Chapter Ten:Part Five

While waiting for his flight. Aldo decided to call Leni at home. The phone was ringing and he’s hoping that she would pick that up. Unfortunately, it was her brother.

“Gino, can I talk to your sister?” Aldo said.
“Okay, I’ll just call her.”

Gino knocked at her sister’s door and insisted her to talk to Aldo.

“Please tell him that I’m sleeping already and I don’t want to get disturbed.”

After putting down the phone, Gino entered her sister’s room.

“Ate, bakit ayaw mo siyang kausapin? Nag-away ba kayo?”

“Hindi, pagod lang talaga ako sa trabaho, kaya ayoko lang makipag-usap.”

“Talaga lang ah. Sana totoo yang sinasabi mo.”

Getting pestered with her brother’s remark, she replied,

“Mukha bang hindi?”

“O, teka lang masyado ka namang ‘hot’ eh. Nagtatanong lang naman ako. Si Ode pala tumawag, kasi birthday bash niya daw next week.”

“O sige, tatawagan ko na lang siya. May binilin ba si Aldo kanina?”

“Wala naman, gusto ka lang niya talaga kausapin, nasa airport pala siya nung tumawag siya dito. Nakaka-miss na rin siya noh? Pagkatapos kasing mamatay si Ate Agatha, hindi na siya pumupunta dito. Naalala ko tuloy nung tinuruan niya akong gumawa ng elesi. Mabuti nga ikaw, naka-bonding mo siya nung summer. Ikaw, hindi mo ba siya mami-miss?”
“Siyempre mami-miss ko. Kahit papaano, naging part siya ng buhay natin. Ay, ang drama ko, sorry.”
“Ate, may email ka ba niya? Mas maganda pa rin kasing may communication tayo sa kanya kahit malayo siya sa atin.”

“Yeah, I do have it. Don’t worry Gino, he’ll be back after six months.”

Leni never told her brother what happened between them.
She searched her phone for his email and wrote it in a piece of paper. After handing it to his brother, she erased all of Aldo’s contact details from her phone.

Chapter Ten:Part Four

Leni decided to meet with Aldo at La Prinsesa, a week before he leaves for Austria. She gave him, the grocery items that she and Red bought. After handing them to him, she looked away.

“Leni, you’re in deep thoughts. Is there something wrong?”
“No, I’m just stressed out from work, panay over time na kasi ako. Don’t worry about me. Anyway, sana okay na lahat yang mga binili ko.”
“Oo naman, nag-abala ka pa. Leni, you can’t deny it, I know that something’s bothering you.”
“You’re right. I broke up with Red.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. What happened?”

She narrated the whole story to him as he patiently listens. He handed her a handkerchief so that she could wipe her tears.

“I’m sorry for being dramatic, but that’s how it happened.”
“No, that’s okay.”
“I just realized that I can’t trust someone who can’t respect me.”

He paused before he began to speak.

“Leni, you did the right thing and it just shows that you’re matured. Most men are stupid, they go for the obvious. I really wanted to tell you this, but when I met Red during the funeral, I know that he will not take you seriously.”
“How did you know?”
“He flirted with my cousins after Lolo Celso’s burial. I should know, he was one of ‘those’ guys.”

“Hindi naman siya matured eh, malaking bulas lang talaga. I knew it, guys are all the same. I was so stupid to fall in love with a jerk. I thought he was a knight in shining armor, but he turned out to be a loser in a tin foil. Aldo, ang tanga ko talaga.”

“Leni, don’t be harsh on yourself, it’s not your fault. Besides, you’re not in the losing end, because, this time, it was you who made the right decision. You know what I figured out when I saw you again last summer?”
“What is it?”“You deserved to be taken seriously. You’re a special person. Ikaw yung tipo na pipilahan na ligawan kapag nakilala…I wish I was in Red’s place. ”

This was the best thing that a guy would ever say to her. She also realized that she was happiest when she was with him. But, she has this side that she wanted to doubt him.

Instead of admitting what she feels, she sarcastically replied.

