#TPTG02

"So, guys. I have two bottles of wine. Which one do you like to drink first?"

Everyone squealed and clapped their hands in excitement. We're here at my friend Lou's house for a sleepover....or should I say girl's nightout. 

I didn't want to come but Lou persuaded me. She was very persistent. I gave in.

We're all wearing matching pajamas, those silk one's that rich people wear. Iba iba nga lang ang kulay ng suot namin. I'm wearing gold.

Lou sat beside me and showed me the wine. We're in her room, specifically on the floor. Nakapabilong kaming lahat. Lou invited some of her friends. I don't know them but they somehow look familiar to me. Lou has many rich friends. Siya lang ang ka-close ko.

"Ano'ng wine 'yan?" Jodie asked

Lou read the bottle. "I'm not sure. It has an italian name and I don't know how to pronounce it. Romane...Romance? Con-"

"Romanée-Conti," I said

Lahat sila ay napatingin sa'kin.

"Right," Lou slowly nodded. "And the other one is...Oh my God. This one's even harder to pronounce."

She suddenly gave me the bottle. I almost dropped it 'cause it was a bit heavy.

"Read it," she commanded

I sighed and read the label. "Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese. Sounds expensive," I casually said and put down the wine

I was surprised when they are staring at me in shock. Their mouths gaped open.

"What?" I blinked twice

"Did you just speak alien language?" one of them asked

Are they referring to the fancy name of the bottle?

"It's German," I simply replied

Napasinghap sila at nagkatinginan sa isa't isa.

"You can speak German?"

"Stupid. Of course she can. Kakasabi niya nga lang diba?" sabi ng katabi niya

"I can only speak basic German," I replied

"Well it didn't sound basic to me at all," Lou chuckled

"Me too," the blonde girl added

"And it's not alien language Karen. You might offend the Germans," she whispered to her friend

Karen shyly smiled. "Well sorry! I don't know German okay?"

"Okay, that's enough. Let's just all drink okay? I'm sure these will taste expensive. What should we try first?" Lou said with a huge smile on her lips due to excitement

"Yung German!"

"Eh wag muna yun. Let's save the best for last."

"I agree."

I was just silently listening to them while they're debating which bottle of wine to drink first.

"I'll pass," I said

They all looked at me, perplexed.

"What do you mean you'll pass?" Lou asked

"I'm not allowed to drink. I'm still a minor."

They all looked at each other as if I said something funny. Some looked away and covered their mouth to surpress their laughter.

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Meanwhile, Lou went closer to me.

"What the heck was that Fey?"

My brows furrowed. "What do you mean? We're not suppose to be drinking."

"C'mon Fey. This is why I invited you here. For us to you know...get wasted," she whispered and grinned

"They can drink but not us. We're still minors Lou. They can drink because they're already legal age."

It's true. Lou's friends are older than us. They are at legal age. We all have the same social class. We're born in a wealthy family. Socialites to be exact. But despite our age gap, we still treat each other the same because we are all in the same social status. Age didn't became a barrier.

She scoffed. "Oh don't act so innocent Fey. Minors drink nowadays."

"I don't care. I'm not drinking. I'll just watch you guys," I said and hugged the small pillow on my lap

"Don't such a party pooper Fey. You're no fun," sumimangot siya. "Just this once please? Not in front of my friends. Nakakahiya para sa kanila," she begged

I chuckled bitterly. "Is that it? You don't want to get humiliated in front of them became of me? If that's the case then why did you invite me here in the first place?"

Hindi ko sinasadya na mapalakas ang boses ko kaya nilingon kami ng mga kaibigan niya.

"Is everything okay guys?" the blonde girl asked

Lou nervously laughed. "Yeah. We're fine. She's just on her period so...can you give us a minute girls? Thank you."

"Okay!" the brunette one answered in a high pitched voice

"Lou can we a...turn on the TV now?"

