Everything Started on New Year's Eve

02 New Year's Eve #1

Three days na ang nakalipas after the UP fair gig and I was still not over it. Val and I were in the lanai their house having macarons and coffee.

Val is my BFSB, bestfriend since birth. We lived in the same village, grew up together, we went to the same schools from elementary up to med school. We graduated UST Medicine together and ngayon lang kami nagkahiwalay ng landas. She decided to immediately go into Dermatology residency right after passing the Physician Licensure Exams while I took a gap year to rest and to “look for myself”. I was thinking of going into Surgery but unsure what subspecialty to take. And since surgery residency is going to eat away another 5 or 6 years of my life, I wanted to spend one year na magwawalwal.

Val patiently listened as I recounted every detail about our performance, how this year’s host was witty without resulting to vulgar jokes, how the performers were all out and everyone was sucked into the Coachella vibe, and all the funny details in between. 

Of course, hindi ko pwedeng hindi isumbong kay Val ang nangyari sa aking potential love affair, but it was quashed prematurely by an immature devil. I was loudly ranting about the Fratboy affair when suddenly the devil himself and his army walked in on us.

“You! How dare you show your face dito sa bahay nina Val when I am here!” I stood up and pointed a shaking finger at Jaxx before he could open his mouth to greet us.

“Good afternoon to you, too, Cara. It’s nice to see you.” He said chuckling, clearly unshaken from my outburst.

“Hi guys! I missed you all! Have some macarons bago yan maubos ni Cara.” Val invited them. “Manang Rose, pa brew na lang po ulit ng coffee.”

“Traitor!” I glared at Val, shifting my pointed finger at her.  She laughed out loud and crossed her legs.

“Girl, don’t be so overly dramatic kasi. I’m sure you’ll meet that frat boy again. Malay mo, you’ll find someone better than Fratboy. I mean, he should be at least 4 years younger than you and you don’t want that immature kinda shit.” She rolled her eyes and sipped her coffee.

“Sinong frat boy to? Kelan to?” tanong ni Ace habang pabaling-baling ang tingin samin tatlo ni Val and Ace. Seb’s eyebrow was also raised but for him, having a macaron was more important than asking a question. Sana lahat sila ganyan na lang, parang Seb.

“Forget I even mentioned him. It’s not worth talking about anymore kasi your friend over there “ I said pertaining to Jaxx “just shut him down before may nangyari.” I crossed my arms and glared at Jaxx who did not say anything. He just bit his macaron and smiled at me. The bastard actually smiled at me! I could feel my ears heat up and my blood simmer at his conceitedness. Nakakairita talaga!

“E bata naman sayo si Fratboy e. Mabuti na yung walang nangyari. You can do better than a college boy, Cars. Doktor ka na. What will your folks say if you get involved with a younger man without a degree, or worse, gasp! A lowly partying college fraternity boy?” Seb widened his eyes some more and theatrically placed his open palm on his chest, na para bang mayamang matronang naiskandalo.

“Oh, the tragedy! This is unthinkable!” sabat in Ace. Isa pa to. Gusto ko silang pag umpugin, silang tatlo nina Jaxx.

“Bwisit kayo sa buhay! Hindi kaya ganyan sina mommy and daddy!”

“Si Tito Matt, definitely hindi! He’s a cool guy. Jock naman si tito e kaya he can relate. But your mom, whew!” Seb whistled and shook his head. He took a sip of his coffee but immediately spit it out.

“Aray puta, ang init ng kape! Hoooo!! Manang Rose, penge naman ng ice!” naluluha si Seb, while fanning his tongue.

“Bilis ng karma! Buti nga sayo!” Val laughed at Seb.

“Wow, thanks for the sympathy ha! You’re such a gracious host.” sarcastic na sabat ni Seb.

“Well, if you think that Fratboy is too young, then find me someone. It’s been forever!”

“You desperate or something?” usisa ni Jaxx. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.

