No Strings Attached

-12-

Chapter Twelve.

"Smiling"

 

 

Eleanor and I danced for another three songs when Lourd came up to us with the usual smirk on his face.

"What is it?" tanong ko. Nakatingin lang naman samin si Eleanor at nagmamasid. Tiningnan siya ni Lourd bago bumaling sa akin.

"Can I ask for a dance with Kai?" Napatingin tuloy ako kay Eleanor. Nginitian lang niya ako so I had no choice but to nod and let her go.

"Hello Lourd Simon." Eleanor greeted. Ngumiti lang si Lourd bago bumaling sakin at nagpasalamat. Napalingon naman ako sa paligid nung Makita si Monique na walang kasayaw. Tiningnan ko si Lourd at tinapik sa balikat, "I'm gonna dance with your wife. Take care of her." Nagtanguan lang kami at nilapitan ko na si Monique na pinagmamasdan ang mga bisita nila sa kasal.

I smiled widely when I came to her. "Care to dance?" Nilahad ko ang kamay ko. Ngumiti naman si Monique katulad dati at tinanggap ang kamay ko. I placed my arms around her waist as she placed her arms on my shoulder at pinagmasdan lang siya. Kitang-kita mo na umaapaw siya sa kaligayahan ngayon. She must be really happy on this day―her wedding day.

"Chance, thank you for coming today." She smiled gratefully. She told me na hindi na niya talaga inaasahan na makadalo ako pero sobrang natuwa siya na andito ako ngayon.

"I won't miss it for the world, Mon." I told her. Napasulyap ako kay Lourd at Eleanor na nagsasayaw din. Mukhang may sinasabi si Lourd sa kanya at tawa lang ng tawa si Eleanor. Masaya nga silang pagsamahin. Parehong conceited and reckless but I care for them both.

"Anyway, I was really shocked when you gave that speech." Saad ni Monique. Napangiti naman ako. Kahit ako ay nagulat din nung ginawa ko yun. Akala ko wala akong masasabi pero mayroon naman pala.

"Trust me, ako din nagulat." We laughed at the same time. Nakakatuwa lang na mawiwitness ko pa din pala ang araw na ito. Na kaya kong malapitan si Monique, kausapin nang normal at makipagtawanan sa kanya without any pretense. Akala ko noon, pagkatapos nung mga nangyari sa amin ay habang buhay na lang kaming hindi mag-iimikan na parang hindi kami naging parte ng buhay ng isa't-isa.

Thank God, I've moved on.

"I'm happy for you―for the both of you."

Inismaran niya ako, "Tigilan mo na nga ako. Paiiyakin mo na naman ako, Chance. You know I thought this would only be a dream―you and me, talking as close friends and that. I'll always be thankful for this Chance."

"No need to thank me."

"But I am happy for you. I mean, you're always a great man. You treated me like a Princess. You're even here now. Masaya ako para sayo. Tell me, are you happy Chance?" tanong niya.

Hindi ko alam pero napatingin ako kay Eleanor bago ngumiti at balingan si Monique, "I am." It was true. Masaya ako ngayon. It must be a happy day.

"Then I am happy you're happy." She cocked her head to the side. I shrugged at tiningnan uli sila Eleanor at Lourd na mukhang madami pa rin ang pinag-uusapan. Puro siguro kalokohan ang sinasabi ng kapatid ko kay Eleanor. Pinagmasdan ko lang siya sa malayo. Mas maganda siya kung titingnan ngayon. She always had that carefree smile that will lift you up.