Beyond the Beat

Chapter 12

I took another sip of wine. Earlier, it tasted sweet and smooth, but now? It was bitter,just like the feeling I got watching that cheating bastard do laundry in the backyard.

He looked so serious, folding and rubbing the clothes tightly. His jaw was sharp and more defined than before. That jawline made him look even more attractive. He had that dark, moreno look going on.

Tss, but he’s not my type.

I told myself again as I poured more wine into my glass. Earlier, I was just playing with it, swirling it around. Now, I gulped it down fast, trying to wash away the bitter taste,not just in the wine, but in my heart.

But still, it wasn’t enough. I needed more to calm my restless mind and stop thinking about Eros and Ellery.

My glass was empty again, so I went back inside to get another bottle. But it wasn’t just the wine I really wanted. I also needed my vape.

I started vaping when I was seventeen. It became my way to cope whenever my parents treated me like I didn’t matter. When anxiety hits hard,those nights when fear and stress won’t let me sleep. I need something that helps me feel steady again.

Reading helps a lot, too. It’s my safe place. But sometimes, when my mind won’t stop racing, I take a few puffs from my vape. It helps me relax, eases the tightness in my chest. I know it’s not perfect, but for me, it’s a small escape from the storm inside.

Every drag clears my mind a little, reminding me I still have control,even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

I returned to the bench. Kanina, nagkukusot pa lang si Eros sa mga damit; ngayon, nagsasampay na siya. Ang tagal ko na ba sa loob?

Did I really spend an entire hour just taking puffs from my vape?

Alam ko naman na usually, hanggang 30 minutes lang ako nagva-vape. Has Eros really affected me this much?

I’m not like this back in Manila, don’t usually get this attached to anyone. The only person I ever got close to was my best friend, my childhood friend.

So, what did Eros do to me?

Bakit ganito ang pakiramdam ko? Bakit may ganung epekto siya sa akin?

My jaw tightened, and I swallowed another gulp of wine.

This is impossible.

I murmured under my breath, shaking my head subtly.

Tss.

Do I even care?

I asked myself, clenching the glass tightly in my hand.

“LUMINA Maldita, may problema tayo ah?”

Eros’s voice cut through the quiet, as he appeared suddenly at the edge of my backyard.

“Tss.”

I snapped back, rolling my eyes sharply like it was the easiest way to show my irritation.

His jaw clenched tightly as his eyes locked onto mine, full of curiosity and maybe a hint of challenge.

I raised my eyebrow, daring him.

“Problema mo?”

He asked, confused but still serious.

I just stared at him, my own jaw tightening in response.

“Masarap ba?”

He blurted out suddenly, but his jaw was still tense, like he was trying to hide something beneath that casual tone.

I shot him a deadly glare. Despite that, he just laughed and jumped right into the backyard like he owned the place.

“What are you doing, sweatpants?”

I asked, my voice sharp and angry.

“Obviously, jumping.”

He said thoughtfully, rolling his eyes at me like I was the joke.

“What’s your problem?”

I shouted, frustration boiling over.

“Ikaw.”

He said quietly, walking slowly toward me.

“Me?”

I asked, confused and burning with anger.

What did I ever do to deserve this? This damn cheater.

“Yes, ikaw.”

He teased, pinching my nose like we were just messing around.

“Don’t touch me, you cheater!”

I snapped, glaring at him with pure fire in my eyes, my glare sharp enough to cut right through him.

His lips parted, genuinely stunned and confused.

“Cheater? What the hell, Lumi?”

His voice was confused, innocent even.

“Obviously, you are.”

I shot back, unable to hide my jealousy and anger.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

His tone dropped, serious and intense, that deep voice making my heart skip in spite of myself.

Damn it.

Tang ina, anong nangyayari sa sarili ko?

Erase it, Lumi.

Damn erase it.

““Ako pa nga dapat ang magalit sayo,” Eros said, staring right at me.

My face twisted in confusion. How dare he say that to me,as if I’m the one who did something wrong. He’s impossible. But why am I reacting like this? Like a jealous, hurt girlfriend?

This is impossible, I whispered in my mind.

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my cool.

“As if I care, Eros. I don’t give a f**k that Ellery dumped you. You deserve it. You're f*****g Two-timing ,di ba?” I said casually, as if it didn’t even matter.

“What?” he asked, disbelief written all over his face.

“Yeah. A heartbroken sweatpants, but a cheater. Served you right,” I repeated, raising one eyebrow at him.

His reaction was priceless. His brow furrowed deep; confusion flashed in his eyes; his lips parted slightly, and his jaw clenched.

“What are you talking about, Lumi? Ellery is my girlfriend,really, Lumi?” His voice became serious, like he couldn’t believe what I was accusing him of.

“Malas ya, NBSB pa gane iyo kabar Ara chene ya dayun girlfriend.” He muttered something in Chavacano.I didn’t understand a word.

“Yeah, Ellery. As if I care,” I snapped, my tone sharp. “But she can sue you for cheating.”

“Really, Lumi? Then convict me, as your accused appellant,” he replied with a serious tone, challenging me.

“Why would I? As if it matters to me, Eros.” I crossed my arms, fully locked in my bitchy mood, the hatred simmering just beneath the surface.

“Are you accusing me, Lumi? For a crime I never committed?” His voice sounded like a defense lawyer ready to fight for his innocence.

I hated him so much right now,more than I wanted to admit. But he didn’t even know why. He didn’t see through the walls I was building, the storm of jealousy and betrayal twisting my insides. All he saw was the cold front I put on, hiding the tangled mess of emotions that made me hate him even more.

Under Republic Act No. 386, also known as the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, there is a provision about “Malicious Imputation of a Crime.” It means if someone accuses you of a crime you didn’t commit just to harm your reputation, that person can be held liable.

Eros recited it, his voice steady and firm. I raised my eyebrow, surprised. He’s really getting into this, huh?

“According to the law, if a person knowingly makes a false accusation or spreads lies to damage someone’s honor or reputation, it’s punishable by fine or imprisonment,” he finished, his jaw clenched tight.

For a moment, the tension hung heavy between us. He was serious, trying to defend himself with the law. But inside, I was still boiling, jealous, angry, and hurt.

I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I just stared, my mind racing with everything that this accusation and his calm defense stirred inside me.

And then I looked at him cool and calm now, no yelling, just flat truth. “Cheating is cheating,” I said, voice steady like ice.

“We might not be a thing, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay. It’s illegal, and it’s wrong.”

I hated Ellery ,anyone who tries to hurt me is my enemy. But it’s not about liking her. It’s about respect. And Eros? He’s crossing a line.

Under Republic Act 9262, cheating or betraying someone’s trust,emotional or otherwise,is a serious thing. Maybe people don’t see it that way, but I do. And I’m not afraid to call it out.

I’m not accusing without reason. I’m warning. Because no one deserves to be used or lied to, not me, not Ellery, not anyone.

So yeah, call me cold. Call me maldita. But I’m just saying what needs to be said.