Kabanata 4

I was sitting on the couch, scrolling through my phone, habang pinapakinggan ang kanta ni Chris Walker na ‘How do you heal a broken heart’. I was like 10 years old when I first heard this song and I would always cry when it’s played, and no one, not even myself, understood why.

At ngayon ay muli ko itong narinig sa pang afternoon na show sa TV. Nakakatawa na habang pinapakinggan ko ang kantang ito ay kusang bumalik sa isip ko ang lahat ng ala-ala namin ni Wynter at Yvonne. Even when I closed my eyes, there’s an image of their faces and once again, I came to realized that I shouldn't have trusted them. The place we spent together leaves a thousand memories in my mind. When I cross those places, I remember our time together in the past.

I snapped back to reality when my phone vibrated. I opened it and saw a chat from Syren, asking me to hang out. Syren said she’s in the mood to go shopping today, she also put the time when it is, 2 hours from now at the mall near my favorite restaurant.

I just reacted to Syren’s message and put down my phone. I stood up and went to my bedroom to get my clothes and things ready.

The truth is I wasn't really sure if I would go meet up with Syren. Two weeks had passed when I caught Wynter and Yvonne cheating on me, and I never had a time to talk to Syren again. I was so busy at work and didn't have the time to go out with my best friend Syren. Nagkikita kami sa company pero hindi na nakakapag-usap katulad ng dati.

I sighed, an hour had passed and I still hadn’t moved from lying on my bed. And then suddenly, my phone rang.

I got my phone and answered Syren’s call.

“Oh, ano? Paalis na ako ng condo,” I heard from the other line.

“Ang aga naman,” matamlay kong tugon.

“Anong maaga ka jan? Thirty minutes na lang talaga teh!” wala pa rin talagang pinagbago si Syren, maingay pa rin ito kahit sa phone call. “Don’t tell me, you aren't ready yet?” malakas na tanong niya pa.

“Yeah, Kakabangon ko lang.” sagot ko.

“Anoooo? Kaloka ka teh! O sige, daanan kita jan. Maligo ka na, baka ako pa magpapaligo sayo?” walang kasing ingay na ani Syren.

I just shrugged it off and let her be. But of course, as a caring and loving friend, I sent a message to Syren before going to the bathroom to take a bath. Sinabi ko sa kanya na sa mall na lamang kami magkita.

***

Nasa mall na kami ngayon at kanya-kanya na ng pili ng mga damit na gusto namin, who cares? Libre naman daw ito sabi ni Syren.

I smiled when I remembered what happened earlier. Kilig na kilig kasi si Syren dahil nakita nito ang kaniyang idol na si Solace Misty, the famous model not just in the Philippines, but also in the other country. Sa sobrang saya ni Syren ay sinabi nitong libre na niya ako sa lahat ng damit o gamit na magugustuhan ko.

Yun nga lang, hindi pala ito ang manlilibre. Kundi ang kapatid nitong lalaki na nagmamay-ari nitong Shopping Zone.

“Uyy, ano? Tapos ka na? I’m craving for milk tea na kasi eh,” biglang sulpot ni Syren mula sa kung saan.

“Hmm… yeah,” sagot ko naman.

Syren looked at my basket at napangiwi when she saw the clothes I had chosen. “Anong mga ‘to?” di makapaniwala na tanong niya habang parang takang-taka sa nakikita niya.

Nagtataka kong tiningnan ang basket ko. “Mga damit, bulag ka na rin?” I sarcastically asked.

Kinuha niya ang isa sa mga napili ko at inangat sa ere. Ngumiwi siya uli at parang dismayado sa nakita niya.

“Jusko ka teh! Haysss, Nevermind. Ako na nga ang mamimili para sayo, Manang..” pang-aasar pa nito sa akin.

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako at walang nagawa nang hilain ni Syren ang cart ko.

“Here, bagay sayo to,” biglang sumulpot si Symeon mula sa kung saan, ang nakababatang kapatid ni Syren, and the owner of this shopping zone.

‘I like the dress but it’s too showy for my taste.’

I couldn't say what I wanted to say.

