FRIEND OF MINE (2nd Generation HUGS)

Chapter 4 -One On One

Chapter 4 -One On One

I saw at our group chat the other day about sa get together na si-net ni Ziggy at their backyard this weekend. I knew why he have organized this get together, yun ay para makilala ng ibang mga kaibigan namin si Phoebe. Although most of our friends na nasa country have said yes already, I myself haven't confirmed yet. Tinawagan nga ako nila Areszel and Zinnie last night, they were asking me if I will come tomorrow pero I just said na unsure pa ako since may lakad talaga ako this weekend. It's not an alibi, totoo talagang may lakad ako this Saturday. I will be seeing my college friends, last month pa namin plano ito and they are just waiting for me to arrive in the country para matuloy ang meetup. I really don't know if I can attend the get together namin ng 2nd generation hugs but maybe I will just drop by after ng lakad ko.

The following day pagbaba ko ay nakita kong nasa dining table ang mga siblings ko together with daddy and Tita Coreen. They are having breakfast. Nilapitan ko sila to acknowledge them.

'Come join us for breakfast Princess.' I kiss daddy's cheek before kissing Tita Coreen.

'I really loved to but I need to be elsewhere now. Magkikita kami ng mga college friends ko today.' I went to Ezra and kissed her also then Core.

'Hindi ka pupunta kila Kuya Ziggy later Ate Bella?' Ezra ask.

'Oo nga Bella. You will not go there later?' Tita Coreen asked afterwards.

'I will try to drop by, kung aabot pa ako. Matagal na kasi namin planned ito ng mga friends ko, last month pa. And they just waited for me talaga para matuloy ang get together namin today.' I saw daddy shaking his head.

'I think it's much better Princess if you will not go to Reiz's mansion later.' I stared at his eyes where I saw deep affection and concern for me.

May alam nga si daddy, he really knew how I feel for my best friend. And tama siya. Alam niyang masasaktan lang ako kapag nagpunta pa ako mamaya kina Ziggy. Lumapit ako kay daddy and hug him tightly.

'Thanks Daddy.' I whispered softly to his ear. He, on the other hand, held my waist and gripped it gently. A simple gesture of him but enough for me to feel his love and care for me.

'Hahanapin ka later ni Kuya Ziggy sa amin Ate Bella, that's for sure.' Core said momentarily.

'If ever I won't make it later, then I will just send him a message na lang.' I smile sweetly at my sibling. 'Alis na ako.' I said goodbye to them and left.

---

Almost all of my friends are here already. Well except for Light who is on duty now, wala rin si Jane and Lightning na nasa ibang bansa parin, Arzel send me a message me na hahabol siya since nasa practice game siya now while Thunder is on his way na raw. Among those who are present now ay hinahanap ko ang best friend ko na hindi pa nagpaparamdam sa akin since yesterday, hindi ko alam if she will join us today dahil hindi rin siya nag-confirm sa group chat namin. But according to her siblings Core and Ezra, nagkita raw sila ng mga college friends niya today and will try to drop by if kaya pa.

As I look at my friends who are gathered around at the picnic table together with my girlfriend, she is getting along naman with them. Masaya ako that she can blend with my friends.

The sun is almost setting but Bella is still not around. Ilang beses na akong sumulyap sa phone ko to see if she has any message for me pero wala. I also tried to call her once kanina but she isn't answering.

'Ziggy!' Arzel and Triton called me kaya bumalik na ako sa table.

We are having shots except for Phoebe who is drinking soda. Hindi kasi umiinom si Phoebe ng anything with alcohol content, even ladies drinks since she is allergic to alcohol. Before nang hindi ko pa alam na allergic siya sa alcohol, we went to a bar then suddenly she felt nauseous, her eyes and nose even her mouth got itchy then her face and throat began to swell after having a bottle of beer. Saka lang namin na-confirmed that she has an alcohol intolerance. Namamana daw yun or genetic according to the doctor who has attended her kaya since then ay hindi na siya uminom ng any drinks that have alcohol content. 

