#BWB12

The following days were unusually normal. Ross kept his distance. I've been avoiding him as much as possible. Sometimes, I see him talking to Tiffany but most of the time, I caught him looking at me. I ignored him. It's better for us to stay away from each other...para hindi kami maissue.

It felt weird. 

I never felt this peaceful.

Not until I saw Jared's face again.

"Baby, can we talk?" 

I was silently eating my lunch with my girl friends. Bigla silang tumahimik sa pag-uusap noong dumating si Jared

"We're over Jared. There's nothing more to talk about."

He sat down on the chair next to me. I felt him touched my elbow. "Huwag naman ganito. You can't just break up with me. Itatapon mo nalang ba basta basta lahat ng pinagsamahan natin?" malungkot niyang sabi

I sighed and put down my fork. "Wala tayong pinagsamahan," I said. "And you're physically abusing me too-"

"What? W-what are you talking about," he said nervously and glanced at my friends. "How can you say that? I'd never hurt you."

Lumapit siya lalo sa'kin at hinawakan ang kamay ko. "Look, I know you have feelings for me too. Stop denying it," hinanap niya ang mga mata ko. I looked away.

Why does he sound so fucking desperate? I can't believe what's he's saying to me right now. He tried to hurt me yesterday. If I didn't leave him right away, he might have done much more worse. He's like a beast that was set free from his cage after years of starvation. He looked at me like I'm his prey. Now, why did he suddenly turned into an innocent puppy begging for his owner to pet and feed him? Nice try Jared. That shit ain't gonna work for me.

"What part of 'we're over' did you not understand? Are you deaf?" diretso kong sabi habang nakatingin sa kanya. "Hmm?" I smiled sarcastically

He sighed in defeat. "Let's work on our relationship. Ayokong ganito tayo," hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. Agad ko iyong inalis

"Ang kulit mo naman-"

"Hoy Tori. Bakit ka naman nakiapg-break sa kaibigan namin?" nilapitan kami ni Jude. Umupo siya sa table namin at inakbayan si Jared

"Because men are-" I paused. "Not all men are trash but some are," I firmly said

His jaw dropped. "What did you just say? Men are trash? Wow! Madalas ko na 'yan naririnig sa mga babae pero kapag kaming lalaki ang nagsabi ng 'Women are trash' hindi pwede kasi ma-ooffend kayo?" he spat out

I scoffed. "Narinig mo ba yung sinabi ko? I rephrased my sentence. I said Not all men are-"

He thew his hands in the air. "Why are you generalizing the whole population of men? Kung makapagsalita ka akala mo kung sino. You sound so sexist."

I arched my brow. "Why so salty? Why are you so pressed?" I crossed my arms over my chest

"Ang dami mong naging ex 'di ba? Kaya ka nila iniiwan e, because you treat them like trash when in fact, you're the one who has a trashy attitude."

Napatayo ako sa sinabi niya. "Excuse me?"

That was so below the belt. He really pushed my buttons real hard. Hindi ko hahayaan na bastusin niya lang ako.

A wise philosopher once said, 'Do no harm, take no shit.'

"Tama na pre," awat ni Jared sa kaibigan. "Bababe 'yan."

"Wala akong pake kung babae siya," he gritted his teeth in anger. His intense eyes bore into mine. I showed no sign of weakness.

I looked at my friends and I can't believe they're not doing anything about our situation at all. Nanonood lang sila sa'min. Nakita ko pang palihim silang ngumiti.

I shifted my gaze back to Jude. Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya at tinignan siya sa mga mata "I said Not all Men are trash, but some are. Now, if you got offended by what I said, then congrats, you're a piece of shit!" I hissed and walked out of everyone

I can't believe no one stood up to defend me. Bunch of cowards. 

"Everyone, are you all having a good time?" I asked my teammates

Saturday came and I fulfilled my promise that I'll treat them for dinner. We're now here at a restobar. It's very chill and not too fancy or anything. There's an upbeat music playing at the background and I can't help but to dance a little. My friends and I are at the bar area while the rest of my teammates are enjoying their food at the restaurant area.

