(11)
Andito ako ngayun sa site, kasama ko na rito ngayun si Kuya Nestor and Jerome, after kong mag orient sa mga local laborers about sa project ay nag papirma na ako ng contrata sa kanila, and then sinabihan ko na sina Kuya Nestor and Jerome na mag bigay na ng mga paunang instructions.
Then kinuha ko ang phone ko, mag a update sana ako kay Engr. Lacosta when a notification caught my attention.
James Ponce posted a photo on Instagram.
Napakunot noo naman ako nun at inopen ang post ni James.
(Photo: plane ticket and maleta sa background)
itsJamesPonce. 🎁
I zoomed the pic para makita kung Anong lugar but sadly, natabunan ng thumb ni James.
Okay, so, what now?
Hindi ko alam na aalis sya or May Pupuntahan sya, outside or within the country. Yeah, he's not even texting me. Agh! Gosh!
Ano ba tu? Kami pa ba?
"Ma'am, okay na, mag s-start na kami bukas..." Sabi ni Kuya Nestor.
"Okay, I di dismiss ko nalang sila para maka ready sila bukas." Sabi ko.
"Yes, ma'am."
Saka pumunta na ako sa harap at sinabihan na ang mga tao na umuwi na at mag pahinga para bukas.
"Kuya, kayo rin, mag pahinga na rin kayo, bukas niyo na Ayusin mga tu." Sabi ko May Kuya Nestor.
"Okay, ma'am, tatapusin lang namin tu ni Jerome."
"Sige. Mauna na ako, mag a update pa ako May Engr."
"Okay, ma'am."
Saka umalis na ako at nag hanap ng pinakamalapit na cafe.
"Well, yes, Ma'am, no worries... yep... okay...." Sabi ko habang sinusulat ang mga instructions ni Engr. Lacosta.
Engr. Lacosta: okay, so bye for now... update me ulit tomorrow.
"Yes, Ma'am."
Engr. Lacosta: Okay.
End.
At ininom ko na ang coffee na inorder ko.
Then I looked outside.
Kumusta na kaya si Eren?
She haven't texted me since kanina, I hope she's okay.
Then I started to pack my things so I can go back to my hotel room, magpapahinga na muna ako but Then I stopped when I saw Eren and Jana walking outside.
Ohhh, well...
And I don't know why but suddenly I felt a lil sting in my heart.
Masaya at maaliwalas ang mukha ni Jana.
Well, good for her.
Then I looked at Eren, she's also happy.
Then suddenly, pinulupot ni Jana ang kamay nito sa braso ni Eren Sabay hila rito papunta dun sa isang cafe sa kabila, good thing, di sa cafe na tu sila pumasok.
Sighed. I wonder if okay na talaga silang dalawa.
Well, maybe, yes. Masaya naman silang nag uusap eh.
Saka tumayo na ako at nag lakad na palabas.
Hai... I feel kinda heavy right now.
Pagkarating ko sa kwarto ay napahiga agad ako sa pagod. Pagod kakaisip Ky Eren.
Agh. Goddamit.
Around 6 pm, I woke up upon hearing continuous telephone ring.
"Hello?"
"Miss Reese Dela Serna?"
"Ah, yeah... is there a problem?"
"No, Ma'am, we're advised to inform you that we have already prepared a dinner for you, pwede kana pong bumaba."
"Dinner for what? I'm sorry but I think you got it wrong, I haven't signed for a dinner reservation."
"Ahm. But it says here... Reese Dela Serna."
"Oh... I think... " then Napa isip, as far as I can remember, Di naman ata ako nag pa lista ng dinner, actually, di ko naman ugali mag dinner pag mag isa lang ako.
"Okay, Ma'am, just be there, it really says here that it's yours."
"Ahmm.. is that so?" Saka Napa isip na baka pina reserve tu ni Engr. Lacosta.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Okay, Saan ba tu?"
"Sa rooftop area, floor 5."
"Okay, thank you."