'Bella messaged me.'

'When?' I immediately asked Triton.

'Just now. She said she won't be able to come na raw. Pauwi pa lang siya, kakahiwalay pa lang daw nila ng mga college buddies niya.' I exhaled a deep breath na napansin pala ni Phoebe.

'Is there something wrong Babe?'

'Nothing.' I smile back slackly.

But honestly, not having Bella around knowing that she is in the country somewhat gives me an unsteady feeling. Parang kulang kapag wala siya kahit naman halos complete kaming magkakaibigan ngayon. Siguro ay nasanay lang ako na kasama ko siya most of the time. Isa pa sa medyo nakakainis is the fact that she texted Triton pero ako ay hindi. I knew naman that Triton and her are quite close, pero ako ang bestfriend niya. Ako dapat ang unang sinabihan niya, not Triton. 

'Ziggy, can I ask you something man?' napatingin ako kay Triton sa sinabi niya. 

'What about?' he finished first his canned beer before gazing again at me. Ako naman ay kakabukas lang ng canned beer ko.

'Nagkabalikan na ba sila Troy and Bella? Are they together again?' nagulat naman ako sa tinanong niya. 

'Why ask, asshole?' nauna si Arzel na magtanong before I can even utter a word. 

'Yeah, why ask?' tanong rin ni JV. All of us are looking at Triton now. He massaged his nape first before replying.

'I am planning to ask her out.' his ears suddenly turned red that startled me while the others made noises in unison. 

'Seriously Kuya Triton? As in ask Ate Bella out on a date? Just the two of you? Is it a serious date Kuya?' usisa naman ni Ezra that made him nod his head. Alam kong crush ni Triton si Bella matagal na but I didn't know na seryoso siya dun. Well I think he wasn't that serious since Bella is older than him at isa pa ay barkada lang ang turing ni Bella sa kanya. 

'What do you think Ziggy?' muling tanong sa akin ni Triton.

'I think there's nothing wrong with it Triton.' nagulat rin ako nang bigla na lang sumabat si Phoebe. 'I mean, Bella is single and you are single. Try mo, malay mo she might say yes.' 

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kakaiba sa loob ko. Hindi ko matukoy kung ano yun but I suddenly feel uneasy right this very moment. Suddenly ay parang against ako sa ideya na sinabi ni Triton. I can't imagine him dating my best friend. I can't imagine them going out na sila lang talaga. And I don't think Bella will say yes either.

'Ziggy.' agad akong napatingin sa kaharap ko. 'We've calling you several times, ang layo yata ng iniisip mo jan.' Arzel voiced. I look around at lahat sila ay nakatingin at tulala sa akin.

'Huh?' parang bigla akong nawala sa pinag-uusapan namin. Parang bigla akong nasa isang trance na ako lang mag-isa at wala sila.

'Are you alright Babe?' Phoebe ask again. She gently caress my arm kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.

'I'm fine Babe.' I sit straight then gaze at Triton. 'If you wish to date her Triton then ask her politely.'

'Ayos lang sayo?'

'Of course it's fine with me.' I smile forcefully kahit pa talagang iba ang nararamdaman ko deep within. 'Hindi naman ako ang kapatid ni Bella for you to ask permission to me, ask Core and Ezra if they will agree on you.' tumingin kami sa dalawa.

'Ate Bella is an adult, guys. Alam na niya who to date. Nakipag-break up na nga siya with her long time boyfriend so no need for permissions whatsoever.' Core said with less interest and Ezra just shrugged her shoulders.

'Yun naman pala man, ask her out then! Yayain mo bukas tutal its Sunday!' JV suggested.

'Yeah! Ask her earlier para wala pa siyang maisip na gagawin the whole day.' Thunder also said.

