the Unexpected

Gathering

I successfully avoided Jong, at last. 

15 text messages 

8 missed calls

Lahat yun galing kay Xandy, nakalimutan ko na syang replyan. Siguradong nagaalala yun saken.

*phone beeps*

"Best, nasan ka? Magkita tayo.ASAP." 

Nagtext din si JC, siguro nakarating na din sa kanya yung balita. Malamang sinabi ni Xandy o narinig nya sa isa sa mga chismosa sa university na to. I told Xandy that I am at the student lounge, hindi ko na nireplyan si JC. It's not a good time para makaharap sya. In less 10 minutes nakita ko na agad si Xandy na nagmamadali papunta saken.

As soon as she saw me sitting, she rushed to where I am and give me a hug.

"Are you ok? Who  did those things?" I can feel the sincerity in her voice which made me feel better, I am not alone with this.

"Hindi pa din namen alam, pero kung sinu man sya, hindi ko alam ang motibo nya." My mind goes to Locket. Anu na kayang pinaplano nya ngayon? At the same time, panu na yung gathering mamaya?

"For sure, wala lang yun magawa sa buhay kaya gusto manira.Insecure, maybe to Locket or nagseselos sayo.Don't worry, we'll figure this out." her voice is assuring and comforting at the same time. My twin, she always act like this everytime I am in trouble, the mere reason that I never tried to leave her side.

Pareho kameng napatingin kay JC ng narinig namen sya na walang tigil sa pagtawag saken at kay Xandy. Tumatakbo sya papunta samen na para bang may karera.

"Best!Xandy..." Ofcourse he looked at Xan first then to me. "Best, ok ka lang ba?sinu bang siraulo ang gumawa nun.Nakakapagpainit ng ulo." This is JC.My protective bestfriend.Yes, both of them are always on my side.

Dati, I will feel strong and unbeatable everytime they come around and defend me. But now, I realized how weak I am.Based on their reactions, I know they are worried and they are thinking they are obliged to protect me. Which is something I don't want to feel anymore.

Not anymore.

"Guys, don't worry. Mushro.., I mean, Locket is doing what he can.Let's not make this a big deal.And Xan, please, wag mo na to iparating kay mom and dad.Let me handle this,ok?"  I know she is going to protest, but I look at her not asking for favor but telling her to do it because I say so.

"Ok, just promise to tell me everything.Don't make me worry." She smiled at me and again gave me a hug. I stand up and tell them that I have to go, but JC stopped me.

"Let me go with you. I can't let you wander alone this campus." I try not to look at him and Xandy. I really wanted him to go with me but I can't. Inalis ko yung kamay nya sa pagkakahawak sa kamay ko.

"No, I have something important to do. Xandy, mauna ka na din umuwi pakisabi na lang kay manong magtetext ako sa kanya kung anung oras ako magpapasundo." I waited for her to answer, alam ko they are thinking I am acting strange. Maybe yes, but this is what I am supposed to do.

"Kailangan ba talaga paunahin mo pa si Xan?" I didn't answer him instead I say goodbye.

"Xar, Just take care of yourself. Tawagan mo lang ako if you need something." She looked at JC and then she leaves, she held my hand for a while at tumango lang ako just to assure her I'll be fine.

"Best..." since I started to keep distance with JC, I know something between the two us has changed. 

Di na tulad ng dati.