“Hay naku Aldo, you’re just saying that because you’re taking advantage of the situation because you knew how vulnerable I am.”
“No, Leni. I’m serious. Wag mo namang masamain yung mga sinabi ko. Hindi ako nagbibiro.”
“What about Carol?”
“I admit that when we got close during summer, I realized that I was in a wrong relationship. That was when I asked you to dance with me on Louie’s wedding.”

“Yeah, whatever. I don’t want to ruin a relationship. I guess, naaalala mo lang si Ate Agatha sa akin kahit alam nating lahat na magkaiba talaga kami. Histura at height pa lang eh.”

“No Leni, you’re not. Please don’t take this the wrong way; you’re more than the girl I knew before. ”

For a moment, she couldn’t say a word.

“I have to go Aldo, I still have work tomorrow.”
“Leni, linggo bukas, walang pasok.”
“Ay, oo nga. Basta, busy ako ngayon, marami pa akong gagawin.”

As she rushed towards the door, Aldo followed him.

“Leni, how can you get home without your wallet?”

She gave a faint smile and said,

“Thanks. Oh no! I haven’t paid for the coffee yet.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll take care of it.”

Leni got confused so she stepped out of the café afterwards. Aldo keeps on texting her but she never replied to his messages.

Chapter Ten:Part Three

The next day, she placed all the stuff that Red gave her and placed all of them inside the box. Then, she asked to meet with her on the place where they first met, on the grand stand of the university. She sat on one of the benches while waiting for him. Leni reminisced, the time when they accidentally bumped into each other. What was magical before, lost its spark now. That moment doesn’t make sense anymore.


“What are you doing Leni?”
“Here are the stuffs that you gave me in the past, I don’t need them anymore.”
“I’m sorry with everything that I said last night; my cousins were just daring me.
Would you give me another chance?”
“No, I’ve had enough. If you’ll keep on caving in to pressure, that’s your problem. I can’t be with guy who can’t make his own decisions. I heard everything last night.”
“So, is this really over?”
“Yes.”
“I’m really sorry Leni for being a jerk last night. But, I hope that you’ll find someone who’ll make you happy.”

She left without a word, tears rolled down her face. This time, she knew what she did what was right even if it hurts to let him go.

Chapter Ten:Part Two

Agatha once told Leni that a guy is serious in a relationship if he introduces the girl to his parents. Leni couldn’t grasp what her cousin said because she was very young when she heard this. This time, what Agatha told her made sense. Sometimes, she wished that her cousin was alive so that she could witness all that has been happening to her.

Leni was slipping on the dress that she bought from her cousin’s favorite boutique. The style was chosen by Adam so she was assured that it would be perfect for the occasion. She was never been happier upon realizing that Red was becoming serious in their relationship. The idea of introducing her to his parents was surreal for Leni. Red was becoming the ‘prince’ that she ought him to be.

After applying her make-up, her brother knocked on the door.

“Ate, Red is waiting for you downstairs.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Aside from Red’s relatives the guests comprised seventy percent of the city’s elites. Most of them graced the society pages.

Leni had mixed emotions. She was excited and nervous at the same time. She’s excited to get introduced to his family and nervous because she’s afraid that she might screw things up that night.

Red held her hand and said,

“Your palm is sweating.”
“I know. I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

As the two of them approached his parents, Red’s mom gave Leni a faint smile and a condescending look. Right then and there, she instantly sensed an air of stiffness and hypocrisy.

“Mom, Dad, this is Leni, my girlfriend.”

Leni got intimidated, so she extended her hand and introduced herself to them.

While Red joined to his cousins, Leni on the other hand, remained at her seat, texting Adam and Faith. She kept on telling them that she was bored to death. She tried to begin a conversation with the group of girls seated on their table but she just got out of place. They were talking about their jet set lifestyle. This is something a girl from a middle class upbringing can’t relate. Leni stared at their clothes and shoes, and realized that they were tantamount to her annual salary.
It was clear to her that Red grew up with this kind of world and this was something devious to her.

She stepped outside and looked for a bench. Before opening her bag, she heard a group of guys talking. She turned around and saw Red with his cousins at a gazebo which was just a few meters away from where she was sitting. Leni overheard their conversation while replying to the messages from her phone.

At first they were talking about basketball, afterwards they began discussing about relationships.

“Pinsan, how’s your relationship with Leni?”
“We’re good.”
“How good? I mean, sinong mas magaling? Marami nga pala sila.”

