Starts at Ends

5 - Boron

Chapter V

In every relationship, fights or any conflicts or misunderstandings are considered normal and part of the said journey.

As expertise said, this will make your bond tighter and stronger. Indeed. I agree with that statement.

Fights are also normal to the four of us. Halos araw-araw nga kaming nagbabangayan at paminsan-minsan ay nagkakatampuhan e. But we can't stay longer in that state that's why before the sun sets; we always look for a formula to solve our problem. It's always natural in all relationship. I guess?

But you know what's not normal in my situation?

"People change, Shad. Kasali si Axi dun kaya wag ka nang magulat."

Yun yung isang araw na akong hindi kinakausap ni Axi! Hindi ako sanay na magkaaway kami.

Hindi nga ba?

Tsaka hindi ako sanay na may kaaway.

Well, except with that jerk.

"Hayaan mo na lang kaya?"

I gave Zeah a dagger look as she said those stupid idea of her.

"Oo nga naman. Magsasawa rin yan kakaiwas."

Sumimangot ako nang marinig ang mga opinion nila.

"Hey, hindi ba kayo nagtataka?" I looked at them intently trying to express my assumption.

"Kapag si Axi ang nagagalit sa akin. Isang sorry ko lang, okay na kami! Isang tawag ko lang, sasagutin na niya agad!Isang-

"Isa kang walang kwentang kaibigan."

Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Zeah nang sabihin niya sa akin yun kasabay ng isang matunog na tawa.

Walang hiya talaga!

"Kailan ba ang last fight niyo ha?"

"Small fight?"

"Oo." She nodded as I asked.

"Jo naman e! E halos nga araw-araw kaming nagbabangayan diba?"

"E ba't kasi 'di ka nakinig?"

Napatigil ako sa sinabi ni Zeah. Kainis.

"Alam mo namang napakaseloso ng lalaking yun!"

I bit my lip as I heard Jo's words.

"Kung lalaki nga."

Binatukan ni Jo si Zeah nang dugtungan niya ng katarantaduhang salita ang pangungusap ni Jo.

Minsan talaga walang kwentang kausap si Zeah.

"Anyway, my partner ka na sa prom Jo?"

"Uh yeah. Si Wilson."

"Akala ko ba si Mr. President? Ba't yung Treasurer yung pinili mo?"

"Para maraming pera?" Sabay silang tumawa ng nakakaloka.

Hay nako. Ako namomroblema tapos sila patawa-tawa lang? Napaka unfair talaga ng mundo! I mean ng mga tao sa mundo.

"E ikaw?"

"Tinatanong pa ba yan? Edi si Khent."

Jo nodded as Zeah obviously answered her query.

"Tanungin mo kamo ang isang to."

Walang gana ko silang tiningnan nang mabaling sa akin ang usapan.

"Ano?"

"Humanap ka na lang ng iba Shad."

"Di ka patatawarin ng baklang yun."

"Uwi na nga lang ako." Tamad kong sabi sa kanila at tinahak ang daan palabas sa bahay nila Josceah.

"Ingat!"

"Huwag masyadong mag-isip! Wala ka pa namang isip!"

"Ewan ko sa inyo."

Pagkatapos naming magsimba kanina I decided to asked advices from my other two friends. Mag-aalas singko na lang, wala pa rin silang matinong nasabi sa akin! Or maybe I just hate their suggestions?

E panget naman ng mga opinyon nila e.

Walang gana akong pumara ng taxi nang nasa kalsada na ako. Hinayaan na lang din nila akong umalis.

Tungsten, kainis!

"Saan po?"

I said my address to answer the driver. I let out a heavy sigh because of this situation.

Ang laki ng problema ko e no?

Nagbayad agad ako kay manong nang nakita kong nasa tapat na kami ng bahay. And then there I saw another car. A black Vios parked outside of our house.

May bwesita? I mean bisita.

"Sweetie."

I kissed mom's cheek as I saw her at the sala.

"Hi, young lady!"

I turned my gaze to the mistress who greeted me. So she's the visitor. Akala ko kung sinong bwesit e.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Salazar." I smiled at her for a response.

Hindi naman kami close kaya hindi na ako nag-abala pang makipagbeso or any intimate gesture. A casual smile will do.

