FIFTEEN
"I'm just saying..we're supposed to be grown ups already, Rosie. That's the whole point of graduating and all that. It's been a year. I would have thought you'd outgrown all that 'fun' stuff already."
"Growing up I understand, Suzy. I really truly do..it's just..the way I see it..growing up doesn't mean getting stuck doing the exact same thing all day everyday for the rest of your life. I know a lot of grown ups who still manage to have 'fun' every once in a while."
"We're having fun aren't we?"
"Suzy.."
Tumayo ang kausap ni Rosie. Hinawakan siya sa magkabilang balikat tapos hinalikan sa noo. "Let's not fight about this..what's wrong? Absolutely nothing.." Bumuntong-hininga. "Listen..there's a party sa office tomorrow. We should go. I can introduce you to everyone nadin tsaka that should count as our thing for the weekend right? Ayos na."
Umalis nadin si Suzy para magsimulang mag-prepare for bed. Bumuntong-hininga nalang si Rosie. Sumunod nadin.
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"No phones in bed, Rosie. We talked about this. It's 9PM." Saway ni Suzy.
Binaba ni Rosie ang cellphone sa nightstand. Di napigilang mag-comment. "You're on your phone right now."
"Yeah but this is last minute work stuff. What do you do on your phone other than play games?"
Tumalikod si Rosie kay Suzy. Nagtalukbong. Playing games is the only fun I get in this joint nowadays.
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"Yes well, I like to think my love is just a little bit not ready for corporate yet." Nakangiting comment ni Suzy.
Nasa company party sila. Kasalukuyang nakikipagkuwentuhan sa isang grupo ng mga 'executive' katulad ni Suzy.
Kumunot ang noo ni Rosie. "Uhh..I'm in Law school." Sabi niya.
Mahinang pinisil ni Suzy ang bewang niya kung saan ito nakakapit.
Tumawa ang isa nilang kausap. "Still a student." Sabi nito.
Tumango si Suzy. "Yup."
Lalong sumimangot si Rosie. Para kasing mali.
"Studying when you could be working already seems a bit like a delaying tactic. At least, my father tells me." Sabi naman ng isa pang kuya executive.
"Same thoughts." Pagsang-ayon ni Suzy. "But I can excuse Rosie on that one. Sometimes you just can't let go of university life."
"I suppose." Sabi ng naunang kuya.
Umiling si Rosie. "Not really. What if you just wanted to further improve yourself?"
Isa nanamang pindot galing kay Suzy. Nakasimangot na.
Ngumiti ang kuya na nagsabing delaying tactic lang ang lahat. Patronizing. Ngiting nakakainis. Ngiting mayabang. Ngiting 'I'm better than you.'
"Not really. You can improve yourself in corporate better than you can as a student." Sabi nito.
"With all due respect, corporate isn't the only job option either. I can try other industries if I really wanted to..I just wanted to be a Lawyer first." Sagot ni Rosie.
Tumawa ang lalaki. "Other job options?" Comment nito. "What else is better? Earnings palang eh. I don't suppose you're one of those people who think jobs like customer service are something to write home about?"
Sasagot na sana ulit si Rosie kaso sumingit si Suzy. Fake tawa style.
"Sorry about Rosie." Sabi ni Suzy sa mga kausap nila. "She's headstrong."
Natawa ang mga lalaki. "Keep that in check, Suzy." Sabi ng isa. "Going to get in trouble one of these days."
"I will I will." Sagot ni Suzy. Nakangiti. Humarap kay Rosie. "We should go get something to drink." Aya niya kay Rosie. "Excuse us for a bit." Sabi sa mga executive bago hilahin si Rosie.
Naglakad lang sila hanggang makarating sa isang corner na malayo-layo sa pinanggalingan.
"Rosie, what the hell was that?" Sabi ni Suzy nang magkaharap na sila.
"What? I had to say something. Those guys were talking like they're sooooo great or some shit just coz they work at an office." Sagot ni Rosie.
Napahawak sa bridge ng ilong niya si Suzy.
"I can't just let them talk down on me like that." Dugtong ni Rosie.
