Paper Memories

Chapter 3-II

Chapter 3-II

Our breakfast ended filled with tension and silence.

Mayroon pang lalakarin sila Ellie at Ralph kaya hinatid ko sila palabas ng gate habang ang "boyfriend" ko ay naiwan sa may tapat ng porch. Ellie even gave me a hug of goodbye. Her worry and care for me radiates in her warmth, parang gusto ko nang umamin sa kanya tungkol sa gulong pinasok ko." See you tomorrow, pasok ka ha? Marami kang ikkwento."

Their personal car was parked outside, akala ko magmamadali na din si Ralph pero nanatili siya sa tabi ko. He wears more piercing outside school, he felt intimidating. But his voice is gentle when he spoke." ... I must had assumed things the other day, then that's probably why Percival is here---to keep me in line?"

"That's not it..." I glance to where "Percival" is.

Maiiwan akong kasama siya pag alis nila. Ralph sighed. "Boyfriend duties..."

I can no longer have his kindness killing me. My love won't miraculously disappear now another guy appeared in my life claiming I'm his." I just can't explain this easily, Ralph. I don't even understand what's happening either. So could you just wait until I can?"

"I maybe your friend but I don't deserve explanation." Ralph slowly pulled me, look at my eye for permission and consent and when he had it he lock me in his warm embrace." I'm so happy for you, you now have what you want. I'd see you tomorrow."

His words penetrated right through the air.

I am force to comprehend a cruel truth, Ralph let me go and left. Leaving me alone with a man I don't know, he walks away from me while I slowly fall from the pit I dug myself.Pwede pa akong umamin at habulin siya. Sabihing hindi ko boyfriend si Percival.

"Hon, don't you think our house is too lifeless?"

"Who are you exactly, Percival?"

His brows furrowed, acting as if he was hurt. He shook his head, dismissing m3. He merely step aside to open the door for me. Kung makaakto siya parang hindi kabaliwan ang ginawa "pagtanggap" ko sa kanya." Anyway, we could renovate a lot in here. Marami tayong pwe---"

I stomped my foot." Tinatanong kita kung sino ka!"

"Please don't talk like that to something you created... He uttered.

"If I'm in the right mind I would had thrown you out!" Sigaw ko papasok sa bahay.

Halos manakbo na papataas ng attic, pabalik sa art studio ko. Nandun pa yung canvas, yung nilikha ko. Sinundan niya ako pataas, pero pinilit kong mauna at makaharap agad ang painting ko. Napahinga ako ng malalim ng nasa tapat na ako ng pinto.

But then the door was too hot to open----parang metal na sinilaban ng apoy.

Bigla din ang pagdating niya, I didn't even realize he's now here!

"Hindi mo kailangang magmadali." Para akong napasopaso sa paghawak lang ng doorknob. Pero wala lang yun kay Percival, parang hindi niya iniinda ang nagliliyab na init nun. He entered first, then waited for me to do the same." I have nowhere else to go."

"I'm not your creator, it's just impossible." Pagdidiin ko, nasa tapat na ako ng nakakubli kong pinta. Nasa dulo na ng mga daliri kong abuhing tela na nagtatakip sa portrait. Kailangan kong patunayang kalokohan lang to. "We could have known each other until I forgot about you, but I am not and would never be your goddess or creator."

He fiddles with his fingers just like a child. "I am...Yours..."

Nagkakamali siya, mali rin ba ang nakikita ko? "It's all gone..."

"I speak no lies." Percival said softly." And I am here for you."

Tanging paa ko na lamang ang gumana, humakbang ako ng papalayo dahil hindi ko maintidihan ang biglang paglaho ng larawan na ipininta ko sa canvas. May umagos at nagkalat na pintura. Pero blangko---Maliban sa signature na nasisigurado kong akin. It's all white and nothing in sight. " Where is it, Percical? Did you replaced it?! Nasan na?!"

"I'm already here..."

"Answer me, Percival!"

"Sheena. I'm the one who could love you more than anyone." Nanginginig ang boses niya ng sabihin niya sa akin yun, sa tono na parang isang mungkahi at pagmamakaawa. Greater what you wish and what heavens could allow."

" You put me in this mess." Pagpapaala ko sa kanya." How could you now fix it?"

His face show remorse, he acted as if he felt it for first time. Nangyari na, at hindi ko tinama agad. Pinabayaan kong angkinin niya ako bilang girlfriend niya." I just did what's the best, I just did what I thought you want."

I clench my fist. Fear and anxiety envelope me more than sympathy for his innocent act. But there's nothing else I could do. Inulit ko sinabi ko, sinantabi ko na isa siyang estrenghero na may mapagalaro salilta." You put me in this mess----- So you need to stay and make up for it."

Percival smiled the brightest, as if his love and worship all for me.