XV. Friendships
I never thought you're capable of being an emo. Startled as I was, I looked behind me, only to be surprised that it was someone I was least expecting to see at this very moment, at this place. Can I join you? He gestured to the swing next to where I was sitting, I nodded. So what's with the mood? He asked, settling. Another fight with your parents?
Why are you talking to me now huh? I avoided his question.
Honestly, I don't know either. Maybe because I saw you here sad and all alone and I thought you'd like some company? He sighed. Or simply because, we're friends. That even whatever bratty things you do, you still remain to be my friend.
Yeah right. Friends. I shrugged at the term.
You kind of gave me an impression the first time we met. He smiled, reminiscing.
Before you scratch your head and raise your eyebrow in confusion, let me tell you a story on how we became FRIENDS.
Alex, my cousin, invited me to a party December last year. Since I'm a fish out of water that time (I'm kind of still not over the last fight I had with my parents), I stayed at the bar counter by myself while Alex was busy entertaining his guests. I told him I'm cool being alone cuz I'm pretty much used to it and not mind me at all.
A tipsy teenage guy walked to me, placed an arm around my shoulder and talked to me like we're long-time friends. I wasn't in the mood to `be nice` with guys that night (though the guy's really cute), so I took his arm off of my shoulder but he just kept putting it back. This guy's really hitting on me.
Get.Your.Arm.Off.Of.Me.
Sureee. But give me a kiss first. His breath smelled alcohol.
Okay. He smiled big as I held my glass with much force.
Tilting his head, he leaned in closer to me. When our lips were only two inches away, I spilled the margarita right on his face and pushed him away, making him fall from his seat.
I don't kiss drunkards you idiot! I walked out of the scene.
The next thing I knew, a guy showed up in front of our house, apologizing for what he did. He said he's my cousin's friend and told me he's utterly sorry for what happened and the reason why he all got drunk last night. Turns out that this guy who was nursing a broken heart on Christmas, is now beside me.
I never knew you were cute back then. If only I did and your timing isn't that bad at all, I would've kissed you then. He chuckled then smiled at me.
But still, we managed to become friends.
True enough, we really became close friends. We used to hang out with Alex, but never there was a time that it was only the two of us. I was kind of having the impression that he likes me and that he's just too shy to tell it straight to my face, until Junior Prom. Yeah Prom. The worst prom ever.
This isn't the perfect day to tell you HORROR stories so I won't spill. Atleast not yet.
And friends share their problems right? C'mon. Tell me what's bothering you. He reached for my hand then smiled at me encouragingly. With that, I told him my recent fights with my parents. The one we had last night about Yza (though I never mentioned her to James) and this morning. He listened to my whining and told me to just let it go, that time we'll come and they'd understand me.
Now you tell me, what REALLY brings you here? In OUR village on a SUNDAY afternoon?
He hesitated for a moment, then sighed. Yza asked me to come over, said we have to do some finishing touches on our Physics project. Yeah right. She actually lives two houses away from us, on the other side of the road.
Uh. I blurted, then stared at the ground.
Even if I don't admit it, there was a part of me that expected that he went here to see me. Though at the back of my mind, I know better. I'd better go. I stood up and was about to walk away when he suddenly grabbed my hand.
I'll walk you home.
Their house is nearer from this playground. Lalagpas ka lang. I said, avoiding his gaze.
I'm afraid I can bare walking back. He smiled as he squeezed my hand. With nothing left to say, I just nodded.
**
So, see you tomorrow then? James said when we reached our house.
Wait, you're no longer angry at me or anything??
Umm, a little I think? But as I've said, we're friends. And friends should accept each other, even at their worst. I've known you for being bratty and mean and all that, and that's what I liked about you. That's what got me attached to you. You're just that. He smiled again then held my face. You're the mean girl, and I love you for that. He said then kissed my forehead. I was stunned, but was able to regain my composure when he looked at me again. Go in.
I will. Kapag nakapasok ka na sa kanila. He hesitated, but agreed to do so. I watched him as he walked towards Yza's house.
Even from a distance, I saw him smiled a different smile when Yza came in view, greeted and let him in.
