Hinila muna si Karina ng mga pinsan niya after the service. Bumalik kasi kami sa bahay ng lolo niya. Habang nagbobonding sila on another part of the house, ako naman ay naiwan sa sala kasama ang lolo niya, yung dalawang tito niya na kapatid ng daddy niya, at sina Ate Linda at Kuya Mark.

 

Nakikinig at nagrereact lang ako sa pinaguusapan nila. Para bang nagrereminisce sila nung mga old days. I noticed din na panay ang tingin ng lolo ni Karina sa paligid. Para bang may inaabangan or maybe checking if the coast is clear. Nang makasigurong walang ibang tao, naging seryoso ang itsura niya.

 

"Winter" panimula niya. "What's this I hear na engaged na kayo ng apo ko?"

 

Napalunok ako ng ilang beses. Sabay sabay din kasi biglang tumingin sa akin yung mga kasama ko, miski sina Ate Linda gulat na gulat sa tanong. Karina nasaan ka na ba?

 

"Ah y...yes s...sir"

 

"Bakit parang hindi ka sigurado?" Tanong nung isang tito niya, seryoso din ang itsura.

 

"Her dad's no longer here kaya kami ang proxy. Gaano na ba kayo katagal ni Karina?" dagdag pa nung isa ring tito ni Karina.

 

I guess they won't understand right away kasi sa totoo naman na ang bilis ng lahat. Like literally two weeks pa lang akong nandito, less than that when I met Karina, and just days when we acknowledged our feelings. Wala pa ngang naging official na pagtanong, well meron pero wala pang sagot. Sabi ko din naman kay Karina to take her time.

 

Nafeel ko talagang na-corner ako bigla pero wala naman akong dapat ikatakot kasi sigurado naman ako kay Karina.

 

"In all honesty po, we've only been together for a little over a week. But even in that short amount of time, it felt like I have known her longer. Before coming here, I was set to really just find something to help me with my recital. An inspiration. But I got so much more than that when I met Karina. She made me feel things that I've never felt before, like the kind of happiness that I know will surely leave me devastated if I lose it. Even without saying anything, she knows exactly what to do or what to say. Just a simple touch from her gives me the sense of calmness, as if silently saying that everything will be alright, and I can easily open up to her and feel no judgment whatsoever"

 

Natahimik ang mga kausap ko pero hindi ako nabahala, cause I know I just told them nothing but the truth. If anyone would ask if I have any worries with where this is going, I would answer them wholeheartedly that there isn't. Karina is the one for me and I would want nothing more than to be called hers.

 

"I don't know what Nichkhun would say exactly, but I know he'll approve. He was just like that when he told me about Miyoung. I was a foolish old man before that I didn't believe in the possibilities of soul mates."

 

"And that's perfectly understandable sir"

 

May mga additional questions pa sila and I answered them truthfully. Right after"the talk", nagpakuha ng alak ang lolo niya. Kanya kanya kaming baso na may laman na whiskey.

 

"We lost someone dear to us but gained another person. We want nothing else but to see our Karina happy and I hope you will live up to your promise of not hurting her. And with that, welcome to the family, Winter' sabi ng lolo niya at itinaas na nga ang hawak niyang baso, tumatango tango naman ang mga tito niya. I was proud of myself at that moment. I was not expecting that they would be this accepting to our relationship and I am definitely not complaining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manginginom din ata itong lolo ni Karina kasi napapasabak ako kahit wala talaga akong balak uminom. Kada ubos kasi namin ng laman ng baso eh pinaparefill niya agad. Ang hirap naman din kasi tumanggi at masaya naman ang kwentuhan. Yung kanina ding composed na composed na postura ng lolo at mga tito ni Karina eh ngayon ay wala na.

 

"Ay ser, alam niyo ba, itong si Winter ay magaling mangharana. Aba'y nung minsan ngang naginuman kami napakilig niya din itong si Linda" sabi ni Kuya Mark na pulang pula na dahil sa alak.

 

"Oh ganun ba? I should be the judge. If you must know, kinukumpol ako ng mga babae sa tuwing tumutugtog kami ng mga kaibigan ko nung kabataan namin" kwento naman ni Lolo Art.

 

"Ano nga yung favorite song ni mommy?" Tanong naman ni Tito Junho.

 

"Can't help falling in love by Elvis Presley. That was also the song at our wedding. I'm sure you're familiar with the song Winter" sagot ni Lolo Art.

 

"I am sir" proud kong sagot. Saktong may grand piano din sa kanilang living room kaya tumayo ako and nilapitan ito. "Can I po ba?"

 

"Oo naman"

 

I pulled the cover up at ipinatong na ang mga kamay ko sa mga tiklado. I played random melodies muna like what I usually do, parang hand exercise na din before I played the intro.

 

Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?

 

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

 

Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you

 

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

 

Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you

For I can't help falling in love with you

 

When I finished singing, I was so engrossed in the moment na hindi ko napansin na may iba na palang mga nanunuod. Bumaba na din pala kasi sila Karina at mga pinsan niya. I caught her her eyes and smiled.

 

"More! More!" sabi ng aking audience habang nagpapalakpakan at siyempre pinagbigyan ko naman sila.