"Yeah sure. You can start watching the movie," Lou said

They nodded and climbed up to Lou's pink queen sized bed. They all giggled in excitement.

I didn't move. I just stared at the pink wall of the room while hugging my pillow. I can feel Lou's eyes on me.

"Hey, listen. I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. I invited you here because I thought you needed a break from acads. We need to unwind sometimes you know? Especially you."

Hindi ako sumagot.

I heard her sigh. "Okay, fine. It's okay if you won't drink but please stay."

It took me few seconds before I answered. "Okay."

She smiled widely and she clinged her arm on mine. "Yay! Thank you."

"I just need to use the bathroom," paalam ko at tumayo. 

I walked towards the bathroom and went inside. Sinara ko ang pinto at sumandal doon. Pumikit ako pagkatapos.

Why am I even here?

I suddenly remembered what Lou said a while ago.

Was I too harsh?

Why can't I get along well with other people?

Maybe I'm just not in the mood.

I went to the sink and washed my face with water. I closed the faucet and looked at the mirror.

Lou is my friend. I've known her for...well because of my Dad. Our families are close with each other. I'm not like her who has a huge circle of friends. I rarely get a long with people. I feel like they're too intimidated by me that's why they feel awkward to approach me. I'm too serious and quiet. I sometimes wish I have her lively and outgoing personality.

I stayed inside for a few minutes before going out. I stopped when I heard them talking about me. I took a step back and hid behind the door so they wouldn't feel my presence. I kept quiet while listening to their serious conversation.

"What's with her Lou?"

"With who?"

"Felicity. She seems...off," Jodie said

I took a peak and saw them on the bed. Nakatalikod sila kaya hindi nila ako kita. Isa pa ay medyo malayo din ang banyo sa kanila dahil malaki ang kwarto ni Lou.

"Wala naman. She's just like that sometimes," Lou replied while playing with her hair

"Masyado siyang seryoso. She rarely smiles. What's wrong with her?"

"She's kind of KJ you know? Parang hindi siya masaya kasama," Karen commented

"Well I just came here because of Lou," the blonde girl said

"Grabe kayo. Mukha naman siyang mabait," the brunette one defended me

"She's pretty and all but she looks boring."

"Will you guys shut up. Please?" Lou yelled

I sighed. I decided to get out now. They all turned their heads to me at the same time. They look shock and agitated when they saw me but they played it cool.

I smiled widely. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I'm on period so..." I lied

"Oh! Right, we understand," Jodie returned a smile

"Lahat naman tayo babae dito," Karen commented

Then they laughed. I faked a laugh too and went along with them. Nilapitan ko na sila at umupo sa kama.

"So. What movie are we watching?" I asked and took the chips from Karen's hand

"I still can't find a good movie on Netflix," she replied

"Are you up for horror?" Lou asked

"Jade is a scaredy cat," Karen said and pointed to Jade, the brunette one

"No I'm not!" she defended

"Just put on Clueless or Legally blonde."

"I've already watched those," si Mitchelle

"Yeah me too," I replied

"How about fifty shades?" she giggled

"Shut the fuck up Khloe!" sigaw ni Jade sabay hampas ng unan kay Khloe, the blondie

Their laughter filled the whole room. "Don't act so innocent Jade," Khloe said

"You know what? Let's drink. I'm fucking thirsty," said Jodie and reached the bottle of wine on the floor

The wine glass are already prepared for us six. Jodie opened the bottle and sniffed the fresh aroma of the wine.

"It smells so good guys. So freakin' good," she smiled in delight and poured each glass

Pagkatapos niyang magsalin ay kumuha na kami. Lou handed me a glass.

"Thank you."

I smelled the wine and slowly took a sip from it.

Maybe this isn't bad afterall. Red wine is good for the heart. 

"So girls. Let's talk about boys," Jodie said and grinned

"Oh my God. Here we go again," Jade rolled her eyes

"What? C'mon. Alam kong gusto niyo rin itong pag-usapan."

