A LITTLE MORE (Complete)

ELEVEN

LOURIE

I wasn't planning to come so early pero Vega and Benjie got a hold on me. Pumunta sila sa tinutuluyan kong hotel and they literally ambushed mo for an early dinner. Now here I am and thank goodness marami-rami na ang tao. Because I just want to blend in. Iniwan naman ako bigla nila Vega and Benjie when they saw some old close friends.

Tahimik akong umiinom ng red wine sa gilid. I was silently observing people. I smile occasionally when I see familiar faces. I'd start a conversation if anyone approaches me. I would indulge them also if they asked for a picture.

"Lourie? Is that you?"

Napalingon ako sa tumawag ng pangalan ko. Si Trish.

"Trish! Wow. You look great." I genuinely said and made beso to her.

She stiffened when I did that. I can't believe I was really close to her a long time ago. I shared some secrets of mine to her. I even treated her like my very own blood sisters. Sadly, we're just both strangers now.

"I'm so glad to see you." Sabi niya pagkatapos niya makabawi sa pagkabigla sa ginawa ko.

She had a smile, but it was uneasy one. Which I don't understand because I should be the one feeling uneasy and ashamed. I was the one who cut them out from my life.

"Me too. Sorry about going off grid before and graduation." I smiled.

Syempre it was all lies. I had no intention of telling them I was leaving early. I did not have any intention of talking to them and get updates from them.

"It's ok. We understand naman. We knew it's hard for you to make it in New York." She side eyed me before taking a sip of her white wine.

Did she just insinuate that I was too dumb to make it in New York??? Wow. I don't know this Trish. She never stooped this low or maybe because best friend pa niya ako dati. Sobrang uminit ang tenga at lalamunan ko sa sinabi niya. I knew Trish had a sharp tongue but never to me.

"Oo mahirap but realized if I want it then I have to work hard to get it." Sincere kong sagot sa kanya.

Kung sa Pilipinas ay sobrang privilege ako maituturing pero sa US ay walang-wala ako. Sa Pilipinas may advantage ang pagkakaroon ng magandang mukha. But in the US, I had to start from the very bottom like everyone else. The first year was the hardest. I was mending a broken heart and learning to trust again. Sumabay pa na nastroke ang papa ko. I was juggling work and taking care of my parents.

When papa got better, it took me 3 more years sa Marketing company na iyon before I had the courage to break free from them. I was back at the bottom when I quit my job. I was just fortunate enough to find people who believed in me. I had the best support group.

Thankfully, Vega and Benjie came back to my side. They saw Trish and I talking.

"Hey Trish. Andito ka na pala." Sabi ni Vega tapos ay siniko si Benjie. Ngumit lang si Benjie sa kanya.

"Hi Vega and Benjie. Sorry that Joni can't join us. Nag-overtime siya this Saturday." She apologized but she sounded happy.

"Oh really? But it's a Saturday." Sabi ko.

Damn you, Joni! He's such a coward. I know he didn't want to see me kasi may kasalanan siya sa akin.

"Alam mo naman ang best friend natin. He's very dedicated. He even got promoted. He's working hard para sa future naming dalawa." Trish smirked.

Nagulat kami ng biglang umubo dahil nabulunan sa iniinom niyang beer si Vega.

"Kalma lang pare. Dahan-dahan." Tawang-tawa si Benjie.