Elieve’s POV
For the record...
That was the longest 30 minutes of my life.
Pagkatapos ng super awkward moment kanina nagkayayaan na kaming umuwi pero ayaw yata akong tantanan ng awkward moments...
Wanna know why?
Ganito kasi yon.
~flashback~
"Friend, sorry nagtext na si Mama, kailangan ko ng umuwi." sabi ni Val.
And as if on cue isa-isa na din silang nagpaalam.
"Oh pano pala ikaw Elieve, pano ka pala uuwe?" nagaalalang tanong ni Kuya Jepoy
"Ako na po.../ako na..."
Sabay na sabi ni Chae at Alex at sabay ding hawak sa magkabilang kamay ko.
So para ako ngayong sira na di malaman kung saan sasama dahil hawak nila ang magkabilang kamay ko.
Magsasalita na sana ako kaso biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Chae.
Nakita kong nag-iba ang expression ng mukha nya ng makita kung sino ang tumatawag.
"Hello babe..." sabi niya sabay bitaw sa aking kamay.
Para akong sinampal ng realidad nang mga oras na iyon.
Umaasa pa rin ba ako?
kung hindi...
Bakit parang isang libong kutsilyo ang tumatarak sa aking puso.
Hindi pa rin ba ako nadadala.
Nararamdaman kong parang tatraydorin ako ng aking mga mata dahil nagbabadya ng pumatak ang mga luha.
Bigla ko na lang naramdaman na may mga brasong bumalot sa aking bewang at iginaya ako palabas ng resto.
Siguro dahil sa sakit na nararamdaman ko kaya parang papel akong idinala ni Alex papunta sa kanyang kotse at hindi ko na lang namalayan na nakarating na kami dito sa apartment ko.
"You seems bothered and hindi na ako magtatanong kung bakit." Alex.
I just give him a half smile.
"So I'll pick you up tomorrow?"
"ok."
Yun lang at tumalikod na siya paalis.
Papasok na ako sa pinto pero narinig kong bumusina siya kaya napatingin ako.
"He doesn’t deserve someone precious like you. His a jerk for making you feel this way."
Yun lang at pinaharurot na niya ang kanyang sasakyan.
Naiwan akong nakatunganga sa kawalan.
Parang gong na nag eecho yung mga salitang sinabi nya kanina.
Tama siya. I don't deserve this. Wala naman akong ginawang masama. Nagmahal lang naman ako.
Maybe this time kailangan ko na talagang mag move on.
Yung totoong pag momoveon.
Napatawa ako pagak.
So ano yung ginawa ko for the past 8 years, pekeng pag-momoveon?
Agad akong humiga sa aking kama at inisip ang mga pangyayari.
Parang shunga lang. wala talagang kasing epal si tadhana.
Happy ka tadhana?
Lakas ng trip mo.
So magkaibigan pa pala si Alex saka si Chae.
Nakakainis.
Wait bakit ba ako naiinis kung mag-kaibigan sila.
Hoy self wag mong sabihin crush mo si Alex.
Luh! Parang tanga ‘to. Ano ka teenager may crush.
Ang sarap batukan ng sarili ko.
Naalala kong muli yung nangyari kanina.
Parang kinurot ang puso ko.
Kainis yung emotion ko parang roller coaster kanina lang napapangiti ako dahil pumasok sa isip ko si Alex kaso biglang nag black and white ang paligid nung si Chae na.
Ano pa nga ba naman ang aasahan ko. Diba nga friend na lang kami, saka may girlfriend na nga siya diba, hindi pa ba enough proof yun para tantanan mo na siya.
Itigil na ang pagiging tanga self pwede.
Move-on.
Hindi ako nakatulog ng halos magdamag kagabi.
Paulit ulit na naglalaro sa isipan ko ang mga naganap nitong mga nakaraang araw.
At kahit saang anggulo ko tingnan, dehado ang puso ko kay Chae.
Ang hirap.
8 taon na akong nagmomove on pero hanggang ngayon tanga pa rin ako sa pagibig.
Nagmomove on.
Napaisip ako.
Hindi nga pala ako nagmomove on.
I just simply try to set aside all my feelings.