"Let me guess. You just slept with someone recently?" Khloe asked with a naughty smile on her lips

"I hate you Khloe!"

They all laughed, well, except for Lou and me because we can't really relate to their topic. Seriously, what's the joke?

"Here's a question. How many guys have you slept with?"

Lou choked on her drink. She coughed so I patted her back.

"Oh! Looks like someone's guilty," Jade said suspiciously and poked Lou's arm

"Omg! Spill the beans Lou!" 

They suddenly turned so enthusiastic. Lahat ng atensiyon nila ay naka'y Lou.

Lou shook her head. "It's not that. I wasn't just prepared for that question. Wala manlang pasabi," she smiled awkwardly and wiped her mouth

I noticed that they all have empty glasses. Sinalinan ulit ni Jodie ang mga baso nila. I declined when she offered me some.

"C'mon Lou. It's just us. Nobody would know," Khloe whispered and nudged her elbow

"Wala nga kasi," inis na sabi ni Lou sabay diretsong inubos ang wine

"Okay fine. Let's keep it PG. How many guys have you already dated?" she asked

Are we really having this topic right now? I find it boring. I'm not even interested at all.

Uminom nalang ulit ako ng wine hanggang sa maubos ito sa baso ko.

"How about you Fey?" Karen asked

I coughed. "Me?"

I looked at them and they're all staring at me. I gulped and put down my glass.

"I'm sure you have a lot of suitors. I mean you're extremely beautiful, smart, and rich. Every guy would die to date you," she has a sly smile on her lips

"I actually have-"

"Right! How stupid of me. Of course you already have a boyfriend! I mean..." she cut me off

Nagtawanan sila at tumango sa isa't isa.

"No...I- I don't have a boyfriend. I have suitors but I don't actually-"

"Seriously? I don't believe you," she chuckled and drank from the bottle.

Kung kanina ay wine glass lang ang hawak niya ngayon ay iyong bote na. This girl is wild! They are already drunk as fuck.

I gulped. "It's true."

"Why?"

I frowned. "What do you mean why?"

"Why don't you have a boyfriend yet?"

I scoffed. Is she being serious? That was a ridiculous question but I still chose to answer.

"Because I don't want," I simply said

She chuckled. "Sus pakipot pa."

My eyes widened. Napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. It sounded like an insult to me.

"Bakit? Kailangan ba?" tanong ko

Hindi sila nakasagot. Nagtama naman ang mata namin ni Lou. I saw Jade grabbed the bottle from Khloe's hand. 

"May cute guys ba sa school niyo?" pagbasag ni Jodie sa katahimikan

"Oh please, we have a lot! Maraming foreigners na estudyante sa'min," Karen proudly said

"How about sa inyo Lou? You and Fey are classmates right?"

I only gave her a nod.

"Yeah. There's not a lot of good looking guys in our school...well, except for one," Lou giggled

Kunot noo akong tumingin sa kanya. "Who?"

"It's Keith, duh," she replied

"Tss.."

"Keith who? What's his full name? What's he look like?" sunod-sunod nilang tanong

"Keith Adrian Sanchez," Lou said

Then they immediately searched him up on social media.

"Why can't I find him?"

"Give me the phone Jade."

"Ugh! Here," she groaned and handed the phone to her friend

Lahat sila ay busy sa paghahanap ng account ni Keith. Tahimik lang ako sa tabi.

"Hindi mo ba siya friend sa fb Lou?" Khloe asked

"Nope. Ayoko siyang iadd. Gusto ko, siya ang mag-add sa'kin duh."

I rolled my eyes and smiled.

"Oh my God! I found him," she exlaimed

Maslalo silang lumapit sa isa't isa at tinignan ang phone.

"Damn! He's hot."

"Shoot. He's a hundred times more goodlooking than the male population in our school."

"In the world!" Jade said

Lou chuckled. "You girls are already thirsty by his picture. What more in real life?"