At nag simula na akong mag bihis. While on my way dun ay nag txt na ako kay Engr. Lacosta, nag thank you na ako sa kanya.
"Good evening po." Sabi nung waiter sabay bukas ng pinto sakin palabas ng rooftop.
And then suddenly the lights went out.
Napahinto naman ako nun. What's happening? Nag ka power interruption ba?
And then suddenly my pumailanlang tunog sa paligid.
Now Playing: Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You (you can search on YouTube and play it on while reading 😊)
If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
Then unti unting nag ilaw ang mga bombilya.
With you I see forever, oh, so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
And then nag ilaw na ang buong paligid.
Our dreams are young and we both know
They'll take us where we want to go
And then I saw flower petals scattered papunta sa pinaka dulo ng rooftop kung saan May naka set up na table for two, May ilang kandila, bulak lan, balloons at iba pa, and note, walang tao run, ako lang ata nun at ilang staff ng hotel.
Hold me now, touch me now
I don't want to live without you
And then biglang lumitaw si James sa likod ng dalawang staff malapit sa mesa.
Naka white polo ito at brown slacks, semi formal. He's holding a bouquet of roses, and he's smiling while walking towards me.
Napahinto naman ako nun. At luminga linga sa paligid. The staffs are all smiling, at mukhang kinikilig pa. And then I looked at james. He's smiling.
I wanted to ask him what's happening pero parang Napa ka ignorante naman nun kasi obviously he prepared a surprised dinner for me, then my phone vibrated, it's Engr. Lacosta.
Engr. Lacosta: huh? I'm sorry, dear, but I have no idea of what you're talking about.
Agh! Yeah right, syempre si James pala ang nag pAprepare ng dinner.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
"Hi, I missed you." He said.
"Ahmm... I uh... I missed you too." Sabi ko.
Then he kissed me on my cheeks. "For you, hon."
"Thanks."
"Ahmm... nag abala kapa."
He smiled. "Wala yun, para naman sa'yo eh."
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
"Kahit na. Kala ko ba practical ka."
"Sshhh... Anyways, I'm sorry I'm kinda late."
If the road ahead is not so easy
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
"Nahhh... no... ako nga ata natagalan dito eh."
"But still, I'm sorry nung gabing yun."
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
"No... I've uhh... thought about it actually..."
"Sooo?"
And napaisip uli. I still wanted to pursue my dream pero... "Wag na siguro muna ngayun." Sabi ko nalang.
And he smiled. "Tara? Dinner?"
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Hold me now, touch me now
I don't want to live without you
Pina una niya akong umupo, Saka sya umupo, then pinasok na ng mg staff ang pagkain.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
"Your mom's gonna get angry if she'll knew about this." Sabi ko. Strikto kasi mama nito, ayaw nito sa mga ganung arte, Saka praktikal, ayaw nitong gumagastos anak nito, especially sa akin na gf nito, ksi para sa kanya, pera lang habol ko kay James, well, Amin ko naman na mas malaki talaga sahod ni James kesa sakin, Saka dagdag mo pa na May kaya rin pamilya nito, eh ako galing sa hirap eh.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
"Minsan lang naman tu." Sabi nito.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
"Hey." Sabi nito Sabay hawak sa kamay ko, Ewan ko pero I felt kinda uneasy.
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
I looked at him for a second and thought of an answer, dati kapag nag a I love you ito sagot ko agad I love you too pero ngayun... Ewan ko, I know I still love but... and kumurap. "I uh... love you too."
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
While we're eating I tried not to think of Eren, God, andito na ang boyfriend ko sa harap ko pero si Eren parin ang naiisip ko.
"Diba, Hon, mas okay yun?"
"Huh ? Sorry, Ano yun?"
"Oh... okay Ano kasi..." at inulit nito ang siNasabi nito.
"Anyways... James." Then looked at him.
"Yeah?"
"What....brought you here ?"
She looked at me. "You... because I love you..."
This is so unexpected, hindi sya ganito sakin. Hindi kasi sya yung tipong nag hahabol. "I mean... you're not like this."