 

After ng impromptu performance ay nilapitan ko agad si Karina na sinalubong naman ako ng mahigpit na yakap. We just stayed in that position hanggang may bigla nakakairitang umuubo sa tabi namin. Parang si Professor Dolores Umbridge. And who else could ruin the moment but of course Karen herself and her kids/Karina's step siblings.

 

"You should be ashamed of yourself" bulong nito. "Nailibing na't lahat ang tatay mo hindi ka pa man lang rumespeto at dito ka pa talaga nakikipaglandian" tapos tinignan kami mula ulo hanggang paa at umiling iling na akala mo diring diri. Dahil na din siguro naparami na ako ng inom kaya nagpantig talaga ang tenga ko at kumalas sa yakap ni Karina.

 

"Maybe you should be the one who needs to learn to respect people. You present yourself as if you're going to a party and not to a funeral and not just someone else's but your husband. And in case you haven't noticed, no one seemed to mind what we were doing. And if you have a problem with that, which I'm sure you do, you're free to leave"

 

"EXCUSE ME?!"

 

Dahil napalakas na ang boses niya, napatingin na din sa amin ang iba nilang kamaganak.

 

"Wala ka talagang pinagkaiba sa malandi mong nanay Karina. Hindi ka na nga marunong lumugar, naghanap ka pa ng isa ding lapastangan"

 

Karina tried to stop me sa mahinang paghigit niya sa braso ko pero naginit talaga ang ulo ko.

 

"How could you live with yourself? You may have grown older, but your mindset unfortunately didn't, and that's just sad"

 

"Kanina ka pa sagot ng sagot, ikaw ba kinakausap ko?" sinubukan niya akong paalisin sa harap niya pero hindi ako gumalaw kaya umusog siya ng slight para tignan si Karina at dinuro duro. "Hoy ikaw, tandaan mo, kung hindi dahil sa akin, hindi ka makakasama ang tatay mo. Malamang sa ampunan ang bagsak mo. Hindi ka man lang marunong magpasalamat sa lahat ng binigay namin sa iyo"

 

And finally nagsalita na din si Karina. Go jagiya!

 

"Are you done? You really don't know how to even read the room noh? Karen, look around you, everyone's getting along just fine and of course you have to ruin the mood. And wala ka na bang ibang sasabihin? Narinig ko na lahat iyan eh. For the record, wala kang ibinigay sa akin kundi puro pasakit" nag-lean ng kaunti si Karina para lumapit sa tenga ni Karen. "And you should be the one thanking me for not saying anything...about him"

 

I think Karina mentioned the kid beside Karen kasi bigla niya itong hinawakan. Natahimik sandali ito habang nanlilisik ang mga mata, lumalaki din yung butas ng ilong niya sa sobrang gigil niya.

 

Akala namin titigil na siya pero bigla niyang itinaas ang kamay niya at bumwelo para mailapat sa mukha ni Karina. Thank god sa quick reflex ko at napigilan ko siya mid way at hinawakan ang wrist niya.

 

"You don't have the right to do that to anyone. Especially to her" madiin kong pagkasabi.

 

And right after I said that dumilim ang paningin ko at bigla ako napaupo sa sahig. Nag.sneak attack pala sa akin yung panganay niyang anak na lalaki. Hindi pa agad nagregister sa akin yung nangyari pero nakita ko na lang na hawak na ni Tito Junho yung half brother ni Karina at pilit na nilalabas ng bahay at nakasunod naman sina Karen.

 

Karina was saying something pero hindi ko maintindihan. I was brought back to my senses when I felt the pain on my tummy and my lips on top of the pounding headache.

 

"Jagiya? Jagiya?"

 

She helped me up and guided me towards the couch kung saan naman nakaabang si Ate Linda. I guess nakatulog ako kasi when I woke up, wala na masyadong tao sa sala at tanging si Karina, Ate Linda and Kuya Mark, Ate Lisa and Ate Rosé at ang lolo na lang niya ang nasa sala.

 

"If you want to press charges just let me know. That'll be just an easy win"

 

"Wag na siguro ate"

 

"You're too kind Karina. I have to give it to you couz, kasi if sa akin nangyari yun, nilayasan ko na sila"

 

"And you never told your dad about it?"

 

"I tried po, many times. Pero palaging sumasakto ng dating si Karen"

 

"Jagiya?" Mahina kong sabi. Ang sakit nung ulo at lips ko. Potek yan.

 

Karina turned her attention to me right away. I feel like I was just ran over by a truck sa sakit ng ulo ko. She gave me a glass of water na nakastraw and I really drank the whole thing. I was parched.

 

"H...how are you feeling?"

 

Okay self check. Masakit ang ulo ko that's for sure. May cut din ang lower lip ko. At masakit padin yung sa tummy area.

 

"I'm okay now jagiya. That was a first pero si Winter Kim ata ito" nagawa ko pang mag-flex ng braso.

 

Karina let me caught up with what they were discussing habang nagpapahinga ako. Kinausap daw ng lolo niya si Karen sa labas ng bahay at sinabing hindi na sila pwedeng makabalik kung kelan lang nila gusto at lalong wala na siyang karapatan kay Karina. Kahit asawa daw siya ng anak niya eh matagal na din daw silang nagtitimpi sa ugali nito. Tinakot pa daw ito na ipaalam sa kaibigan ng lolo niya which is yung tatay ni Karen. At effective naman daw kasi malapit na ulit mag-election at running for mayor ang isa pa niyang kapatid. And of course, ayaw ni Karen na masira ang pangalan ng kapatid niya.