“Wag kang makialam dito, cockblocker. I don’t need your help, thank you very much.” I spat.

“I’m only a cockblocker if you had a cock.” A smirk made its way to the already conceited expression on his face.

“Well, I have one. And I’ve got balls, too.”

His face changed from smug to doubt and then back to being smug. It looked like he wanted to say something witty to shut me up. I could think of about five things he would say to shut me down.

“Aaaanywaaay…” Jaxx finally spoke, trying to change the topic. “It’s the last night tonight ng UP fair. You guys want to hang out dun?”

“Val? May duty ka ba bukas?” I asked her.

“It’s Sunday tomorrow, Cars. Closed ang derma clinic, so I’m free to partey tonight!! Wohoo!!” she exclaimed, raising her hands in the air.

“Yehaay!! Whoop whoop!” Ace and Seb joined her raising their hands in air as well, “raising the roof”.

“Si Chino kaya? Daanan na lang natin.”

Chino was the sixth member of our barkada. He also lived in the same subdivision and he played rhythms sa band, and occasionally kapag absent ako, he subs as the bassist. But for the last few years, bihira naming syang makasama ksi he was studying law in Ateneo de Manila and he usually stays in his condo in Rockwell. Bihira na kaming mabuo kasi iba-iba professions namin.

Adulting at its finest. Ako lang ata ang napag-iwanan.

Jaxx and Ace were both business-owners kaya sila may hawak ng oras nila. Si Seb naman was a sous-chef and part-owner of the restaurant where he works. So we based our practices on his schedule. Scheduling the gigs was much easier as he can switch his work schedule around. The perks of being the part-owner.

“Teka tawagan ko. I told him to come here pero nagre-review daw sya for Recit on Monday.” Val was looking through her phone book for Chino’s number when he barged in.

“I’m here!! I’m here, finally. Hooo! Ayoko na mag-aral. Inom tayo mamaya! Last night na ng UP fair. Ilabas nyo naman ako… pagod na pagod na ako mag-aral guys… save me from the fires of hell..” tuluy-tuloy na pagbulalas ni Chino as he sank into space on the sofa beside Jaxx and laid his head on Jaxx’s lap na nakatihaya, and nakabukas ang bibig. Jaxx dropped his half-eaten macaron into Chino’s mouth, which he accepted gratefully. “Thanks pare.”

“Dramatic much?” Val giggled.

“That’s settle then, UP tayo in…” Ace looked at his watch “ngayon na! We have to beat the traffic. They’ll be closing the rides and stalls in a few hours.”

It was almost midnight when Jaxx dropped me home. We said goodnight and hugged before I locked the gate. I forgave him for his stupidity when he treated me with isaw, fishballs, and milktea. My forgiveness can be bought with cheap street food, what can I say. Besides, it really wasn't such a big deal with the "Fratboy incident", though I am getting frustrated how he is always so protective of me. His intentional c**k-blocking is leaving me single after a year of gallivanting!

I've been single since my first boyfriend back in college. I had an almost-lover in medical school three years ago pero yun lang. Almost lang. I wasn't seriously looking for a relationship but hindi naman na ayaw ko. It's just that feeling ko NBSB ako since I haven't really opened up after my traumatic two-month relationship. Ngayon ko lang na-feel that I was ready again.

I would be flattered if he c**k blocked people because he was interested in me, but to scare them away because he feels like a protective friend? That's rude. I didn't ask for protection, I didn't want "protection". Who does he think he is, my older brother? Jaxx and his stupid ego.

He didn't use to be like that when we started playing last year because they treated me as one of the boys since childhood. Nakikipag habulan, barilan, agawan-base and kung anu-ano pang "boy games" ang nilalaro ko with them. Pati pagsasabong ng mga gagamba, join ako sa kanila. If anyone was the "big brother" in the group, it was Ace. Si Jaxx yung kunsintidor. He was the accomplice.

