Last Chapter

"P're, may practice! Let's go!"

Ngumisi ako habang pinaglalaruan ang bola sa kamay. "No. Mag-cu-cutting ako ngayon!"

Tumakbo kaagad ako pagkasabi ko niyon at hinabol naman ako ni Marco. Lahat sila ay naka-jersey na, ako na lang ang naka-uniform.

Anak ng pucha naman kasi, I'm not really into basketball. Ito talaga ang sports na palpak na palpak ako. Kaya hangga't maaari, tumatakas ako sa practice. Wala akong choice kundi sumali. Graduating ako, it's somehow required to join on a basketball team.

"Hoy, Chance Gomez! Bumalik ka rito!"

Tinawanan ko lang si Marco at tumakbo pa lalo hanggang sa nasa cafeteria na kami at may nabunggo akong isang babae.

"Miss, sabi ko tumabi. Hindi ka naman tumabi!" rinig kong sabi ni Marco.

Hindi ko namalayan na hawak ko na pala ang likuran ng babaeng nabangga ko. Bibitawan ko sana kaya lang, naalala kong pwede siyang mahulog kung hindi ko susuportahan.

And when I look at her face, I stopped for a moment. Shit. Ang ganda niya. Hindi ako nagbibiro o ano. Hindi gaanong kakapalan ang salamin niya sa mata kaya kitang-kita ko kung gaano ito kaliit at kaganda.

Over all, she's simple but undeniably beautiful.

"Ang pangit mo, miss.."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko nasabi 'yon. Ang alam ko na lang ay namula siya. Siguro dahil sa inis? O hiya?

Pagkatapos niyon ay halos batukan ko na lang ang sarili ko. Lalo na no'ng nag-practice uli kami at naibato ko sa kaniya accidentally ang bola. Gusto kong mapansin niya ako pero hindi sa ganitong paraan.

Ang gago ko alam ko pero ngayong tuluyan niya na akong napansin dahil sa nagawa ko, kahit papaano ay gumaan naman ang loob ko.

"Goodnight, Chance.."

I stared at her face while she's asleep. She looks so peaceful. Napangiti na lang ako sa sarili ko.

"I think I'm falling for you, Aline. I think I love you.."

Natapos ang gabing 'yon na nakituloy kami sa isang matanda matapos naming magtalo at maabutan ng ulan. I was hurt that time but at the same time happy because I spent my day with her.

I finally confessed my feelings towards her. I didn't care that time if she ever feels the same. I only care about my confession. Dahil kung itatago ko pa ito ay baka sumabog lang ako.

Damn. Ganito ba talaga kapag na-inlove?

Ang corny. Tangina naman!

I honestly don't feel this way before. Ang gusto ko lang ay flings. I want to feel the love that I wanted pero hindi talaga ako makuntento. Maagang nawala ang Mom ko sa akin, si Dad naman ay malayo. Ang Lolo at Tita ko, nasa probinsya. At hindi rin kami maayos ngayon.

I don't like it but I started to depend on Aline. Parang siya na lang ang pinagkukuhanan ko ng lakas. Gusto kong lagi ko siyang kasama o kausap.

I admit it, Aline is not so special before but look what she just did to me now. Binaliw niya ang isang Chance Gomez!

I decided to court her. Ipinaalam ko naman muna ang tungkol dito sa parents niya and they surprisingly grant me the permission to be their daughter's suitor. Hindi ko inaasahan 'yon pero natuwa ako.

Sinong hindi matutuwa?

Kaya nang dalhin ko si Aline sa restaurant pagkatapos naming mag-rent ng yacht, nagulat din siya nang malamang alam ng parents niya ang about sa amin. She even cried that time because of nervousness.

The Christmas Eve ended with a kiss from Aline. I was happy that time. I felt complete.

Everyday is a wonderful day for me especially kapag sabay kaming nag-lu-lunch ni Aline sa cafeteria at hihintayin kong matapos ang class niya para maihatid sa kanila.

Nasaktan lang ako at nagselos, I admit it, when I saw her with Samson. Kinabahan ako. Akala ko, aagawin niya si Aline sa akin katulad ng ginawa niya kay Celeste. Celeste is my first girlfriend but then Samson stole her from me when I went to USA to visit my Dad. That's why I left the band.

I left The Benjamints because of Sam.

But then Aline explained everything to me. Nawala naman ang galit ko. Eh puta, mahal ko eh. I trust her. I believe her although I didn't listen to her at first.