 

"You should have seen the look on her face couz. Para siyang nakakita ng multo na parang nagiipit ng something at the same time" sabi ni Lisa.

 

Naimagine ko naman talaga yung pagkadescribe ng pinsan niya.

 

"Paano po sila ate?" tanong niya.

 

"Your Ate Sorn can still visit, only if you are okay with it" sagot ni Lolo Art.

 

Nagkatinginan kami ni Karina and I know the look she just gave me. It's the look saying na she wants to think things over and would want my opinion regarding the matter so we will talk about it when we're alone na.

 

We were asked to stay the night pero Karina politely declined kaya nagpaalam na din kami sa kanila. I'm feeling much better na din naman since nakapagpahinga na ako. Hindi rin kasi talaga ako usually nagkakahangover. Si Kuya Mark ang nagmaneho sa amin pauwi at nang makarating kami ng bahay ay umupo muna kaming lahat sa sala. Gusto rin kasi sana ni Karina makuha ang opinions nila Ate Linda since sila naman ang matagal na nakasama ni Karina and witnessed some of the things na ginawa ni Karen.

 

"Nak, ito lang naman ang akin. Pwede mo namang gawin ang sinasabi ng asawa ng pinsan mo at magsampa ng kaso. Aba eh menor de edad ka pa kaya din nun at kahit pa eh madrasta mo siya ay wala siyang karapatan na pagbuhatan ka ng kamay" sabi ni Ate Linda.

 

"Tsaka nak, kung gugustuhin din ni Winter ay pwede din niya iyong gawin sa gagong anak nung bruhang iyon. Tignan mo nga't nabangasan pa siya" dagdag naman ni Kuya Mark.

 

Nakatulala lang si Karina at mukhang pinagiisipan niyang mabuti ang next course of action.

 

"Jagiya, just my two cents, I would want her to be punished for everything she did to you but I'm a firm believer that people like her and her son already have a special place in hell and that they'll get the karma they both deserve"

 

When we finally laid on the bed, I felt so drained. Like literally a lot of things and emotions happened. I held Karina in my arms and saw that she was already fast asleep. I kissed her goodnight and wished for her to have nothing but good dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

A few days later, I'm driving alone on my way to Manila. There was something I needed to do kaya nagpaalam na ako kay Karina. The moment na napalitan ng mga buildings ang kanina lang na puro trees and fields sa paligid, nalungkot talaga ako. Pero hindi talaga pwedeng hindi ko gawin yun kaya dire-direcho lang akong magdrive hanggang makarating sa dapat kong puntahan.

 

After I parked the car, pumasok na ako sa loob ng building. I went up the elevator and pressed the button for the designated floor. When the doors opened, I then proceeded to greet the person behind the front desk, waited as she dialed a number and seconds later I was told that I can already enter the room.

 

The person saw me and signaled me to wait as he finished something on his computer so I just sat down on the chair in front of his desk.

 

"This is a surprise. I thought it would take a while? Is everything alright?"

 

"Yes and no"

 

"What the hell happened to your face?"

 

"Nothing sir. I need to ask you something. And hopefully you could help me out"

 

"That depends on what you need from me"

 

I took a deep breath and said, "I need your help to purchase something and before you say anything, I am definitely sure about this"

 

"Well for you to bring this up, it must be really serious then"

 

"Yes!"

 

"Do you already have something in mind?"

 

I nodded and got my phone out to show the options I really liked. I was just observing the person's reaction as he checked it out.

 

"My personal opinion doesn't really matter, I mean it does but this is all up to you cause the fact that you went straight here when you said you would take a while means that you are absolutely and 100% sure about what you're going to do"

 

"I am...dad. Hence the reason I talked to you instead of mom cause I already know what she would say"

 

"And what would that be?"

 

I cleared my throat and did my best to impersonate my mother, "You're still too young to get married, Minjeong! You haven't even graduated yet! No. I will not support this foolishness"

 

I looked at my dad and we both started laughing.

 

"Yes, your mother would say it exactly like that. But on a serious note Winter. What's your plan?"

 

"When I go back, I will find the right timing to pop the question. And when everything is settled there, I guess we'll finally use the condo you gave me last year. I sent the set list to my professor and already got an approval so I would just need to meet with the team before we start the rehearsals. After my graduation, I'll wait until she graduates as well before going through the wedding"

 

"You have really thought of everything huh?"

 

"Yes dad. All I need is to buy the ring"

 

"Well…you don't need to buy anything anak"

 

My dad opened one of his drawers and took out a small key then wrote something on a piece of paper.

 

"Take this to the bank and you'll see. You better hurry, they're closing soon"

 

My eyes lit up when he said that. I ran to his side and hugged him.

 

"Thank you dad! So much! I'll let you know when I get it. Love you dad"

 

I've never ran so fast as if my life depended on it but I didn't want to waste anymore time. The bank my dad was referring to was really just across the street and thankfully I got there right before they closed the door.