"Minsan hayaan mo nalang pag ganun." Sabi ni Suzy pagkatapos bumuntong-hininga. "Wala kang laban sa kanila kasi may point naman. No one here is going to take what you'll say seriously kasi nga student ka pa lang naman talaga."
Suminghap si Rosie. "Eh bakit mo pa ako sinama kung ganun pala?"
"I was hoping you'd let me do all the talking."
"All you did was agree to everything they were saying..kahit mej naba-badshot ako oo ka lang ng oo." Mahinang comment ni Rosie.
"Kasi nga may point naman sila."
Nilabas ni Rosie ang nasa isip niya like she always does. "You really think that huh?"
"You're a student still, Rosie. Law school or nah. At this stage..you're kind of nothing without experience. Especially at this kind of environment."
"Wow."
Tumango si Suzy. Ngumiti. "Don't worry about it..balik nalang tayo sa loob..I think I can still save it. Just let me do all the talking from now on yeah?"
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"There's an exhibit this weekend sa Planetarium. Can we go?" Aya ni Rosie kay Suzy. "Should be cool right? Can learn stuff along the way pati."
Hininaan ni Suzy ang volume ng TV. "Why?" Tanong niya.
"I just thought it would be something cool to do as a date of sorts. I can buy the tickets and all just tell me yes."
"Rosie..that's.."
"Hmm?"
"That's kid stuff."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is. Kindergarteners go there to learn about stuff they don't know. Alam na natin yang planets shit na yan eh. Waste of money if you ask me."
"There's always something new to learn."
"Not with this one." Sagot ni Suzy. Binalik sa original volume ang palabas.
"Well..okay..naisip ko lang lumabas sana for a change." Bulong ni Rosie. Umupo sa tabi ng girlfriend niya.
"Google can tell you all that. Or Wikipedia."
"Hmm."
"Kung gusto mo lumabas we can just have dinner sa usual. Walk around the mall for a bit. Shop."
"Not really my thing, shopping. What's there to get that I don't already have?"
"I'm sure you'll find one."
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"I don't want to be that person but..why..do you sort your side of the closet like that?" Tanong ni Suzy kay Rosie.
"Because that's how I always do it?" Sagot ni Rosie.
"It bothers me..also, ang colorful ng stuff mo."
"So?"
"Wala lang. I would think you'd be over all the colors..you have too much Pink."
"What's wrong with Pink?"
"Wala naman. Just..kinda immature."
"Since when did color ahdhdgajak?!"
"Just saying. Try and go for more neutral stuff yeah? Better option."
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Bumangon si Rosie sa kama. Wala na si Suzy. Maaga nanamang pumasok sa trabaho kung papakinggan ang iniwan na note.
Kinapa niya ang salamin niya sa nightstand. Naalala ang usapan nila ng girlfriend nung gabi bago matulog.
"Get Lasik surgery." Sabi ni Suzy.
"For what?" Tanong ni Rosie.
"For your eyes?"
"I'm alright. Expensive mag pa surgery kesa glasses. Sanay nadin."
"Specs make you look like a kid."
"Cool then. Takes years away from the actual age."
"Hmm."
"What's up?"
"Wala lang."
"Talk to me."
"One guy sa office made a joke about me dating a nerd. Doesn't sit right."
"But..I am a nerd."
"Don't let anyone hear you say that."
Binuksan niya ang google sa cellphone. Tamang search ng pros and cons ng laser surgery. Can't be a nerd according to the jowa. Ayos na din lang. Maganda naman ang kahihinatnan.
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Umuwi siya sa isang romantic dinner set-up.
Nangiti pa siya bilang buong akala niya kasi ay nalimutan ni Suzy na anniversary pala nila ng araw na yun. Nag-message naman siya ng greeting. Tumawag din nung umaga para bumati pero binabaan bilang nasa meeting daw. Oks na. Gets naman niya.
May bawi naman. Katwiran niya sa utak.
"Suzy?" Tawag niya sa condo. "Babe?"
May lumabas mula sa banyo. Susugurin na sana niya ng yakap kaso si Jisoo.
"Eh?" Sabi niya.