Red wasn’t able to answer their question and his cousins continued to ask him.

“Ang hina mo naman, tatlong taon na kayo ni Leni.Parang hindi ka naman lalaki niyan.”

Red was pressured to answer.

“Uhm..Humahanap lang ako ng magandang tiempo.”

“Ganito na lang, ito ang susi sa motel. Pumunta na lang kayo dun pagkatapos dito.”

He got the key and placed it in his pocket. A few minutes later Leni came and pretended that she didn’t heard everything that they’re talking about.

“Red, I need to go home.”

While stepping out of the gazebo, one of his cousins winked at Red.

Red asked her about the party and she pretended that she had fun. He began to tell her how serious he was in their relationship and that he wants to take things on the next level. Leni freaked out and said,

“I can’t, I’m not yet ready.”
“If you really love me, you will….”
“You’re using that line one me? That’s stupid.”
“Why? Are you still a baby?”
“No, I’m not. What’s with you? You’re acting really strange.”
“We’ve been going out for three years and I’m really serious in our relationship.”
“I know, I understand. But, I’m saving myself for marriage.”
“Yeah right, you just read that from some Christian books, like the one that Aldo gave you.”
“No, I really mean it. Leave him out of it. If you really love me, you won’t go against what I believe is right.”
“Why don’t you grow up? Everybody else is doing it, why can’t we?”
“I don’t want to. If you can’t wait, I’m sorry but I have to break up with you.”
“Don’t do this Leni.”
“No, I’m really serious; I’m breaking up with you so that you can do whatever you want. I can’t be with someone who can’t respect my convictions.”

Leni removed her bracelet and gave it back to him.

Chapter Ten: Part One

“Red, could you get that bag of cornick, thanks.”

He grabbed it from the shelf and placed it on the grocery cart. Red wondered why Leni kept on stacking packs of dried mangoes and hopia when her mom just asked them to buy fresh milk and sugar. She explained to him that she would give them to Aldo as a pasalubong to his relatives in Vienna. To mask his jealousy, he added packs of pancit canton and a bottle of soy sauce.

“These items would be expensive if they would buy them there.”
“Thanks, Red. By the way, I’m going to meet with him the week after this.”
“Okay. Leni, my parent’s silver anniversary would be this coming Saturday, I want you to come with me. I’ll introduce you to them.”

Leni couldn’t believe with what she heard.
“Are you serious?”
“Mukha ba akong nagbibiro?”

Red smiled. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around him. They caught the attention of the shoppers inside the grocery. A gay man walked near them, clapped his hands and exclaimed.

“Magaling! Magaling! How sweet?! Gusto niyo ba ng chicharon at lobo? Para kayong nasa Luneta, Mag PDA daw bas a grocery?! Ang ‘chaka’ niyo ha.”

Upon recognizing a familiar voice, Leni removed her arms and turned around. It was their former professor.

“Sir, kumusta na kayo?”
“Okay naman, eto bongga pa rin. Kayo na pala ulit.”
“Opo kami na po ulit ni Leni.”
“Napaka-husay, sana kayo na ang magka-tuluyan. Isang athlete at theater girl, perfect combination. Basta kung kailangan niyo ng emcee slash entertainer sa kasal niyo, mura lang ang raket ko.”

Leni and Red laughed at their professor’s antic.

Chapter Nine:Part Six

Leni sat beside the window, random thoughts ran through her mind. She remembered the time when Aldo took her to the bus terminal. She can’t help but smile. She was probably, falling for him, she just didn’t know.

It dawned to her that Aldo it would take someone special for him because he made a person realize that he or she is valued. Leni should know because this is what she experienced that summer. This is something that she still hopes to find in her relationship with Red.

“Why are you smiling?” Red asked.
“I just remembered my vacation here last summer.”
“Yeah, I know. Aldo and Mong told us about the play that you guys did. Nag-enjoy nga daw kayo.”

Red and Leni stood silent for a while. He stared at her while she glanced at the window. That bracelet that he gave her during college was still there. This assured him that she still loves him despite what he did to her in the past. Then, he knew that he shouldn’t let her go this time.

Adam broke in and offered them a bag of chips.