 

I gave them the paper my dad handed me, showed some identification and gave the key. After confirming that it was an authorized transaction, the manager asked me to follow him to a different room. There were a lot of small drawers inside and the manager who assisted me opened one of them. He took out the container inside and laid it on the table. He pulled the cover up and I saw several envelopes and just in the corner sits a small black box. He handed it to me and I carefully opened it.

 

I almost cried seeing it cause I knew the ring inside belonged to my Lola Martia. Before I let my emotions get the best of me, we went out of the room again and completed the transaction. I went back to my dad's building and got to my car where I called him to say that I have it.

 

"As always Winter, I will handle your mom and you just take care of yourself and your future fiancé. I can't wait to meet her and hopefully soon"

 

"I will dad. Thank you thank you thank you"

 

I calmed myself first before revving up the engine to start my way back to Zambales.

 

I entered the town proper around six in the evening but instead of heading straight home, I took another detour. Thankfully I still remembered how to get there and when I did, it crept the hell out of me. I mean, who goes to a cemetery at night?

 

I easily found the landmark and parked the car. I then walked the stone steps and reached the two new tombstones.

 

"Hi. We were introduced a couple of days ago but if you don't remember, my name is Winter Kim"

 

If anybody alive would be there, they would think that I'm some crazy person talking to the graves as if the people under it are actually in front of me.

 

Please don't show yourselves though.

 

"You probably already know but I love your daughter. I also know that you may think it's too fast but a wise person once told me that it's really not the length of time you have with the person, rather it's how she made you feel even if it was just a short amount of time. And yes, I may have only met your daughter Karina about a month ago but what I feel for her is real. So real that I will ask her to marry me. If you were here I would definitely ask for your blessings. But unfortunately, I never got to meet both of you. I came here as a sign of respect as Karina's parents. And to promise to make her happy and safe and be there at her best and at her worst"

 

I even showed the beautiful ring and although no one was there to appreciate it, I took the sudden gush of wind as a sign that they approve.

 

After talking to Karina's parents, I drove home where I was greeted by a giddy Karina who was dancing along to the music playing in the background as she cooked what I presume was one of my favorite dishes, Kare-kare.

 

"Jagiyaaaaa" bati niya while already clinging to me.

 

Nagiinit ang bulsa ko kung saan nakasuksok ang maliit na kahon na nakuha ko kanina.

 

Should I do it tonight?

 

 

 

 

 

"Bro, what the hell happened to you?" Bungad ni Ryujin pagkasagot niya sa video call request ko.

 

"A lot?" Which is totoo naman.

 

"Heard somewhere that you're staying there for a while ah, is that true?"

 

Ni-switch ko sa back camera para ipakita sa kaibigan ko ang maganda view. Nasa veranda ako ngayon habang inaantay na matapos maligo si Karina.

 

"Yeah bro. Kelan pala kayo dadating?"

 

"I'll check in with the girls. I think Gi is bringing her girlfriend as well but I'm not sure and Lia... hindi ko pa siya ulit nakakausap"

 

May iba dun sa tono ng boses ni Ryujin.

 

"Oy Shin, anong nangyare?"

 

Ay ayun, napakwento na nga ang unggoy. Inaya daw siyang maginom ni Lia somewhere in BGC dapat daw kasama din si Giselle pero had to cancel last minute cause of something. Di na niya daw maalala. Since dalawa lang sila nun and Lia's quite the stunner din kasi, ang daming lumalapit na boys and even girls. Nung una daw mga friendly approach pa pero eventually some tried to take advantage daw kasi madali ding malasing ang kaibigan namin. Hindi na raw niya nagustuhan yung paglapit lapit na minsan eh bastos na ang mga sinasabi and nakita naman niya na naiilang na din si Lia so she did something para matigilan na din ang iba. Ryujin kissed Lia para magtigil na sila.

 

That was almost a week ago na daw and hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin sila naguusap na dalawa.

 

"Why the hell would you do that bro?"

 

"Di ko din alam"

 

"Was it because of the alcohol or... was it because of something else?"

 

Hindi nakasagot agad si Ryujin.

 

The four of us have this what we call the F Code or our Friendship Code. Not really a set of rules pero kind of like a guide for a better relationship between us. We would update each other just in case anything happens. If one feels the need to quench their thirst for alcohol, everyone must be present unless it's really unavoidable and of course one must be the designated driver, and most of the time that's my role. There are a few more things included sa F Code but another important thing is regarding our personal feelings / relationship. Ryujin and I are both gay, Giselle is biual and Lia is straight. That was one of the first things we confirmed and respected about each other. In line with that, we cannot be attracted to each other.

 

Ryujin loves to pull pranks on us and would just drop greasy lines here and there that cringes the hell out of us. Malapit na siya pumantay kay Ate Wendy. Nako grabe din talaga iyon. Anyways, I am her favorite victim for those pranks but it's Lia who she normally says those remarks which most of the time has ual innuendos. She would joke about taking a liking to our friend and Lia being a good sport that she is, would bark back.

 

And with what happened, I can say that Ryujin wasn't really joking about liking Lia. Honestly, I don't see it being an issue but we made a pact to each other and disregarding it means bad news.