Lumingon si Jisoo. "Oi! Andito ka na pala! Guest of honor. Upo ka dali." Aya ni Jisoo. Humugot ng isang upuan sa dining table tapos nag jazz hands sabay sindi ng kandila gamit ang lighter na nahirapan pang dukutin mula sa bulsa ng skinny skinny jeans.
Umupo si Rosie. Taka padin. Nagtanong na. "Bakit ka nandito?"
"Proxy ako ng pinsan ko. Kasi daw eh di siya makakauwi dahil may malalang project keme keme sa office nila na hindi ko inintindi kung ano at para saan. Free food? I'm down. Kahit ako yung nagluto." Sagot ni Jisoo. Saglit na napaisip. "Parang lugi ako dun ah..kasi ako din bumili ng ingredients..pero meh. Keri na. Ang instruction sakin eh i-date daw kita."
Kumurap si Rosie sa kausap na nakangiti padin sa kanya. "Ikaw..ang date ko." Sabi niya.
"Yep." Sagot ni Jisoo. "Wag kang mahulog ha! Ako lang to. Dabest sa luto ng Kimchi Fried Rice."
"Kimchi..Fried..Rice.."
"Wag kang judgy oi! Top class samgyupsal ingredients niyan galing Puregold! Tara na at chumibog, Roseanne! Gutom na ako eh. Tagal mo umuwi galing school, full load ka ba? Sampalin mo nalang prof mo para mabawasan classes for the day."
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"Sigurado kang oks ka na iwan mag-isa?" Tanong ni Jisoo kay Rosie. Nagsusuot na ng sapatos sa foyer ng condo.
"Ayos na ako, Chu." Sagot ni Rosie. "Mukhang atat ka na din eh."
"Actually. Kung wala akong nakasabit na nilalarong PC game eh magtatagal pa ako..Kaso kati na akong ma-100% yung Final Fantasy VIII ulit eh."
Natawa nalang si Rosie. Pwede nadin kasi. Bagong kausap, bagong usapan na hindi tungkol sa corporate kineme na hindi naman niya kahit kelan maiintindihan. Pwede na. "Sige na, Jichu. Salamat sa pag-proxy para kay Suzy. You didn't have to."
Ngumiti si Jisoo. Tumayo na ng diretso tapos tinignan sa mata si Rosie. Malalim. "Lam mo?" Sabi niya. "Kung may gusto kang sabihin or kung may gusto kang kausapin na hindi yung pinsan ko..eh game naman ako. I imagine..may something eh..di ka lang nagsasalita.."
"Wala naman." Sabi ni Rosie.
"Meron eh..Kasi..kahit sino naman..kahit ako na walang interes sa pagjo-jowa..eh alam na mej dick move yung magpadala ng proxy para i-date yung girlfriend mo sa anniversary niyo."
"Ayos lang yun. Busy yung pinsan mo. Adulting amirite? Pero ano masasabi ko tungkol dun eh di naman ako relate coz student."
"Hmm."
"Sige na, Chu. Balik ka na sa Final Fantasy mo. Ayos lang ako pramis."
"Sigurado ka ha?"
Tumango-tango si Rosie. "Yep. Sure na sure."
"Oks..goodnight, Roseanne. Sleep tight..sana wag mo akong mapanaginipan."
"Lul. Baka ikaw."
Kumindat si Jisoo. "Wag kang ganyan magsalita ng tapos. I've a feeling na sa ibang universe eh ako yumayanig sa mundo mo."
"Tangina mo umuwi ka na hayop. Ganda na ng gabi sinira mo pa eh!"
Dumukot si Jisoo sa bulsa. Nilabas ang kaha ng yosi tapos kumuha ng isa na inipit sa likod ng kaliwang tenga. Kumaway. "Paalam, Roseanne." Humawak sa dibdib. "Masakit mang iwan ka eh--"
Sinarhan ni Rosie ng pinto sa mukha si Jisoo. Tumatawa na kasi siya. Di dapat makita dahil di titigil sa pangungulit tapos maninisi na siya yung may kasalanan pag na-late ng uwi. Kilala na niya ang tropa.