Akala ko kapag inisang tabi ko na ang nakaraan makakalimot na ako.
Hindi pala.
I forgot that the first step to move on is to accept the fact na wala na talagang kami.
Period.
Nakalimutan kong tanggapin na wala na talagang pag asa marahil kaya patagong umaasa ang puso ko na maaari pang ibalik ang lahat sa dati at magkakaroon ulet ng kami ay dahil sa kalooblooban ng puso ko naroon pa rin yung hope na magiging maayos din ang lahat at magkakaroon kami ng happy ending.
Pero mali ako.
Dahil dito napaisip ako.
I really need to make up my mind and take this things seriously.
Move-on.
That was the last word na nasa isip ko bago ako nakatulog.
I took my diary and start making a list on how I can move on from that kumag.
Think...
A bitter smile formed into my lips.
1st...
-Accept the fact na wala na kayo at masaya na siya sa iba.
Ouch.
Nasaktan ako dun.
Pero atleast alam ko na wala ako sa pantasya at nasa realidad ako ng buhay at dapat ko itong tanggapin.
2nd
-Live your life to the fullest. You only live once.
Maganda ka, matalino, sexy:), you deserve the best out of your life.
Teka, parang kilala ko kung kanino nanggaling ang idea na yon.
Napangiti ako.
Wait, bakit ako nakangiti.
Biglang may kumatok sa pinto kaya natigil ako sa pagsusulat.
Sinilip ko sa bintana kung sino ang nasa labas.
Shemay. Bigla akong napatapik sa noo ko.
Nakalimutan ko. Sabi nga pala nya babalik kami sa ospital ngayon dahil sa pagiinarte ko sa mata ko kahapon.
Ano ba yan.
Ang engot ko talaga.
Nakalimutan kong sabihin na joke lang yun.
Paepal lang para di na ako kulitin nung kumag na si Chae.
Binuksan ko ang pinto.
Bumungad sa akin ang nakangiting Alex.
Yung Alex na gwapo, mukhang mabango ay mali scratch that, napakabango pala, bigla kong naamoy ang pabango nya. Tapos yung mata nya na nagsspark. Tapos yung triceps and biceps nya na bakat dahil sa plain white fitted shirt na suot nya with maroon six pocket shorts. Yung abs, kahit nakatago sa damit nya i know sa likod non may anim na pandesal na mainit.
Oh my wait. I'm not drooling infront of him.
"Hey, don't eye raped me." nakangising sabi niya.
"What. No, hindi ah. Itong ganda kong ito. Nagpapatawa ka ba?" Pagkukunwari ko.
Bigla siyang napangiti.
"What?" Napapantastikuhang sabi ko.
"Well, sabi mo maganda ka tapos ako naman pogi eh di bagay tayo." Natatawang sabi nya.
Napanganga ako.
Adik talaga itong taong ito.
"Pumasok ka na nga lang. Kung ano-anong sinasabi mo jan."
Sabay na kaming pumasok sa loob ng bahay.
Umupo na siya sa sofa.
"Hey, bakit di ka pa nakabihis. I texted you last night, sabi ko susunduin kita ng 9am." sabi nya.
Napakamot ako ng ulo.
I just give him a "di-ko-nabasa-dahil-busy-akong-mag-emote-kagabi" look.
He just give a sigh.
"Umiyak ka na naman ba kagabi? Mukha kang may black eye oh." nakasimangot na sabi nya.
"Di ako umiyak ok. Napuyat mana pa, di ako nakatulog ng maayos kagabi eh."
"At bakit?" tanong niya.
"Nagisip-isip." sabi ko naman.
Umupo ako sa tabi nya.
"Well, that's good to hear. Atleast ngayon nag-iisip ka na." he said.
Inirapan ko siya.
"Close ba tayo? Makabanat ka jan ah." naiinis na sabi ko.
"Well, matapos yung nakita ko kagabi sa mga mata mo sa tingin ko kailangan mo ng taong magsasabi sayo na tama na yang ka martiran mo dahil walang katugon yang nararamdaman mo." mahabang paliwanag niya.
Shemay naman. Magkalahi ba sila ni Val. Mga salita nila parang magpinsan, mapanakit.