 

"Bro help me out. She hasn't even seen any of my messages unless of course through the group chat"

 

"She'll come around Shin. Pero yeah I can check on her din naman"

 

"Thanks bro. I'll see you soon yeah?"

 

"Yep"

 

We ended the call just in time na narinig kong bumukas ang pinto ng cr. Pumasok na din ako sa loob ng room at humiga muna sa bed.

 

Nagsusuot pa siya ng damit and siyempre nanuod lang muna ako. Ganda ng view eh.

 

"Have you talked to your friends already? Kelan daw sila dadating?" I asked my jagiya.

 

"They'll be here na daw in two days. Ning mentioned na isasama daw niya girlfriend niya"

 

"Ah yeah, Giselle said the same thing. Natutuwa pa din ako sa dalawang iyon. I mean, who would've thought na girlfriend ng isa sa mga best friends ko ang isa sa mga best friends mo"

 

"Same. We should prepare an itinerary para masulit yung pagpunta nila dito. Should be fun"

 

 

 

 

 

Madaling araw pa lang at nasa kasarapan pa ako ng pagtulog ng magising ako sa tunog ng nagvivibrate na telepono. Kinapa ko lang ang nakakaistorbo sa maganda ko na sanang panaginip at sinagot ang tawag without even checking kung sino yung tumatawag.

 

"Hullo?" antok na antok ko pang sagot. Wala nagsalita sa kabilang line kaya binaba ko na agad. Binalik ko na yung phone sa side table at umayos ulit ng pwesto.

 

Not even five minutes later, nagvivibrate na naman kaya kinuha ko ulit.

 

"Who the heck is calling at this time??" grumpy kong sagot.

 

"Hi. Sorry. Si Winter ba ito?" sabi nung maliit na boses na nasa kabilang linya. Sapilitan kong binukas ang isa kong mata at tinignan kung sino ba kausap ko. Eh hindi ko pala phone yung hawak ko kaya nagising na ang diwa ko.

 

"Sorry. Yes this is Winter"

 

"Hi! Si Ning pala ito. Nasa labas na kasi kami ng gate"

 

I checked the time at nakitang 4 AM pa lang and they were supposed to arrive ng mga lunch time pa.

 

"Ay ganun ba. Sige wait lang ha"

 

Dahan dahan naman akong kumalas sa yakap ni Karina and sure naman akong hindi siya magigising agad agad kasi I know she's tired.

 

Nagdamit na ako at kinuha ang susi ng gate. Wala din pala ang magasawa at lumuwas sila ng Manila.

 

Paglabas ko ng main door, sumampal sa akin ang malamig na hangin kaya napayakap na lang ako sa sarili.

 

Tinanggal ko muna ang padlock sa gate bago ito binuksan ng malaki. Nasilaw pa ako sa headlights and by the looks of it, sasakyan ni Ryujin. Pamilyar kasi yung bangas dun sa bumper ng Toyota Fortuner niya. Kaskasero kasi magdrive, ayun sa sobrang excited imaneho yung regalo sa kanyang sasakyan nabangga niya ito sa poste sa labas nung car store. Ayaw pa niya ipaayos kasi may sentimental reminder daw.

 

I stepped aside para makapasok sila then locked the gate na din afterwards. She parked the car sa tabi ni Ruby at nagsibabaan na din sila habang naglalakad pa din ako pabalik.

 

"Yo Winter, my bro!" bati ni Ryujin then we did our handshake.

 

"Ingay mo. Tulog pa mga tao" pagsaway ko sa kanya. Nag-peace sign na lang siya bago nilabas yung vape niya.

 

Binati ko naman sunod si Lia na kahit wala pang araw eh naka-shades na. Then sumunod yung pinsan ni Ryujin na si Yuna tapos si Giselle na ipinakilala na ako kay Ningning at kay Yeji. After getting their things, inaya ko na silang pumasok sa loob ng bahay.

 

"Guys wait lang ah. Gisingin ko lang si Karina"

 

Pagakyat ko sa room ay kita kong tulog na tulog pa siya. Tumabi ako sa kanya and did my usual way of waking her up. Kiss sa forehead, sa eyes, sa nose, sa cheeks and finally sa lips. Works every time.

 

"Jagiya. Guess what?"

 

"Hmm?"

 

"SIS! ANDITO NA KAMI!" masayang sing-song na sigaw ni Ningning pagbukas ng pinto. Kasunod nito si Giselle at Yeji na parehong napatakip bigla ng mata kasi kumot lang ang nagtatakip kay Karina. Sa lakas ba naman ng boses ng kaibigan niya eh napadilat talaga agad siya.

 

"Ay shocks sorry" mabilis nitong pagbawi sabay sarado ng pinto. Rinig pa namin yung pagmadali nilang bumaba ng hagdan.

 

"What time is it? Parang ang aga naman nila"

 

"Super aga jagiya. Past 4 AM pa lang. Gusto mo pa ba matulog? Okay lang naman. Ako na lang muna magluluto ng breakfast natin"

 

Sumiksik naman siya sa leeg ko. "I still can't feel my legs jagiya"

 

Natawa na lang ako. Sorry not sorry?