They continued to scroll more. "He only has a few photos. Damn it. Isa lang profile pic niya, hindi pa nakikita ang likes. Limited lang din makikitang posts sa account niya. He's so private."

"Dun tayo sa lalaking hindi masyadong active sa social media," kinikilig na sabi ni Jodie

"May lahi ba siya? He looks a bit Korean or something. His eyes are medyo singkit. He's not even smiling in the picture but he has so much appeal."

"He's the most popular and smartest guy in our school, that's why girls in our school has a big fat crush on him. But don't me, he's not my type," Lou said while checking her nails

"I want to get his number."

"May iba ba siyang kaibigan? Na pogi rin?"

"Wait, does he have a girlfriend?"

I can't believe that they're already in college yet they like a minor like Keith who's still in highschool. It felt weird.

"I don't know. Sorry. I don't have much information about him since we're not that close," Lou replied. "Ask Fey. They're quite close."

Namilog ang mata ko noong dinamay niya pa ako. Now, their attention is on me.

I gulped. "Uhm, I don't think we're that close-"

"Come on. You guys hang out a lot eventhough you guys are 'rivals'. Still some of our classmates ship them. The others, well, they hate seeing them together because of jealousy. They're like, the queen and king of our campus," Lou giggled

"We only hang out to do school projects together, other than that, we rarely talk...only school related stuff," I explained

"Oh, so strictly for business only," Jodie smirked

"Bagay kayo," Lou nudged my elbow

I sighed. "We're not-"

"Okay that's enough of boys. I have some panibagong chika," Karen interrupted me. 

Now the spotlight is on her. Buti nalang. I don't want me to be the topic anymore.

"Spill!" Jade squealed

"Okay so nakwento ko na 'di ba sa inyo yung katulong namin sa bahay," panimula niya

"Yes, yes go on," Khloe said and moved closer

"Wait which one? You have a lot of maids Karen!" Jade exclaimed

"Yung nanay na taga probinsya!"sagot ni Karen

"Ah yun. Oo, sige continue."

"Uh excuse me but who are we talking about?" Lou butt in but they ignored her

Nagkatinginan kami ni Lou. Umiwas siya ng tingin at maslalong lumapit sa kanila. Ako lang ang hindi lumapit pero rinig ko naman ang usapan nila.

"So, what about her?"

Karen giggled. "My dad fired her."

They gasped. "Oh shit! Really?"

Karen nodded. "Uh-huh. Just last week."

"What?! When? Why? How? Spill all the deets!"

"Shh. Guys, konting katahimikan lang," Jade said and giggled

I know she's also enjoying the gossip.

"Eto na nga. Kasi nga diba yung anak niyang babae natira din sa bahay."

"She's also your classmate right?" Khloe asked

"Yes. So eto. You know naman na I hate that girl right? I just don't like her. She's giving me the creeps," Karen said and acted disgusted

Tahimik lang ako habang nakikinig sa kanila kahit na gusto ko ng magsalita ay hinintay ko ang tamang tyempo.

"C'mon Karen. You just don't like low-class people in general."

"Syempre mga kapwa mayayaman at magaganda lang yung gusto kong kaibigan, like you guys," she said and placed her shoulders on Khloe

"This bitch," Khloe said ang laughed

"I agree. My dad won't even let me get close to those kind of people. He wants me to have friends who are the same social status as mine," si Jade

"Totoo naman kasi. Kadiri kaya sila kasama. I can't even lay a finger on them," si Mitchelle

"I even broke up with my boyfriend when I found out about his backgoud," si Jade

"Talaga? Sino dunn?"

"Hey guys. Hindi pa ko tapos magkwento. Mamaya ka na Jade," singit ni Karen

They laughed.

"So eto na nga. Malandi kasi si girl. Nilalandi niya yung jowa ko sa harap ko pa mismo. Nainis ako at sinumbong kay dad. Ayun the next day, they're gone," she smirked

They gasped. "Shut the fuck up! Seryoso ba 'yan?"