"Congrats again to us. Cheers girls!" I raised my glass with a proud smile on my face

"Cheers!" they raised their mugs as well. We all clinked each other's glass before drinking it

"So, guys, I was wondering if we can have an outing? like somewhere at the beach. Dagat na dagat na kasi ako e," sabi ko at ngumiti

"I know a place! May beach house kami sa Bora," tinaas ni Aubrey ang kamay niya

I clapped my hands. "Omg! That's great.  We can go there after finals."

Napansin kong kanina pa tahimik si Tiffany sa gilid. She's drinking her cocktail while scrolling through her phone.

"Did something happen between you and Tiffany," Nicole whose beside me, whispehered

 Tipid akong ngumiti. "Wala. We just...talked."

I remember our conversation the other day. Pagkatapos no'n ay hindi na kami nag-usap pa. We remained civil but I know there's a tension between us, at napapansin din iyon ng mga kaibigan ko.

Nilapitan ko si Tiffany. "Hey girl," I greeted, trying to break the awkward tension between us

"Hello Tori," she smiled weakly then she went back to her phone

"Listen. I'm sorry about what I said the other day. I don't want us to be like this over some..." I glanced at Ross. He's with the other guys just beside our table. "Boy," I returned my gaze back to Tiffany

Ayokong masira ang friendship namin para lang sa isang lalaki. We're not a bunch of highschool kids anymore.

She sighed and looked at me. "It's not that. I'm sorry too. Masyado akong nadala ng emosiyon ko."

"You really like him?" 

Bumaba ang mata niya sa sahig. "I don't know. I guess I do have feelings for him."

"Then go for it. Ask him out!" I smiled to encourage her

Her eyes widened. "Okay ka lang? Ayoko. Hindi ko kaya."

"Okay lang naman kung babae ang unang magfifirst move. And Ross, I'm sure sasagutin ka nun. He's a great guy," I said

"No. I'm not like you Tori, who can seduce any man. You're an expert. Besides, I'm not that pretty and extroverted just like you."

I was a bit offended by what she said but I shrugged it off my mind.

"Why do you keep comparing yourself to other people? To me? Girl, you just have to be confident. I'll help you if you want. I'll give you some tips and tricks how to get-"

"Basta ayoko. I'm not ready. Kontento na ako sa kung ano kami ngayon...magkaibigan," she muttered and drank her cocktail

I sighed and smiled. "Okay. I respect that."

Hindi siya sumagot.

Bumaba ang mata ko sa inumin na hawak ko."So, are we good now? Friends?" I smiled and pointed my glass to hers

Tumingin siya sa'kin at tipid na ngumiti. "Friends," she clinked her glass to mine

Tumabi sa'min ang iba naming kaibigan. "Ang seryoso naman ng usapan niyo diyan. Ano 'yan? Share naman diyan," sabi ni Aubrey sabay akbay sa'kin

Napailing ako at ngumiti. "Wala. Ang lakas nanaman ng chismis radar mo."

Humarap ulit kami sa bar counter. Sabay sabay naming ininom ang shot na nakahilera doon. I immediately drank chaser too after.

"Guys. I have a question. Alam kong sobrang random nito at sobrang tagal pang mangyayari pero tanong ko lang kung ilan gusto niyong anak in the future at anong age kayo balak magpakasal?" 

Nagulat kami sa biglaang tanong ni Nicole. Hindi naming mapigilang hindi matawa.

"Oh my God! Parang nasa hot seat ako ah!" si Karina 

"Mukhang pinaghahandaan niyo na ang future niyo ni Clyde ah," komento ko

"Hindi ah," depensa niya. "I mean, I'm dating to marry okay?"

Nagkatinginan ulit kaming tatlo. "So si Clyde na talaga ang the one?" Tiffany asked

She looked away and I saw how her cheeks turned red. "Confirmed. Si Clyde na nga," sabi ko

"Can you just answer my question? Ang dami niyong hanash," she said and drank another shot

We laughed. "Geez. Chill Nicole. Ang bilis mo mapikon."

She rolled her eyes at us. "Fine. I'll go first kung hindi pa kayo handang sumagot."

We all nodded and went closer to each other. Uminom muna ako ng panibagong shot bago binalik ang atensiyon kay Nicole.