 

 

 

 

 

I went down and started preparing for breakfast. Alternate kami ni Karina na gawin ito and supposedly nga siya ang toka this morning kaso masyado kong ginalingan kagabi kaya ayun, pagod siya ihhh.

 

Ham and bacon lang ang nailagay ko sa chiller kagabi kaya nilabas ko na ito. Nagluto na din ako ng sinangag tapos naglabas ng ilang pakete ng 3 in 1. We forgot to do the grocery yesterday kasi dumaan yung pinsan niya at asawa nito para magpaalam at babalik na ng Australia.

 

Pagkatapos kong magluto, nagset na din ako ng table at hinain na ang mga ulam. Tinawag ko na din sila at pumwesto na sa lamesa. Sakto naman ang baba ni Karina kaya tumabi na siya sa akin. Natawa na lang ako sa utak ko kasi hirap siyang maglakad.

 

"Okay ka lang sis? Anyare sayo?" concerned na tanong ni Ningning. Pero si Ryujin at Yeji ay parang nagets na.

 

"No I'm not. Someone was extra hyper last night and don't know the concept of a safe word" deadpan niyang sagot habang nakatingin sa akin at nabuga ko naman yung iniinom kong kape.

 

"Oh wow. TMI" sabi naman ni Giselle.

 

 

 

 

 

After letting them settle sa mga rooms na gagamitin nila, umakyat kaming lahat sa veranda. Hindi pa din masyadong maliwanag. Actually ang ganda ng langit sa ganitong oras, yung nagtuturn over na from the night sky to the morning one.

 

"I'm in twilight zone" narinig ko pang sabi ni Giselle kay Ningning habang nakabackhug siya sa kanya.

 

Lahat kami nakasandal lang sa railings at ang blockings namin ay Yeji, Ryujin, Yuna, Lia, Ningning and Giselle and siyempre kami ng jagiya ko. Nakalabas din yung phones ng iba at kumukuha ng pictures.

 

Hindi ko pa pala nakakamusta ang bro ko pero mukhang kahit papaano eh nakapagusap na sila ni Lia.

 

We all watched how the sun rose to the sky and for me, aside from the reminder that a new day has come, ang fitting lang kasi for me, with our friends being here, it sort of symbolizes na a new chapter in our lives has began. We even took several group photos to remember this day.

 

Karina asked our friends if they'd like to rest muna bago kami magsimula sa ginawa niyang itinerary. Sabi nila na kung okay lang na magpowernap muna din sila kasi nga ang aga nilang nagkita kita. Hindi ko pa din alam bakit biglang nabago yung meeting time nila pero oh well, andito na din naman sila.

 

Since alam kong hindi na ako makakabalik sa tulog, nagayos na lang ako ng mga light snacks na dadalhin namin. Tumulong na din si Karina after niya gawin ang morning routine niya. Gumawa kasi ako ng egg and tuna spread for the sandwiches. Siya ang naglalagay ng palaman sa bread then she'll give it to me para coveran ng tissue bago ilagay sa sandwich bags. Nagpalamig na din ako ng mga bottled water na itatransfer ko sa cooler bago kami umalis.

 

Time check is 6:30 AM. Mga 8:30 daw kami aalis so since may time pa naman, Karina and I settled sa living room. Nakasandal ako sa couch while nakapatong naman ang ulo niya sa lap ko while trying to find anything good to watch on Netflix. Kaya hindi maganda yung 'Netflix and chill' na yan, kasi masestress ka muna sa kakapili ng panuorin before you get to watch anything.

 

 

 

 

 

"Convoy na lang tayo ah. Ryujin please lang ayusin mo magdrive" sabi ko sa kanila. Since may dalawa namang sasakyan naghati na lang kami sa mga kasabay. Karina will be driving Ruby which will be the lead car, kasama naman namin sina Ningning at Giselle while sa kabila naman ay sina Ryujin, Yeji, Lia and Yuna.

 

"FYI mah bro. I was able to drive us here safely" pagmamayabang niya bago sumakay sa driver's seat.

 

Nauna ng magreverse si Karina at sumunod na din si Ryujin. Paglabas ng bahay, ni-lock ko na din muna yung gate bago ako sumakay ng kotse at nagsimula na kaming bumiyahe.

 

Our first stop was the first place Karina and I visited when she toured me around. Like my reaction, they were awed sa ganda nung lake. Among our friends as expected nakapunta na dito si Lia. According to Yeji, ginamit talaga ng bestfriend ko ang pagiging isang Tourism graduate nito at nagbigay ng mga information about the place habang bumabyahe sila.

 

Dala na din ng naexperience ko, tumingin ako sa paligid at baka may bigla na namang sumulpot na bata. Not the scary type ha.

 

Sunod naman naming pinuntahan ang animal farm and mas nakapagexplore ako this time kasi yung huling punta ko dito eh injured ako.

 

"Ryujin look o. Kapatid mo" pangaasar ni Lia. Nasa may section kasi kami ng monkeys.

 

"Cute di ba?" sagot naman nito at nakipagselfie pa nga dun sa nasa may pinakamalapit sa cage.

 

"Sila oo pero ikaw hindi"

 

Mukhang okay na naman sila.

