The Third Side of a Love Story

Chapter 3

I woke up with a pounding head that morning.

I massage my head assuming it can help to reduce the headache I'm feeling but it doesn't. Now, I kinda regret that I drank tequila more than what I can take. I'm just lucky that Justin is there to take me home which he never forgets. He always make sure that I get home safely just like how he promise my parents.

I'm lucky enough that my classes today is in the afternoon. I have time to get more naps before getting ready.

Halos isang oras din ako sa kama bago napagpasyahan na maghanda. I prepare myself to school and go downstairs. Hinanap ng mata ko si mom sa pagbaba ko. I asked manang where is she and she said she is cooking in the kitchen.

At doon ko nga siya natagpuan. Balak ko sanang uminom muna ng juice bago umalis at para na rin magpaalam. But she asked how my night went and where Justin had take me.

"Did you enjoy last night? What time did you get home? I fell asleep early kaya hindi na kita nabantayan sa pag-uwi."

Hindi agad ako nakatingin kay mom when she asked that. I felt relief that she fell asleep early because if not she might call Justin and asked him why did he take me home nearly sunrise. They might be happy that Justin is the one I'm always with but still I just turned eighteen and that cannot change the fact that they still treat like a minor.

"We got home by midnight. We had a small celebration at the pub and yeah, it's great. The girls also tell me to say hi for them."

Napangiti si mom.

"Well that's good. Make sure you invited all of them to your debut. Their presence is important for your big day."

Tumango ako bilang pagsang-ayon. "Yeah, I already did. They'll all come for sure."

My phone vibrates and when I saw what it is. It's a reminder that I should bring lemon honey for Justin's hangover. Mabuti nalang at napagset ako ng alarm for a reminder. Or else malilimutan ko na naman. Kaya inilagay ko na ang baso sa sink matapos kong maubos ang kalahating baso ng orange juice.

Binilin ko na ang lemon honey kay manang kaninang madaling araw pag-uwi ko. Siya ang sumalubong sakin sa bahay at kahit pa lasing na ay naalala ko pa din si Justin. He's just really a part of my whole. Even what kind of state I am in, I always remember to care for him.

Kinuha ko na lamang iyon sa refrigerator dahil doon ko ito binilin na ilagay. I poured it in my aquaflask with the refrigerator open para hindi mapansin ni mom. I just don't want her to ask more questions. Matanong pa naman siya and she never get satisfied until you give her an answer.

I drank a bit of it before closing it because even though I made it for Justin, I think its me who needed it dahil mas may hangover ako. But what can I do? I care for him. Doing small efforts is a closer way to be appreciated. And being appreciated by Justin might wake him up in reality that I am a girl whom he can pursue someday. I always do every try.

"Ven, sweety..." Mom called. Her tone as if she was about to say something serious.

"Have you and Justin talked about what your dad has told you last night? What did he think about it?"

The engagement.

Halos nawala na iyon sa isip ko kagabi noong nagsimula nang tumama ang epekto ng alak sa sistema ko. I almost forgot how Justin is uncomfortable with the fact that our parents wants us engage at this early age. He feels so pressure about it but he cannot complain either.

Pero kahit anong tiwala ko kay mom, hinding hindi ko iyon sasabihin sa kanya. They will surely feel bad and get dissapointed at the same time. And anything that might be bad for Justin's image on my parents is a big no. I always try to maintain his good side to them. I always make sure, he's my perfect match. Kahit hindi pa siya handa sa lahat ng ito.