Kissed

"It can't go on like this."

"Like what?"

"Like shit! Can't you see? Paulit-ulit na lang."

"I don't care, I don't fucking care! I can't afford losing you. Just please, come back to me."

"No. It's just a cycle, Zach. I forgive you, we get back, you cheat, I get hurt, and you say sorry but you're not! You were never sorry."

"I'm sorry. I love you."

"Well, I don't, not anymore."

"Kiss me. And prove to me that you don't love me anymore."

I snaked my arm to his neck and pulled him to me. I gave him a kiss, in an intensity we used to share.

"See? I don't need to prove anything. Give up." Tumalikod na ako bago pa 'ko manghina, hindi sigurado kung muli pa bang lilingon. Marahil, hindi na. Suddenly, a lump formed in my throat, signaling the tears I was holding.

Cass! Ngayon ka pa ba bibigay?

Fucking lips.

I drew a deep breath. I drove my car, heading to our home, alone.
You see, being hurt by someone you love is painful. But sharing a kiss and realizing that it does not feel the same is too much. What used to be the sign of your love seems to be fading.

It is easy to give up. But not for someone who still loves, who still hopes.