"Ano ka ba, masyado kang formal." She chuckled.

"You can call me tita."

I just nodded. I was about to go upstairs when I heard someone's laughter.

"Shine is with Rayl, anak."

Mom uttered as she saw me halted taking a step upward.

So, siya ang bwesita?

Bago pa ako makapag-react, I saw the two of them walking towards my way.

"Hi, ate!"

I bend over to Shine as she wants to kiss me.

"What are you doing?" I asked her after she kissed my cheeks. I turned my gaze to his side and there I met his impish smirk.

Potassium, wrong move.

"Kuya Rayl taught me some magic." She answered, giggly.

"Magic ha?" I looked him by my frowned face.

"You wanna learn some?"

That made my eyebrow go higher. Baka makarating na sa langit ang kilay ko dahil sa imbyernang kumag na nasa harapan ko.

"Keep away from my Shine." Banta ko sa kanya.

Pero syempre at baka marinig nila mommy binulong ko lang sa malaki niyang tenga. He just smirked at me and nodded at the same time. Lumayo ako ng konti at akmang hahakbang pataas nang marinig ko siyang magsalita.

"I'll go with you instead."

I faced him with a jolt.

"Deal?" A malevolence smile plastered on his face.

"Accompany my sister then. I don't care."

Narinig ko siyang tumawa dahil sa naging desisyon ko. Bahala siya. Ayoko sa kanya. Hindi naman niya siguro ipapahamak si Shine e.

Tuluyan ko ng nilisan ang sala at pumasok sa kwarto ko. Humilata agad ako sa higaan dahil sa pagod. I am physically and mentally tired!

Badtrip.

I got my phone from my pocket and dialled Axi's number. I waited for seconds pero hindi niya talaga sinasagot tawag ko.

Ano ba Axiell!?

I tried and tried and trie-

Ugh!

Tumayo ako at umupo katapat ng piano set sa gilid ng kama ko. I texted him to answer my call and dialled again his number. But I think he turned off his phone.

Ayaw niya talaga akong kausapin?

"Potassium."

I throw my phone at my bed because of frustration. Imbis nagsasaya ako ngayon kase tapos na ang exams namin, eto ako't namomroblema sa lalaking yun.

"Axiiiiiieeeeell!" Tili ko sabay hampas ng kamay ko.

Napindot ko tuloy ang ilang piano keys na siyang nagbigay ng hindi kanais-nais na tunog.

Err.

I immediately raised my hands. I calmed down myself and rested my hand at my lap. I closed my eyes as I repeatedly do inhalation and exhalation.

My phone beeped noisily that made my eyes opened. Sinulyapan ko kung nasaan ang phone ko but I ended up tapping my piano keys. I should get some rest. Mamaya ka na kung sino ka mang nagtext o tumawag.

Sleep away

I am playing the music piece of Bob Acri which makes me feel reprieve. I used to play this song when I was nine. That kid who gave me a painting taught me to play this piece actually.

I closed my eyes as I feel the extreme feeling I always felt when I am playing instrument. It always gives me a peaceful and warm sensation. Music situates me into another world. A world that only sent happiness and sets you free from sorrow.

I was in the ending part when I brought to a standstill. I felt like there was someone at my back. So I opened my eyes to see who's the ghost. I swifted my chair and there I saw how he opened his eyes as he heard the piano stopped. He was standing near the door, leaning at the wall.

"Why did you stop?"

Why did I forget to lock the door?

"You're not supposedly here." I disregarded his question.

So he probably heard me playing for the whole time?

"Kanina ka pa?" Nauutal kong tanong sa kanya.

Gusto kong magalit pero kinakabahan na naman ako. Ano ba to? Hindi naman ako natatae ah.

"Yeah." Umayos siya ng tayo nang sagutin ako.

I really can't help but to praise his bulk. Siya na talaga may magandang katawan.

"Get out."

Lumapit ako sa kanya at akmang itutulak siya dahil hindi ko masara ang pinto kasi nakaharang siya nang bigla siyang magsalita.

"Let's get out."

Kumunot naman ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya. And here we go again with my abnormal behaviour of my heart.

"C'mon."

