Almost, But Not Quite (COMPLETED)

Chapter 01

#ABNQ01 Chapter 01

I was contemplating on probably the hardest decision of my life.

"So?" tanong sa akin nung haircutter... or whatever they're called.

I sighed. "Do you think I'll look good in Bob?" I asked. Here I was, asking strangers for advice. Wala na kasi akong mahingan ng tulong! Steele introduced his new girlfriend to the group, and they all seemed to like her. I mean, she's very likeable, and it's infuriating me! Wala tuloy akong reason na magalit sa kanya!

Steele could've done me a favor, and should've chosen someone I could hate! He's making it harder for me to be the bitter ex!

"Bakit ka ba magpapa-gupit?" she asked, touching my hair. "Healthy naman 'yung buhok mo. Hair spa na lang natin, you want?"

I sighed.

Again.

"Sabi sa article na nabasa ko, first step in moving on daw ay magpa-gupit," I said, then sighed. "Chop it off."

The lady shrugged. I closed my eyes, and felt shivers as the cold scissors touched my nape.

* * *

"Did you lose in a bet?" Psalm asked, obviously not trying to stop himself from laughing. His face was all red.

I glared at him. "Wow, thanks, ha."

Nagsimula na akong maglakad, at sinabayan niya ako. Ayoko talaga ng kausap ngayon kasi ano bang sense? 'Di ko rin naman masasabi sa kanya kung ano talaga ang gusto kong pag-usapan kasi 'di ba?

Sino ba ang tanga na nagpaka-tanga kay despite all warnings? Ako.

Sino ba pumayag na maging secret girlfriend? Ako.

Sino ba naniwala na it's better if we keep the relationship a secret? Ako.

Ako 'tong nagpakatanga, so I guess it's fair if I go through this mess alone. After all, I managed to survive 18 years without Steele in my life. Without his corny jokes, his stupid face, his annoying smile, his warm hugs.

I could manage... I think.

"Seriously, Jo? What the fuck?"

"Sumbong kita kay Tita Anna, gusto mo? Mga lumalabas d'yan sa bibig mo," sabi ko sa kanya. Kapag kasama niya family niya, akala mo kung sinong santo 'tong lalaki na 'to. Kapag naman kaibigan niya, lumalabas lahat ng kasamaan niya.

The duality of Psalm Christian S. Gomez de Liaño.

"You shocked me!" he said. "What came inside that thick skull of yours?" tanong niya pa rin. Ang kulit!

"Mainit," I simply said.

"Nah," he replied. "When we went to Ilocos, you couldn't be bothered by the heat," he continued. "So, did you lose a bet or something?"

I began to think of a reason good enough to shut him up nang biglang dumating si Steele. My heart began to fucking ache again, and I hated it. I hated how much control he had over me. I hated how it's been months since he called it quits, yet it still freaking hurt so bad.

Why couldn't I just move on?

Wala bang switch 'to?

Bakit ang sakit pa rin?

"Hey... Joey," Steele said.

"Still good for later?" Psalm asked Steele. Steele nodded.

"Ah, alis na ko," I said, quickly excusing myself as being in the same space as Steele was making my chest tighten. My heart was hurting. My eyes were watering. And I didn't want to break down in front of Psalm.