But I had an inkling as to when this thing started. It was after that stupid, drunken New Year's kiss. I know it was my fault. I let the alcohol in my head and I kissed the guy. Torrid pa, jusko. I let my feelings of ardor get the best of me.

I didn't think anything would, could, or should happen between the two of us because:

1. We're friends

2. He's a certified pa-fall boy

3. I might catch an STD by holding his hand too long

4. He was still hung-over with his ex

5. A relationship with Jaxx is touch and go ever since his ex

6. My parents approve of him.

Ay wait, hanggang reason number five lang pala.

But last New Year's Eve, I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew. And to add insult to injury, I liked every second of it and hindi ko man lang naisip kung anong epekto nito sa akin, o sa amin.

Flashback:

It was already 11:00 PM on December 31, and I was way over my alcohol limit. It had been a great year: I finished my internship successfully, I passed the Physician Licensure Exam with flying colors, mom allowed me to take a gap year, and Green Skrambol has been invited to several campus fairs and events to play for them. There was so much to be grateful for, and I am so lucky to be alive for another year.

I vowed to mom na mag residency na ako by the end of next year, and that's okay. I have to get back to reality. I have 9 more months to enjoy itong pagba-bum ko. Then I promised myself na no more reason to slack because ginawa ko na sya for a year. Hindi na ako pwedeng ma-burn out.

Nagpaalam ako kay dad to go to the Gochino household to continue the celebration with Ace, Jaxx, Seb, Chino, and maybe Val. Mom and Dad had to go to the hospital for an emergency surgery, si ate Samantha naman was in the States. Chino lived two blocks away so hindi na ako nagdrive pa. Besides, lasing na nga ako, baka mabangga pa ako.

Pagkadating ko, marami nang guests sa bahay nila Chino. They usually celebrated with the business friends ng parents ni Chino. Seb's mom, Tita Karina, and Chino's mom are partners in a restaurant and catering business kaya the Sebastian family are usual guests.

I went directly to the drinks station and got a flute of champagne. They always served the expensive ones kapag ganitong party kasi nga pang business partner ang level. I took a sip and scanned the room for my friends.

"Cara, over here!" kumaway si Chino. He was wearing a white button-up polo with the sleeves rolled up to his forearm. Everybody seemed to have dressed up for the night. Buti na lang hindi ako nagpalit. I was still wearing my canary yellow sleeveless dress that stopped a few inches above the knees, with a boat neckline up front and a deep V back. Pa conservative up front pero konting landi sa likod. Buti na lang marami-rami na akong nainom otherwise nangangatog na siguro ako ngayon with the amount of skin exposed at my back.

"Babaeng babae ah!" tukso ni Ace, sabay beso sakin. Nakipag beso din ako with the rest of the crew. Tiningnan ako ng mariin ni Jaxx bago tumayo para mag beso pero di ko to pinansin, baka kasi tinatamad lang tong tumayo.

"Wow, backless pala tong damit mo, Cars? Baka pulmonyahin ka ha! May cardigan ka bang dala?" Napansin si Seb yung likod ko pagka beso nya sakin and he placed his hand on my back. I shuddered at his cold touch.

"Nope, but I'm ok. Alcohol lang katapat ng lamig! Cheers!" alok ko sa kanila, at sabay sabay kaming uminom.

Tumabi ako kay Ace sa couch. He turned to his body halfway toward me and rested his right arm on the backrest of the couch. Masaya ang usapan namin, we were talking about our gigs in the past year, mga experiences, at lahat ng kalokohan na tinuro nila sakin. Malakas tawanan naming at dahil agaw-atensyon kami, Chino's uncles and their kids joined us, pulling chairs and ottomans with them. Some of the teenage boys sat on the rug. But that did not stop Seb and Chino from embarrassing me, the little gremlins that they were. I was the center of attention and the butt of all jokes.

Naiihi na ako sa lahat ng nainom ko, and I wanted to excuse myself. But gusto ko naman ng may drama ng konti. Timing, kakatapos lang nilang magtawanan, at my expense. I have no idea anymore what embarrassing story about me Seb was telling them but I did not really care.

