Owning My Ex (Published)

05

The nuanced taste of dark coffee washed over me as I sipped from my warm mug of nostalgic memories. All I could think about were the soothing tones Luhennce used when he was talking to me before. I can still picture the warmth of his love and care. I can still picture those smiles we shared and reminisce about those times we cuddled when the weather was only a couple of degrees above zero.

The night wind embraces my skin, nanatili ako sa veranda, nakaupo at nakatingala habang paminsan minsang umiinom sa tasang hawak ko. I've tried to send him messages, but I've gotten zero response from him again. When my phone vibrated, I was so excited to look for it, only to see some emails from my trusted tracker.

Kumunot ang noo ko ng makita ang ilang attachment doon, naglalaman ng mga pictures ni Luhennce with the same woman he was with a while ago. The picture was taken minutes ago. And it was stated in the email that he was hanging out with his friends and that woman.

I gritted my teeth upon seeing how sweet they are in that picture, with Luhennce's hand around the woman's waist. Nakasandal ang babae sa kalahati ng katawan niya, habang ang isa niyang kamay ay may hawak na baso ng alak. It seems like they are enjoying their conversation with Luhennce's shitty friends. Mabilis kong dinelete ang email na 'yon matapos malaman ang lugar at nagmadaling umalis.

You're really trying me, Luhennce. You won't like it when you really make me totally upset. Mabilis akong nagpalit ng damit. I wore something that could make men drool over me. Siniguro kong luluwa ang mga mata ng makakakita sa akin. My party dress was so revealing.

Hindi na ako nag-aksaya pang magsuot ng jacket to expose my shoulder, my perfect collar bones, and my chest. Medyo maiksi ang dress na 'yon, perfect for seducing someone. I wear flats instead of heels. Ayokong mangalay dahil hindi naman ako sana'y sa matataas na sapatos.

Wala pang 20 minutes ay narating ko na ang isang kilalang high-end bar. Like what I've expected, nakaagaw agad ako ng attention ngunit dahil iba ang pakay ko, derederetso akong pumunta hanggang sa bar counter while roaming my eyes, as it settled on one couch where I could see familiar faces. Malapit lang iyon sa akin na kinatuwa ko, but instead of doing such moves. I let myself settle in front of the counter first, as I started drinking cocktails.

Ilang shot ang ginawa ko, nang hindi tinitingnan ang table na 'yon. Masyadong masakit sa mata. I have to drink first, to calm myself. Nang maramdamang okay na, ay saka ko sila nilingon at napansin kong napapalingon na rin sa akin ang mga kaibigan ni Luhennce, mukhang gulat pa sila and I can see on their faces the hate and disgust.

Mga gago, the feeling is mutual, jerks! Galit ako sa kanila! Galit na galit dahil imbes na payuhan nila ng maayos si Luhennce para alamin muna ang rason ko, sila pa ang pasimuno na paglayuin kaming dalawa. Sila pa 'yong nag-udyok kay Luhennce para tuluyan akong hiwalayan.

They are the demons whispering in Luhence's ears. Kung sana nalaman nila ang side ko at hindi basta-basta nanghusga sana ayos na kami ngayon! Not all friends are worth treating as friends. Tinrato ko pa naman silang kaibigan pero sa isang iglap pinagkaisahan nila ako. Well, that's reality; hindi lahat ng kaibigan mo kaibigan din ang turing sa 'yo. Others are good; others aren't.

Sometimes they can be the reason for your downfall.