"I want to get married at the age of twenty five and I want to have three kids," she said sweetly

Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. "Aww, so sweet," I can see how her eyes sparkle when she's talking about her future

"Financially stable ka ba na no'n?" tanong ni Karina. "Sabagay mag-aarchitect ka nga pala. Mataas din sahod nun...tapos si Clyde, engineer. Perfect match!"

"I'm sure you'll have a beautiful family," Aubrey commented

"Thanks," Nicole smiled

Tumayo naman si Karina. "Ako, by the age of twenty six, kasal na ako tapos gusto ko isang anak lang. Di ko keri kapag madami."

"Wow! May plano ka pa palang magkapamilya," I chuckled

She rolled her eyes at me. "Oo naman."

"Pero kawawa naman kung isa lang yung anak mo. He or she will get lonely afterwards," Tiffany said

"I'll just adopt a dog to accompany her," diretso niyang sagot

"How about you Tiffany?" binaling ni Nicole ang atensiyon niya sa kaibigan

She blushed. "Parehas lang din sa'yo Nicole. Twenty five years old dapat stable na ako. Gusto ko ng magpakasal nun. I want to have four kids."

"Wow! Ang dami naman," sabi ko

"E kasi nasanay ako na malaki yung family ko. Maraming kapatid yung side ng mom ko pati kay papa. Ang saya din pala kapag madaming family members," she smiled

We all nodded, entertained by what she said.

"How about you Aubrey?" I asked

Umayos siya bigla ng upo at nag-isip.

"Wala naman 'yang jowa e. Single kasi ang taas ng standard," komento ni Karina

Aubrey rolled her eyes at her. "Excuse me, ano naman kung single ako? Why would I settle for less? I know what I want and what I deserve. Hindi ako basta basta papasok sa isang relationship. Yeah, sure I'm single but I know soon, I'll find the right man for me. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali," she said as a matter of fact

"Ooh! Preach girl!" I said and bowed my head to her

She chuckled. "I just often get this question a lot. May mga naging past relationships din ako na hindi nag-work out. I guess I learned my lesson. You see, minsan, jowang jowa na din talaga ako pero kapag may nanliligaw naman sa'kin ay binabasted ko agad. Hindi ko din talaga alam sa sarili ko, sadyang mataas lang standards ko."

"It's okay Aubrey. I feel you. You shouldn't feel embarrassed. Napansin ko kasi na maraming kabataan ngayon na nagmamadaling magka-love life. Pumapasok sila sa isang relasyon na wala namang kasiguraduhan tapos masasaktan sa huli. Is this a competition? May award ba pagkatapos? Aside from that, bakit nila kailangan pakielaman ang buhay ng iba? Like if they want to be single then let them be! You don't have to pressure them," I stated

"Look who's not in a relationship," Karina said and sipped on her drink

I rolled my eyes. "Jared and I already broke up. I don't give a fuck about him anymore.  I'd rather stay single for life! I'm not planning to get married nor have kids! I plan on being the single, fun, crazy, rich bad bitch forever! I want people to look at me and they be like, 'That's my bestfriend, she's a real bad bitch. Got her own money. She don't need no man. On the dance floor, she had two three dinks. Now she twerking, she throw it out and come back in," I sang and started to dance

I laughed when Aubrey slapped my ass. Tumigil ako sa pagsasayaw at tinignan ang mga kaibigan ko. They all look have a confused an expression on their faces. Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. "What? What's with the-"

"Why don't you want to have kids?" Nicole asked

"Because I don't want to. Some people don't want to be parents and that's okay. We're obsessed with the norm that a wife and a husband must have kids. Dapat ang babae maging ina. We should normalize not having kids. Just because I don't want to be a wife or a parent does not make me less of a woman. Woman shouldn't feel pressured by the norm and soceity to have kids. Besides, I don't like kids either. I have a younger brother and I'm sick of him sometimes. I'd rather be a rich auntie to your kids instead. How about that?" I smiled

"Pero paano kapag tanda mo? Who'd take care of you?" they asked, again

"This is also the reason why I don't want to have kids. Children are not a security or safety net or a retirement plan. They're not responsible to take care of their parents when they get older. Hindi sila pinanganak para lang doon. I hope that answered your question babe," I smiled at them

"Break na ba talaga kayo?" napatingin ako kay Karina dahil sa tanong niya

I sipped on my drink. "Ni Jared? Yeah, why?"