Kahit ganoon ang set up namin ni Aline ay naging kuntento naman ako. Kahit hindi niya pa ako sinasagot, kuntento na ako.

Everything started to change when my Dad died because of sudden heart attack. They said he was stressed out because of the company. Ginusto ni Lolo na pumunta akong US para pag-aralang patakbuhin ang kompanya na iniwan ni Dad but I don't want to. I didn't mind it. Sinuway ko ang gusto ni Lolo.

Pero putang ina, gusto ni Aline na umalis ako. She wanted me to leave the country immediately. At hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit gustong-gusto niyang mangyari 'yon.

Does she even care for me? Kung aalis ako at hindi ko siya makikita ay malulungkot lang ako dahil sa kaniya. Pinuntahan niya pa ako sa hospital para lang pakiusapang umalis na kaagad.

I tried to convince her that I'm fine here in the Philippines that I really don't need to leave the country. Hindi siya pumayag. Hindi siya nakinig.

I understand that she got mad when I forcefully kissed her inside Marco's car pero alam kong hindi lang 'yon ang dahilan kung bakit niya ako gustong umalis. Hindi ko maintindihan.

Kinausap ko siya tungkol doon. Pumunta pa ako sa bahay nila nang ilang beses para kulitin siya pero wala, ganoon pa rin ang desisyon niya. Gusto niya pa rin akong umalis kaya kahit ayaw ko at masasaktan ako, kasi tangina mahal ko rin siya, sinunod ko ang gusto niya.

Kung 'yon lang ang paraan ngayon para ipakita kong mahal ko siya, then I'll do it even if it hurts me. Even if it makes me lonely.

Putangina, mahal ko eh.

That's why I finally left the country without saying goodbye to her. Dahil kung gagawin ko 'yon at iiyak siya, hindi ko na gugustuhin pang umalis. Pero dahil gusto niya talaga akong umalis, sige, aalis na nga ako.

Miserable ako pagdating sa America. Hindi ganoon kainit ang pagtanggap nila sa akin doon. Dad is now gone. Wala nang mag-ha-handle ng company at ayaw nilang ipaubaya 'yon sa akin dahil masyado pa akong bata. I can also handle it, I said. I just need some time to learn things about our business. Kung paano ito patakbuhin, ang investments, sa staffs and administrations.

Many people doubted my skills especially inside the company. The Vice President and the Secretary always look after me. Naghahanap sila ng maipipintas sa akin. But I worked hard on it at dahil na rin sa ayon ang alam kong kagustuhan ni Aline na mangyari. I also want to handle the business well nang wala naman na silang masabi sa akin.

I intentionally cut the connections between Aline and I. Dahil kung hindi ko gagawin 'yon, malulungkot lang ako sa araw-araw na maririnig ko ang boses niya. Dapat kong kayanin dito. Kahit malayo pa siya sa akin at pinaalis niya ako, kahit papaano ay unti-unti na akong nakaka-adjust.

Naging miserable ako. Noong unang mga araw ay umiinom lang ako sa condo. I didn't have any friends to talk to. Kahit si Marco at Elson, hindi ko na tinawagan. Ayaw kong maka-istorbo sa kanila. Hindi naman parehas ang oras dito sa kanila.

"Kumusta ka na diyan, apo?"

Natahimik ako nang minsang tumawag si Lolo. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako.

"Apo.."

"I'm.. fine here, Lo. Don't worry," sabi ko na lang kahit halos mamatay na ako sa lungkot.

Narinig ko ang tawa niya sa kabilang linya. "Hindi ka pa nagtatagal diyan, English-ero ka na."

Ngumisi na lang ako. Hindi ko na namalayang natapos na ang tawag at may panibagong tawag na naman akong na-receive kinabukasan.

"Hello?"

"Uy, p're! Si Marco 'to!"

I somehow felt a relief when I heard Marco's voice. Parang bigla akong nagkaroon ng pag-asa.

"Oh, Marcoco! It's been a long time, p're. Kumusta?"

"Okay lang naman. Ikaw ba? Lamig diyan, 'no?" Halos makita ko na ang ngisi niya.

Napaiwas ako ng tingin. "Oo, malamig. Sakto lang. I'm fine here, Co.."

"Hindi mo ba itatanong si Aline?"

I stopped when I heard her name again. I want to hear about her. Gusto ko siyang kumustahin. Gusto kong malaman kung nasaan siya ngayon. I want to know it all.