Naiinis ako sa mga narinig ko.
"Paano mo naman nalaman na walang katugon ang nararamdaman ko." walang ganang sabi ko sa kanya.
He just chuckled. Pero mabilis na napalitan ng seryosong mukha.
I saw a glimpse of pain, sorrow, disappointment... At iba pang mga feelings na hindi ko maipaliwanag.
"Want to hear a story?" nakatingin sa kawalan na sabi niya.
Tumango lang ako, pakiramdam ko kailangan kong makinig sa story na sinasabi nya.
Elieve Aragon I look at him intently and I see a hint of hesitation in his face. Then he finally breaks the silence. "Sometime in 2015, these two guys met in Canada. Let's call them tanga and mas tanga. They became best of friends. They treated each other not just a friend but more likely a brother. Marami silang pinagkakasunduan lalo na sa babae. Girls are like toys for them. Kahit pa nga si tanga ay may girlfriend dito sa Pilipinas. Pero sabi nya mahal nya yung babae kaso magulo ang pamilya nya, ayaw nila sa babae dahil naka arrange marriage na siya sa isang family friend ng pamilya nila, pero kahit naka arrange na ang pagbitay sa kanya kahit kelan ay hindi pa niya nakikita ang kanyang long-lost fiancé, kaya naman hindi nya alam kung anong maaring mangyari sa future so he choose to let go her girlfriend na nandito”. Sabi niya. The air around us turned thick with tension as he came to a sudden stop, his jaw clenching and eyes shutting tightly. I could feel the heat of his anger ra
Elieve Aragon Our gazes fixated on the vast expanse of space above us. The silence between us was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. After everything he had said earlier, my mind was racing with thoughts and questions, trying to make sense of it all. It was then that a flicker of understanding, a glimmer of clarity, washed over me like a cool breeze on a sweltering day. Chae had made his decision, and it was not in my favor. He had chosen his family over me, and while I couldn't say I was entirely surprised, it still stung. And yet, despite all of that, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Chae and I had been through so much together, and it seemed that all of that had been swept away. But as I looked up, I realized that being a part of the Vargas family was an entirely different story. It was not just about blood and lineage, but about power and influence. The Vargas name carried weight and prestige, and those who bore it were treated with a deferenc
Elieve Aragon The kitchen was filled with an air of anticipation as Alexandro, the broodingly handsome bachelor, meticulously prepared a sumptuous meal. The sunlight that streamed in through the window seemed to catch the glint in his eyes as he expertly cooked the perfect sunny side up eggs, the yolks a tantalizing shade of gold. The aroma of corned beef and potatoes wafted through the kitchen, as Alexandro skillfully sautéed them to perfection. He carefully arranged the dish on a plate, adding a side of crispy onion rings that added a burst of flavor to the meal. The bacon, cooked to a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness, was the pièce de résistance of the spread. And the fried rice, with its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, completed the ensemble. As soon as all the food was served without any delay, we gathered around the dining table, our mouths watering with anticipation. Alexandro's culinary skills were unmatched, and we knew we were in for a treat. With eager anticipat
Elieve Aragon The surroundings were quiet, as if just a while ago, my house was filled with various emotions and commotion, but now, all I could hear was the ticking of the clock hanging on the wall. They said their goodbyes earlier after our conversation with Alex. I could sense that my friends were worried about what happened, and on top of that, they learned about our whirlwind story, the four of us. Ang lakas talaga ng trip ni Tadhana. Ang alam ko sa mga nobela at movies ko lang nakikita ang mga ganitong stories pero maaari palang mangyari sa realidad. Masyado bang malaki ang aking kasalanan sa mundo upang maranasan ko ang ganito. Wala naman akong ginawang masama. Isa lang naman ang ginawa ko ah. Nag-mahal lang ako. Masama ba yun? Nabaling ang aking atensyon ng marinig kong tumunog ang aking cellphone kaya naman kinuha ko ito. Hey El, are you ok? Please tell me you’re ok. Nagalala ako. -Alex Nangangati ang aking kamay na replayan ang kanyang message pero hindi ko gin