"Why did you guys broke up? I thought your relationship are growing," Nicole said

I arched my brow. "What? No it isn't. We're not even in a serious relationship. I ended it because I'm tired of him. He's too possessive and-"

"Jared is a great guy Tori. Why did you break up with him? Akala ko noong una nagbibiro ka lang," si Aubrey

I scoffed. "What do you mean? He is not a great guy. Wala akong nararamdaman para sa kanya."

"As in wala? You guys had sex many times and you didn't have any feelings toward each other? May mga kilala ako na na-fall sa fuckbuddy nila. And they end up together," Karina stated

Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla silang naging seryoso. They're talking to me as if they know my relationship with Jared. They don't know what's happening behind the cameras. Yes, Jared adn I are sweet and clingy when we're all together but they don't know the other side of our relationship.

"I...I don't have feelings for him," I muttered and glanced at Jared

Do I?

Of course you don't Victoria

"I think Jared truly loves you. I think he wants to have a serious relationship with you if you give him a chance. He's a nice guy. Alam namin kasi nakakausap din namin siya. He is so in love with you," Aubrey said

"He even begged you stay and not break up with him. Sa panahon ngayon, mahirap na makahanap ng totoong lalaking magmamahal sa'yo. Jared lowered down his pride just to be with you. Can't you see that? You can't be that heartless Tori. I'm sure you have feelings for him, even just a little bit," Karina added

"Baka naman kasi may iba kang gusto kaya hindi mo kayang mahalin si Jared ng buo," napatingin ako sa sinabi ni Tiffany. She sounded so bitter

"Do you like someone else, Tori?" Nicole asked

"Stop..stop guilt tripping me," I swallowed hard

Kumunot ang noo nila na may halong pagtataka. "What are you talking about? Sinasabi lang namin na huwag sanang lumaki ang ego mo. Can you at least give him a chance? Hindi yung binasted mo agad dahil pinangunahan ka lang ng emosyon mo," Tiffany said

My lips parted. "Ano bang pinagsasabi niyo? I turned him down because I'm tired with him-"

"You see? Nakasanayan mo na ang ganyang gawain. It's not right Tori. You can't just throw someone off the bush. He's not a toy. You can't just play with him then throw him when you get tired. Tao lang din si Jared, nasasaktan. Quit your bad habits Tori. Matuto ka namang mag-seryoso."

"How can she be serious when she hasn't been into a serious relationship? Kawawa si Jared," komento ni Nicole

My lips parted. I was about to explain my side but Karina suddenly spoke.

"Hate to burst your bubble Tori, but we can't tolerate your attitude anymore. You can be honest without being rude you know? Sometimes, you're acting savage and all but guess what? You're not, you're just plain rude," Karina spat out

Bigla akong namental block. They're all talking at the same time. I couldn't process what they were saying. I want to speak but they kept on adding some more. I don't know how to answer them anymore so I looked at my drink instead. I just let them say whatever they want to say to me.

"Look, Tori. Sinasabi lang namin sa'yo ito bilang kaibigan mo. I hope you don't take it as a wrong way. We care about you. Gusto lang din namin magkaroon ka ng magandang relationship, whether it be your partner or with everyone. We also get hurt whenever we hear bad rumors about you. You have a reputation to uphold right? You have a huge platform, a huge fanbase. You influence a lot of people. You have younger audiences who look up to you. Matuto ka namang makiramdam minsan. Don't take everything for granted," wika ni Aubrey

"We just want you to be a better person, a better version of yourself. Tulungan mo din naman yung sarili mo. Kasi kami din, nasasaktan kapag naririnig namin ang mga kaklase natin na pinaguusapan ka, maslalo na ang mga natatanggap mong hate sa social media. Huwag sanang lumaki ang ulo mo," si Nicole

"Why are guys judging me? I don't understand-" I gulped

"We're not judging you. Sinasabi lang namin kung ano yung napapansin namin sa'yo. Buti nga harap harapan naming sinasabi eh, hindi yung patalikod. We're not like other girls who's a backstabber, fake, and plastic," Karina cut me off

Again. I was left with no choice but to kept silent.

"You should learn how to own up from your mistakes Tori."