He immediately grabbed my wrist that made me froze for a while.

Hinawi ko naman ang kamay ko kaya nilingon niya ulit ko.

"Wag ka ngang feeling close! Tabi!" I exclaimed and about to close the door again.

"Wag ka ring choosy."

"Don't touch me!"

"Hindi kita ginagalaw."

"W-what?"

He smirked. "At hindi kita gagalawin."

"That's not what I meant!"

"Just kidding."

"Bit-"

"Come on!" At nahatak nga niya ako pababa.

Potassium.

"Tita, alis muna kami."

"Ah- okay. Take care!"

Gulat pa rin ako sa sitwasyong ang dali-dali lang sa kanya ang hatakin ako palabas sa bahay namin. Pero mas nagulat ako sa sinabi ni mommy.

"Better be at home before dark, Shad."

"I'll take care of her tita, no worries."

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ko kay mommy at sa lalaking to nang sabihin nila ang mga salitang iyon.

Seriously?

Nagpupumiglas ako sa paghawak niya pero mas hinigpitan niya pa ang pagkapit dito.

"Take care son."

"Enjoy, ate!"

Nagpatianod na lang ako dahil sa kawalan ng lakas.

Like what? They're letting me out and be with this guy?

"What the helium are you doing!?"

"Ang ingay mo."

"Saan ba tayo pupunta? Ba't ako kasama? Close ba tayo ha? Nakakainis ka na ah!"

He looked at me in the rear-view mirror of his car as I shouted at him. And yes! I ended up sitting at his car. But I chose not to sit at the front. Napilitan nga lang akong sumakay sa sasakyang to e.

"May partner ka na?"

"What?"

"Sa prom."

Ba't pati yan tinatanong niya?

He sighed and repeated his question.

"May partner ka na ba kamo?"

I saw how he rolled his eyes thinking I didn't get his question instantly.

"Slow."

I tried to calm myself this time. Magkakasakit ako sa puso nito e. Kalma Shad. Ilang araw ka nang ganyan. Masama na yan.

"Why do you care?"

"May partner na si Axi."

I looked at him as he said those words.

"Ako ang partner niya. I am always his partner. Kahit saang lugar at kahit sa anong events. I am alwa-"

"Not anymore, okay? Hindi sa lahat ng oras, lugar, event or gatherings ikaw parati ang pipiliin."

I pouted with that thought.

Aray ha.

"And so? What's your point? Na porke't may napili na siyang makakapartner niya sa prom, disregarded na ako? Excuse me! I am not a trash to be a trash!"

He scoffed and started the car's engine.

"Sabi mo e."

"Talaga!"

I crossed my arms and frustratedly looked sideward at his window's car. It's already eight in the evening. Mom bought some suits and dresses at a boutique kaya nandoon si Mrs. Salazar with his son sa bahay, kasi sabay silang pumili ng damit na susuotin namin.

I was measured already weeks ago kaya design na lang ang hinihintay. Same with this guy.

The designer texted mom that it was done and ready to pick up. Kaya tong lalaki nato ang napag-utusan ng mommy niya. Sinama niya raw ako since pati gown ko kasali sa kukunin. Pagkatapos naming nakuha ang damit, huminto muna kami sa isang fast food since we're both starving.

I am eating my meal while roaming my eyes at this food store. It was designed with a retro feature style kasi. Antique. Most furniture and fixtures are old stuffs. It was like you were in a year of 80's. Vintage. Lakas maka-Ginoo at Binibini ng kainang ito ha.

"It's your first time here."

That was not a question. He stated it as he saw how amazed my eyes in this place.

"This place is good."

"My taste is always good."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay nang maisingit niya pa ang kayabangan niya.

"Are we close?"

I drink my water after finishing my food.

"Sa dating buhay?"

And then I wiped my lips after I sipped. He creased his forehead because of my question.

"Hindi ba? E bakit ang feeling close mo na para bang we knew each other for decades."

"Oh?" He laughed as he understood my damn penny.

"Slow." I mimicked his words earlier.

"Your mom wants this."

I trace his right hand as he slowly hold his glass for him to drink.

Ang bagal kumain.

"Your mom wants me to be close to you."