“Gusto niyo?”
“No, thanks.” Red replied.
“Guys, parang nakita ko minsan si Aldo sa university.”
“Oo, prof siya dun eh. Sa College of Education.” Leni said.
“Hindi dun sa coffee shop. Pero, hindi ako sure ah, isang beses ko lang naman na-encounter yung tao.”

Faith said,

“Baka nga kamukha lang.”



Leni was silent during the rest of the trip. Adam and Faith noticed something different with her.

“I notice something about Leni. Ikaw, may napapansin ka ba?” Adam asked Faith.
“Oo nga eh, Iba ngiti niya ngayon. Parang iba siya kumilos kanina kay Aldo, yung tipong masyadong natutuwa. Pero wag siguro natin bigyan ng kulay yun, kasi magkababata sila. At isa pa, ngayon lang natin si Aldo nakita.”
“Sa bagay, tama ka. Magsasabi naman si Leni sa atin eh. Natanong ko lang siguro kasi medyo nagseselos si Red kay Aldo.”
“Adam, takot lang siya na baka gawin din sa kanya ni Leni yung ginawa niya dati.”
“Faith, yan ka na naman eh. Baka mapa-away ka niyan ha.”
“Sorry, ayoko lang kasi makitang masaktan yung kaibigan natin. Yung histura niya kasi, parang natalo sa lotto.”
“Para kang sira, ginawa mo namang katatawanan si Leni.”
“Ang panget lang talaga.”
“O, tama na, baka marinig ka nila. Inaantok na ako, paki-gising na lang ako pag nasa Manila na tayo ha.”

While Adam was asleep, Faith kept glancing at her friend.

Chapter Nine:Part Five

After that conversation with Aldo’s mother, she excused herself and went back to the table.
When she got back, Aldo and Mong currently dishes their childhood experiences to them.

“Did I miss something?” Leni asked

“Leni, umaakyat ka pala ng gate para makapag-laro sa labas ha. Hindi namin alam na ‘amazona’ ka dati.” Red said while chuckling.

She just laughed about it and so did the rest of them. While they were exchanging their own stories of embarrassment, Leni left the table again and entered the house.





She went to the living room where all the pictures of Lolo Celso and his family hanging on the wall. A voice behind her said,

“Doesn’t he look handsome in that picture?”

Leni turned around and realized that it was Aldo.

“Oh, I didn’t know that you were here. You almost frightened me. Anyway, I was just staring at these photos.”
“I know how much you’ll miss him. My family planned to go home and spend Christmas with him this year. Unfortunately, he passed away because of heart attack. Needless to say, he left us sooner that we have expected.”
“Same here. I was actually looking forward to spend Christmas here in the province because I promised him that I’ll be back. So, what are you planning to do now?”

He paused before answering her.

“Well, I’ll be going with Mom in Austria. Probably, stay for six months and work.”
“You’re leaving? What about Carol and your work here?”
“Yes, things have been complicated between the two of us. I need to take some time off so that the two of us would figure out where our relationship will be going.”
“Okay, I understand. Who am I to stop you from leaving, right? I’m just Agatha’s cousin.”
“Leni, please don’t say that. Hindi ka na iba sa amin. I won’t stay there for good. Once I got back, I’ll resume teaching in the university and co-manage our business with my cousins.”
“Sorry for being melodramatic, I probably just said that because I hate goodbyes.”
“I’m not saying goodbye. Once, I got there I’ll let you know.”
“Yeah, you’re right. What’s the use of emails, right?”
“I’ll keep in touch, I promise”
“Aldo, size five ha?”

He chuckled and said.

“Sure, just keep me updated in your life. Ikaw naman kasi, hindi ka nagku-kwento, kayo na pala ulit ni Red, ilang buwan lang ang lumipas.”
“Sorry, medyo busy sa trabaho eh. I guess, Red told you about my job.”
“Yes, he did. It’s a good thing that someone is there for you. Well, I wish I was there too.”
“What?”
“Nothing, forget it. I just remembered those times whenever I defended you with those bullies in your neighborhood. You always come home crying. “
“Yeah, I was young then. You know how nasty those kids could be .But they backed off after you talked to them. Don’t worry about me; I could take care of myself now. Big Girl na ako.”


