Drabble Compilation

ix. Third Time

A commissioned short story for my best friend, A. Thank you for believing in me and my works.

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Coming home for the holidays is a must for the Dela Cruz family and Mendoza family. So, bumping into your ex on the holidays is kinda inevitable for Jackson Dela Cruz and Irene Mendoza.

It wasn't their first time seeing each other after their breakup.

The first time was when they attended their mini high school reunion in Manila where Irene works, and she heard from one of the guys that Jackson was also in Manila that time for a business meeting.

Hindi naman awkward. Dahil wala namang naglakas loob na asarin sila at matagal na rin naman nang walang sila.

5 years na rin.

They were high school sweethearts. Tried to brave their way through college but failed when they couldn't defeat the LDR curse. They have been together since they were kids, and they grew up together. That's why the distance between them when they were in their busiest time in college caused the unexpected end of their relationship.

You know what they say, "Sometimes when we grow up, we grow apart."

So for Irene, standing at the end of the street with your ex on the other side of the street was something she did and did not expect.

Well, she actually expected it because she knows how persistent his parents are with coming home for Christmas and New Year. She knows because it's like every parents' goal in their small village to have their children home for the holidays to show them off, including her parents.

They were both dumbly staring at each other for a few seconds, surprised to see each other at the same time at the end of their streets.

".. 7-11?" Jackson finally asked before Irene could turn around to go back home and pretend this encounter never happened.

Irene took a deep breath before answering, "Yeah.."

"Sabay na tayo?" he asked. Na parang hindi niya ex ang kausap niya.

Aren't exes supposed to be awkward with each other? , Irene thought.

After thinking for a few seconds she finally answered, "Sige..?"

She saw Jackson scoff, with a small smile on his lips. Buti nalang nakasindi ang mga ilaw sa poste at may mga Christmas lights pa rin na nakasabit sa mga bahay malapit sa kinatatayuan nila. It helps her see his face. And he still looks the same. He looked more mature but he still looked good. Better even.

"Para namang napilitan ka lang,"

Irene felt herself relax a little with what he said. It seemed like he didn't change much either. He's still the funny, friendly guy like he was before.

But he didn't have to know that she's relieved to know that he's still the same so she only glared at him with what he said.

"Ang arte mo," she muttered. Her words didn't escape his ears which made him laugh.

"Sungit mo pa rin, Mendoza." he told her with a teasing smile as he started walking.

Irene followed, not sure if she should walk beside him or if she should just follow him quietly. The latter felt like a better choice especially if she doesn't want to talk to Jackson but he seemed like he had other plans when he slowed down his pace so she could walk beside him.

"Kumusta?" he asked when she was finally beside him.

"Fine. You?"

"Cold mo naman."