Busy being Yours

35. Can't Take it Away

TW: Mentions of addiction and description of depression.

Also there's a lot of medical jargon that was mentioned in this chapter. I am not and was not a medicine-proper student, so I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to a doctor's course of work. I mostly rely on research (and TV shows) while writing this chapter. So kung may inaccuracies man sa sinulat ko, feel free to correct me. All mistakes are mine. 🧡

xx

Quitting my job in Davao was surely a risk. But it's a risk that I am most willing to take.

Matapos ang isang buwan kong pagliliwaliw at pagre-reflect sa sarili kong desisyon sa Australia, I am finally going home.

"Are you sure that you're gonna be fine—"

"Clem," I gave her a small smile. Kaagad naman itong sumimangot at pinag-krus ang braso sa harapan ng dibdib nito, "Magiging okay lang ako. Alam kong kailangan ko na namang mag-adjust but it's not a problem with me. Kaya kong makipaghalubilo sa mga bagong tao—"

"That's not what I'm worried about June!"

Pareho kaming suminghap ni Luke. Kagat-kagat nito ang pang-ibabang labi niya habang hawak-hawak parin ang handle ng luggage cart ko. He's just watching the both of us in silence.

Hindi na kailangang sabihin ni Clem kung anong gusto nitong iparating sa 'kin. I already know what it is.

Hindi ko ide-deny na naba-bother din ako dito. We managed to avoid crossing each other's paths for three years! Malamang ay hindi ko alam kung anong aasahan ko kapag muli na naman kaming magkakatagpo.

Do I have to smile at him?

Greet him?

Or ignore him like a total stranger?

I'm worried too but there's nothing more that I can do about it. Working with Jason is inevitable. Hindi ko pwedeng i-compromise na naman ang sarili kong career for personal issues. I'm clearly way past that stage already. I learned the hard way.

Ginawaran ko ng kalmadong ngiti ang nag-aalala kong kaibigan. "Matagal na 'yun, Clem. I'm sure that Jason already moved on."

I looked at Luke and smiled, not surprised that he's also smiling at me already. "Maraming salamat sa lahat ng ginawa niyo sa 'kin sa loob ng isang buwan. Alam kong ang laking istorbo na pagmumukha ko agad ang nakikita niyo paglabas niyo ng kwarto tuwing umaga."

Luke chuckled and shook his head, "No worries. You're always welcome here, June. You were a great drinking buddy since 'di na umiinom 'tong isang 'to," he joked and nudged his girlfriend that is already making a face.

Natawa ako.

"Basta ha, dapat may sarili akong kwarto sa pinapagawa niyong bahay. Alam niyong dito na ako sa Melbourne didiretso after I retire,"

"Hmm," Luke nodded while Clem laughed. "Cream-colored walls, high ceilings, large bay window, and dark, hardwood floor. Noted."

Mas lalo lang kaming natawa matapos banggitin ng best friend ko ang sinasabi kong gusto kong kwarto sa pinapagawa nilang bahay.

"We'll miss having you around, June." Luke said.

"Kahit na nahuli ko si Clem na nakaluhod sa harapan mo sa loob ng banyo 'nung gabing ihing-ihi at lasing na lasing ako—"

"Junipher!"

"Jesus Christ!"

I laughed loudly when the couple blushed. Kulang nalang ay sipain ako ni Clem pabalik ng Pilipinas sa inis at hiya nito. Pasalamat talaga sila at masyado akong hangover the day after kaya't 'di ko na ito nai-report kay Lilith.