Paper Planes (Sandejas Siblings: Companion Book)

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

IS IT TOO late?

Of course, it probably is, Leona. It probably is.

"Hey, eat." Nabaling ang atensyon ko kay Floyd at napatitig sa kanya, gulat pa sa kanyang biglaang pagtawag.

"Hmm?"

"Eat your food, kanina ka pa wala sa sarili." He whispered, I managed to stare at my untouched food and then forced a smile to him.

"Ayos lang, Floyd. Wala kasi akong gana," I said.

He sighed and put my hair behind my ear.

"Is it because of him?" He asked. I looked away.

"Sino?" I pretended and played with my fork.

"Ejercito," he answered. I froze, nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya at natawa.

"No, bakit mo naman naisip 'yan?" I asked and cleared my throat.

"Stop lying, Lena. I know your eyes," he commented.

Lumunok ako at iginalaw ang pagkain ko at tahimik na kumain.

"Lena," I heard Cess' voice kaya nilingon ko siya. She sat beside me, nakita kong kasama ang date niya.

"Cess," I called and smiled.

"Kumusta?"

"I'm fine," I chuckled. "Stop worrying about me, ayos lang ako."

Nakita kong nagtinginan si Floyd at Cess kaya umiling ako sa kanila. I slowly crossed my arms on my chest then looked at the both of them.

"I'm fine, really. Ilang taon na ang nakalipas. He isn't affected anymore kaya ako rin." Kumbinse ko pero mukhang kilalang-kilala ako ng mga kaibigan ko at tahimik akong pinagmasdan.

"What? It's a party, we should be happy!" I cheered but they just gave me a tired look, "...right?"

"Stop faking your smile," kinurot ni Floyd ang pisngi ko kaya ngumiwi ako at tinampal siya.

"It's sincere!" I smiled even wider. Floyd chuckled and messed with my hair instead, not buying my acting.

What's the matter? I act great! P'wede pa nga 'kong mag-artista sa lagay na 'to! Bakit ayaw nila 'ko paniwalaan?

"Come on, Lena. We're your friends and we understand you," ani Cess doon.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. Sumandal sa upuan ko at sumisim ng juice.

"Do...I still look affected?" I asked quietly, taking a glance at Ejercito on the other side of the place.

Nasa tabi niya sa Emily at mukhang nag-uusap. I saw her said something and Ejercito smiled and laughed a bit.

"Seeing you right now? Yes." Ani Cess kaya napalunok ako.

"And he still looks affected to me too," Sabay kaming napatingin kay Floyd nang magsalita ito.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I felt like I'm digging my own grave, Lena," aniya at natawa. "Damn that Sandejas, mamamatay ata ako sa tingin niya."

Naguguluhang tumingin lang ako rito at nag-antay ng paliwanag.

"Pero ano niya si Emily? Friend?" Sabat sa amin ni Cess kaya nabaling ang atensyon ko rito.

"He's probably moved on," I said, stopping the both of them. "He probably let go of me, ako lang naman ang na-stuck dito kasi ako ang nang-iwan, 'di ba?"