Tila napansin naman ni Symeon ang reaction ko sa dress na ipinakita niya, kaya naman agad niya itong hinagis sa basket ko na ngayo’y bitbit ni Syren.

“Nice catch!” Natatawang ani Syren at kumindat pa sa kapatid.

Nilagyan ni Syren at Symeon ang cart ko ng iba’t-ibang uri ng dress, tops, skirts, and highwaist jeans. Sasawayin ko na sana sila pero pinigilan ako ng mga ito, libre naman daw kaya hayaan ko na lang daw sila. Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang mapailing na lamang sa kakulitan ng magkapatid.

‘Pagtulungan daw ba ako,’

Habang busy ang dalawa sa pamimili ay namulsa ako at naglalakad-lakad sa loob ng shopping zone.

Habang nakatingin sa iba’t-ibang mga naka-display ay hindi ko namalayan na umabot na pala ako sa children’s area. I just sighed and watched those happy couples buying things for their baby. Napangiti pa ako nang may mahagip akong magshota sa gilid na pumipili ng damit, tila hindi ito nagkakasundo. Yung lalaki kasi gusto yung unisex na damit, while the girl wants the girly one.

But my smile faded when I saw something that shattered my world into tiny pieces. Natabunan kasi ang magsyotang tinitingnan ko, at ang may kagagawan nun ay walang iba kundi ang mga taong kilalang-kilala ko, si Wynter kasama si Yvonne.

My heart sank, and I felt like my world was crumbling around me. I wanted to approach them but my feet felt like lead and my mind was racing with so many emotions.

Do you know what hurts the most? Seeing the person you love being with someone he loved the most, looking at her like she’s the most precious person in the world. Treating her the way you begged to be treated.

I wiped the tears that flowed from my eyes, they were still falling continuously. Tumalikod ako at naglakad pabalik kina Syren at Symeon, buti na lang ay nakita kong busy pa rin ang mga ito sa pamimili ng mga damit kaya pumunta muna ako sa comfort room.

I cried my heart out. I didn't care if anyone came in and heard me crying. Nang kumalma na ako at wala ng mailabas na luha ang mga mata ko ay naghilamos muna ako bago lumabas.

Outside, you can see the strong, calm, and happy woman, ni-hindi mo makikita na durog na durog na ito sa loob. Iyon ang talent ko sa loob ng dalawang linggo matapos malaman na niloloko lang pala ako ni Wynter at ng best friend kong si Yvonne, pretend good, act good.

This is not the first time I saw them together, at wala akong karapatang magalit o magwala, after all I’m just an ex-girlfriend. Wala naman na sana sa akin iyon, kasi sa loob ng dalawang linggo ay sobrang workaholic na ako. Wala na nga akong pakialam sa sarili ko eh, minsan na rin akong muntik mahimatay dahil sa pagod at puyat. Napapabayaan ko na rin ang sarili pagdating sa pagkain. Mabuti at anjan si Syren, kahit busy ito ay hindi nito nakakalimutang yayain akong kumain.

Paglabas ko ay nando'n na sa counter si Syren, mukhang hinihintay ako.

“Saan ka galing? Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap.” Syren asked me worriedly.

I forced a smile to hide my feelings. But Syren seems to know me pretty well.

“Are you okay?” bakas sa mga mata ni Syren ang pag-aalala para sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung may alam ba siya o masyado lang akong halata. O baka namamaga pala ang mga mata ko. Hindi ko alam.

“Oo naman. Bakit?” Nakangiting tanong ko para naman hindi niya mahalatang galing ako sa pag-iyak.

“Wala naman. Bigla ka kasing nawala,” sagot niya. Nakahinga ng maluwag.

“Hmmm. I’m okay, let’s go?” mukhang napilitang tumango na lamang si Syren kahit parang gusto niya pa akong kausapin.

After getting our things, bumaba na kami sa ground floor para kumain ng lunch. Natagalan pa kami dahil sa walang katapusang chika ni Syren, which is okay dahil pansamantala kong nakalimutan ang nakita ko kanina.