"Hmph! Dyan na nga kayo. Pinagtatawanan nyo lang naman ako dito. Uuwi na ako." I abruptly stood up, putting on a sour look on my face. "Excuse me!"

Narining ko mga uncle and pinsan ni Chino na nagsasabing "oooh...." , "hala ka Seb, lagot ka!" o di kaya "ayan nagalit na! lagot!"

"Huuy Cara, joke lang!" nagkandarapa si Seb na tumayo and habulin ako. He pulled my arm and forced me to face him, essentially also facing the rest of the group.

"Joke lang!" I gave him a peace sign and smiled. Nagtawanan ang audience namin. "Pero, di nga, naiihi na talaga ako kaya, excuse me!" bulong ko then I ran to the bathroom. While I was relieving my bladder, narinig ko na lang na may nag-aannounce sa labas.

"Ok everyone, Grab your partners. It's going to be New Year in twenty... nineteen... eighteen..."

Nagsimula na ang countdown and eto ako sa loob ng banyo umiihi. Wow! What a way to start a new year. Buong taon kaya ako maiihi sa ginagawa kong ito?

I washed my hands and opened the door to see Jaxx standing outside, his fist was up as if he was about to knock.

"Don't tell me naiihi ka rin? Tamang tama sa midnight!" I giggled. Yes, I giggled flirtatiously.

I had no idea why I did what I did but it happened. Jaxx stood there confused as I smiled at him, adoring his handsome face, looking longingly at his lips. I wondered how they would taste.

Oh gosh, ang gwapo nya kahit na umiikot na yung paningin ko

His eyes seem a bit darker now. Is it because his dark blue dress shirt enhanced its color? His deep brown hair was also a bit tousled, but it was a sexy kind of messy. I wonder how soft they'd feel.

Cara, get a hold of yourself and stop fantasizing! I scolded myself mentally and shook my head.

Seven... Six... Five...

"Yeah. No. Are you ok?" kumunot ng kaunti noo nya.

His lips were moving but I didn't hear what he else he said after that question. I just found myself holding the front of his shirt and pulling him to me. I slanted my head, closed my eyes, and kissed him.

His lips were soft and warm and tasted like whiskey and cinnamon. My lips lingered on his for a while, surely longer than necessary. I felt the urge to lick his lips, they were so inviting. So I did, ever so slightly. I shuddered at its silkiness against my tongue.

But when I was about to pull away, I felt his hand hold the back of my head as he pulled me back to his lips. He was now kissing me back. I felt his mouth open and I responded; now we were sharing hungry, open-mouthed kisses. He guided me back inside the bathroom as I clung to his shirt, not wanting him to pull away just yet. I shuddered as his other hand ran along my bare back. The heat of his palm stirred something inside me and tingles spread like ripples across my body. I gasped and I tasted his sweet tongue as he continued to deepen our kiss.

Oh my god, ganito ba dapat ang halik? Everything was so intense I could see fireworks behind my eyelids.

He pushed me against the door while cupping my face in one of his hands as the other ran up and down my side. I ran one hand through his hair while the other pulled his body against mine.

His hair was soft and silky just as I imagined. I could almost smell it. The trough between his back muscles was so defined I ran my fingernail along it. Jaxx momentarily pulled away from kissing me and moaned. A surge of heat engulfed me when he started to pepper kisses along my jaw moving slowly down to my neck. I could feel the desire rising in my stomach, burning my cheeks and my body like the summer sunshine. My hand moved from his back to his lower abdomen, just above his belt. He groaned, grabbed my wrist, and pinned it beside my head as he stopped his shower of kisses. I could not open my eyes, masyado akong nahilo sa intensity ng mga halik niya.

"Cara, stop. What are you doing?" he asked breathlessly, his voice was stern but there was a hint of vulnerability.

"Happy new year, Jaxx" I smiled with my eyes still closed. And that was the last thing I recalled.