Afterglow

12

"She is not answering my calls. She is not even responding to my texts. Damn it, I honestly do not know what I did wrong."

I wrinkled my nose and sighed. Ngayon lang ulit pumunta si Alex sa bahay at mukhang may baon pang problema. He looks distraught.

"Give her space. Baka kailangan niya lang mag-isip," I patted his back, "Girls—no, well everyone is complicated. Baka may nagawa kang hindi mo namalayan tapos inoverthink niya. As soon as Lia's done organizing her thoughts, baka siya na mismo kumausap sa iyo."

"You think so?" Alex asked as he finally grabbed some toasted bread. Kanina pa iyon nakahain. Akala ko ako na lang ang uubos.

"Yes, but think about it. Ano bang nagawa mo na pwede niyang kainisan?"

Napasabunot si Alex ng sarili, "Hindi ko talaga alam, Liv. I am tired of this mind game." He sighed, "Can I take a nap? Wake me up if she texts or calls."

I gave him a small smile, "Sure."

I had a tiny urge to talk to Lia, but I figured it is their relationship, and I should not meddle with their problems. Maaayos din nila 'yan.

Si Alex pa ba? He is like the best boyfriend anyone could ever ask for.

While Alex was sleeping, I did an advance reading for our Chemistry class. Mas madali ko kasing naiintindihan iyong tinuturo kung may knowledge na ako prior to the discussion. I was in the middle of reading when Alex's phone rang. I was about to wake him up, but I noticed that it was his mom, so I just answered the call.

"Hello Tita?"

"Lia, hija, are you with Alex?"

I pursed my lips and exhaled, "Tita, this is Liv po, but yes, I am with Alex kaso tulog po eh."

"Ganoon ba?" she laughed, "Akala ko wala na siyang kaibigan. Anyway, please tell him na late kami makakauwi ng dad niya. We met some friends in the supermarket, and we decided to catch up. Is that okay?"

"Sure, Tita."

"Sige, salamat hija. Take care."

"No problem po."

I was about to lock his phone when a notification popped up. Corny naman ni Alex magpangalan ng contacts.

From: My Lia
Imagine us having a date, and instead of giving my full attention to you, I am texting another guy. Imagine, Alex. Fuck you.

My forehead creased. I am sure that Alex cannot cheat. Also, Alex and I no longer talk to each other that much. Baka hindi naman ako? But why do I have a feeling na ako?

Yesterday, I texted Alex regarding our Biology research. He said he was on a date, but the deadline of the capsule prosposal is today, so we discussed about it for a few minutes. Iyon ba iyon? I shook my head. I should stop assuming. Their relationship is the least of my concerns.

I woke Alex up and told him Lia texted. Sinabi ko na rin iyong bilin ni Tita Bella. He immediately went to the balcony to call Lia. They talked for about an hour before Alex bid goodbye. Babalik din daw siya para sa capsule proposal namin pero magkikita muna sila ni Lia. Good for them.

It was already 6PM pero wala pa rin sina Alex at Kass. Kami iyong magkakagrupo sa Bio research. I felt really lucky when we were grouped together. Close kami so we can work comfortably with each other. Alam ko rin na responsable sila pareho. I decided to send a message to our group chat.