Scarcity of Chances

Chapter 3

I failed to get an enlightening answer from Shannon when I tried to ask what prompt her to advice that. All she said was that our friendship is of paramount importance.

"Who's your best friend, Vine?"

I sighed in defeat. "Do you have to ask that? Of course you."

"Then just listen to me. I know what's best for you, 'kay?"

I wanted to push through with my curiosity but at the same time, was afraid that we'll have to argue if I persisted so I decided to just shut my mouth. Shannon knows me more than anyone else here so I think listening to her will be the best choice.

"Alright," I simply answered.

"By the way, nasabi sa akin ni Hans na pumayag ka sa invitation niya? Are we going to the party?" pag-iiba niya sa usapan.

"Oo naman. For the first time, he invited me, Sha. Sino ako para tumanggi?"

Sumugat ang ngiti sa kanyang labi. "Damn! So kailangan pala nating paghandaan 'yon! Ipagpapaalam kita kay Tita! And the clothes! May maisusuot ka ba?"

"I think I do..." I nodded while thinking about the number of unused clothes in my closet. "Kinakabahan lang ako na baka hindi payagan."

Napangiwi siya. "Yun lang... but don't worry, let's try our best. Kahit gumawa pa ako ng powerpoint with the proposal na payagan ka, I will! Even a permisison slip!"

Natawa ako sa tinuran nito. Kilala na ng mga magulang ko si Shannon at sa tuwing niyaya niya ako sa mall o sa kanila ay kailangan ko lamang banggitin ang pangalan niya at papayagan na ako. Hindi nga lang ako sigurado kung sa pagtitipon sa Sabado ay gagana 'yon.

"I'll try to ask Mama later. Kapag pumayag na siya, wala naman nang magagawa si Papa e," sagot ko.

"Then may the odds be in your favor, Irvine. Just hit me up kapag need mo ng reinforcement," aniya at hinatak na ako upang makaalis na kami.

We had our lunch in the cafeteria again. Kaming dalawa lamang at wala si Hans. Knowing him since high school, he's got a bunch of friends. Siguro ay isa-isa niyang sinasabayan ang mga circle of friends niya.

As per Shannon's command, I tried to stay away from Gelsie. Simpleng tango o kaya naman ay maiikling sagot na lamang ang nakukuha niya mula sa akin. What shocked me was that she didn't even look surprised when I somehow ignored her. It was as if she already expected that I will act that way so she just kept quiet as well.

It's alright though. I have known Shannon for years and I just met her so of course, mas matimbang sa akin ang kaibigan ko. As I always say, I value quality over quantity. Di bale nang si Shannon lamang ang kaibigan ko. At least, sigurado ako na mabuti siya at totoo.

Magkaiba kami ng schedule ni Sha kaya naman mauuna akong umuwi sa kanya ngayon. Magb-book na sana ako ng grab nang may makitang matandang lalaki na nagtitinda ng mukhang turon sa gilid ng main gate. Dinadaan-daanan lamang siya ng ibang estudyante at binabalewa.

May kung anong kumurot sa puso ko kaya naman walang pagda-dalawang isip akong humakbang palapit. Besides, I haven't eaten meryenda so this will be a good snack.

Bago ako tuluyang makalapit ay may nauna na sa aking lalaki. Nakasuot ito ng malaking pulang t-shirt, jersey shorts, at rubber shoes. Humakbang ako hanggang sa marating ang gilid nila.

"What's this called, Sir?" I heard him asked the vendor and pointed at the bilao.

"Bananacue, kinse lang," tugon ni Tatay.

I looked at the guy and saw his thick eyebrows furrowed, looking so confused. His lips were slightly curved as if they're trying to figure something out. Dahil sa labis na tangkad niya ay bahagya pang nakayuko ito habang tinatanaw ang mga paninda. Hindi mahaba subalit hindi rin naman ganoon kalinis ang gupit ng buhok niya. Tama lang.