My Business...

Have you told SHE? ME asked HE

No. HE simply said

Why? ME probed

Me and you is SHE's business. J and me is your business. HE replied

I want to say "no." ME softly said

No to what. HE inquired

You keeping J. ME

HE stared at ME in silence.

But I know I'll lose you if I don't agree to this. ME said tearing up.

I'm hurting you that much - aren't I? HE said noticing my tears.

ME looked at him, tears now falling uncontrollably from my eyes. ME was about to say something but ME just bit my lip. ME don't think ME would be comprehensible when talking while sobbing.

HE then held my face and wiped my tears with his thumbs.

I know. I know. I'm sorry. HE

And ME just cried my heart out.

Ssshhhhhhhh. HE said softly. Don't you ever forget that you are also my business. I don't want to hurt you more than I already have. Mahal na mahal kita... HE continued.

And J? ME finally asked.

I'll do what I can. HE said.

-o0o-

I'm a mess - gawd!

But I know I can take more blows from HE - i'll let ME bruise and bleed 'till I'm numb...

I'm sorry...

Empathy...

You always have an umbrella with you - why'd you get wet? ME over dinner and referring to the night I sa HE at my doorstep

Why did you let me in? HE asked

Kasi basa ka. ME said.

Exactly. Its called a contingency plan - I had to have a plan so you'll let me in. HE grins at me.

Good plan. ME smiled.

ME loves these moments - when we just sync together.

ME continued eating and the food tasted sublime. It was sauteed corned beef. Funny how simple everyday food or routine become suddenly an explosion of wonderful things when your happy.

Then HE looked at ME - pursed lips.

I think I'm keeping J. HE said

The corned beef turned sour and bitter automatically.

ME looked at him.

Hindi yan paalam no? ME

HE shook his head.

God - is this how HE told SHE? Is this how SHE felt?

There were a million things running on my mind but ME don't have the comprehension of what was happening or what should ME do.

So ME just nodded. 

And we were silent again.

On the 9th Day...

Its been raining for 6 days straight but that didn't stop ME from going home. My Ate is having her baby christened and ME'll be ex-communicated if ME don't show up.

Home was haven to say the least. Crispy tinapa in the morning. Spicy pinapaitan then some authentic pinakbet in the afternoon . And grilled okra, talong at tilapia at night.  Heaven.

ME was planning to go home on the 8th day of rain but my Mama bribed with with crispy dinuguan (yeah, ME likes my food crispy). Weak as  I am - I agreed.

It was nice doing Tito duty for my niece. She's an angel - let's see years from now what she'll turn into. Hehe.

-o0o-

9th day of rain, ME hailed a bus at 3PM. It was a seven-hour ride back to the Metro. 

ME missed my stop at Paramount and just alighted at the bus station. I hailed a cab.

The usual 15-minute cab ride turned into an hour because streets were starting to get flooded.

I got to the apartment. Climb the usual flight of stairs.

And saw HE sitting - his back against my door.

HE was drenched.

ME went to the door. 

HE looked up and stood. 

ME opened the door, turned the lights on and looked back.

HE did not attempt to come in.

I stretched my hands and he took it.

HE went straight to the bathroom and automatically, ME went to the room - got hold of a towel, boxers, and a shirt. ME opened the bathroom - it was unlocked as usual.  ME hanged the towel and clothes and went out.

ME turned the stove on, opened a canned soup and heated it.

HE went out of the bathroom and went straight to the room to put the towel in its usual rack.

We ate the soup in silence. HE washed the dishes as usual.

ME proceeded to the room.

ME felt HE's arms embrace me after a while.

And we slept.

-o0o-

The 10th day of rain was the worst. Work was suspended. HE and ME just stayed home and watched the news. We went through the day like what we usually do - together in the couch. 

It was awkward at first like a first date but then HE held my hand and squeezed it and it just felt like home again.

-o0o-

There were no apologies. There was just silence. 

And that silence was all we needed for now.

I guess ME always knew HE was coming back.

And ME always knew HE would be welcomed back - no questions... No pretensions...

So here goes again...