Karen nodded. "One hundred percent."

"Well, they deserve it. Ayoko ng makasama sila sa iisang bubong, my God," dagdag niya sabay inom ng wine

"At least natapos na ang paghihirap mo."

"Oo nga. Hindi ka na stress."

"Wait. wait. I'm confused. So sinumbong mo yung girl sa dad mo tapos finire na siya agad ng dad mo? Parang-" sabi ni Lou

Khloe laughed. "Of course Karen must have changed the story-"

Hindi na natuloy ang sasabihin ni Khloe dahil tinakpan ni Karen ang bibig nito.

"Anyway, mabait pa nga si dad eh. Alam niyo ba na siya din nagbayad nung tuition nung girl. For the whole sem! Plus nakikitira pa sila sa'min. Sarap buhay sila eh."

"Grabe!"

"Why would your dad even hire a maid from the province anyway?" Khloe asked

"Good point," si Karen. "Ewan ko pero alam kong hindi din sila tatagal. Sadyang hindi ko na talaga sila natiis kaya," she shrugged. "Ewan ko. I just don't like the thought of them living inside my house. Okay lang ako sa iba naming maids pero siya lang talaga yung ayaw ko."

Bumuntong hininga sila at inubos ang alak sa baso.

"Hay buti nalang talaga pinanganak akong mayaman," si Jodie

"Same. I can get whatever I want whenever I want. I don't have anything to worry about," si Jade

"I can't even imagine myself doing all the dirty work like doing laundry, taking out the trash, cleaning dog poop. Gross!" si Karen

"Cheers on that!" Khloe yelled and raised her glass

They laughed and raised their glasses as well. Tumingin ako kay Lou na ngayon ay nakayuko lang habang nakatingin sa baso niya.

"Hey, Lou. Cheers!" 

Lou smiled and shared a toast with them. Masaya silang nag-inuman.

"Fey?" I heard them call me 

"Is it fun?" I asked

Her lips parted. "What?"

I didn't respond right away. I looked at my half-empty glass and swirled it.

"Is it fun to disrespect people? To degrade them? To talk shit behind their back?" I repeated

They burst in laughter. I'm aware that they're already drunk. Hindi nila sinagot ang tanong ko at nagpatuloy sa pag-iinom.

"Hey Felicity. We're just joking around-" Karen giggled

"It sounds more like an insult than a joke to me," I firmly said. "Ganito ba lagi topic niyo? Ang mang-insulto ng ibang tao?"

Nawala bigla ang ngiti sa labi nila.

"Hey Fey," Lou called and held my arm

Tinignan ko iyon at inalis sa pagkakahawak.

"Lou. Do you even heard what they just said? Hindi ka naman bingi 'di ba?" I asked

"Oo..." mahina niyang sabi

"And you have nothing to say?"

"Uh guys. Buksan na natin yung isang bote?" presinta ni Jade

"You guys are fucking sick," I said

Their jaw dropped. Nagkatinginan sila na may halong pagtataka.

"Excuse me, what did you call us?" Karen said in a low tone

I wasn't afraid of her even if she's older and even taller than me.

"If I were the girl. Would you do the same to me? Would you also tell to your father about me? Hmm Karen?" I argued and looked at her

Her brow shot up. "I don't know where this is going-"

"No let me change it. If it was Jade. Your friend. If she was the girl. If she was the one who flirted with your boyfriend. Kung ang nanay niya ay yung maid na tinutukoy mo. Would you-"

"What the fuck Fey?" Jade raised her voice at me. Hindi ko siya pinansin.

"What would you do? Isusumbong mo pa rin ba?" I calmly asked

"Lou, what the hell is wrong with your friend?" Jodie asked irritated while pointing at me

"Uh don't mind her guys. She's probably drunk. I think she needs to rest and- " hinigit ako ni Lou sa braso pero hindi ako gumalaw sa posisiyon ko.