"No. Don't mention her again, please. Gusto kong magsisi siyang pinaalis niya ako."

"But si Aline, p're. Si Aline 'yon! Honestly, nagalit ako sa kaniya no'ng pinaalis ka niya pero siguro naman—"

"Just stop, Marco! Kung tatawag ka lang at babanggitin mo siya, don't call me again!"

I ended the call with so much anger. Pakiramdam ko nababaliw na ako nang sobra. Gustong-gusto ko siyang makausap, tangina! Pero nag-uumapaw ang pride ko!

Gusto kong kahit papaano, magsisi si Aline sa ginawa niya. It's bad, I know but I want it.

I don't even know if she ever has feelings for me, too.

Ang feelings ko sa kaniya ang nagpabaliw sa akin noon at pati na rin hanggang ngayon. Kaibahan lang ngayon, mayro'ng unting galit sa ginawa niya.

I just focused on the company. I also tried to not think about Aline anymore but I failed. I always fail.

"Come on, Chance! Let's drink tonight! You're always busy! Have fun, too!" Biningi ako ng boses ni Shannon nang lumapit siya sa akin.

She's the daughter of the company's secretary and unfortunately, I can't just say no to her. Nagpapabango ako sa kanila para makuha ko ang tiwala nila.

I sighed. "I will try, Shannon.."

She sweetly smiled and nodded. I admit it, she's so hot with that corporate attire that she's wearing right now. She's sexy, I know but I'm not that attracted. May lamang pa rin sa puso ko.

"Later, alright?"

Napatango na lang ako saka napapikit nang dumaan siya sa likuran ko, pinasadahan ng hawak ang balikat ko. Damn girl! I even heard her chuckles!

I shook my head many times to shove that scenario on my mind. Pakiramdam ko ay dinedemonyo ako ni Shannon sa ginagawa niya.

Napahilamos na lang ako ng mukha saka nag-focus sa presentation. I almost forgot that I have a responsibility here in the company because of Shannon's presence. I suddenly became uncomfortable.

Night came when Shannon entered my office. Napaiwas na lang ako ng tingin nang makitang nakasuot siya ng itim na dress na sobrang ikli. Her blonde hair is now wavy, it compliments her face and over all look.

Attractive.

"Now done? Halika na, Chance.."

Umiling na lang ako nang mag-Tagalog siya ulit. Ever since nalaman niyang Filipino ako, lagi na niyang tina-try magsalita ng Tagalog. She even entered a class for that. I tried to stop her but she insisted. She said she also wants to learn about Filipinos and their language. Hinayaan ko na lang. I really don't care at all.

Nagbihis lang ako sandali at sumama na sa kaniya. Wala naman na akong ginagawa. I've already finished my paper works and presentation. Kung sa condo ako mag-stay, iinom lang din ako so might as well join them and have fun tonight just like Shannon said.

"First time?" she asked when we finally arrived at the bar.

Ibang-iba 'to sa Manila dahil mas malaki ito at mas maraming tao, syempre. I just nodded. Lumabas na kaagad kami ng kotse niya. I saw how she smirked at me as she waved her hands to her friends. Inakala kong wala siyang kasama. I sighed in relief.

Nang makapasok kami sa loob, naging mabilis ang pangyayari. I couldn't stop Shannon anymore when she dragged me to the dance floor and passionately kissed me. I also couldn't control myself especially now that I'm carried away.

Namalayan ko na lang na nasa madilim na hallway kami. I'm playing my tongue inside her mouth when she suddenly whispered.

"More, Chance. I want more.."

And who am I to refuse her? She's just so hot! That's why I kissed and pleasure her more. I'm about to unhook her bra when we suddenly heard sobs.

"What's that?" I asked, still carried away.

"Oh come on! Don't mind it! Enter me now!"

Tumingin ako kay Shannon saka sa pinanggalingan ng pag-iyak. I shook my head and left Shannon to check the area.

"Chance! Come back here!"

Natigilan na lang ako nang makarating ako sa parking lot. Even with the effect of the alcohol that I drank, I still can clearly hear the sobs — it was coming from a girl and she looks wasted.

"M-Miss, okay ka lang? I meant.. are you fine?"

She didn't answer me, she just looked up and stared at me as if recognizing me. She isn't familiar to me. Ngayon ko lang siya nakita so I'm sure that I'm not familiar to her as well.

