"'Cause my heart starts beating triple time.
With thoughts of loving you on my mind.
I can't figure out just what to do, when
the cause and cure is you."
— JoJo, Weak
XXXIX
Three Years
DANE HAS NOTICED ELLISE'S puffy eyes and red nose; it's obvious that she's been crying. But like the usual, she makes up an excuse that she's just being sentimental. And we pretend that nothing really happened, despite how eventful the happenings of moments ago were.
Matapos kong maisayaw si Ellise, nag-usap kami sandali ni Elliot. Kinumusta niya ako, at kinumusta ko rin siya. I've also come across Ellise's father, and so far, he's been civil and formal. It's as if I've never broken his daughter's heart.
Papatapos na ang programa, pero may after-party pa.
"I don't really like formal events," biglang sabi ni Julia. "I prefer if the party's wild, fun and spontaneous."
"Halata naman. You obviously like spontaneity," sagot ko.
Ngumiti lang siya. "I'm more excited for the after-party," aniya.
An hour later, the party is finally over. Nagsiuwian na ang mga pamilya ng businessmen. Ang naiwan nalang ay sila Ellise, Dane, Julia, at ang mga kaibigan ko. Tumungo kami sa bahay ni Ellise kasi doon ang afterparty.
***
The way to Ellise's family house is a 30-minute drive.
When we arrive, I see the home of the Cortez family.
Their family house—or more like mansion—is enormous. It's probably the same size as my family's, although it vastly differs with the design. Antique ang disenyo ng kanilang bahay, kasalungat kumpara sa mga Ferrero na moderno.
"Let's play 'Never have I ever.' At kung sino man ang naka-experience 'ng bagay na nasabi, kailangan niyang inumin ang isang baso ng alak," deklara ni Sarah. Isa-isa niya kaming tinignan lahat. "After that, they have to tell us about the experience—why or how it happened."
"This is gonna' be fun," sabi ni Julia, taliwas ang nararamdaman na tuwa niya sa'kin ngayon. "I would love to get to know you guys. I guess I shall consider this as our bond?"
Tumango lang si Camille. "Yeah." Matapos ay binalingan niya ng tingin si Ellise. "Miss ka na namin! Bigla ka nalang umalis, ano bang nangyari?"
Pekeng tumawa si Ellise. "Personal reasons," she answers vaguely, shrugging. "And also, I decided to study and take up architecture there."
Halatang hindi naniniwala yung iba sa sagot niya. Tinignan ako nila Kent, Felix, Blake, Evan, at Camille, at kita ko ang mga katanungan sa kanilang mata. Binigyan ko sila ng tingin na nagsasabing wala akong balak na sagutin ang tanong na 'yon kahit kailan.
The awkwardness in the room is palpable, but no one speaks of it. Julia and Dane are completely clueless, which is a relief. I don't want any more complication. Things are already complicated as it is. Plus, I don't want to hurt Julia with the knowledge that I'm casually befriending my ex-girlfriend. She hasn't asked about who my ex is, but I guess she's had a clue.
Umupo kaming lahat sa carpet ng living room ng bahay ni Ellise. Walang tao, at tanging mga katulong lang nila ang naroon, pero mukhang pinatulog na sila ni Ellise kasi hindi na sila nagpakita matapos nitong sabihin na okay na sila.
Nagsimula na kaming maglaro.
"Never have I ever . . . ," simula ni Kent at tinignan kaming lahat, "cheated on any of my girlfriends."
BINABASA MO ANG
False Chase
General Fiction(Cortez Series #1) Five years ago, Ellise had only loved and chased one man: Sage Dustin Ferrero. The chase became successful and she'd managed to win his heart. Unfortunately, circumstances separated them; Sage suddenly left without a word. P...
