Paper Memories

Chapter 13-III

Chapter 13-III

          I didn't stutter this time. "Nakakaba naman ang ganung tanong from a future lawyer."

Yet despite his insistence earlier, our first few minutes together were silent, as if he's satisfied that we're just beside each other. I poured wine on my glass from earlier, sipping from it as we sat on the balcony." There's no need for you to try and always ask about how I am."

"Be honest with me, did you enjoy today?"

"No secrets; I sure did. Salamat." Sagot ko, habang nilalaro ang laman ng wine glass ko."Also, bago pa lumipas. Thank you for defending me against others, even if it's just over the internet. Nabasa ko kaya yun."

Napahilamos siya ng mukha." Pinagpapuyatan ko yan, ah."

He's trying to kid around." You're my hero.

His eyebrow raised, he smiled too." Parang nanalo na ako ha? "

I smiled wearily. He wanted this talk, but he's the one who can't start to be serious." You didn't, nor did I. People at the university dislike me.Pero masaya na ako na pinagtanggol mo ako. Kaso kaya mo naman pala ako ipagtanggol sa iba, pero bakit hindi mo magawa yun ng katabi ako? "

"Pinagtanngol man kita marami pa akong dapat mala------"

"Am I guilty until proven innocent for you? Dun ka panig? "

"That's not it; hindi sa ganun yun. Inaalala lang kita, palagi kang malihim at maraming kinikimkim ng mag-isa. Kung magsasabi ka naman, madalas may nangyare na at wala nang magagawa." Hawak-hawak niya pa ang sentido niya." Especially now, you've wind up being more alone. Dati may kaibigan ka naman maliban sa amin ni Ellie, kaso nang magsimula ang university mas lalo kang umiiwas at iniiwasan ng iba. Sumabay pa ang issue mula las year."

"Isn't that what you wanted for me? Maging mag-isa bilang parusa? "Madiin kong sabi." Everything they throw at me is just a lie that should stay in the past. Baka pati ikaw hanapan ako ng butas."

"I'll believe in the truth!"Sigaw niya niiya sa akin, he was sorry for what he had done that made his next statement quieter." But I'll stand by you. Until the best came for everyone."

"You don't know the truth, Ralph." Pag-papaalala ko.

Nabura lalo ang ngiti sa mukha sa mukha niya." Do you, Sheena? "

"Shut up, dun ka na lang sa username na si MatthaeusXXVII mamilosopo hindi sa akin. I don't want your riddles or rhetoric! "I snapped at him, hugging my knees. I fell so alone. All alone." I fell in love with you because of your passion and conviction for justice. Pero mukang hindi ko inisip kung paano kahit ako masasktan ng prinsipyo mo, Attorney."

"I love you and your arts, Sheena." Napaangat ang ulo ko ng sinabi niyang mahal niya ako. But maybe there is a catch; there's always a catch." But I hate lies. Always."

I scoff, napatakip ako ng mukha. "I hate how your mind works; you should believe me if you're by my side. Kung mahal mo ako, kung kaibigan mo talaga ako ang paniniwalaan at kakampihan mo. Kaso kahit sinasabi mong nandito ka para sa akin, hindi ka naman ganun."

Napailing na lang siya, but he pulled me closer to him. I thought he could offer me warmth, but the cold disappointment in his voice enveloped me." There's no need to try so hard; you have Percival for that."

"Sana nga, I hope he's the complete opposite of you."

Napakibit-balikat na lang si Ralph." He already is---and he loves you."

I nod bitterly." Magkaiba kayo----I choose that."

"I guess just keep upsetting you, and on your special day, ni hindi pa nga tapos yung araw mo nagtatalo na naman tayo. I'm sorry, Sheena.-----I might really be a bit too self-righteous sometimes.-----The past could remain where it is. I just want a better future for you and others.---It doesn't matter who's right or wrong anymore."

Akala tatayo siya kaya napakapit ako kay Ralph." I like you as you are. Just like this. This is the Ralpf I fell in love with, and even as much as I hate you seeing me so flawed, nobody could replace you! "

Bumalik ang ngiti niya. "You're flattering me."

Ralph pinches the bridge of my nose as if teasing me not to cry. I wouldn't bawl my eyes out outside the resort's balcony! Pareho kaming napatawa ng malakas, maya-mata itinuro niya ang buwan na nasa pinakagitna ng kalangitan." It's not midnight yet; you can still make your birthday wish, Sheena."