"Why are you crying?" tanong ko ulit.

"My boyfriend and I just broke up. He cheated on me!" She cried even more.

Nangunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. Nakaupo siya sa gutter kaya kinailangan kong umupo para marinig siya nang maayos.

"I'm sorry to hear that—"

"Hey, Chance! Come on!"

My brows furrowed more when I heard Shannon's voice. She's so demanding right now.

"You bitch, you disturbed us!" sabi niya kaagad sa babaeng kasama ko.

I have no choice but to hug her to make Shannon stop.

"No, Shannon. Just leave. Don't call my girlfriend that way!"

Nakita kong parehas silang nagulat sa sinabi ko.

"You.. you have a girlfriend?" Shannon asked and I immediately nodded my head. "Oh my goodness! You cheated!"

Hindi ko na siya pinakinggan at nilayo na roon ang babae. I learned that her name is Elise. Somehow, she's a blessing in disguise because Shannon finally stopped seducing me when she knew that I already have a girlfriend and that's Elise.

Elise disagreed at first but she eventually agreed on our set up. We decided to just continue our act as a couple. In other words, we used each other to forget about our pasts.

Alam niya ang tungkol kay Aline. Sinabi ko sa kaniya ang lahat. She's kind because she didn't judge Aline. She understands that Aline has a reason for pushing me away before. She's great.

After two years, we finally decided to make it official. She confessed her feelings towards me and I'm sure, I'm completely over Aline. Elise is also a Filipino that's why she asked for us to go back to the Philippines, I agreed with her because I finally gained the trust of the Vice President and other bosses and also staffs. I also have a good position now in the company. Panatag na ang loob kong umuwi ulit sa Pilipinas.

When we finally arrived, I just want to go back to the USA. I'm now regretting my decision about going back here. When I saw Aline without someone else beside her — I just want to back out.

Ang buong akala ko ay may boyfriend na siya kaya ako pumayag sa amin ni Elise! And that Gymmo is her boyfriend! 'Yon ang balita sa akin nina Marco!

Sobra ang lungkot ko nang makita ko siya habang nag-h-hiking kami. I know, I hurt her but the truth is, I'm just trying to hide the truth — that I still love her. That up until now, I'm still crazy for her.

It's too bad.

When I realized that I still have feelings for Aline, I broke up with Elise. As expected, she didn't agree and she even begged for me to stay. But my love for Aline is just so powerful. Kahit ilang taon na ang lumipas, hindi pa rin nagbago.

Ang gago ko dahil ginamit ko si Elise para kalimutan si Aline. But I failed. I always fail to forget about her.

Nanlumo ako nang makita si Aline sa hotel. It is where their event is currently happening. I went here to see her. But when I finally had a chance to talk to her, I said something wrong again. I said that she was ugly but I know for myself that she isn't. She looks like a stunning goddess.

Mas lalo akong nanlumo nang bigla na lang siyang bumagsak. I also saw a blood that coming from her head. Lumapit kaagad ako sa kaniya at sinalo ang ulo niya. I panicked when she started to close her eyes slowly.

"Aline, what happened? Ano 'to?!"

She didn't answer me, she just looked at me — teary-eyed. Nagsimula kaming mag-panic lalo. Lumapit na rin ang parents niya pati sina Axion.

"What happened? Bakit may dugo? Call an ambulance!"

"Ch-Chance.."

My tears formed immediately when she called me with trembling voice. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pag-agos ng dugo mula sa ulo niya kaya mas lalo lang akong nag-panic.

"Listen, baby. Kailangang dalhin ka sa hospital—"

She shook her head. "No, hindi na. T-This is the end.. I know. Matagal ko nang tanggap 'to.."

"What do you mean?" naguguluhang tanong ko sa kaniya.

"I'm s-sorry because I made you suffer before. I'm sorry, Chance.. nasaktan kita."

"What are you saying? Ano bang nangyayari?!" I stopped when she finally closed her eyes. Parang biglang tumigil ang pagtibok ng puso ko nang makitang hindi na rin siya humihinga.

I called her many times but she didn't answer anymore. I panicked even more. I tried to shake her body to wake her up but it was no avail.

"Aline!"

And as the moon bid its goodbye, Aline also left me. I didn't even say that I still love her until now. How unfortunate.

She's now gone. I don't want to accept it but she left now and she will never come back to me.

Aline Gail Mendiola just died in front of many people — in front of me.

——