"Fey, c'mon. Snap out of it. You're drunk!" she hissed

I ignored her. My eyes are fixed on Karen who's face now red.

"Are you like...depress or something?" biglang sabi ni Khloe. She's already half asleep. Hawak-hawak niya ang panibagong bote at halos nakakalahati niya na iyon.

I chuckled and played with my glass. "Truth be told. You're only friends with each other because of your social status. You won't give a shit about this person if she's poor or-"

"Shut the fuck up or else."

"Jodie stop!" pigil ni Jade

I saw her holding the empty bottle in mid air. Humigpit ang hawak niya roon habang matalim na nakatingin sa'kin.

I didn't move nor flinch. Nakatingin lamang ako sa kanya.

Tatatamaan niya na sana ako pero siya ang una kong natamaan dahil sa sinabi ko.

"I mean I'm not even surprise. Kung ako nga nagawa niyong insultuhin, ibang tao pa kaya? You guys may be rich but your attitude is cheap. You have no class at all. You don't care if you stomp over someone's dignity. You only entertain those in your level of class and neglect those who aren't. Hindi na ako magugulat kung binabackstab niyo rin ang isa't isa-"

"Fey tama na!"

Napalingon ako nang marinig ang boses ni Lou.

"Sumosobra ka na!" she yelled. Nakakunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin sa'kin. She was breathing heavily, her shoulders moving up and down.

Ako pa talaga?

I stood up and tried to reach for her hand but she moved it away.

"Leave. You just ruined our night."

Para akong binuhusan ng malamin na tubig. I can feel the lump forming inside my throat. I couldn't utter a word. I just stood there, staring at her.

"Just leave!" her voice cracked

I startled by the tone of her voice. She couldn't face me but I saw that her fists were clenched.

I wanted to say to her that she didn't deserve them. She didn't deserve those kind of friends but I know it would cause more damage. And besides, even if I said that, she would still choose them over me.

For fuck's sake she didn't even defend me when they were talking shit behind me.

I swallowed hard and remained calm. There was a long moment of silence. Tanging aircon lang sa kwarto ang naririnig kong ingay.

Nilagpasan ko siya at naglakad palapit sa pinto. I placed the wine glass on top of the table beside the door.

"Before I leave, I just want to say to everyone," panimula ko.

I held the doorknobb and looked over my shoulder. "Check your privilege. Especially you, Karen."

Pagkatapos ay tuluyan na akong lumabas ng kwartp. As soon as I closed the door, I heard Jodie's voice.

"That bitch needs some fucking therapy."

I closed my eyes and sighed heavily.

Was I wrong?

Did I just ruin their friendship?

What the fuck just happened?

What a night.

Well, just when I thought everything is already worst, not until I came home.

"Gabi na. Saan ka galing?"

Pagkatapak na pagkatapak ko palang sa bahay ay sinalubong agad ako ni papa.

I can only see his figure. It's already dark inside since it's late at night. The lights were off and I assume that the people are already sleeping. I was surprised when he's still awake.

I chuckled. "At Lou's house."

He slowly walked to towards me. Inangat ko ang paningin sa kanya. I could now see his face but my vision is a bit blurry.

I guess the alcohol kicked in.

"You look wasted. Did you drink?" he said in a low voice

I let out a long sigh. "None of your business."

I was about to walk right pass him when he grabbed my arm. The next thing I knew, I felt a hard slap on my face.

"Kapag tinatanong ka, sumagot ka ng maayos. Huwag kang bastos!" he fired back

I swallowed hard. Hindi ko siya tinignan. My cheeks felt swollen. I want to touch it but I endured the pain. I acted like it didn't hurt at all.

Hindi nagtagal ay binitawan niya din ang braso ko. Nanatili akong nakatayo sa harap niya hanggang sa narinig ko nalang ang yapak niya papalayo.

I slowly lifted my arm and held my swollen cheek

That slap made me sober. It slapped me back to reality.

To my miserable reality.