Chapter 25 - Confronted

Gail

It has been a few days since I last heard from Jeannie. Her last message was the one when she wanted to talk to me about something.

I was just done checking on the files I had in my laptop when I messaged her.

Sis, so what's up?

Sorry was a bit busy lately.

Sender: Gail

<message sent>

Binaba ko pa lang ang fone ko ng nagreply agad siya.

<message received>

Sis

Free ka ba mamaya?

We need to talk.

Sender: Jeannie

I decided that after cleaning the condo, magkikita kami ni Jeannie sa condo niya. So after about an hour and a half, nakita ko na ang sarili ko na nagdadrive to Jeannie's.

As I parked outside nakita ko si Jeannie walking to me from the lobby. She stood by the door as I walked to her then she led me into the elevator without saying anything until we were inside her unit.

"So anong meron, sis?" tanong ko as I sat down on the sofa.

Jeannie got some iced tea from the ref and was walking to where I sat. Meron siyang serious look sa mukha niya. I was about to ask again when she spoke.

"Sis... are you seeing someone else aside from Brent?" she said as she sat down facing me.

"Ha?" W-Wala? What are you talking about?" surprised by her question.

"Oh please... tell the truth Gail..." sabi niya as she crossed her arms and looked angry.

"Di ba sabi ko wala... bakit parang dinidiin mo?" sagot ko as anger was starting to get to me.

Ano 'to... bakit niya tinatanong ito? Of all people.

"You never were good at lying Gail... So... So mababa na pala taste mo... at... pumapatol ka na sa isang bayaring lalaki?!" she said with much conviction na naramdaman ko na nag iinit ang tenga ko habang nakatingin ako sa kanya.

"I just ignored the things I saw on Dinah's despedida... how you touched that... that... guy... how he didn't leave the room when he brought you in..." kwento niya na may diin sa bawat salita.

"... nakita ko siya... lumabas ng kwarto after some time... Gail, he left in the morning... anong ginawa niyo? Nag kwentuhan?" she continued as I was shocked listening to her.

"... pero ang pinaka naging sure ako... nung pumasok ako nung umaga... Gail, all your clothes were on the floor... I just pretended I didn't see it..." she finished.

I turned away as I tried to make a story and get out of this.

"Jeannie... w-we didn't do anything" I said a bit shouting appearing more guilty.

"Oh come on, Gail! I saw you sa mall a few days after. Nakahawak ka pa sa kanya all sweet like mag jowa" she said as she stood and slowly walked to the dining area, then she faced me.

"So... so ano ngayon, Jeannie? Ha?" I said as I walked to where she stood.

"Gail... you have a boyfriend... someone who loves you so much... and you're wasting it all on a callboy? Bumaba ang tingin ko sa iyo... I never thought that the Gail I knew was a... a slut" she said to my face.

Blood rushed to my face as I slapped Jeannie on her cheek. I was as shocked as I lowered my hand.

"I'm... sor..." I tried apologizing.

"What. Gail? You're sorry? Don't be... you chose that... you chose him, that dancer..." she said hawak ang pisngi niya.

"... I love you as a sister... but for this moment... I support Brent more... Don't worry... he won't know... I know how to keep a secret... but please... think of all you are throwing away..." she said as she turned away from me.

I turned and took my bag from the sofa. I rushed to my car and drove away. Nandun yung guilt lalo na at may confrontation. From someone I love. Nahihilo ako sa dami ng iniisip ko ng tumunog ang phone ko.

<message received>

I miss you.

Sender: Brent

<message received>

Miss kita.

Sender: Nicolo

I just placed my phone back into my bag. And I stared back at the Sunday traffic.