Hanggang sa bigla siyang nagtanong about sa nangyari kanina.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" I asked, kunwari hindi alam ang tinutukoy niya.

"Alam kong nakita mo rin sila," she said.

Umiwas ako ng tingin. Ayokong ipakita kay Syren na hanggang ngayon ay apektado pa rin ako sa nangyari. Mukhang sa aming tatlo ay ako itong sobrang OA sa tagal maka-move on. Samantalang iyong mga nanloko sa'kin ay masayang namumuhay. Ang unfair ng mundo.

Biglang hinawakan ni Syren ang kamay ko dahilan upang lingunin ko siya. “It’s okay to cry… It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to feel unloved, it’s okay to have a broken heart. Because if you don’t feel all that sadness, loneliness, girl, you’ll never know what real love means.” Syren sincerely remarks.

Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ay nagpaalam na rin kami sa isa’t-isa. Sinabi nga rin pala ni Syren na nakita niya sina Yvonne at Wynter kanina sa store kaya siya nag-aalala sa biglaang pagkawala ko kanina.

***

As soon as I entered my condo, I immediately sat down on the floor. Natulala na lamang ako habang umiiyak.

‘Ang sakit pala no? Ang sakit magmahal ng taong may iba ng minamahal, at ang mas masakit pa ay ang ibang tao na iyon ay ang taong mahalaga rin sayo.’

I wiped my tears away and got up. Dinala ko sa kwarto ang paper bags ng pinamili namin at isa-isang sinukat ang mga ito. The dress that Symeon picked for me got my attention. It’s like a temptress dress, it’s backless and has a long slit. It's color is light purple, simple yet elegant. But I can’t deny the fact that it’s so attractive.

I stared at my reflection into the mirror, when for a sudden, an idea came to my mind.

‘For once, I will be selfish,’ I smirked and removed the clothes on me.

***

My workmates warmly greeted me as I entered the venue, which was located within our company. I had been one of the organizers of this party, and I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning transformation of the space. From the elegant carpets to the fresh flowers adorning the tables, every detail reflected the party’s gold and purple theme. The surroundings were decked out in gold and purple, with the only touch of color provided by a long light purple carpet. As I looked around, a smile of satisfaction crossed my face, and I couldn't help but feel that the fatigue I had experienced for this event was completely worth it.

Natawa ako nang may bigla akong naisip. Kung hindi ko alam na ang event na ito ay welcome back party para sa CEO namin ay iisipin kong para ito sa babae. Isang party para sa babae. Sino ba naman kasi ang nakaisip na kulay purple at gold ang theme? Gayung lalaki ang CEO namin. Well, it wasn't me.

For this special event, I wore the dress that Symeon picked for me, the light purple one. Which beautifully showcased my well-toned cleavage and revealing my shapely white thighs. I completed my looks with red high heels that had a subtle design. My hair was styled in a messy bun, which, despite its casual appearance, exuded a unique charm.

Nakangiting lumapit sa akin si Syren na sinuklian ko rin ng matamis na ngiti.

“You look great, Yumi. You’re shining in that outfit,” namamanghang papuri ni Syren sa akin.

“Thank you, Sy. You look great as well.” I praised her back.

“Ay totoo ba yan?” Natatawang tanong ni Syren. “Hindi ako sanay sa papuri, lalo na kung galing sayo.” Syren teased me.

We both chuckled. “Hanap tayo drinks,” anyaya niya. “Mag lasing tayo,” kumindat pa ito sa'kin na ikinatawa ko.

“Tsk! alam mo kung hindi lang kita kilala? Baka iisipin kong may masama kang binabalak sa akin,” tugon ko.

Napahawak si Syren sa dibdib niya at nanlalaki pa ang mga mata. “Ay wow! Grabeng trust issue yan teh!”

Bago pa ako makasagot ay biglang lumapit sa amin si Yvonne, na ikinagulat namin pareho.

“You look good now,” Yvonne said with a smile, but Syren and I can feel her bitterness.

