Strings of Regret

Chapter 14

I passed through the busy quadrangle. I can't think straight right now. That unfathomable feeling is slowly creeping in my whole being making me act against my will. All I could think was I want to go home. Fast. I want to confront myself seriously. Without anything stopping me or whatnot.

What happened to being contented Abrianna?

I don't know anymore. I was so sure that I was contented with our friendship. I was contented to anything he could offer as long as we stay as what we are. But that decision withered because of his damn confession!

Bakit sa lahat ng panahon, kung kailan na ako sigurado sa desisyon ko, ngayon pa talaga ako lilituhin? And I'm scared of the outcome if I will risk it.

  "Ate!"

Napatalon ako sa gulat ng may humarang sa aking daraanan. I looked at the person with wide eyes and saw that it was Renan.

  "Ano ba 'yan?! 'Wag ka ngang manggugulat!" nakasimangot na aniya ko kay Renan.

  "Kanina pa kita tinatawag hindi ka sumasagot," nakangusong ani niya.

  "Bakit ba? Ano bang kailangan mo?"

Ngumiti siya ng napakatamis. Tumaas naman ang kilay ko. May kailangan 'tong gunggong na 'to. Sigurado ako d'yan.

  "Mamaya pa ako uuwi kasi gagala muna kami ng mga barkada ko. Okay lang naman sayo ate 'di ba?" kumurap-kurap pa ang gago na para bang nagpapaawa.

  "At saan ka naman pupunta ha?" nakataas ang kilay na aniya ko sa kanya.

He wrapped his arm on the small of my back and put his head on my shoulder. "Sa park lang ate. Promise hindi ako magpapagabi."

  "Hala doon ka na nga! May pa lambing-lambing ka pang nalalaman."

He smiled widely and kissed my cheek. "Thank you ate." At tumakbo na siya papalayo.

  "Hoy wag ka talagang magpapagabi kundi isusumbong kita kay mama!" pahabol ko sa kanya at kinawayan lang ako ng kumag.

Everyone started heading home since the program is already done. I looked at my wrist watch and saw that it was still 3:47. Hmm, its too early. Should I go home na talaga? I slowly functioned my feet and head to the gate only to be stopped.

Inis na lumingon ako sa humigit sa akin. My lips parted when I saw Reese standing in front of me. He is now left with his white v-neck shirt. I was about to retrieve my hand when he tightened his hold.

Kumunot ang noo niya at mariin na tumitig sa akin. "Where are you going?"

  "H-Home?" I stuttered.

  "Without congratulating me?" he asked, foreheard still creased.

Oh no. What should I say? That I suddenly got cramps so I had to go home? I don't want to tell him what I feel. We're not even in a relationship for me to act like this! I don't want to make him feel guarded just because I don't want to see him with other girls. That's just too much.

  "Sumakit 'yong puson ko e." Oh my god. That just came out of my mouth. Ugh, nakakahiya!

His serious face was now etched with worry and concern. He reached for my bag. Nagtatakang ibinigay ko naman sa kanya iyon. Isinabit niya ang shoulder bag ko sa kanyang balikat.

  "Magkakaroon ka na ba?"

Napatanga ako at pinamulahan ng mukha sa tanong niya. Did he really buy that? Oh Reese, I'm sorry for lying. Magsasalita na sana ako ng hinawakan niya ang aking kamay at hinigit papalapit sa kanya. Parang hangin na sumunod ako sa yapak ng kanyang mga paa.