Elieve Aragon Matagal ng natapos ang tawag ni Chae pero naiwan pa rin akong nakatulala sa kawalan. I still and will always be still… what? "If my heart had its way," I whispered into the quiet of my room, "it would say, 'I STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU.'" I closed my eyes, letting the memories flood my mind, imagining his face, his touch. But then my mind interjected, insisting, "I STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE STILL YOUR FRIEND." It seemed like the more reasonable choice, the one that made sense. I let out a heavy sigh, my breath hitching as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. I was torn, unable to decide between what my heart desired and what my mind deemed practical. The confusion was overwhelming, and I longed for clarity. I had made up my mind before, but it was never easy to stick to my decision. Chae Von Vargas had been a significant presence in my life, and letting go of those feelings wasn't easy. But I knew I had a goal - to move on, to find happiness be
Elieve Aragon I spend the rest of the day thinking of what’s happening. Anong problema ni tadhana at kami ang napagtripan nya. Masyado na ba siyang bored sa buhay nya kaya nag-hanap siya ng mga tao na mabubulabog at sa kamalasan kami ang napili niya. I was sidetracked in my reverie when I heard the door opened. Ay syete. Complete attendance ah. Hindi na ako nagulat ng nakita ko sa tabi ni Chae si Athena. Sandali ko siyang tinitigan at nagbaba na ako ng tingin. Her face was nothing short of angelic, with features that seemed to emit a celestial radiance. Her flawless, fair complexion was as smooth and flawless as porcelain, as if crafted by the hands of a skilled artisan. Her body was a perfect hourglass shape, accentuated by curves that were both alluring and elegant. Langya, ginagawa yata nitong miryenda ang gluta. Her complexion was so immaculate, it was almost as if she was untouched by the harsh rays of the sun. In fact, I couldn't shake the feeling that the sun itself w
Elieve AragonSurrounded by the noise of my friends' laughter and chatter, my spirit was awakened by the commotion, but I kept my eyes closed, lost in my own thoughts.Had I made the right decision by running away from the truth? I knew deep down that I was only doing it to avoid the pain and heartache that came with facing reality.I am running away coz I know truth hurts.And the last thing I want now is a troubled heart.Bakit ka tumatakbo?Bakit, hinahabol ka ba?Please remind me about my nega mind and its capability to annoy the hell out of me.Epal ng utak ko talaga.But I have to admit, tama naman siya, bakit ba ako tumatakbo wala naman nag-hahabol.Feelingera lang ako.I heaved a deep sigh.I was suddenly pulled out from my deep thought when I heard Kuya Arianne.“Isla del Rios is indeed a great place.” Sabi ni Kuya Arianne.Bigla akong napamulat.Syete nasa Norte ba kami?Luminga ako sa paligid.To my right, the vast expanse of blue ocean stretched out to the horizon, glimmer
Elieve’s Pov Pain. Pinahid ko ang mga luhang naglandas sa aking pisngi. That message slaps the reality on my face. Yesterday, when I accidentally read the message from Chae's phone while we were in our overnight together with our barkada, I realize one thing. ITS. REALLY. OVER. 8 long years had passed when he left me and here I am. Nagpapakatanga pa rin na nagiintay na babalik pa din sa dati ang lahat. Akala ko kapag bumalik na siya galing ng Canada, babalik na kami sa dati. Yung tipong merong SIYA, merong AKO, meron pa ring KAMI. Pero wala. After what happened yesterday, I haven't left my room and have spent the entire day crying my heart out. My stomach is straight up growling 'cause I haven't had a bite all day. The sharp pain in my stomach cuts through me like a knife. I haven't eaten a thing all day yesterday. I need to take a shower first and then eat out, as I have no energy for anything at the moment. Fortunately, it's Christmas break, so there are no classes, no paper
