"You're really here!" Aly exclaimed before she jumped right into my arms. I given her the same intensity she had poured to that embrace.

"I'm back." I wistfully whispered to her.

Her body shook with her little sobs before she faced me, arms still around my neck. "Akala ko hindi ka na talaga babalik." She said with a pout.

I smiled, letting her go. I wanted to tell her that originally, I don't have any plans of going back, but I know it will hurt her. Alam kong sinisisi niya pa rin ang sarili niya dahil sa mga lapses niya raw bilang best friend. I don't blame her, she does it on her own accord.

I'm not doing so well in the US. Mom fell into depression for awhile but she bounce back like the trooper that she is. She still mourns the lost of her best friend and ex-husband, but she's better now. Siya na ang nagpapatakbo ng real estate business na iniwan ni dad sa amin.

As for me, well, I'm still the same person I became when dad left. Mom got worried sick and still is worried sick because not even once did I shed a tear, kahit nang inilibing na si dad. Hindi ko rin maintindihan kung bakit. Something inside me shattered and ever since that night, I've been faking emotions to get by everyday.

"Pasok kayo. Evan." Yaya ko sa kanila saka ko binuksan ng mas malawak ang uwang sa pinto. Aly intertwined her fingers with Evan before nudging him with her. Her boyfriend gave me a small smile. I let them pass me, closing the door after.

Since Aly always considered our house her second home, she's already draped on the couch, her legs resting on her boyfriend's thigh.

"Babe, 'wag kang feel at home." Suway sa kanya ni Evan sabay tapik sa hita na nobya niya.

I answered for Aly. "Okay lang, Evan. Sanay na ako. Anong gusto niyong inumin? I only have cold water for now kasi hindi pa ko nakakapag-shop ng grocery. But we can order in, if you prefer."

"That's good enough." Aly replied. I nodded my head and disappeared towards my kitchen. "Grabe, na-miss ko magpunta rito Arcie-bear! It's been eight months." Her voice both sentimental and doleful.

A frown crept on my face while I was placing the pitcher and three glasses on a tray. I gave myself time to put up a smiling mask then I slipped back to the living room.

"I'm here now." I remarked, grinning at her.

I sat adjacent to them. Evan took the liberty to pour us water. Aly sitting upright for a drink. She stared at me for a moment. "How have you been, Arcie?" She asked quietly.

"I'm okay now." I gave a shrug.

Her eyes went cheerlessly soft. "I wanted to be there at the funeral, you know. Kaso ayaw mo, I don't want you closing up."

"It's not that." I replied immediately, not letting her drill another nail of guilt to herself. "You have a lot going on. I don't want to you to put a pause in your life for me. Kinaya ko naman."

"Pause or no pause. You are my soul sister. Kahit saang lupalop ka pa, pupuntahan kita dahil kailangan mo ako."

I smiled at her reassuringly. "And you were there for me. Kahit facetime lang 'yon, it's more than enough. So quit it with the guilt party." I ended my sentence with a mocking eyeroll which made her chuckle.

Silence hovered, then Evan decided to break it.

"What are your plans now, Arcie? Nagbabakasyon ka lang ba o pumarito ka na ng permanente?"

I leaned back on my one-seater sofa. "Everything's indefinite for now."

Napatango siya saka nilingon si Aly. "Pwede kang samahan ni Aly rito kung gusto mo."