Only One

XCI.

Ariadne Manuel

4:51 pm
I'm sorry if I was mean to you.

4:52 pm
That was my pride talking. I got hurt. 'Cause I know I can be more than Theo. I can be more than what you think you deserve.

4:55 pm
Kaya kitang alagaan. Kaya kitang pasayahin. I can prioritize you. Hell, I was even willing to do your thesis for you o kahit ano pa 'yan.

4:58 pm
At least, that's what I thought. Kaso pinili mo pa rin si Theo. Kasi kahit anong gawin ko, kahit ipilit ko na gusto ko ako 'yung nand'yan para sa'yo, hindi naman ako 'yung kailangan mo.

5:00 pm
Gusto kitang ilaban. Ipanalo. Not because I think of you as some kind of trophy or medal but because I know I can take care of you better than he can. I know I can love you right. The way you deserve to be loved and taken care of.

5:05 pm
And damn, do you know how many times I prayed to have you want me? Na sana ako na lang. Na sana sa akin ka tumatakbo. Na sana ako 'yung hinahanap mo.

5:10 pm
Pero hindi naman nga kasi ako 'di ba? Your heart isn't for me, Aria. And I'm trying to be okay with that. Kaya kita itinutulak palayo. Pero ayaw mo akong tigilan. Gusto mo ba akong mabaliw? Gusto mo bang bigyan ko ng kahulugan ang bawat paglapit mo?

5:14 pm
Sige nga, since I am being brave again, tell me. Why did you call me last night?

5:16 pm
Last chance. Habang tanga pa ako. Habang tanga na naman ako. What do you want to tell me?

5:22 pm
Nothing.

5:25 pm
I appreciate all that you've done, Dion. I just want you to be okay. And gusto ko lang mag-sorry ulit kagabi. 'Yon lang.

5:27 pm
Huli na 'to. I won't message and call you anymore.

5:30 pm
You're a coward, Ariadne.

5:32 pm
Maybe I am.