Realization Hits

Chapter 5

Napatingin si Primrose sa restaurant kung nasaan sila.

The ambiance is bathed in warmth, soft lighting casting a gentle glow on the rich mahogany furnishings and plush velvet upholstery. The walls are adorned with sepia-toned photographs of jazz legends, their music immortalized in this sanctuary of sophistication.

"Do you like it?" Primrose nodded.

"My Dad designed this." Miguel proudly told Prim.

Primrose approached every decision with meticulous consideration, especially when it came to moments like meeting Miguel.

Despite their deep friendship, she grappled with the knowledge that Miguel harbored strong feelings for her, complicating matters as she was already committed to Ian. Feeling isolated in her situation, she found herself without anyone to confide in, particularly given the weighty expectations her friends held for her relationship with Ian.

Seated together at a restaurant in Taguig, Prim and Miguel shared a meal, yet Miguel's gaze remained fixed solely on her. Time hadn't altered his feelings—it had been five years, but his admiration for Primrose remained as fervent as ever.

Throughout the years, Miguel had encountered numerous women, yet inexplicably, his heart always gravitated back to Primrose. There was an enigmatic quality about her that defied explanation, drawing him in despite the passage of time and the presence of other relationships.

Perhaps it was her essence, an allure that remained uniquely hers in his eyes.

“Stop staring at me, Migs.” Prim said in a playful tone. 

“I can’t, you’re just too beautiful—“Miguel replied and Prim just laughed. 

Miguel is a successful filmmaker who is currently exploring opportunities for his career abroad. He has directed many popular and award-winning films.

"Hey, Migs, how's life been treating you in the States all these years?"

"It's been alright, you know. Christmas and New Year, they've got a different vibe here, more grand, I'd say."

"Yeah, I get that. I remember spending New Year's Eve in Japan a few years back, and it was definitely a different experience compared to celebrating it back home in the Philippines." Miguel nodded in agreement with Prim's observation.

"You know, my parents have been asking about you. They miss having you around. If you're up for it and free anytime soon, they're thinking of setting up a dinner at home, a mini reunion of sorts," Miguel suggested to Prim.

After dinner, Miguel suggested grabbing coffee somewhere, and of course, Prim didn't refuse the invitation.

"Does your boyfriend know you're out with your college sweetheart?" Miguel asked casually, perusing the menu.

"To be honest, no, I haven't had the chance to tell him. Plus, the reason we're meeting is because—"

"Oh, that." Pain flashed across Miguel's eyes briefly, and Prim chose to act as if she hadn't noticed. "What happened?" Miguel inquired, trying to hide any concern in his voice.

Primrose told Miguel everything. Her story started nang magkakilala sila, hanggang sa madiskubre niya ang sikreto ni Ian. 

 

“I honestly don’t know what to do, Migs. It’s just so painful.”

“I understand… you were betrayed.” 

“Isa pa, I felt disrespected in a way na… bakit hindi niya man lang sinabi sa akin? We’ve been dating seriously for months!” mangiyak-ngiyak na sabi ni Prim. 

“Didn’t you at least asked him about it? Baka naman—“

“No. I don’t plan on telling him na alam ko.” 

“Why not?”

“Alam ko kasi na sa isang paliwanag niya lang, bibigay agad ako. Ayoko.” sabi ni Prim habang ang tingin niya ay nasa menu parin ng cafe. 

“Seduce him. Make him go crazy over you, then leave him. That always work like magic.” Miguel said na para bang napaka dali non para kay Prim. 

“How will I do that?” 

“I’ll help you.” 

“Help? What kind of help? I don’t understand…”

“Ask me about anything, I’ll be available for you. Anytime, anywhere. Just call me.” Primrose laughed at binitawan sa table ang menu. She stood up to go to the counter at sumama naman sa kaniya si Miguel.

While placing their orders, an unusual silence settled between them. Prim was lost in thought, carefully considering Miguel's proposal. The mere idea of causing hurt and leaving Ian like that wasn't something she had ever intended. In fact, she hadn't even entertained the thought, feeling it might be too much...

As their orders were placed, they settled back into their seats.

"I can't bring myself to hurt him like that, Migs," Prim confessed, gently stirring her steaming coffee.

"It's alright, Prim. It's alright," Miguel reassured her with a supportive smile.

Prim couldn't bear to hurt Ian so easily. Miguel's support brought clarity; she realized that one text message shouldn't risk losing someone as special as Ian.

Grateful for Miguel's perspective, she understood the need for time to assess their relationship. She cherished Ian deeply and vowed to address the issue with open communication, prioritizing trust and understanding in their bond.

They delved into sharing more of their life experiences, finding common ground, especially given their not-so-different lines of work. 

"Are you planning on staying here?" Prim asked.

"Nah... just a vacation. Wanted to catch up with friends and celebrate a birthday," he replied.

Primrose fondly recalled the last birthday she celebrated with Migs before he left for abroad. They chose a cozy spot in a sophisticated restaurant with soft jazz tunes filling the air. Amidst laughter and heartfelt talks, they savored each moment, aware of the impending distance. As they parted ways that evening, their enduring bond was a comforting certainty amid the bittersweet goodbye.

"Your birthday's coming soon!"

"Yeah, and you can't miss it."

"I won't. I'll cancel all my shoots for that day!" Prim chuckled, a playful determination in her voice.

“Siguraduhin mo lang, Primrose.” natawa silang pareho sa usapan nila. 

"Remember how you rejected me noong birthday ko?" Miguel jokingly told Prim while laughing.

"God... that was ages ago... don't tell me---"

"I was just joking." Migs laughed. Although Prim knew that jokes were half meant.

After coffee, they both decided to part ways since may kaniya kaniya pa silang kailangang ayusin na trabaho. It was really refreshing to catch up with a friend na matagal mo nang hindi nakakasama. It’s like healing something inside you. It brings joy in an unexplainable way.