"Bakit, Bawal ba mag bakasyon?"
"Kahit na... busy ka parati eh... tsaka.... Uuwi naman ako after ng—-"
"Come on...let's just be happy, okay? I am happy to be here..." Sabi nito.
"Okay...." And we continued to eat.
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Around 10 pm ay bumaba na kami. I don't know why pero hindi ako komportable na makasama si James ngayun sa isang kwarto eh.
I looked at myself at the mirror.
Goddamit, what are you doing, Reese? You're supposedlly happy right now, andito na ang boyfriend mo.
"Hon?" Si James yun while knocking at the door, andito kasi ako sa loob ng cr.
"Yes, Hon?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yes...why?"
"Matagal kana jan ah, parang di ka naman naligo... I'm worried."
"Oh.. sorry... May inaayos lang." Sabi ko Saka nag madali Nang pumasok sa shower room at nag shower na.
God! Help me, I don't know whAt's happening to me...
"Hey, you seems so off mula pa kanina." Si James yun na kakatabi lang sa akin, busy kasi ako sa paggwa ng output and instructions for tomorrow, Saka Ini email sakin ng ibang project engineers mga output nila at sinasummarized ko para May Engr. Lacosta.
"Sorry, Hon, busy lang ng konti these days eh." Sabi ko.
"Well, kita ko naman, mag isa ka lng daw eh."
"Yeah.. Stella needs to be back in MAnila, pero babalik din sila next month." Then nag patuloy na sa pag trabaho.
Then Maya Maya I felt James hand touching my legs. I looked at him, busy sya kakanuod ng tv pero yung isang kamay niya panay haplos sa hita ko.
I felt so uneasy kaya tumayo ako at pumunta ng cr.
Then kinuha ko ang phone ko sa bulsa ko.
There's no message from her.
Goddamit! I so fuckin' miss her.
Kumusta na kaya sya? Naiisip din ba niya ako? Kasi ako, halos buong araw siya ang laman ng utak ko.
Agh! Damn! This is trouble.
Come on! Get your shits together!
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"Yes, definitely, Kuya Nestor, I think dapat hanggang jan ang I c clear natin kasi lalagyan ata ng kanal dyan." Sabi ko while trying to understand the plan, pina dalhan ksi ako ng advance copy na plano ni Engr. At ni Stella para May basehan kami.
"Yes, ma'am, bukas nalang daw po jan kasi tatapusin nalang daw muna nila ito."
"Okay, okay". Sabi ko Saka kinuha ko na ang cellphone ko at nag picture na para isend kina Engr Glen at Stella.
Then my phone rang.
James calling...
"Oh, Hon?"
James: papunta na ako jan. Brought you coffee and ahmmm... something to eat
"Wow, thoughtful mo naman. Oh sya, Ingat ka ha... call moko kung nasa harap kana."
James: yes, love
Maya Maya ay nag ring naman ang phone ko.
James: hey I'm here na.
"Okay, Sige.. labas lang ako jan." Sabi ko Saka nag lakad na palabas.
And then there I saw James May hawak na a coffee at paper bag. He's waving at me and then sa likod nito ... I saw Eren.
Agad naman akong napahinto nun, suddenly my heart beat faster upon seeing her. What is she doing here?
She's also waving at me and she's also holding a coffee and a paper bag.
"Hi, Hon!" "Hi, Reese!"
Sabay nilang Sabi. Agad naman ang mga itong nagkatinginan.
Fudge.
Eren looked at me, I'm panicking, and I don't know what to do.
Then she looked at James.
"Hi, you must be Reese's boyfriend?" Eren said.
"Ahmm.. yeah..."
"I'm Eren, Reese's ..." then she gave me a meaningful look. "... new friend..." at tumingin uli kay James. "Nice meeting you in person... I've heard a lot from you." Sabi nito Sabay shake hands.
"So... Reese here found a new friend dito sa Bora?" Confused na Sabi ni James Sabay tingin sakin.