"We value our friendship. Mahal ka namin."

"What mistakes?" naguguluhan kong tanong

"Marami. For talking shit about your boyfriend. Yung nilandi mo si Ross kahit alam mong nasa isang relasyon ka. You're cheating on your boyfriend Tori. Maawa ka naman sa kanya," sambit ni Tiffany. "Isa pa ay yung ang bilis agad uminit ng ulo mo sa maliliit na bagay...kaya maslalong lumalaki e. Ayaw mo kasi yung pinagsasabihan ka e."

Napayuko nalang ako sa mga sinabi nila. I admit, I got hurt by what they said to me. Hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang tingin nila sa'kin. I never listen to other people's opinions but when it comes to them, I feel hurt. They're my friends and I know how much they care about me. My heart feels so heavy right now. I just want to have fun today with my friends. I just want to be happy...but I never thought my own happiness can have a negative effect on other people. 

They're right. I'm so selfish and insensitive. Sarili ko lang ang iniisip ko. Hindi ko namamalayan na nakakasakit nadin pala ako ng ibang tao.

I drowned myself in alcohol to lessen my pain. I didn't come here for drama. I came here to have fun. I hate being sad. I hate what I'm feeling right now. I feel guilty and ashamed of myself. I just want to forget everything.

"Tama na Tori. Lasing ka na," awat sa'kin ni Nicole

I smiled weakly. 'Kaya ko pa," sabi ko at binalingan ang bartender. "Isa pa pong shot kuya," I placed my glass on the table. Sinalinan niya agad iyon.

"You're drunk. You might do something you'll regret again," she said and held my arm

"Nope. I can handle myself. Noted lahat ng mga sinabi niyo sa'kin," ngumisi ako habang  nakapikit

I stood up and started to dance. I saw my teammates from the other table. Nagsimula akong maglakad papunta sa kanila.

"Saan ka pupunta girl?" Karina called

"Wait lang. I'll just check up on the girls," I said

Pagkarating ko sa lamesa nila ay agad ko silang kinamusta. "Hey guys! How's the party- I mean, the food?" I smiled

"It's good! I love it here. Salamat sa treat mo Tori ah," bati sa'kin ng teammate ko

Nakita kong masaya silang nagkwekwentuhan habang kumakain. Somehow, the heavy feeling in my heart lessened when I saw how happy they are right now. Biglang nabawasan ang konsesnisya na nararamdaman ko kanina.

"Aww, you're welcome. Kain lang kayo diyan. After niyo diyan, pwede kayo tumambay naman sa bar. Sagot ko na drinks niyo," I said

Their eyes widened in surprise. "Really Tori? Gee, thanks!"

I nodded and smiled widely. "No problem. Sige, balik na ako sa table namin," paalam ko at tinalikuran na sila

As I was walking back to our table, I saw my guy friends from the corner of my eyes. They are all in one table with bottles of alcohol in their hands. My brows furrowed when I saw Ross sitting alone on a bar counter just near their table. I don't understand why he always try to seclude himself from the rest. Palagi siyang may sariling mundo.

I then realized that he's actually talking to two gays. One is standing too close to him. Naka-akbay iyon sa kanya. The other one is sitting on the stool beside him. I saw how he grabbed Ross' thigh without his consent. Naningkit ang mata ko at inobserbahan sila. The other gay whose arms on his shoulder, whisphered something on his ear. Nakita kong bumaba ang kamay niya sa katawan ni Ross. I looked at Ross and he looks uncomfortable but he tries his best to talk to them regardless. I know how bad he wants to get out of that uncomfortable situation.

The next thing I knew, I found myself walking towards them. I almost tripped. My head started to spin. The alcohol is starting to kick in. I shut my eyes and shook my head. I continued to walk until I finally reach them. Hindi napansin ng dalawang bakla ang presensiya ko. They continued to put their hands on every part of Ross' body. I immediately removed their hands away from him. They looked at me in shock.

"Excuse me but can you please remove your filthy hands on my boyfriend?" I smiled wickedly

Umawang ang labi niya. They look like the kind of gays that I see in a comedy bar. I'm not even surprised why they're here, hunting for men. They dressed up as feminine, with their super short dresses.

"Boyfriend?" he stuttered while staring at my eyes

I arched my brow. "You heard me."

