We saw each other again last night after more than 2 months. He was with the new girl.
I didn't know that he was coming coz he isn't active in the group anymore. He's no longer hanging out with our barkada so I was surprised when I saw a familiar face near the stage when I walked into the bar.
GB told me,
"Nandito si N ha, di ko na sinabi sayo kase baka di ka pumunta.."
When I learned about his presence and when everything sank in, I joined the comics in the VIP room. I was touched when
Ryan asked me to sit beside him. He gave me a hug and said,
"Akong bahala sayo sister, di kita papabayaan." (he really knew what's playing in my head). I smoked a stick, trying to keep my composure. Fortunately, I did. I was fine. Until
Amae decided to join the rest of the audience.
Being the bitch that she is, Amae sat at a table right in front of the stage. While he and the rest of his doctor friends (including the girl) were seated at our favorite/regular spot. It was just a few feet away from us so I had a clear view of them.
When it was time for him to perform, I started chatting with my friend. Haha! Oooops, I used to do that even when we were still together coz he isn't funny at all. Hahaha! No bitterness whatsoever, he even asked me before why it seems that I never listened to his set. :lol: He was performing right in front of me. Like I was just more than a meter away from him while he was doing his set. Awkward, isn't it? Swear, I didn't know whether to laugh at his jokes or just listen passively.
By the time the show ended, he was already wandering and greeted his/our friends including Amae who just celebrated her birthday. He greeted her a Happy Birthday.. but you know what's even more surprising? He also greeted me an advanced Happy Birthday. I thanked him, of course. He sat beside me and started a conversation. He asked about my family, if my sister already gave birth, the upcoming wedding of my brother, my nephews, my colleagues, if I am still connected with this company, etc etc. We were laughing and smiling while talking to each other while the other girl was sitting at a nearby table and talking to another friend of them. In all honesty, all the laughter and smile I threw when we were chatting were genuine. But at some point, something pinched my heart coz he never knew how much my family and friends adore him. Yeah, I was devastated by the break up but it was them who felt the disappointment more than I did.
When I stood up to go to the restroom, he went back to his table with the girl. When I got back from the restroom, I went straight to talk to my other friends, including one of the bar owners. I saw in my peripheral vision that the girl was coming my way, they were about to leave (my friend and I were standing near the stairs/exit). She passed by me. But I didn't get to see her face clearly, I didn't feel like looking at her. She left the bar.
Dr. Doom walked toward me, said his goodbye, hugged me and gave me a peck on the cheek. I smiled and said
"ingat"
Most of the people there are our friends, even the bar owners and the staff. So being the bully that they are, they kept on teasing me. But it didn't hurt like it was before. I just laughed and shrugged it off.
But when people left. I went to the restroom to fix myself. On my way there I saw GB. He hugged me. I hugged him back. Then I cried. I was kinda emotional coz I know how much my friends love me that they're always there to cheer me up. To brighten up my day. To ease the pain. I thanked him coz they probably don't know how grateful I am for having friends like them. They always make things bearable for me.
It was the first time that I saw my past love and his new love together in flesh. I'm happy coz I survived it with genuine smile on my face.
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PS: Pang-asar tong iPod ko, tama bang nakashuffle at tumugtog ang "One Last Cry"??? Hahaha! :lol:
But I feel like the more appropriate song for him is this:
And I'll remember the strength that you gave me
Now that I'm standing on my own
I'll remember the way that you saved me
And I'll remember the love that you gave me
Now that I'm standing on my own
I'll remember the way that you changed me