One Summer in Bicol ✔

Kabanata 27

Sugal

"Ano, susugal ka na ba ulit? Pagkakataon mo na ulit 'to."

I looked at the man beside me who is wearing polo shirt and seriously looking at his glass of beer.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa baso ko at nilaro ang yelo doon.

"I don't know, 'To. Am I ready?"

Natawa sya. "Jusko naman, Jacob, apat na taon na 'wag mo sabihin sa'king hindi ka pa rin handa. Kung tinanggap mo 'yang offer ko sa'yong sagutin ang entrance exam mo four years ago, edi sana graduate ka na ng Law ngayon."

I drink the alcohol in my glass and order another. The chilling place of the bar somewhat helps me relax from tiring works in that big company where we both work.

The moment I saw her that time of her interview, I thought I saw the heaven. Damn, I missed her. I missed her so much that I want to run away again with her but I knew we can't.

"Ano ba kasing nangyari sa'yo that summer? Nakipagtanan ka daw sabi ng Mama mo."

I shrugged my shoulders. "I just chose to live, To."

"Jacob, matalino ka. You can make the right choice but what did you do? Ang matatalino talaga nagiging tanga sa pag-ibig. Oh wait, are you even sure, 'nak, that what you felt is love? Because I doubt it is--"

I stand to cut his words. I've been hearing those words for the past 4 years of my life and I hate how people can't comprehend things. Wala akong pinagsisisihan sa lahat ng nangyari. I don't even want to forget it. I don't want to forget her.

"I'm going now, 'To. Magkikita kami ni Neil."

"O, buti naman ayos na kayo?"

"Yeah."

Hindi ko na narinig ang naging sagot nya. Mabilis akong lumabas ng bar. I went hear to relax but thanks to Tito Fred, I failed to do that.

I stormed off as soon as I get in my car. On my way to Neil's place, I can't help but to think how my bestfriend betrayed me. Napahigpit ang hawak ko sa manibela.

I saw him that night on Chill Top. Matapos naming mag-usap ni Avery, nagpaalam sya sa mga kasama namin na uuwi na. I am about to offer her a ride home but I saw a car fetch her. I know very well it was Neil's.

Tatlong katok lang sa unit nya ay bumukas na ang pinto, revealing Bianca's face. Parang nawalan ng kulay ang mukha nya nang makita ako.

"H-hans. . ."

"Where is Neil?"

Napalunok sya at hindi nakasagot.

I pursed my lips. "Nasaan ang pinsan mo?"

She heaved a sigh and opened the door wider. Pumasok ako nang may mabigat na paa at loob. Sakto namang paglabas ni Neil sa kwarto. He is topless and wearing only shorts. He smiled showing his simple and trying to suppress the shocked in his emotions.

"Prime, kumusta? Napada--"

He wasn't able to finish his words for a punch from my fist kissed his lips. Napatili naman si Bianca sa nangyari.

"Ano bang--"

I job and punch him again. Sinubukan akong pigilan ni Bianca pero hindi nya nagawa. Masyado ng sarado ang utak ko para makinig sa kanila. I punched him again. And again. Apat na suntok sa apat na taong pagtatraydor. Hindi sya nakaganti hanggang sa nagduho na lang ang labi at ilong nya.

Hinablot ni Bianca ang braso ko para maharap sya. Isang lagatok ng sampal ang nagpatigil sa amin. Nasapo ko ang pisngi ko habang nagbaba-taas ang balikat sa hingal.