Elieve AragonSurrounded by the noise of my friends' laughter and chatter, my spirit was awakened by the commotion, but I kept my eyes closed, lost in my own thoughts.Had I made the right decision by running away from the truth? I knew deep down that I was only doing it to avoid the pain and heartache that came with facing reality.I am running away coz I know truth hurts.And the last thing I want now is a troubled heart.Bakit ka tumatakbo?Bakit, hinahabol ka ba?Please remind me about my nega mind and its capability to annoy the hell out of me.Epal ng utak ko talaga.But I have to admit, tama naman siya, bakit ba ako tumatakbo wala naman nag-hahabol.Feelingera lang ako.I heaved a deep sigh.I was suddenly pulled out from my deep thought when I heard Kuya Arianne.“Isla del Rios is indeed a great place.” Sabi ni Kuya Arianne.Bigla akong napamulat.Syete nasa Norte ba kami?Luminga ako sa paligid.To my right, the vast expanse of blue ocean stretched out to the horizon, glimmer
Elieve Aragon I spend the rest of the day thinking of what’s happening. Anong problema ni tadhana at kami ang napagtripan nya. Masyado na ba siyang bored sa buhay nya kaya nag-hanap siya ng mga tao na mabubulabog at sa kamalasan kami ang napili niya. I was sidetracked in my reverie when I heard the door opened. Ay syete. Complete attendance ah. Hindi na ako nagulat ng nakita ko sa tabi ni Chae si Athena. Sandali ko siyang tinitigan at nagbaba na ako ng tingin. Her face was nothing short of angelic, with features that seemed to emit a celestial radiance. Her flawless, fair complexion was as smooth and flawless as porcelain, as if crafted by the hands of a skilled artisan. Her body was a perfect hourglass shape, accentuated by curves that were both alluring and elegant. Langya, ginagawa yata nitong miryenda ang gluta. Her complexion was so immaculate, it was almost as if she was untouched by the harsh rays of the sun. In fact, I couldn't shake the feeling that the sun itself w
Elieve Aragon Matagal ng natapos ang tawag ni Chae pero naiwan pa rin akong nakatulala sa kawalan. I still and will always be still… what? "If my heart had its way," I whispered into the quiet of my room, "it would say, 'I STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU.'" I closed my eyes, letting the memories flood my mind, imagining his face, his touch. But then my mind interjected, insisting, "I STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE STILL YOUR FRIEND." It seemed like the more reasonable choice, the one that made sense. I let out a heavy sigh, my breath hitching as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. I was torn, unable to decide between what my heart desired and what my mind deemed practical. The confusion was overwhelming, and I longed for clarity. I had made up my mind before, but it was never easy to stick to my decision. Chae Von Vargas had been a significant presence in my life, and letting go of those feelings wasn't easy. But I knew I had a goal - to move on, to find happiness be
Elieve Aragon The surroundings were quiet, as if just a while ago, my house was filled with various emotions and commotion, but now, all I could hear was the ticking of the clock hanging on the wall. They said their goodbyes earlier after our conversation with Alex. I could sense that my friends were worried about what happened, and on top of that, they learned about our whirlwind story, the four of us. Ang lakas talaga ng trip ni Tadhana. Ang alam ko sa mga nobela at movies ko lang nakikita ang mga ganitong stories pero maaari palang mangyari sa realidad. Masyado bang malaki ang aking kasalanan sa mundo upang maranasan ko ang ganito. Wala naman akong ginawang masama. Isa lang naman ang ginawa ko ah. Nag-mahal lang ako. Masama ba yun? Nabaling ang aking atensyon ng marinig kong tumunog ang aking cellphone kaya naman kinuha ko ito. Hey El, are you ok? Please tell me you’re ok. Nagalala ako. -Alex Nangangati ang aking kamay na replayan ang kanyang message pero hindi ko gin
Elieve Aragon The kitchen was filled with an air of anticipation as Alexandro, the broodingly handsome bachelor, meticulously prepared a sumptuous meal. The sunlight that streamed in through the window seemed to catch the glint in his eyes as he expertly cooked the perfect sunny side up eggs, the yolks a tantalizing shade of gold. The aroma of corned beef and potatoes wafted through the kitchen, as Alexandro skillfully sautéed them to perfection. He carefully arranged the dish on a plate, adding a side of crispy onion rings that added a burst of flavor to the meal. The bacon, cooked to a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness, was the pièce de résistance of the spread. And the fried rice, with its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, completed the ensemble. As soon as all the food was served without any delay, we gathered around the dining table, our mouths watering with anticipation. Alexandro's culinary skills were unmatched, and we knew we were in for a treat. With eager anticipat
