Ocean of Feathers

Chapter 113

The short story is dedicated to Jessica Fuentes. Thank you for helping me during muting days!

Chapter 113

It was the wedding day of my cousin when I met him again.

And I might have enjoyed the whole event if he wasn't there. Pero mukhang sinadya talaga ng pagkakataon na makita ko na naman siya--my ex.

Philip had been my boyfriend for almost one year. Hindi ko siya pinakilala muna sa pamilya ko dahil natatakot ako na baka hindi naman talaga kami ang end game, and my family's already aware of him. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa desisyong iyon nang maghiwalay kami.

The reason of our break-up? He said that we have to grow separately muna daw. That he have to prove himself worthy of me daw. Ako naman ang tipo na hindi na ipipilit pa ang sarili kung ayaw na niya sa akin. Kahit naman kasi iba ang maging dahilan niya at kung gusto na niyang makipaghiwalay, may magagawa pa ba ako?

I was one of the bride's maids and he was one of the groom's men. I've attended tons of weddings before with different styles of celebrations, and now that it's on trend, I wasn't surprised when one of the wedding organizers approached us and told us that we'll be having a dance number. Of course, there were complaints but in the end, everyone was game to give their best for the newlyweds.

He wasn't my partner but I felt uneasy with him, lalo na't lagi siyang nakatingin sa akin. As if it was my fault that we got separated. Hindi ba at siya ang nakipaghiwalay sa akin? The day of our break-up last two years ago was the last time I saw him, I didn't even try to stalk him or find a news about him during those years, para saan pa?

I tried my best to ignore him and enjoy the whole day with my cousins, but when I went outside the venue to answer a call and went near the fountain, I didn't expect that he'd follow me and had the guts to talk with me.

"Jessica," tawag niya sa akin nang matapos ako sa kausap ko sa phone ko.

Nang lumingon na ako pabalik sa akin ay tipid akong ngumiti. "Hi, Philip. Friend ka pala ng asawa ng pinsan ko."

"Yeah, what a small world."

Tumango ako. "I have to go," tumango ako sa kanya at lalampasan ko na dapat siya nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko. Agad ko iyong binawi at nagsalubong na ang mga kilay ko.

"What's wrong with you?"

"H-How are you?"

"What?"

"I'm sorry—" pinutol ko na ang anuman niyang sasabihin.

"Philip, matagal na tayong hiwalay. At kung nakikita mo naman, I am already happy. To be honest, I am quite uncomfortable with your stares kanina pa. Sana ay tigilan mo na iyon at may makapansin pa."

"Jessica, nagsisisi ako—" mas hindi na niya itinuloy pa ang sasabihin niya nang may itim na sasakyang pumarada sa harapan namin.

It's my boyfriend's car. Bumaba si Kent at agad ko siyang sinalubong na halik sa pisngi. "Late ka na! Nagsisimula na ang kasal," salubong ko sa kanya.

"I am sorry, there was an urgent meeting."

Dahil nakatulala na si Philip sa amin at napansin siya agad ni Kent, ipinakilala ko na siya.

"Friend of the groom na dati kong katrabaho," yes, he was also my officemate before.

"Hi, I hope you'll enjoy the party," sabi ni Kent bago kami sabay na pumasok sa venue.

Why would I settle for less? If the first boyfriend didn't work, who says I can't try for another?