Emerald Eyes

Chapter 11: A Voice

A week and so had passed. Vyl and I got closer each day. Nasasanay na akong may naghihintay sa akin pag-uwi ko galing sa university. It was like having a family again who's waiting for you to come home.

Sometimes he would cook for me, sometimes I would cook for him. We decide it through coin tossing which is really childish, I know but it unexpectedly became one of my most favorite part of the day. If he wins, I'll cook and if I win, he'll cook for us. It became our routine.

I didn't even bother telling him to not sleep on my bed anymore. Besides the fact that he would never listen, I don't actually care. He became my best friend. Besides Colleen of course. I've never felt so peaceful in my entire life whenever I'm with him. He made everything... bearable for me.

And about the scenarios I'm seeing? Nope. Not a single one appeared. For the first time, I don't have to worry about it anymore. Sinabi ni Vyl na siya ang dahilan kung bakit ko ito nakikita, at dahil kasama ko na siya, he doesn't have to do it anymore. My days are so peaceful that makes it so weird. Natatakot ako sa kapayapaang nararamdaman ko. I matured with the words 'Happiness comes with consequences' engraved in my mind.

The fact that I'm scared is not helping at all. Yes, I am strong. Hindi ako pinalaking lampa. Hindi ako pinalaking duwag. But I also have my weaknesses. Strong ones also have limitations. At natatakot ako kung hanggang saan lang ang kaya ko. Natatakot akong maging mahina at wala man lang akong magawa para labanan ito.

School? It's fine I guess. I've been practicing for the band almost everyday. Nagiging close ko na rin iyong mga members. The wall that I've been unconsciously building is slowly breaking apart. I learned how to socialize with others more. They're not that hard to be with actually. Lahat sila ay nasa third year ngunit magkakaiba ang kanilang mga kurso.

Palagi namang sumasama si Colleen sa amin sa tuwing nag-eensayo kami. She became the band's instant manager. I'm not stupid to not notice that she has a huge crush on Rain. In fact, she's good at hiding it. From the looks of it, ako lang ang nakapansin na may gusto nga siya rito. I don't want my friend to end up hurting herself so I hope everything works out well for her.

We're now currently in Chris' house, practicing for the band again. The cultural festival is just around the corner kaya puspusan ang pag-ensayo namin. Their goal is to win. So I'm also doing my best to not let them down. How I hate disappointments.

Aaminin kong lahat sila ay magagaling. They handle their instruments well. At in sync na rin sila kung tumugtog. Parang ang tagal na nilang magkakasama dahil alam nila kung hanggang saan ang kaya ng isa't isa. They were too familiar with each other's skills and strengths which adds pressure to me but it's all fine. The fact that I'm not really having a hard time is good enough.

"Okay guys, that's it for today!" Sigaw ni Rain na siyang tumatayong leader ng grupo.

Almost everyday, except weekends, naglalaan kami ng kahit isang oras upang makapag-ensayo. Hindi naman gaanong hassle sa part ko kasi bukod sa isang oras lang naman, hindi rin naman ako gaanong busy. Nakakatawa 'di ba? Parang kailan lang, ayaw kong sumali sa banda dahil sinasabi kong busy ako ngunit ito ako ngayon. Life can be very ironic sometimes.

Nagsi-upuan na 'yong ibang members upang magpahinga. Kinuha ko ang bottled water sa bag ko at ininom ito. I need to take care of my throat more this time.

"Ven?" Hindi ko napansin na nasa tabi ko na pala si Rain. Inubos ko muna ang laman ng bottled water bago ko siya sinagot.

"Bakit?" Sabi ko sabay balik ng bottle sa loob ng bag.

Napahawak siya sa kaniyang batok na para bang kinakabahan. Napakunot naman ang noo ko doon. "M-May gagawin ka ba mamaya?"

"Hmm?" Ang kaninang nakakunot na noo ay mas lalo pang kumunot. Ang isang kilay ko ay kalahati ng nakataas. He was swallowing hard and I can see his Adam's apple moving. I unconciously tilted my head to the side as if telling him I'm confused of his actions.