Umiling nalang siya tapos umupo sa sofa. Binuksan ang TV. Napag-pasyahan na intayin na din si Suzy para kahit paano ay magkita naman sila sa anniversary nila.
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Di sila nagpang-abot. Dalawang araw kasi na di umuwi si Suzy.
Tinanong niya kung bakit. Nakitulog na lang daw sa break room ng office. Malala ang 'project' all hands on deck, wala sa kanilang nakauwi, ayos na may pagkain naman daw.
Hinayaan nalang niya. Humingi naman ng pasensya. Pinaliwanag na kailangan gawin para may ipakitang pinatutunguhan ang pagsasarili. Nag-suggest na humanap siya ng part time para naman kahit paano eh makapag-ipon na siya ng ipanglalaban sa 'real world.'
Kibit-balikat. Nagsimula siyang mag google ng options kinabukasan pagkatapos ang usapan.
Para nga naman dalawa na silang may ambag sa buhay magkasama sa bahay.
Kahit kuryente nga naman. Siya naman ang pinakamadalas gumamit bilang mas madalas siya sa bahay dahil may pasok araw-araw at madalas overtime si Suzy.
In charge nadin sa luto, in charge sa laba (tnx for the lessons on 'how,' ate Irene), tagalinis ng buong condo, tagadilig ng mga halaman, (namulaklak na yung isang cactus ni Suzy.) taga-check ng mailbox.
Di niya alam paano aayusin sa schedule ng chores kasama ng classes kung sakaling makahanap ng trabaho pero pwede na. Gagawan nalang niya ng paraan.
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"Anniversary dinner nila Moms tonight." Sabi ni Rosie kay Suzy.
Rare Sunday. Pareho silang nasa bahay. Walang rest day overtime si Suzy, tapos na lahat ng homework ni Rosie.
Nakatambay silang dalawa sa sofa. Nagcha-channel surf si Rosie, may binabasang papeles si Suzy.
"Pick a channel and stick with it, Rosie. Your switching gives me a headache." Comment ni Suzy.
Pinatay nalang ni Rosie ang TV. Wala namang magandang palabas. Kinalabit niya si Suzy. "Hey." Tawag niya.
Binaba ni Suzy ang hawak na ballpen. "Yes?" Tanong nito.
"Anniversary dinner kako nila Moms mamayang gabi." Ulit ni Rosie.
"Do we have to go?" Tanong ni Suzy.
"I go every year.."
"Anong oras?"
"Seven daw. At this one Korean restaurant na natagpuan nila ate Seulrene sa Makati."
"Ayos naman ba yung restaurant? You know how we are with new places.."
"Well yeah..I assume it is. Di naman magre-recommend sila ate without it being proven good."
"Hmm. Sige. We go..pero ayos lang ba na uwi din tayo agad? I've got these contracts to peruse."
"Uhhh..those usually last until late."
"Tsk..Rosie.."
"Ayos lang yan. Family thing naman."
"Tapos ka na kasi sa lahat ng requirements mo and you get to start late tomorrow kaya you can say that. Di tayo pareho ng workload remember?" Sabi ni Suzy. "Hmm..sige. I'll just toss in overtime nalang bukas for these then." Tumayo tapos hinalikan sa noo si Rosie. "Una na ako sa banyo. Matagal ka eh. I can use the time you're prepping to try and finish at least half of the papers." Umalis nadin.
Counted na as victory ni Rosie ang nangyari. Nag fist pump. Minsan lang mapapayag na lumiko sa routine si Suzy. Pwede na.
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"Good evening." Nakangiting bati ni Suzy sa mga naabutan nila sa table ng restaurant.
Kumaway ang mga magulang ni Rosie. Kumaway sila ate Seulrene, binelatan ni Yeri si Suzy.
Good one, Yerms. Isip ni Rosie.
Umupo sila sa seats across sa parents ni Rosie. Kumuha ng menu si Suzy.
"Do they have salad options?" Tanong ni Suzy.
"This is a Korean restaurant." Deadpan na comment ni ate Seulgi. "Gusto mo ng salad? Umorder ka ng Kimchi."
Bumungisngis si ate Irene. Tinago sa pamamagitan ng super obvious na ubo.