I secretly clenched my fist and tried to calm myself down. “You look…” sinadya kong bitinin ang sasabihin ko. “You look good as well, no wonder why Wynter is head over heels in love with you.” I exclaimed mischievously, noticing a blush creeping up Yvonne’s cheeks. “I hope he’s here also, para naman makita niya kung sino ang mas maganda sa ating dalawa.” I savagely remarks, causing Syren to burst into laughter.

I can see Yvonne was shaking with annoyance and tried to calm herself by putting on a fake smile on her face.

“Enjoy the party,” Syren teased Yvonne sarcastically, and playfully tapped her arm before following me who was casually walking in the middle of the carpet.

“Woooh! Ikaw ba yan?” Pang-aasar ni Syren kay nang makarating kami sa bakanteng table.

Agad akong napa-upo dahil sa panlalambot ng mga binti ko.

‘Kung alam mo lang Sy kung paano ko pinalakas ang loob ko sa harap ng ahas na iyon.’

Mabilis kong kinuha ang wine glass na nasa tray na bitbit ng waiter na dumaan sa table namin. Parehong nagulat sina Syren at ang waiter sa ginawang kong iyon. I aggressively drank it, I can also feel the dryness of my throat.

Syren chuckled. “Hoy! Chill hahaha.”

***

The party started promptly at 7:00 PM, and the seats quickly filled up with a large crowd, some of them were reporters who wanted to get information about the CEO of this famous gaming company. The CEO of the Double H gaming company, no other than Almedel Hiroshi Huxton, the lowkey billionaire who just wants to hide his identity to everyone.

Me, Syren, Yvonne and other new employees of Double H Company have never seen or even met the CEO of the company. Masyado kasi itong private, kahit sa newspapers, social media platforms, magazines, or sa TV news ay hindi pinapakita ang totoong itsura nito. Saktong pumasok kaming magkakaibigan sa Double H Company ay nagbakasyon naman yung CEO namin sa Switzerland. Kung ano man ang ginagawa niya doon ay hindi ko rin alam.

I couldn't stop smiling, my eyes almost disappearing due to the mischief happening among my acquaintances below. Compliments were exchanged left and right, creating a lively atmosphere.

At 8:00 pm, I excused myself for a moment. The first hidden feature of my hairstyle was that it could be transformed into a high ponytail by simply removing a few pins.

When I returned, I sported a fresh look just as the events were about to begin. No matter where I looked, the atmosphere was filled with flashes of cameras. After a few minutes, the host of the event stood up and walked to the front of the event, everyone settled into their seats, and I also returned to the table kung saan naroon nakaupo si Syren, along with the other newbies in the company, and quietly listened to the host of the event.

In the middle of listening, My phone vibrated. Kinuha ko ito mula sa maliit kong bag at tumayo upang sagutin ito.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Takang tanong ni Syren nang mapansin niyang tumayo ako.

“I need to answer this call. I’ll be back,” tugon ko at saka umalis.

Lumabas ako ng company building at dumiretso sa garden sa likod. Ngunit napahinto ako nang makita si Yvonne at Wynter na naghahalikan. Parang pinako ang mga paa ko sa kinatatayuan ko, ang mga luha ko ay kusa ring nagbabagsakan na para bang pati ang mga ito ay tinatraydor ako.

Matagal na kaming wala ni Wynter, ngunit alam ko sa sarili kong may nararamdaman pa rin ako para rito.

Hindi ko alam kung magkano ang bayad sa pagiging tanga at kina-career ko na.

Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon ay bigla na lamang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan, tila pati ang langit ay nakikiramay sa kalungkutang nararamdaman ko.

Because of the pain that I felt seeing them kissing, ay wala sa sariling tumakbo ako paalis ng garden. Hindi alintana ang malakas na ulan, wala akong pakialam kahit nasa gitna ako ng party o ano. Gusto ko lang na makalayo sa lugar na ito.

Patuloy akong tumatakbo, nakarating na ako sa may bandang parking lot. At dahil sa bilis ng pagtakbo ko ay aksidente kong nabangga ang isang lalaki, dahilan upang sabay kaming matumba at saktong nahulog sa water fountain ng company.

“Boss!” rinig kong sigaw ng mga personal bodyguards nito.