Before The Last Sunset [Before Trilogy #1]

24

I did anything to distract myself from the emptiness. 

Mahigit isang linggo na ang lumipas nung tinapos ko kung ano man ang namamagitan sa'min dalawa ni Summer. I didn't waste my time sulking and isolating myself. No, I did the complete opposite. I went back to live my old lifestyle, got back to my old ways. The word got out that I was once again, willing to entertain different women. It wasn't hard at all to distract myself. I changed women each day, wasting my time on meaningless dates. Anything to numb the pain. Anything to forget her. 

But it didn't help. All I could think about was her—how much I missed her presence, how much I wanted to have her in my arms, her smile, her laugh, everything. I couldn't count how many times I wanted to run back to her and beg for her to take me back. But once I was reminded of her betrayal, I easily pushed her to the back of my brain. 

Masakit pa rin talaga. Ang hirap kalimutan. Ang hirap niya kalimutan.

Eventually, the news reached my friends. Marcus and Austin were demanding an explanation from me. Anika and Jill were confused why I suddenly started going out with different people left and right. I didn't bother telling them anything. If they wanted an answer, they could ask Summer. I didn't want to talk about it because once I did, all the pain would start to resurface again. 

I walked up to the front door of the unit, knocking twice before putting my hands in my pockets. The door swung open, revealing Dad in his white coat. 

He gave me a small smile. "Pasok ka." 

I stepped inside and looked around. It was really kind of Ninong to led Dad and Chelsea the unit for a while. It seemed decent enough for the both of them. Plus, I think staying here did Dad good. He looked better than the last time I saw him. 

"Si Che?" I asked, looking back at him. 

"Nasa loob ng kwarto, nanonood ng cartoons," he replied, adjusting his tie. "Thanks for coming, anak. Hindi na kasi ako pwede mag-extend ng leave. Kailangan na ako roon sa ospital."

He had been staying with Chelsea ever since the day he left. Its been a long time that he hadn't returned to work. Being one of the best doctors there, of course his presence would be demanded. I didn't mind watching over my sister, its been a while since I last saw her. 

I shrugged. "It's alright. I'm not doing anything at home anyways." 

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "Really? Aren't you spending time with the girl you brought home for dinner? I thought you would."

"What time are you coming back?" I asked, diverting the topic. 

"I'll be here before dinner," he stood tall and faced me. "There's food in the fridge and cabinets. Pwede rin naman kayo lumabas para kumain. Text mo lang ako kung saan." 

I nodded. I didn't know how to act around Dad since I still felt guilt for not going with him. I didn't want him to feel that I didn't want to choose him, its just that I had to be with Mom at that time. He didn't treat me any differently though. He still had that warm aura that I grew up with. 

 I shifted my feet and asked the question. "Nagka-usap na ba kayo ni Mom?"

He didn't even look surprised that I asked. He probably expected that I would. "We did."

"How did it go?"

"It was...fine," he answered, his tone unsure. "Mag-uusap kami kapag nakabalik na siya mula sa kanila." 

My lips curved into a small smile. Finally, something positive. "That's good. I'm glad your doing alright, Dad." 

"I can't say the same for you," he chuckled and I rolled my eyes. He patted my shoulder. "I have to go. Let's talk about it over some beer later?"