Our get together had ended. Umuwi na ang lahat and Phoebe and I are at the car, I am driving her off to her suite. Tahimik lang siya while leaning at the window at ganon rin ako while driving. Nagulat pa ako nang bigla siyang nagsalita. 

'Can you be honest with me ZG?' she didn't use our endearment so I assume that she is serious with what she is about to say. Ganito siya kapag hindi niya ginagamit ang endearment namin, may seryoso siya na sasabihin and it is irrevocable.

'What about?' my eyes remained focused on the road.

'Ano bang meron sa inyo ni Bella?' that made me glance at her for a second bago muling itinuon ang mga mata sa daan.

'What are you talking about Phoebe?'

'Oh cut the crap ZG! I've felt it kanina sa bahay niyo! I felt your uneasiness when Triton brought up the topic about him asking Bella out on a date!' umiling na lang ako.

'That's nonsense Phoebe. You're just overthinking things.' I calmly replied. As much as possible ay ayokong makipag-away kay Phoebe because the last time we had an argument ay ako pa rin ang sumuyo sa kanya even if siya naman talaga ang may kasalanan.

'Overthinking things? I can feel it ZG! Sa airport niyo pa lang ay ramdam ko na! The way you care for her, the way you held her, the way you boast her sa akin! I can't help but to think dahil laging siya na lang ang laman ng mga usapan natin! Bella this and Bella that! Now tell me once and for all ZG! Ano bang meron sa inyo ng Bella na yan!'

'Nothing! Bella and I are close because we are best friends Phoebe.'

'Best friend my ass! That's stupidity!' She huffs then shakes her head several times.

'Hey! Watch your words!' I stared at her after I stepped on the break.

'Ako ang girlfriend mo pero hindi pwedeng matapos ang one day without you mentioning her! Do you think I haven't noticed? Laman siya ng bibig mo palagi ZG! Grabe ka kung mag-worry at her! Grabe ka kung alamin mo ang mga itinerary niya! Kapag hindi siya nagpaparamdam to you at one point ay natataranta ka na!' napabuntong-hininga ako ng ilan beses. 'Araw-araw since I've got here palagi na lang Bella! Bella, Bella, Bella! I always hear her goddamn name! f**k her and that ridiculous name!' 

'HUWAG MONG MUMURAHIN ANG BEST FRIEND KO PHOEBE!' I grab her wrist tightly. When she jolted and wince in pain ay wala sa loob kong binitawan siya at binaling sa manibela ang galit ko. I pound the steering wheel hard then exhaled harshly. I am fuming mad. Ayoko sa lahat ay minumura ang mga taong mahalaga sa akin, naririnig man nila or not. 

Silence filled our atmosphere, walang nagsalita ni isa sa amin. Minabuti kong buhayin na lang ulit ang engine so I can take her to the hotel. Paghinto ko ng car sa tapat ng hotel ay mabilis siyang bumaba without even saying a word at me. I watch her enter the lobby until she disappears from my sight. Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago pinaandar ang car ko. Pagdating ng mansion ay kaagad akong nagpunta sa room ko and frustratedly lay down on my bed. 

Isa ito sa mga kinaiinisan ko kay Phoebe. Ang hilig niyang magmura kapag galit siya. Hindi ko akalain na mamasamain niya ang pag-mention ko sa best friend ko, where in fact ay alam naman niya ang real score sa amin ni Bella. I know that she expects me na suyuin siya after this argument of ours, pero hindi ko muna gagawin. Hahayaan ko muna siya dahil sa totoo lang ay nasaktan talaga ako nang murahin niya kanina si Bella. Ewan ko ba pero pagdating talaga sa best friend ko ay sobrang affected ako even with small things. I don't like hearing people saying bad things about her or gossiping idle stuffs against her. It sickens me at naiinis ako sa ganon. 

My phone beeps consecutively, so someone is calling me. Hindi ko ito pinansin knowing na si Phoebe lang ang tumawag at the moment. But when it didn't stop ay napilitan na akong bumangon and look at it. Nagulat pa ako when I saw "My Pretty Bella" at the screen. I instantly answered the call. 

