East

Chapter 33

"She proposed?"

Naalis ko ang matagal na pagkakatitig sa hawak kong singsing at inilipat ang atensyon sa nagsalita mula sa sliding door ng kaniyang veranda. Si Lui, na handa nang matulog. Salubong ang kilay. Tingin palang talaga alam mo nang anak mayaman dahil sinisigaw ng pustura at pananamit niya, mukang alagang-alaga pa 'yung muka, hatang may pambayad sa facial clinic — how many times would I say that?! Oh please you'll be just like me if standing in front you is someone...top-of-the-line.

Tsk, tyka bakit nakabusangot siya?

Inaano nanaman ba ng mundo 'to.

"It's her gift," giit ko, hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kan'ya.

"I don't think so." Tuluyan na siyang lumabas, parang hindi na siya magugulat pa kung sakaling alukin man ako ni Ahiera ng kasal, gano'n. "That's so sweet of her, though."

Talaga?

I smiled a little. If only I could tell her. How badly hurt I am right now, but I'm still keeping up right?

Napatitig ako kay Lui, alam kong sa oras na malaman niyang niloloko ako ni Ahiera ay magagalit ito — hindi lang kay Ahiera.

Fiona played a huge part. I didn't know why, but she did, as if gambling with me.

I really went home to think deeply about what's happening, kaya nandito ako ngayon, at least I can't blame anyone but myself if ever I failed passing, katatapos lang ng last day examination ko.

As if namang manisi ako.

"Dumeretcho ka rito sa labas?" she ask me that, suddenly.

Hindi ba obvious? Nakapang-alis pa ako, rito ako nagtungo agad sa veranda nang makarating ako ng bahay. Kanina pa ako nakatitig sa kawalan, o 'di kaya ay sa singsing — thinking, envisioning my life with or without Ahiera — well I can't!

Mommy didn't bother to disturb, napansin niya siguro na medyo lutang pa ako. The impact of examinations nga naman, akala siguro nila nababaliw na ako sa mga sinagot ko sa exam.

"Why are you sulking ba? If you top the exam then I'll treat you!"

"No thanks I'll treat myself because you're fucking imposible Lui."

Napanguso ako para pigilan ang angat ng labi ko. Nababaliw na ba siya? Gano'n ba ako kagaling? Malayong mangyari iyon dahil madami akong iniisip bukod pa sa mga ni-review ko.

"Have you received my gift?" The compass. I just hope Fio gave it.

When she flashed me her infamous smile I knew she already have it. "Yeah I love it, I didn't know you're aware of A and L thing."

Our initials.

I can't help but smile too. I knew she would notice that!

A&L

"You always use that on your post kapag nasa picture ako, I stole that idea from you." Ngisi ang binigay ko. "Credits."

Her lips stretched for a wide smile as I said that. I miss that smile, huling nakita ko kasi 'yung ngiting 'yun, sa picture lang namin.

The last photo of us mula doon sa regalo niya, a photo from her graduation day. Gan'yang-gan'yan ang ngiti niya.

A&L #142 - I made it, Ae.

I can remember her note very clearly. And yes she made it.

Tumayo na ako upang magbihis. Also, to text Ahiera that I got home safe.

"W-wait," she called.

"Bakit?"

Bigla siyang nataranta na ewan, with a weary look on her face, plus her lip biting and her hand knocking the marble slightly, I assume she did something stupid.