That time ay lumapit na ako sa kanila.
"Hon? I thought your pretty busy ... Buti nagka time kapang makipag friend dito..."
"Ahmm... Ano.. Hon... kasi..."
"Actually, no, James... we're already knew each other ... nag tatrabaho kasi ako sa agency na kung saan May contrata sila... pero that time di kami Ganu nag uusap aside sa transactions nila sa agency namin... dito lang kami nagka chance to know each other kaya nasabi kong new friend niya ako."
"Ahhh... is that so? Hon?"
"Yes, Hon.. actually, si Eren nga lagi kong kasama rito nung wala na sina Stella.. sinamahan niya rin ako sa Mainland last time para mag process ng papers..."
"Ahhh... well, thank you for that, Eren." Sabi ni James.
"She's a great help to me, hon. Swear."
Then Eren smiled, yung parang nanunukso. "Really? I'm a great help to you?"
"Yes... really... sobrang andami mong naitulong sakin.... Hon, did you know na Governor pala ang tito ni Eren dito, kaya dahil sa connections niya Di ako masyadong na hirapan sa Pag process." Sabi ko then I looked at her. "Thank you very much."
"Well... my pleasure." Simpleng sagot nito.
"Anyways, hon, is that for me?" Sabi ko Sabay turo sa dala nito.
"Ah, yes hon, ice mocha latte..." Sabay bigay sakin ni James. And then I caught Eren's reaction, she knew I don't drink coffee unless it's black.
"Thank you, hon."Sabi ko nalang, for the hundredth times, James? Black coffee gusto ko.
Then his phone rang. "Excuse me, I'll just answer this." Sabi nito saka bahagyang lumayo samin.
At katahimikan.
"Ahh... Buti alam mo kung saan ang site namin."
"I think you've forgot you told me the location..."
"Ah yeah kaya nga nu." Then I looked at what she's holding.
"Well, I wanted to give this to you too." Sabi nito sakin Sabay Abot ng coffee and paper bag sakin. "...but seems like May nauna na."
"Kagabi lang sya dumating, unexpected nga."
"Ah... surprise ba?"
Tumango ako.
Katahimikan. "Anyways, seems like nakakaisturbo lang ako rito, I think I better go na." Sabi nito Saka tumalikod na. I could see hurt in her eyes, at ayoko yun.
I'm about to follow her but then James came back. "Hey, hon..."
"Hey."
"Where's your friend?"
"Ahmm..." Sabay tingin sa direction niya. "She's in a hurry... binigay lang niya sakin tu."
"Wow, napaka thoughtful naman niya..."
"Well, yes, she really is."
Then his phone rang again. "Excuse me again, hon, sagutin ko lang." Saka bahagyang lima yo nanaman ito.
Then I looked at the coffee she gave, naka label dun Black, hot black coffee, then binuksan ko ang dala nito, it's a korean cheese bread.
"So tara, merienda ka muna, hon." Sabi ni James. "Brought you pasta."
"Oh wow, really?"
"Yes. Ano yan?" Tanong nito sa hawak ko.
"Ah just bread and coffee too..."
"Oh... bigay nung friend mo?"
Tumango ako. Then pumunta na kami sa ilalim ng shade ng puno kung saan May maliit na table at dalawang upuan dun.
"Ahmm... James, if okay lang sa'yo ... can I have black coffee nalang? Mejo tumaas kasi acid ko kaninang umaga."
James looked at me. "Yeah, sure, no problem, hon." Saka binuksan ang mga pagkain. "Ang thoughtful naman ng friend mo, dinalhan ka nya ng coffee and bread."
"Ahmm... she's always like that naman eh kaya Siguro nakagaanan ko kaagad sya ng loob."
"Oh... wow, Buti nalang."
"Ano?" Saka nag sip ng coffee.
"Hindi sya lalaki, kasi Pag Ganun mag seselos talaga ako."
Nasilamuukan naman ako nun. Knowing marami Nang nangyari samin ni Eren.