'Ziggy? Have I disturb you? Natutulog ka na ba?' hearing her mellow and sweet voice now automatically puts a smile on my face. Nakalimutan ko all of a sudden ang galit ko sa girlfriend ko.

'No, hindi pa ako natutulog. I just got home, hinatid ko si Phoebe sa hotel.'

'Ganun ba? I'm sorry hindi ako nakapunta kanina jan. Nagkita kasi kami ng mga college friends ko. I hope nasabi nila Core sayo about that.'

'They did. Ayos lang naman, wala naman naka-miss sayo kanina. Hahahahaha!' 

'Silly! Walang nakakamiss ka jan! Hahahaha!' I don't know kung bakit boses niya pa lang and the sound of her laughter are enough already to lighten up my mood. 'Sayang nga hindi ako nakapunta. I'm really sorry ulit best friend.'

'That's alright. Let's go out tomorrow if you are free. Payment mo sa hindi pagpunta kanina.' 

'Wala ba kayong pupuntahan ni Phoebe tomorrow? Baka maka-disturb ako sa time niyo together. Nakakahiya naman.'

'Tayo lang dalawa ang lalabas bukas Princess.'

'Eh why just us? Hindi natin isasama si Phoebe?'

'We had a slight argument on our way to the hotel she's staying at.'

'I hope it's not that serious. Bakit kayo nag-away?' there's pure concern laced in her voice.

'Wala yun. It doesn't concern you anyway so huwag mo ng alamin pa kung bakit. So ano? Tomorrow? I'll fetch you there! Mga around 7!'

'Ang aga naman! Baka I am still sleeping that time Ziggy!'

'Kung tulog ka pa then gigisingin kita! Tapos I will carry you to your bathroom and throw you to the tub! Hahahahaha!'

'Napaka mo talaga Zeus Genesis Reiz Jr.! I will make sure that my door is locked para hindi ka makapasok basta! You ugly pig!' mas lalong lumakas pa ang tawa ko sa tili niya.

'HAHAHAHAHA! Ano nga! Tomorrow! I am not kidding around! I will fetch you at 7!'

'Eh why is it so early kasi! Saan ba tayo pupunta?'

'Let's have a one on one Princess!'

'Are you sure about that Ziggy?' her voice suddenly became serious and even if hindi ko siya nakikita now, I am 100% sure that she is grinning.

'Oh I am pretty sure about it Princess. Wear your piece and we will see who will win tomorrow.' I smirk widely.

'Bring it on best friend. See you tomorrow then.' she hung up as the smile on my face retained.

---

'You're early Princess! What's with the jersey you're on?' napatingin ako sa living room, daddy and Tita Coreen are having their early morning coffee. It's just quarter to seven. I am wearing my favorite jersey now. The one na sinuot at pinahiram sa akin noon ni Ziggy, the time he taught me how to play basketball. Hindi na niya ito kinuha sa akin before. Malaki ito before sa akin, but now syempre lumaki na ako ay medyo fit na ito sa body ko.

'Ziggy's on his way here Dad. We'll be having a one on one at the covered court now.' 

'Really Bella? Do you still know how to play basketball?' I smile widely at Tita Coreen who is looking at me with amusement.

'Oh you don't know how she plays well siren. Praktisado yan sa New York, nakalaro nga niya ang isa sa NBA legends.' I smirk at what daddy says.

That's true but Ziggy doesn't know about that, so he is in for a surprise.

'Hi Tito Poseidon! Tita Coreen, good morning po.' I smile the moment my best friend appears at our doorstep.

'Hi Ziggy.'

'So ano Princess? Ready for your loosing round with me?' natawa ako sa sinabi niya.

'Let's see. Bye Daddy! Bye Tita Coreen! Pakakain ko lang ng alikabok itong best friend ko! Hahahahaha!

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