He chuckled nervously and glanced at his friend. "We were just talking sis. Wala naman kaming ibang ginagawa sa kanya," lumapit sa'kin ang kaibigan niya

"Talking huh? You're obviously trying to get inside his pants," I firmly said

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa. I don't think they understand what I said.

"Ang OA mo naman. Hindi naman namin alam na taken na pala si kuya," he said

"Taken or not, it's not a reason for you to harass someone. Now go. Before I call the bouncers," I ordered

Tinignan nila ako ng masama. I crossed my arms over my chest and raised my brow at them. They rolled their eyes at me and started to walk away. Sinundan ko sila ng paningin hanggang sa tuluyan na silang makalayo sa'min. 

I sighed and massaged my temple. Inayos ko ang sarili at humarap kay Ross. Tulala lang siya habang nakatingin sa kawalan. I rolled my eyes and took a step forward towards him. "Hey," I called. "Ayos ka lang? Did they touch you somewhere or anything?" 

Napatingin siya sa'kin at kumurap-kurap. "H-ha? Ano, ayos lang ako," tumikhim siya

"You sure? I saw them sexually harassing you a while ago. Agad ko kayong nilapitan."

He swallowed hard. Hindi siya ngayon makatingin sa'kin. He took his glass and drank it straight. "Thank you, for uh, saving me. Ayos na ako."

I sat on the stool next to him. "What are you doing here alone anyway? Bakit ka ba laging bumubukod?"

"I just went here to grab a drink when those two gays approached me," he gulped

"Be careful next time okay? Para ka kasing naliligaw na bata minsan e."

The corner of his lips rose. "Sorry."

"Whatever. Sige na, baka ma-issuehan nanaman tayo nito," tumayo na ako at inayos ang damit ko

"Issue?"

Napatingin ulit ako sa kanya.  "Hmm?"

His brows furrowed, confused. "Anong issue?"

I scoffed. "Oh, yeah. I almost forgot you don't give a fuck about the latest rumors whatsoever."

"I don't understand."

I sighed. "Huwag mo ng alamin."

Paalis na sana ako pero bigla niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko. I looked at his hand on my wrist then back to his eyes. "What?"

"Tell me about it."

"Kailan ka pa naging curious sa mga chismis."

He licked his lips. "Because...because it's about you. I mean, baka kasi may nagawa ako na makakasira sa'yo. Ayokong mangyari yun."

I smiled weakly. "Sa tingin mo?"

His lips parted. "Ha?"

"Sa tingin mo may ginawa ka?"

Umiwas siya ng tingin. He kinda looks guilty. I don't know why.

Tumingin ako sa kamay niya na nakawahak padin sa'kin. I looked at our surroundings. I saw that some are watching us, including my friends. 

Binalik ko ang paningingin sa kanya. "Don't worry Ross. Wala kang kasalanan. Image ko lang naman kasi ang naapektuhan e. Ako lang," I said bitterly

Nagtama ang mga mata namin. Umiwas ako ng tingin dahil kapag masyadong matagal ang pagtitig namin ay baka sabihin ulit nila na naglalandian kami.

"It's my fault anyway. I should be responsible of my own actions. Pasensiya na kung nadamay kita ah? Hindi naman kasi talaga maiiwasan yung mga taong maissue e," I removed his hand on my grip then started to walk away

I was surprised to see Jared in front of me. He was breathing heavily while glaring at me. He clenched his jaw in anger and pulled my wrist. "Why are you with him?" mariin niyang sabi

Kumunot ang noo ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. "Ano nanaman ba? We were just talking."

"Talking? Kayong dalawa lang? Bakit kailangan niyong bumukod? Kanina ko pa kayo pinapanood at nakitang seryosong seryoso kayo kung mag-usap. What are you two talking about huh?" he hissed. His grip tightened on my wrist

"Let go! You're hurting me!" matigas kong sabi

He scoffed. "Ang landi mo talaga 'no? Kaya ka ba nakipag-break sa'kin para tirahin naman siya sunod? Wala ka ba talagang respeto sa sarili mo? How can you do this to me Tori? Ano bang ginawa ko sa'yo. I loved you even if you only see me as a fuckbuddy. I still love you..but you cheated on me," lumambot ang boses niya

"Cheat?! I didn't cheat on you. Sinabi ko sa'yo na break na tayo!"