The two were silent for a while. Leni hate to admit it but she realized that she missed him, so was he.
She wanted to hold his hand but she can’t because she’s already with someone else. She wished to stay longer and catch up but she have to get back to Manila.

A few seconds later, Red, Adam, and Faith came.

“There you are. Leni, I’m sorry to interrupt the two of you, but we have to catch next trip.” Red said.
“Yeah, I know. I’ll be there in a minute.” Leni replied.

Before she left, Leni asked Aldo a favor.

“Aldo, can I have something that would remind me of Lolo Celso?”
“Sure, I’ll just get something in his room.”

He handed her a pocket size image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“He always brings this when he travels. Tamang-tama, kakailanganin niyo to sa biyahe.”
“Thanks, Aldo.”
“I’m glad that I was able to meet your friends. They shared to us about your college days. They were fun to be with, especially Faith.”
“Yeah, ‘kalog’ talaga si Faith. Isn’t it funny that we’re both in the same university but we didn’t have the chance to meet?”
“I know. I guess, napaka-laki ng university para magkita tayo, tapos magka-layo pa tayo ng building. Anyway, Adam mentioned that you love to hang-out at La Prinsesa.”
“Yes. In fact, we were the loyal customers of that coffee shop. Do you go there?”
“Yes. How did you become loyal customers?”
“The place has been our favorite tambayan since first year because of the artsy ambience and inexpensive coffee. Plus, we heard that it is owned by a former student and was named after a girl. We were really intrigued about that.”
“You did your research huh?”
“A little, but what I really want is to meet the owner of that shop and write a blog entry about it. After all, that coffee shop has been a witness in my college days. Ano ba yan? Napa-kwento na ako ng wala sa lugar. Anyway, you should visit there more often.”
“That’s okay. Gusto mo ba, magkita tayo doon bago ako umalis?”
“Sige, ibibili kita ng mga pwede mong baunin, yung mga pagkain na wala doon sa Vienna. Paano, alis na ako, naghihintay na sila Red sa akin.”
“Ingat kayo ha. Mag-text ka pag-uwi mo sa bahay .”
“Sige.”

Before leaving the house, Aldo called her again.

“Leni”
“Yes?”
“I hope that Red would take care of you.”
“Of course, he does. Don’t worry about it. Ayusin niyo yung sa inyo ni Carol ha?”

Aldo didn’t say a word, he just smiled instead.

Chapter Nine:Part Four

The next day, the four of them, together with Aunt Juana went to the church to attend the last mass for Lolo Celso. Upon reaching the coffin, tears rolled down on Leni’s face. A few seconds later, Aldo came and comforted her.

“Kailan ka pa dumating?”
“Kagabi lang, pasensya ka na,hindi ako nakapunta kagabi.”
“Okay lang yun, alam ko namang napagod ka sa biyahe. May kasama ka ba?”
“Oo,bukod kay Tita Juana, sina Adam at Faith, at yung boyfriend ko. Ipapakilala ko sila sa’yo mamaya.”

Upon seeing Aldo embracing Leni, Red can’t help but get jealous. He was about to stand up but Faith pulled him back.

“Red, what are you doing?”
“I will just ask Leni to go back here.”
“What’s with you? Nagse-selos ka ba?”
“Eh paanong hindi ako magse-selos, tignan mo nga kung paano maka-yakap yun sa girlfriend ko.”
“Ang sabihin mo, nagi-guilty ka lang sa mga ginawa mo dati kay Leni, kaya natatakot ka na pwedeng gawin niya yan sa’yo.”
“Hindi naman sa ganun..”
“Hay naku Red, wag ka nang magpa-liwanang alam ko na nagse-selos ka talaga. Halata naman eh.”
“Oo, aminado ako.”
“Pag si Adam ba niyakap si Leni, sila na?”

Red got embarrassed that he didn’t answer her question. Faith went on and said.

“Ang dumi naman ng isip mo. Alam naman nating lahat na ikaw pa lang ang naigiging boyfriend ni Leni. Yang si Aldo,boyfriend dati ni Agatha. Kaya matagal na silang magka-kilala. Pero, ngayong summer lang sila ulit nagkita ni Aldo.Hay naku Red, isipin mo na lang na faithful si Leni sa’yo. Kaibigan namin siya at alam namin na hindi ka niya pagta-taksilan.”