 

We passed by the same bench we sat on last time at pareho kaming napangiti. Dun kasi nangyari yung moment when we felt na gusto namin ang isa't isa. Nagpakuha kami ng picture kay Lia since hindi siya sumama nung nagpunta yung iba sa aviary.

 

"I'm still curious though. Anong sinabi mo kay Youngeun last time?" tanong ko kay Karina.

 

"That I will confess to you that night" simple lang niyang sagot. Kinilig naman ako.

 

"Not that I'm against it or anything ha. Pero hindi ba masyadong mabilis" biglang tanong ni Lia.

 

"Yeah we get that a lot. But for us, it really wasn't. I mean kung siya na talaga eh papakawalan ko pa ba?" sabi ko.

 

"Ugh! Nahahawa ka na kay Ryujin"

 

May napapansin ako ah. Pero mag-gather muna ako ng data.

 

Nakabalik na ang iba naming friends kaya nagaya na kaming umalis and since lunch time na din so we looked for a restaurant nearby.

 

Hindi ko alam kung kaninong idea na since we've been seeing a lot of animals daw kanina sa farm eh idamay naman namin ang mga sea creatures kaya Karina led the way papunta sa isang seafood restaurant. Punuan yung place kaya we had to wait pa. Mainit na din sa labas kaya nagpasabi na lang kami na kung pwedeng tawagin na lang pag pwede na kami makapasok sa loob.

 

Lumipat ako sa sasakyan ni Ryujin at si Yeji naman ay lumipat sa sasakyan ko kaya naghiwalay muna kaming may jowa.

 

"Bro ang ganda ni Karina!" sabi ni Ryujin.

 

"I know" proud kong sagot sabat hair flip. That's my jagiya kaya.

 

"May kapatid or pinsan ba siyang single?"

 

"My gosh Ryujin. Lahat na lang ng lugar na pupuntahan natin naghahanap ka talaga?" entry naman ni Giselle.

 

"Akala ko ba gusto mo ko?" biglang banat naman ni Lia with matching taas ng kilay. Hindi ko sure kung nagbibiro lang siya or what. Parang may laman eh. Napatikom na lang ng bibig yung isa.

 

"Wait what? You can't do that Shin. We made a pact, remember?" galing kay Giselle.

 

Natahimik kami sa loob ng sasakyan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Why am I here? I don't want to be here" biglang tunog galing sa side ni Yuna.

 

"Ay sorry. Natanggal pala yung earphones ko" sabi nito sabay peace sign at inayos na ang pagkakabit sa phone niya.

 

Yung namumuong tension kanina eh mabilis ding nawala. Galing tumayming nung kanta eh.

 

May lumabas na ate galing sa restaurant at sinabing pwede na daw kaming pumasok kaya nagbabaan na kami ng sasakyan. When we got inside, sumunod lang kami dun sa ate hanggang ituro niya kung saan kami uupo.

 

Essential sa pagtravel ang may dala kang cash dahil not all the time may cashless payment option na available. Pero yung magagaling kong kaibigan eh wala man lang nakaisip sa kanilang magwithdraw bago pumunta and pagcheck ko din sa wallet ko ay hindi na rin enough ang dala ko kaya si Karina muna ang nagbayad ng bill namin. Nahiya ako sa totoo lang, medyo malaki din kasi.

 

"Rich kid problems?" asar ni Ningning sa katabi niya.

 

"It totally slipped my mind babe" pangangatwiran naman ni Giselle.

 

Buti na lang at may bank kaming nadaanan kanina so I made sure na we were able to withdrew enough money na.

 

Tinamad ng pumunta sa ibang lugar ang friends ko kaya sabi nila we adjust the itinerary na lang. Kaya ginamit na lang namin ni Karina yung time para mag-grocery. Hinatid na muna namin sila sa bahay para magpahinga. And hindi rin naman daw inaantok si Ryujin at sumama na lang sa amin.

 

Siya ang pinagtulak ko ng cart habang sinusundan lang namin si Karina na bilhin yung nasa list niya.

 

"So what's the deal between you and Lia?"

 

Napabuntong hininga siya. "We were together last night bago kami nagkita kita with the others. She said kasi na she wanted to clear things out bago yung trip na ito"

 

"Tapos?"

 

"So ayun, I told her what I really feel. Na I do like her and na dinadaan ko minsan sa mga biro at banat ko hoping na she gets what I mean"

 

"And then?"

 

"She acknowledge it... pero naisip niya nga yung about the F Code and why we decided to do that in the first place. I found out na she's actually the one who suggested that to Gi na inagreehan naman agad and gave us the idea to start a pact with everyone"

 

"Alam mo nakakainis kang magkwento. Hindi pwedeng tuloy-tuloy?"

 

Akala ko maasar ko siya pero wala man lang siyang come back remark. Well that's new.

 

"Bro! She's not as straight as we thought cause she in' admitted that she feels the same. Had been that way for years kaso she was afraid na it wouldn't work out since I tend to fool around nga din and she doesn't want to lose me as a friend if we break up for some reason that's why she didn't say anything"

 

Oh wow. Grabe naman ang revelation. Sabi na at tama ang mga hinala ko kanina. Come to think of it, bagay nga naman sila. Kaso pareho namang duwag pero may point naman kung bakit.