Tumingin ako sa paligid at nakitang lahat ng tao ay pinapanood kami. Some were taking videos of us. 

I swallowed hard and looked at Jared again. Nakita kong namumula na ang mga mata niya. He looks like he's about to cry. "I'm not even surprised if you already had sex. Ang dumi dumi niyo. Hindi manlang kayo nahiya."

I was about to slap him in the face when Ross came between us and punched Jared in the face. Napahiga siya sa sahig. I heard everyone gasped. I covered my mouth in shock.

"You fucking bastard! You are the one who's been cheating on her all along. Akala mo ba hindi ko alam?! You're enjoying this aren't you? Playing the victim card. Stop manipulating her you son of a bitch!" Ross yelled and grabbed Jared's collar

Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. I was still in shock. I couldn't utter a word. Gusto ko silang pigilan pero hindi ko magawang igalaw ang paa ko. I want to stop the people from taking pictures and videos of the scene. 

"Tori!"

I got back to my senses when I heard my friends rushing over to me. Lahat sila ay nagulat pagkakita sa eksena. Inawat sila ng mga kaibigan naming lalaki. The girls tried to help too. I was still frozen in my spot.

"You fucker! Are you happy now huh? Are you happy that you ruined our relationship?! Gago ka! Alam kong may gusto ka sa girlfriend ko at hinihintay mo lang kaming mag-break!" sigaw ni Jared. 

Inaawat naman siya ni Jude. "Tama na pre!"

Clyde went to Ross who's on the floor. Tinulungan niya itong makatayo. Ross wiped the blood off his mouth and glared at Jared. I've never seen him this angry before. He looks like a different person. "You are the one who's destroying your relationship! Wala kang ginawa kundi saktan siya-"

"Gago ka! Bakit ka ba nangingielam?! Wala kang alam sa relasiyon namin!" muli siyang sinugod ni Jared. Humarang si Clyde sa kanilang dalawa.

I was shocked when Ross managed to punch Jared in the face, again. Jared is on the floor now. Hindi ko alam pero kusa nalang gumalaw ang paa ko at nilapitan sila.

"Can you fucking stop it already!" I yelled and pulled Ross away from Jared. Lahat sila ay nilapitan si Jared para tulungan.

"Sige! Magsama kayo niyang gagong 'yan! Ang bababoy niyo!" sigaw ni Jared. Tumayo na siya at mabilis na naglakad palayo. Agad siyang sinundan ng mga boys.

Tumingin ako sa mga kaibigan ko at lahat sila ay masama ang tingin sa'kin.

"Are you happy now Tori? Ng dahil sa'yo ay nagkandawatak-watak na tayo," sabi ni Karina

My lips parted. "I...I'm sorry-"

"Really Tori? Uhaw ka lagi sa atensiyon ano? Gusto mo lagi nasa sa'yo ang spotlight. Well, congrats, you have everyone's attention," komento ni Tiffany

Tumingin ako kay Aubrey at Nicole. They looked away and shook their heads in disappointment. Sinubukan ko silang tawagin pero walang boses ang lumalabas sa bibig ko. Tumingin ako sa paligid. Everyone is watching us. Nagbubulungan ang ilan habang ang iba ay pinagtatawanan kami.

"You're such a troublemaker but in the end, you always act like the victim. I'm sure you're enjoying all the attention you get. Such a social climber, warfreak , and a slut in one," nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Karina kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. She rolled her eyes and walked away. My friends looked at me with pity. They gave me an apologetic smile before chasing after her.

I couldn't move nor speak. Lahat ng mga sinabi nila ay tumatak sa isip ko. They keep on replaying inside my head. Tulala lang ako habang nakatingin sa sahig. 

"Don't listen to them Tori. They're trying to get inside your head-"

Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi ni Ross na siyang nasa likod ko. It only echoed inside my head. The voices inside my head are much louder so are the whisphers of hatred they threw towards me. It's slowly starting to eat my system. My body turned numb. I feel so detached from reality. I was slowly drowning with my own thoughts until I hit rock bottom.

Baka nga tama sila.

Baka ako talaga yung may problema.