"Hey, you okay, hon?" tanong nito habang hinahagod ang likod ko.
"Yes, hon, don't worry about me."
"Okay..."
"I think we should invite her for dinner later..."
"Huh? Bakit?"
"To thank her.. you know... so tell her na mag dinner mamaya..."
"AHmmm.. naku, bakit pa, hon? baka makaisturbo tayo sa kanya."
"Is she also here for business?"
"Hindi naman.. pero kasi, hon..."
"Tell her to bring her plus one... para double date tayo." sabi ni James sabay wink.
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Andito kami ngayun sa isang acoustic bar, dito kasi gusto ni James para chill lang daw, and as expected, kasama namin si Eren, she didn't bring someone, akala ko nga dadalhin niya si Jana.
And the whole dinner was so awkward to me, pero bilib ako kay Eren, she knows how to handle everything. Kunsabagay, ako
Lang naman at sya ang May alam ng mga nangyari eh.
"Ahmm. Excuse me, cr lang ako." Sabi nito Maya Maya saka tumayo na.
I looked at her as she walked away. So near, yet so far. I wanted to hug her and touch her. But then... I can't. It pained me the way she acts tonight, Napa ka distant niya, different from the Eren I thought I knew.
"Hey, hon, are you okay?"
I looked at James. "Yes, Hon... Ahmm cr lang din ako .." Sabi ko saka tumayo na at pumunta na rin sa cr.
Pag pasok ko ay kaka labas lang niya ng isang cubicle.
"Finally." Sabi ko.
Parang nagulat naman ito sa sinabi ko.
Then bumukas ang pinto sa kasunod na cubicle na nilabasan niya. Pero Di naman ito nag tagal at lumabas na din.
Katahimikan.
She's just looking at me waiting for me to say something.
"I'm sorry... James insisted to invite you."
"Oh... wala yun. My pleasure to be part of this."
"Ha? Part of what?"
Then nag retouch na ito.
"Hey, Eren, kanina ko pa nahahalata na parang wala kang gana sakin. You're not like this."
"So?"
"So?"
"Ano pala gusto mong gawin ko? Landiin ka sa harap ng boyfriend mo? I'm being a good friend here, Reese..."
"Eren..."
Then tumingin ito sakin then sighed. "I guess... hanggang dito nalang nga talaga ang lahat."
"What? No..."
Then tumawa ito, sarcastically. "No, what? Hahaha if I were you mag retouch kana jan..." Saka binigay sakin ang kit nito. "You have to be beautiful tonight." Then she put her hand on my cheeks. I could see pain in her eyes, and damn, that hurts me So bad Ayokong nakikita syang nasasaktan. "Lemme ask you one last thing before everything gets to reality..." and then she sighed. "Would you go and take a risk with me tonight or just go back there and continue everything as if nothing happened?"
Now Playing: Lahat - ALYSSA (play it on YouTube para swabe)
"I uh... what are you talking about?"
Is she asking me to break up with James and take a risk with her?
"Do you love me?"
Napayuko naman ako nun. Do I love her? I don't know... one week palang kaming magkakilala, is she expecting me na ma I inlove ako sa kanya sa ganung kaikling oras? Yeah, marami na kaming nagawang memories sa isa't isa pero hindi yun sapat para sabihing mahal ko na sya. Hindi yun sapat para bitawan ang tatlong taong relasyon ko kay James. Hindi yun sapat to change a certain part of my life na nakasanayan ko na.
Napa atras naman ako nun. "Eren, that's too much."
"Yeah... that's why I act like this..." then she looked at me. "Reese, I wanted you to know... everything happened to us mattered to me. And I will never forget this summer with you. Yes, I never regret having those moments with you... because unexpectedly you mend my heart and made me happy again... and even in just a very short period of time... I felt how and what love is again..." and sighed, I could see her eyes starting to water. "Love. Taking risk with someone without knowing where would it go... love, having those moments with someone without looking at your watch and just enjoying each other's company... love, having those cute lil fight, bully and whatever but still make up after... love, missing someone even though palagi naman kayo mag kasama... love..... having this courage to let go of someone even though it hurts so bad..." then she smiled. "I'm happy for you...."