Elieve Aragon Our gazes fixated on the vast expanse of space above us. The silence between us was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. After everything he had said earlier, my mind was racing with thoughts and questions, trying to make sense of it all. It was then that a flicker of understanding, a glimmer of clarity, washed over me like a cool breeze on a sweltering day. Chae had made his decision, and it was not in my favor. He had chosen his family over me, and while I couldn't say I was entirely surprised, it still stung. And yet, despite all of that, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Chae and I had been through so much together, and it seemed that all of that had been swept away. But as I looked up, I realized that being a part of the Vargas family was an entirely different story. It was not just about blood and lineage, but about power and influence. The Vargas name carried weight and prestige, and those who bore it were treated with a deferenc
Elieve Aragon I look at him intently and I see a hint of hesitation in his face. Then he finally breaks the silence. "Sometime in 2015, these two guys met in Canada. Let's call them tanga and mas tanga. They became best of friends. They treated each other not just a friend but more likely a brother. Marami silang pinagkakasunduan lalo na sa babae. Girls are like toys for them. Kahit pa nga si tanga ay may girlfriend dito sa Pilipinas. Pero sabi nya mahal nya yung babae kaso magulo ang pamilya nya, ayaw nila sa babae dahil naka arrange marriage na siya sa isang family friend ng pamilya nila, pero kahit naka arrange na ang pagbitay sa kanya kahit kelan ay hindi pa niya nakikita ang kanyang long-lost fiancé, kaya naman hindi nya alam kung anong maaring mangyari sa future so he choose to let go her girlfriend na nandito”. Sabi niya. The air around us turned thick with tension as he came to a sudden stop, his jaw clenching and eyes shutting tightly. I could feel the heat of his anger ra
Elieve’s POVFor the record...That was the longest 30 minutes of my life.Pagkatapos ng super awkward moment kanina nagkayayaan na kaming umuwi pero ayaw yata akong tantanan ng awkward moments...Wanna know why?Ganito kasi yon.~flashback~"Friend, sorry nagtext na si Mama, kailangan ko ng umuwi." sabi ni Val.And as if on cue isa-isa na din silang nagpaalam."Oh pano pala ikaw Elieve, pano ka pala uuwe?" nagaalalang tanong ni Kuya Jepoy"Ako na po.../ako na..."Sabay na sabi ni Chae at Alex at sabay ding hawak sa magkabilang kamay ko.So para ako ngayong sira na di malaman kung saan sasama dahil hawak nila ang magkabilang kamay ko.Magsasalita na sana ako kaso biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Chae.Nakita kong nag-iba ang expression ng mukha nya ng makita kung sino ang tumatawag."Hello babe..." sabi niya sabay bitaw sa aking kamay.Para akong sinampal ng realidad nang mga oras na iyon.Umaasa pa rin ba ako?kung hindi...Bakit parang isang libong kutsilyo ang tumatarak sa aking pu
Elieve’s POVNakasakay ako ngayon sa isang sports car na color dark green na minamaneho ng isang Mr. Alex Santillan na nuknukan ng gwapo, medyo mabait pero halatang babaero.Kanina pagkalabas namin sa hospital, nag-aya siyang kumain sa labas at dahil gutom na rin naman ako di na ako nag inarte pa.I check the time, it's 10 minutes before 6.Kaya naman pala nagwawala na mga anaconda ko sa tiyan.Tumingin ako sa labas para malaman kung san kami pupunta, and sa tantya ko base sa daang tinatahak namin, we're heading to 'Paddle Out', nice, maganda dun dahil kita mo ang dagat. Ang romantic naman.Ay ayan ka na naman, wag asumera para hindi nasasaktan, bumabawi lang sayo yung tao dahil naagrabyado ka niya masyadong assuming kaya ka nasasaktan.Eh di wow. Hahaha.Yung kabilang parte talaga ng utak ko napaka nega.Busy ako sa pakikipagaway sa utak ko kaya di ko namalayan na nandito na pala kami.He poke my nose."Wag mong isipin yun, may iba na siya." Sabay tawa ng nakakaloko."Alam ko, di nam