Paper Memories

Chapter 14-II

Chapter 14-II

"It's a bit late, but happy birthday, Sheena."

Ronald stepped forward for me.

The night had swallowed the streets, and I was walking side by side with my friend when this stranger appeared before us and just called my name so affectionately. Napatigil ako sa paglalakad. Nasa kanto lang siya. Parang isang pamilyar na esksena.

Percival was standing underneath the streetlight.

"Kaibigan ka na niya?" I grabbed Ronald's wrist to remind him not to react hastily, even if he's just trying to protect me—better this time. Ayaw kong mapaaway siya dahil sa misunderstanding. " Thank you for walking with her. I'm here---her boyfriend. Ngayon lang uit ako nakabisita."

I nodded." This is Percival."

Ronald then backed away. He was prepared to leave without a word, just like that. But Percival stopped him." You're Ronald, right? Napano yang pisngi mo? "

Nakibit-balikat lang ang kaibigan ko."Pinaghintay mo si Sheena."

My boyfriend's smile was pure—so pure that it looked like a human wasn't supposed to be wearing it. He waved the boy goodbye and watched intently as he disappeared into another corner of the neighborhood. Nang kami na lang dalawang ang natira, inabot niya ang kamay ko para maghawak kamay kami." He seems like a nice kid. I'm glad he's friends with you. Bumabalik na yung dating ikaw, Hon."

His hands are cold." You're really here..."

Percival just chuckled, he stared at me--- he was about to kiss in my forehead but he stop. Was it my expressions that made him stop?"Sheena, its now just us. Would you please still celebrate with me? "

Hinila ko siya pabalik."Welcome back, Percival."

"I have a little surprise for you, Hon." Nang nasa tapat na kami ng pintuan tinakpan ni Percival ang mga mata ko. I have an idea what he might have set up---I wasn't too happy about it. Nakalock ang buong bahay. Paano na naman siya nakapasok?" Tayo namang dalawa ang magcelebrate ng birthday mo! I made all of this!"

Sa kitchen, pinaghanda niya ako." May candles ka pa..."

"Am I trying too hard? Corny?" Percival laugh it off, as he pulled a chair for me. May minicake sa lamesa, dalawang pares ng wine glass, mga putaheng paborito ko at setup ng candlelights na may nakapaligid na mga bulaklak." Magkwento ka ng pinagkakaabalahan mo nitong nakaraan, Hon. Ako kasi wala akong makkwento tungkol sa akin."

I covered my face with my palm." Ayaw mo pa rin magsabi?"

Dumulog agad si Percival sa tabi ko." H-huh? Are you crying?"

"You're so great becuse you're so fucking convenient." I can't control my mouth again. Percival is now looking sideways with his smile still plastered on his lips. His lips that I shared a kiss back then." Pero hindi pa rin kita kilala! Hindi mo sinasabi ang totoong ikaw!"

"You already know who I am. I am whoever you want." Napaatras siya dahil sa outburst ko." I was crea------You created me for you, not the other way around."

Napaatayo na lang ako para pakalmahin ang sarili ko. He's on guard but I felt like he's mocking me." Fuck you, speak normally. And don't end up spouting bible verses later on. "

He would never be normal. "...Should we renew our contract?"

Napapikit ako sa pahayag niya." "Our promise is not a contract; it is just an agreement without consequence. We could severe that lie anytime, Percival."

"...But you won't, right?" Usal niya.

"...Why am I letting boys---and men like you in my life?" Asik ko.

Percival kneeled in front of me." But you waited for me, Sheena."

I chuckled, tama naman siya." I did---why the did I wait for you to come back?"

My mind and heart sinks, the more I look at Percival. I must have indeed lost my sanity when I let people like him in my life, I didn't see their privilege nor what they can't lose. Nagpadalos dalos lang akong tanggapin sila, at mukang iyon ulit ang gagawin ko ng ilahad ko ang kamay ko sa tapat ni Percival.

He held my hand, grasping with so much devotion." Because you have so much love to give, Sheena --- you forgive and accept this forsaken world.

I clicked my tongue."Why do you want me, Percival?"

"Because I was born for you." Percival stared at my face, then his eyes travel downwards until he was looking at my bare hand--- he close his eyes and kiss it. "You're perfect—you're always are."

"Do you think you can win over me with those words? "

"I'm at the mercy of your love, my goddess."

"Then just this time, just a little while longer—we're back to playing this charade." I held his hand back and stared at the cake on the table. Pinatay ko ang sindi ng kandila na para sa birthday ko." You came into my life as you pleased—at kahit maglabas pasok ka na naman ulit masaya na ako. Kahit panandalian lang. Habang baliw pa ako."

"I'd gladly go insane for you, Sheena."

"Be careful with what you say, painting."

Percival tuck my hair into my ear." Let's eat? Dinner would get cold"

I scoff; he's not in control." Labas tayo, Percival."

His expression change quickly as well, to accomdate me. Without a trace of anger. I let him in the house, I welcome him back.Kaso ganto ako umasta. Pero pagbibiro lang ang ganti ni Percival." Aw, Hon. I want you all for myself. Parang ayaw kitang ipakita sa mundo at madamay sa gulo nito. "

I rolled my eyes. Tumawa siya." Parang kang ewan --- at seloso."

Still I don't understand people; I don't understand men.

And even when we stepped into the car I was drowning in my thoughts. I realized that even though I am ignorant of this world, I am still swayed to blindly follow its flow. Kakaunti lang ang tunay na napagkwkwentuhan. Nang mapalingon ako sa labas ng bintana nakita ko si Ronald sa may kanto na may mga kasama. Mga kaibigan niya? Hindi. Huh? Napapapaaway ba siya?

But then Percival held my hand to break my attention.

"You don't need to worry about the world, Sheena."