And it's my forehead's turn to creased.

"Ha?"

"Ang bingi." He whispered.

"Minumura mo ba ako?"

"No. I said your mom wants me to be close to you. Mahirap ba intindihin yun?"

"What? And why would my mom want something like that?" I laughed with his crazy thought.

Story maker na rin sya? Hindi na magnanakaw?

"Hindi mo alam?"

I frowned with his tone.

"I wouldn't ask you if I knew."

"No one told you? Pati si Tito Chris?"

"Ang alin ba kasi!? Pabitin ka masyado, ba't di mo na lang ako diretsuhin?"

"You're engaged with me."

"WHAT!?"

Mas nagulat ako nang may narinig akong sigaw kasabay ng sigaw ko.

"She's engaged with you?"

"Axi?"

Napatayo ako nang makita ang kaibigan ko.

Impakta!

"Hey, Ax-"

"You're not answering my calls because you're with this guy?"

Pulang atom!

"Nasa kama ang phone ko."

Hindi ko nadala kasi hinila ako ng lalaking to! Huhu.

Sinamaan ko ng tingin ang taong humila sa akin kanina.

"What?" He innocently asked.

Helium! Baka patatawarin na ako ng lokong to, pero dahil sa hindi ko nasagot ang tawag niya- Wala na! Ugh! Kainis.

"And now I will know you're already engaged with him?"

"Potassium! No Ax! Hindi!"

Binalingan ko ng tingin ang mokong nang makitang nakangisi siya sa akin.

"Hoy gago, bawiin mo yun!"

"Ang alin?"

"Yung sinabi mo kanina, pisti ka." Gigil kong sambit.

"The what? That we're engaged?"

"What the hell? Inulit mo pa talaga."

"Yung alin nga? Yung ikakasal ka sa akin?"

I saw how he bit his lower lip to keep his smile shut.

"I am not!"

Ano bang trip niya? Anong kasal? Potassium! I didn't even have an experience of such relationship tapos kasal? Gago!

I raised my right hand to punch him at his face but then Axi stopped me from doing so.

"You're continously dissapointing me, Shad."

"Hey Ax!" I called for his name when he left us.

"Ooppsss."

"Are you out of your mind!?" I shouted at him.

Pasalamat siya may pasensya pa akong natitira kundi basag yang mukha niya.

I sensed how many stares where watching us, but who cares? Nagagalit na talaga ako ng sobra-sobra sa lalaking to.

"Confirmed."

"Confir- What?"

"I was just kidding. Let's go home."

Kidding?

"What? You want to marry me?"

I rolled my eyes with his bullshit words. As if!

"Bilisan mong lumakad nang maabutan pa natin yung kaibigan mo."

Napahinto ako sa sinabi niya. But then I walked faster as I realized what he said. He better explain it properly to my bestfriend!

"You're engaged?!"

"Omy!?

"With this guy!?"

"Paan nangyari yun?"

"Kailan raw ang kasal?"

"Hoy Shad ha, ako dapat ang bridesmaid!"

"Hey!" Angal ni Ze. "Ako dapat ang bridesmaid, were closer than the two of you!"

"We are closer than you!" Sabay angla ni Jo sa akin.

"No! Ako ang magiging bridesmaid!"

"Hindi pwede Ze! Ako nga kasi dapat!"

Napasapo ako sa mukha nang madatnan ko ang dalawa kong matatalik na kaibigan sa labas ng kainan kasama si Axi.

They were together?

Axi looked so disappointed and furious at me while the jerk at my side laughed louder like a siren of an ambulance.

"Pwede namang dalawa ang bridesmaid e."

I glared at him.

"Talaga!?"

"Pero ayoko pa rin nun! Huwag ka ngang kontrabida Zeah, ako ang naunang magsabi!"

"Who cares? Ako naman ang mas karapat-dapat e!"

"You can't be the bridesmaid. Walang batang gumaganap bilang ganun."

"You can't also be one. Walang boses palakang rarampa sa loob ng simbahan, kaya hindi pwede!"

"Are you insulting my beautiful voice!?"

"Tumahimik nga kayo!" Sigaw ko sa kanila nang makitang biglang umalis si Axi.

Great! What a perfect timing.