Adam asked them to keep quiet because the people were starting to notice them.

“Huy! Ang ingay niyong dalawa. Nakaka-hiya, sabit lang tayo dito.Umayos kayo ha.”

Faith bluffed,
“Si Red kasi eh.”
“Huh? Anong ako?”



Aldo ushered Leni and her aunt to the pew were the rest of his relatives were sitting. She asked her why and he told him that his late grandfather counted her as a part of their family. This made her broke into tears even more. She sat beside Dana and the rest of his cousins. She patted Leni’s back as she was sobbing. Leni was crying because she once again lost another person that touched her life.

The church was overflowed with flowers and filled with relatives and friends. After the burial, all of them headed back to Aldo’s house for merienda. Leni finally had the chance to introduce her companion to them. While Leni was getting pansit from the buffet table, Aldo talked to the three of them.

“So you must be Leni’s friends. She told me a lot of things about you.”

Faith was the first to answer.

“Actually, it’s just the two of us. This is Red, her boyfriend. They got back a couple of months ago. But, it’s a long story. Just ask her for the details.”

Adam pulled Faith and whispered,

“Faith, ang daldal mo. It’s inappropriate to talk about it. Umayos ka nga.”

Aldo veered from the topic and began to talk about the play that they performed last summer. He mentioned that He and Leni got the lead role. Then, he also told them that they had a great time during the rehearsals.

Red just smiled so that it wouldn’t be obvious that he’s getting uncomfortable with Aldo. Even if he knew that there’s nothing went on between them, he can’t help but get jealous. This was his first time to feel this way towards Leni.


---

While placing the pansit on her plate, a rotund, middle-aged woman approached Leni with excitement.

“Leni , Do you remember me?”

She smiled at her as she realized that it was Aldo’s mom.

“Tita Jean? Kumusta na po?”
“Mabuti naman. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Tita, I hope you don’t mind. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Where’s Carol? I didn’t saw her in the church earlier.”

Aldo’s mom rolled her eyes and said.
“Oh, I pretend that you didn’t ask. She was here yesterday, but she left early.”
“I see. Tita, why did you react that way? Is there something wrong?.”
“No. It’s just that I have doubts about the two of them.”
“Why? How can you say that? May nangyari po ba?.”
“As a mother, I can sense that Carol is hiding something. Aldo on the other hand seems that he’s not that serious with their relationship. Parang hindi siya masyadong masaya. Hindi siya ganyan nung sila pa ni Agatha.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but are you in favor with them?”
“Honestly, I’m not. I would rather wish that my son is with someone else, hindi yung maririnig ko na palagi na lang sila nag-aaway. Paano kung mag-asawa na sila? ”
“Tita, baka naman po kaya pa nilang ayusin yung relationship nila.”
“I hope so. I’ll pray for a miracle. Anyway, let’s not talk about her. How about you? Are you still studying?”
“No, Tita. I’m already working.”
“I see. Sino yung mga kasama mo?”
“Those were my friends and the tall guy beside them is my boyfriend.”
“I see , he looks ‘artistahin.’. Most of my nephews were staring at him earlier, asking his name. Yun pala, boyfriend mo.Gaano na kayo katagal?”
“Going three years na po kami, kung hindi lang kami nag-break dati. Pero, okay na po kami ngayon.”
“Okay, that’s good. I hope that your relationship would work out this time.”


Leni got flattered with what she said.

“Thanks Tita. I’m glad that you still remember me because the last time that we saw each other was like twelve years ago,before you move to Vienna. Ate Agatha and Aldo were still in high school then.”
“Of course, how can I forget you? Ikaw yung batang makulit noon. Whenever you felt out of place, you headed on our kitchen grabbing their snacks before it was served. And, if you’re not in the kitchen, you patiently listen to my father’s stories. I also know that you spent time with him last summer at dapat kami ang nandoon. We really appreciated that.”
“Oh, that’s nothing Tita. I should be the one to be thankful because whenever I’m here, I feel like I’m a part of your family.”
“You are Leni, just like your cousin. Hindi ka na rin ibang tao sa amin.”