"Eren..." and still I don't know what to say, hanggang sa makalabas ito. Parang natulala lang ako dun, she just confessed her feelings to me, and it gave me mixed emotions, I'm happy to know that she love me but sad for the fact that I'm already taken and that I unconsciously turned her down without saying the exact words.
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Palabas ako ng cr when I heard a familiar voice singing. Of course, it's her. Nag open mic ba sila? And then there as I was expecting, nasa stage ito at nakahawak sa mic.
(I linked a vid above sa song na tu or you could just open YouTube and play it on while reading 😉😉)
You are sunshine after drops of rain
You feel so close even though you're far away
You are warmth in December
And you bloom just like May
You're so beautiful to me
And it drives me insane
Then I saw James walk towards me, he's smiling. "Can I have this dance with you?"
You are kindness when the world is cruel
You are patience when there's no time to lose
I looked at Eren, she's looking at us but with no reaction.
You are sunsets on rooftops
With a breathtaking view
You are more than what words
Could ever write about you
Nilagay ko na rin naman ang kamay konsa palm ni James. Dahan naman niya akong hinila sa gitna at niyakap habang nag s-slow dance kami.
And it's so simple but free
How we dance to the music so naturally
Can we stay here forever?
Just you and I
Oh, you make my heart ache
Because you are mine
It felt like The song Eren's singing is for me... damang dama ko sya Kahit na si James ang kayakap ko ngayun.
Then I looked at her, I swear, I saw a tear drop from her eye. Damn. Ba't parang ang sakit? Ba't parang luha ko yun na tumulo?
You are comfort when my thoughts give in
You are home when I don't know where it's been
You are waves through the shoreline
Where the sand meets the sea
Where I melt when you hold me
As we sway with the leaves
Reese, stop it, right now and get your shots together. Kasama mo na ang boyfriend mo ngayun. Tama na yang Eren Eren na tan... because as far as you're concerned, you both ended everything before this. At Isa pa... it was just a short period time, Ano ba naman panalo nun sa tatlong taong pinagsamahan niyo ni James? So come on... I know you love him. I know....
And it's so easy but true
How I measure my life in the days I'm with you
In every glass-heart piece you couldn't mend
There's a verse, a line, a song, a rhyme
This soul of mine has felt but hides instead
But... why is my heart aching right now? It feels so incomplete... it feels so broken.... It feels so empty... it feels like it's longing for someone... then I looked at her again... and suddenly a lil tear fell from my left eye...
Come on, Reese!
Oh, if only I knew how to say it
They'd be the only words filling my lungs
And if I never find the answers
At Pinikit ko ang mata ko pilit na winawaksi ang katotohanang si Eren ang gusto kong makasama rito. But then as I closed my eyes, sunud sunud namang nag flashback ang lahat lahat na nangyari mula sa day one na nag kasama kami. How I'm being so amused knowing her other side, how I suddenly admired her again... how I suddenly had a crush on her again... how I suddenly liked her again... how suddenly I got used of her around me... how I suddenly loved her scent, her touch her kiss, her everything...
I will forgive it
I can forgive it
How can I stay bitter
When you are my lover?
And it's so simple but free
How the embrace of your voice is where I want to be
Damn.... Reese... this is a real trouble.
We can stay here forever
Just you and I
Darling, so proud of what we've made (we found where we belong)
I promise we'll make it everyday (I promise we'll make it every heartache)
And oh, you make my heart ache (I will hold you a lifetime)
Oh, you make my heart ache
Oh, you make my heart ache (oh, you make it simple and easy)
Because you are mine
You make my heart ache
Because you are mine
Then James moved away from me.
"Hon, open your eyes..." Sabi nito.
Then I slowly opened my eyes, and then there I saw him kneeling his one knee, holding a little box with a ring on it.
"Will you marry me?"
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