White Lies and Smiles

29

"Ikaw? Kumusta ka?" Oh fuck this girl.. "Hindi ka ba nasasaktan ngayon? Oh, oo nga pala. Hindi ka masasaktan kasi may pamalit ka na sa boss slash kliyente mo. May trabaho ka na ba? 'Yung disenteng trabaho. Disenteng tao ka na ba?"

"I'm a flight attendant. Ikaw? Pabigat pa rin kay Ethan? Ako, I can provide for myself. I don't need to depend on someone, unlike you who's depending on someone's riches. How ironic! You're talking about decency but you're not even a decent person." I looked down for a bit to stop a smile.

"Qamari's right, Diana. I hope you stop all your bullshits because I'm already tired of everything that you do," I said.

I stared at Qamari while she was having fun with her friends. I stood up when she stood up. I followed her, scared that she'll end up in the wrong person or group. The innocent Qamari was having fun with random people. Clara was busy with a boy while Sophia's nowhere to be found. I went to Qamari, only to see a man trying to touch her.

Before he could lay a hand on Qamari, I pulled Qamari. She looked at me and to my surprise, she smiled. She hugged my waist and kissed my jaw. I distanced myself. I pulled her until we reached their couch. No one else was there. Qamari hugged me again.

"Boss, na-miss kita! Ikaw 'yung lalaking hindi ako sinukuan hanggang sa huli! Sinira lang nung Diana na 'yon, e! Ayoko na magmahal ulit... M-masakit dito." She pointed the left part of her chest. "Nagawa ko ngang magmahal ulit p-pero sumuko naman 'yung minahal ko.."

"Baby.." I called her softly.

She looked at me with innocent eyes. I controlled myself. If I continue this, I'll probably just hurt her. I sighed heavily and shook my head. I won't enter her life... No, not again. She had enough.

"Hearing that from y-you... I wish I had given you a chance.. to explain more. But I was too tired to try, Ethan.." She caressed my cheek and smiled weakly. "I promised that I'll never leave you. I'm sorry for breaking that promise."

"You're not at fault, Aia. I'm sorry, baby, I'm sorry." I hugged her back and cried. I was finally able to hug my everything again. "I'm s-sorry..."

"Thank you for saving me. For giving me another chance to love myself, to explore the world, to love, and to see the great things. Napatawad na kita... B-biktima ka rin, Ethan." I cried harder when she said that.

"I.." love you, Aia. "I am happy for you. I'm proud of you."

I withdrew from the hug and dried my tears with a handkerchief. Pinunasan ko rin ang mga pisngi ni Qamari. She was still hugging me while smiling. She looked happy and free.

"Putangina... Bakit nandito 'yan?!" I looked at the woman who shouted. It was Sophia. "Pinaiyak niyan si Qamari noon! Isa 'yang puta, beh!"

"I know, Pia, I know! Si Qamari ang nagdala sa lalaking 'yan dito-"

"Pia! Ito nga pala si Ethan! Boss ko! Boyfriend ko!" My eyes were wide open when Qamari kissed me. I immediately distanced myself. I thought she was already sober!

"Ava-"

"Putangina, ang lalandi ninyong mga gaga kayo! Mga ex ninyo ang nilandi ninyo!" Clara shouted when my friend, Markus, walked into the scene.

"What the... Bro, what are you doing here?" I removed Qamari's arms away from me. "Oh.. Your ex? I thought..."

"And why are you holding your ex?" Markus let go of Sophia's hand and acted like nothing happened. Clara, on the other hand, looked so stressed.

"Uuwi na kami! Hindi na maganda 'to."

"Ako na bahala kay Ava."

"Sasabay ako sa inyo ni Qamari. Wala akong tiwala sa 'yo, e." I just nodded at Clara. I mean, I understand where she's coming from. We assisted Qamari then.

Clara told me that Qamari will sit at the back with her. I agreed to that. Qamari stared at me while I was fixing her seatbelt. She giggled like a kid. I smiled as I stared at her back. She kissed my forehead and smiled.

While I was driving, Clara was looking at me through the rearview mirror. Her eyes were like daggers. Qamari was sleeping beside her. I stopped in front of Clara's house. She kissed Qamari's cheek before turning to me.

"Ikaw na bahala sa kaniya, ha? Ingatan mo. Alam ko naman na mahal mo siya. May picture ako ng kotse mo at ng plate number mo. Huwag mo 'kong subukan, Hernandez."

I smiled at Clara and nodded. She smiled a little. I was about to open the door of the driver's seat but Clara shook her head. She opened the door by herself. She glanced at me once again.

"I'll take her to my house, so that I can take care of her. If that's okay..."

"Okay. Please don't hurt her again, Ethan. Qamari is still a baby to me. She may be strong and independent but she's still innocent. She deserves someone who won't give her white lies and will only give her genuine smiles. I have to go inside now, it's cold here." I gave her a nod before she finally closed the door.

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