Once There Was A Twist

MCG 41

CHAPTER  41: LIFE'S LEMON

LIFE DOES not have to be perfect to be wonderful, according to Annette Funicello.

Hah! Mine was never both. However, Vaughnn was a shade of felicity, my ephemeral heaven. Atleast, I was able to experience those moments. Thanks to him

Vaughnn was rooted to the ground with a bleak expression, his hair unruly, and his eyes, questioning.

Nilampasan ko siya subalit mabilis niyang hinigit ang kamay ko.

"Han? Ano bang problema? Why are you acting like this? Kausapin mo naman ako."

I looked at him but maintained my vapid expression. It was hard to act numb. Pero naumpisahan ko na rin naman, kaya dapat lang na tapusin ko.

"I told you, wala 'di ba?" malamig kong tugon.

"Then why are you doing this? Is it because of my friends? Did they say something to you?"

Yeah, they did. At dapat nga siguro magpasalamat pa ako sa kanila. I woke up from my delusions. A man like you deserves better and it wasn't someone like me. Kaya Vaughnn, please just let me be.

"Wala," tipid kong sagot. I'd like to end the conversation as early as  I can. I shoved his hand away and started walking. Darn! Every step I take stings.  It hurts, it does.

Naka-ilang hakbang palang ako nang bigla siyang humarang sa harap ko. He wasn't the type to give up so easily, I've proven that. Pero ngayon, hindi rin ako susuko sa desisyon ko. Para rin sa kanya iyon at sa mas ikabubuti naming dalawa.

"Don't do this please?" he pleaded. I averted my gaze, escaping those wistful eyes. If I get shaken, then all I did was otiose efforts.

Get a grip of yourself, Han. Magiging okey rin naman siya pagtagal. He could find someone else in a short period of time. Maraming babae ang maghahabol sa kanya. Makakalimutan ka rin niya kaagad.

Yes,that was right. I'd endure the torment and will be glad for him instead.

"Vaughnn, can you just let me be till I sort out something?" I said.

"Sort out what? Talk to me, Han. 'Wag naman ganito. What does your text mean? Are you breaking up with me?" 

"Kung ano ang pagkaintindi mo, 'yon na 'yon. Can you just please respect my decision? Sort out your feelings, too," sabi ko. Baka sakaling maisip niya na awa lang pala ang nararamdaman niya para sa'kin.

"Sort out? I'm already sure a---"

"Vaughnn, I still have work to do. Alam kong busy ka rin. Let's be professional here, our work and private life are two different things," I cut him. Maglalakad na sana ako nang pinigilan niya akong muli.

"Let me take you to work then, please allow me," he said. I did my best not to let my tears fall and to act as normal as I can. I nodded.

Tahimik lang kaming dalawa sa byahe. Pagkarating doon ay lalabas pa sana siya para pagbuksan ako but I prevented him.

"I don't know what happen, but I'm not giving up on you. Kung kailangang ligawan kita uli,gagawin ko," huling sinabi niya bago tuluyang umalis.

Tumagal pa muna ako ng mga ilang oras sa labas para pakalmahin ang sarili ko. I need to remind myself that this is what I've decided to do.

Pagkapasok, I forced a fake smile to everyone I met. Mahirap pa lang magpanggap na masaya ka kahit sa loob loob mo nadudurog ka na.

Jimma saw me and greeted me gaily. Just like the way she always do.