 

"So what now? You'll just leave it at that? You're not gonna do anything about it?"

 

"Wala bro. It pero ayoko din mawala kung ano ang meron kami ngayon. Ayoko lang din na masira ang friendship natin since I know Gi highly values the code. Pero ha, cute din nung isang kaibigan ni Karina. Kamuka niya si Light Fury"

 

Nabatukan ko talaga siya nung item na kakaabot lang sa akin ni Karina. Buti na lang hindi ganun kalakas, bote pala kasi ng toyo yun.

 

"Sorry not sorry bro. Ang harot mo kasi"

 

"Ayos lang bro. Inom na lang tayo mamaya. Sagot ko na ang mga alak"

 

When we got to the counter, nagulat ako kasi punong puno na pala yung cart. Di ko kasi napansin at lagay lang ako ng lagay ng inaabot sa akin. Kaya pala hirap na hirap magtulak si Ryujin. We paid for everything at dinala na namin sa car. Muntik lang naman mapuno yung compartment kasi ilang boxes din ang kinalabasan.

 

Late afternoon na kami nakabalik ng bahay. Natagalan pala kami sa grocery at pagdating namin ay gising na yung iba. We carried everything to the house and Karina and I sorted them na. Mabilis lang din namin nagawa since familiar na din naman ako kung saan nakalagay ang mga bagay bagay.

 

We bought several boxes of pizza and chicken na lang for our dinner and yung matitira eh mamaya na lang sa inuman. G naman ang lahat sa plano kaya nag-set up na kami sa veranda.

 

Nakapwesto na ang iba at inaantay na lang na umakyat sina Karina at Yeji na gumawa ng chaser. Sina Ningning at Giselle naman ay panay ang selfie, iba't ibang pose at iba't ibang angles. Yung magpinsan naman ay nagvavape session dun sa isang gilid. Kami naman ni Lia eh inaarrange yung mga pulutan para madaling makakuha ang lahat.

 

Pagdating nung dalawa, nagbukas na agad si Ryujin ng isang long neck, nag-alay sa demonyo bago naglagay ng unang shot na agad din ininom.

 

 

 

 

 

"...she even had a crush on my cousin Ate Irene that she would invite herself over to the house just to see a glimpse of her. Every time we had a party maagang dumadating yan sa bahay kasi si Ate Irene yung nagooffer palagi na magluto ng food" kwento ko kina Karina.

 

"Oh yeah. I remember nung akala niya friend lang ni Ate Irene si Ate Wendy kasi tandem pa sila minsan na bumanat at tuwang tuwa naman siya kasi palagi daw natatawa yung pinsan ni Winter. Only to find out later na kay Ate Wendy lang kinikilig talaga si Ate Irene kasi asawa niya yun" dagdag pa ni Giselle.

 

"Di ba nagaya pa siya uminom the next day kasi heartbroken daw siya" entry naman ni Lia.

 

At yung center ng asaran? Ayun pulang pula na sa hiya.

 

"I thought you were my friends. Lalo ka na Winter. Wala man lang pasabi? Kailangan makita ko pa silang magkiss?" sabi naman ni Ryujin na parang paiyak na.

 

Tawang tawa naman sina Karina, Ningning, Yeji at Yuna.

 

"Bro, pwede kasing magtanong muna? Assumptionista ka talaga" sagot ko na lang.

 

Tuloy kang kami sa pangaasar kay Ryujin lalo nung nilalaglag din siya ng sarili niyang pinsan.

 

"So you all know na nickname niya sa bahay ay Monks right? Short for monkey obviously. Kung saan saan daw kasi sumasabit yan. Sa puno, sa sampayan, sa stairs, miski yung hawakan sa sasakyan. I remember na hinihila niya ako minsan sa mga trip niya until pareho kaming nahulog dun sa house nung lola namin. Umakyat kasi kami sa puno ng mangga kasi ang daming bunga. Hindi namin napansin na marami palang big red ants. Nung pareho kaming kinagat, we panicked tapos sabay kaming na out of balance. Ayun, preho kaming nabalian. Since then hindi na siya umaakyat kung saan"

 

Mangiyak ngiyak na talaga si Ryujin sa sobrang hiya. "Starting today I no longer consider you my cousin Yuna" nagbigay pa nga sa amin ng dirty finger.

 

"Since we're on the topic, ako naman ang manglalaglag ng kaibigan" panimula ni Ningning at nanlaki ang mata nila Karina at Yejii.

 

Abang na abang naman ako sa kwento. Siyempre first time ko naman kasing makakarinig ng kwento about Karina outside her family.

 

"Umayos ka Ningning ah" banta ni Yeji at Karina at binelatan lang sila nito.

 

"So ganito kasi yun..."

 

 

 

 

 

Umikot lang sa mga funny stories ng bawat isa ang gabi hanggang sa antukin na nga ng sobra ang iba. Ningning and Giselle stayed sa room next to ours. Hindi din daw kasi malakas uminom si Ning and ayaw din naman iwan nung isa kaya we said goodnight na sa kanila. Bumaba na din sina Lia at Yuna na magshshare din sa isang room at naiwan na nga lang kaming apat nila Karina, Ryujin and Yeji sa veranda na inubos na lang din yung laman nung pangatlong alak.