I AM NINA: Truth & Lies

CHAPTER 26: Just Like Before

Ethan

Muli akong tinitigan ni Nina. "Pati ikaw, alam kong mas gusto mo siyang kasama kaysa sa akin!" Nagtatampo niyang sabi sabay simangot.

Muli akong tumawa. Nakakatuwa sa tuwing nagtatampo siya.

"Bakit ka ba tawa nang tawa?" Naiinis pero nangingiti na niyang tanong.

"Because you're really funny. Why are you getting jealous of yourself?" Balik kong tanong.

Napasimangot siya. "I'm not jealous." Mahina niyang sagot.

"Then why are you acting that way?" Muli kong tanong.

Napabuntong-hininga siya. "Hindi mo ba narinig kanina, Ate Bel tried to switch me with my split!"

"Okay, and so?" Panggugulo ko sa isip niya.

"Anong and so? Kung sakaling natuloy 'yon, wala ako rito ngayon. Ako sana ang nakakadena at nakakulong sa kung saan man!" Mariin niyang sagot.

"And then?" Patuloy ko.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "Inaasar mo lang talaga ako!" Inis niyang sagot.

"Oh come on, what will happen kung sakaling nagkapalit nga kayo?" Ulit ko.

Napalunok siya. Hindi siya sumagot.

"Do you really think Ate Bel does not know what she's doing?" Sunod kong tanong.

Hindi na naman siya umimik. Nagsimula siyang maglakad muli.

"When Ate Bel arrived and saw you lying on the bed, she said you were dying! When you die, your split dies. When your split dies, you die as well. Ate Bel just can't let that happen. I know you're scared, but don't turn your fear into selfishness. Deep down in your heart, I know you just want to help." Sabi ko. Alam kong nakikinig siya kahit hindi siya kumikibo.

"Ethan, nalilito ako. Me, my split, si Ate Bel, si Reyden, ikaw, pakiramdam ko hindi ako ang dapat na nandito." Malungkot niyang sabi.

"Hindi ka naman talaga dapat nandito. You're supposed to be in Baguio living your life. You are not supposed to be connected with your split; something is just really weird about everything and we need to find out why." Sagot ko.

"It really feels weird." Pabulong niyang sabi.

"Just remember this. All of us needs you. Now is not a matter of who is more important between you and your split. It's not even a question you should ask because both of you are equally important."

"That's how you feel; how about Reyden and Ate Bel?" Nagdududa pa rin niyang tanong.

Natawa ako. "Reyden is definitely in love with you. I know you can feel it. Huwag mong hayaang matakpan ang pagmamahal niya sa'yo dahil sa selos."

Hindi na naman siya nakaimik kaya nagpatuloy ako sa pagsasalita.

"As for Ate Bel, she cares for you more than anyone in this world. Remember Jodie?" Singit ko.

"Why Jodie?" Curious niyang tanong na parang bigla siyang naging interesado.

"Remember what Ate Bel did for her when we were in Baguio?" Patuloy ko.

Tumango siya.

"You know what, dapat patay na ngayon si Jodie. You're split knew that she's going to commit suicide. We saved her. Ate Bel never complained; she helped because she doesn't want you to get hurt." Kwento ko.

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Nina

Napaisip akong bigla sa huling sinabi ni Ethan. Bumalik sa ala-ala ko ang mga ginawa nila para kay Jodie. Kung totoong natuloy ang pagpapakamatay niya noon, wala na dapat siya ngayon pati na rin ang anak niyang si Sky. Parang may umalong damdamin sa puso ko na hindi ko maintindihan; iniisip ko pa lang na kung sakaling namatay nga si Jodie ay sobra na akong nalulungkot.