Di sila pinansin ni Suzy. Tuloy lang sa usap kay Rosie. "You liked that avocado salad thing na last natin inorder sa usual eh."
"Since when did Pasta like avocados?" Tanong ni Mommy Tiffany. "Used to barf at the sight of those when she was a baby. I imagine hanggang ngayon."
"Called me the other day just to rant about how she hated them." Sabi ni Mommy Taeyeon. "Wala ka bang ibang kausap? Bakit hindi si Suzy yung binulabog mo? Kala yata di ko alam lahat ng pinagsasabi niya. Anak kita remember?"
"Well.." Sabi ni Suzy. "I've managed to sway her. Staple na yung salad na yun every dinner namin since we discovered it." Kwento niya.
Tumingin si ate Irene kay Rosie na umiling lang sa kanya ng pasimple. Wag mo nang itanong.
"Hmmm." Sabi ni ate Irene.
Tumuro si Yeri kay Rosie. "No pink?" Tanong nito.
Nilingon ni Rosie ang bata. Nginitian. "Sorry, Yerms..I-"
"Mentioned how neutral options are best." Sagot ni Suzy para kay Rosie. "Para naman mag mature ng slight kahit style right?"
Sumimangot si Yeri. "I like Pink..fun guessing what Pink you're wearing this time." Sabi niya sa tita niya.
"Nawalan na ba ng dila yung baby ko?" Tanong ni Mommy Tiffany. Pabiro pero obvious sa mga nakakakilala na mej pikon sa nakita. "Let her talk."
Pasimpleng hinawakan ni Mommy Taeyeon sa kamay si Mommy Tiffany para pakalmahin. "Order na tayo." Sabi nalang niya.
Nag-ehem si ate Seulgi. "Yeh. Tama. Uhh..order nalang tayo. Uhh..Yerms..tita Rosie just isn't feeling Pink today yeah? Let it go." Saway sa anak.
"Booooo." Sabi ni Yeri. "Who doesn't feel Pink?"
"Grown-ups." Biro ni Suzy.
"You saying I'm not a grown up?" Banat ng naka all pink ensemble na si Mommy Tiffany.
"Oraaaaayt!" Sabi ni Mommy Taeyeon. "Paki-sindihan na po yung grill sa harap namin parang-awa!" Sigaw niya sa dumadaan na waiter. Tinapik na sa balikat ang asawa.
Tumango si ate Irene. "GG paramihan makaubos ng samgyup, Pasta?" Aya niya kay Rosie.
"Gotta have vegetables, Rosie." Saway ni Suzy. "Diet tayo pareho remember?"
"What's wrong witchu?" Tanong ni Yeri kay Suzy.
Mabilis na tinakpan ni ate Seulgi ang bibig ni Yeri. Binuhat mula sa upuan tapos fake tawa na inalog ang anak at nagpaalam. "Labas muna kami. Hehe..Hyper nanaman si Yerim..Sorz." Humalik sa noo ni ate Irene bago umalis.
"Pasta." Sabi ni ate Irene pagkatapos panuorin hanggang mawala sa paningin ang mag-ina niya. "We're going for it. Fuck diet plans. Cheat night."
"Uhh.." Sabi ni Suzy. "No cheat nights..magsusunod-sunod and then the goal would be pointless."
"Wala kang opinion." Sagot ni ate Irene. Pikon nadin ng slight kung pagbabasehan ang twitch ng kilay. "This is a sibling thing at a family dinner. You're a guest."
Nagtaas ng dalawang kamay si Suzy. Tumawa. "Well alright. Don't attack me. I was just trying to at least make Rosie's health better for the long run."
"Hmmm." Inabutan ni ate Irene ng chopsticks ang nakangiti na na si Rosie. "Go nuts." Utos nito.
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May nag-ring na cellphone sa gitna ng kwentuhan. Tumayo si Suzy. "Sorry..work. Gotta take this. Excuse me lang." Bago umalis.
Nagtinginan ang lahat sa naiwan na si Rosie. Pati si Yerim na nasa gitna ng pagdede.
"What?" Tanong ni Rosie.
"What the hell was that?" Tanong ni Mommy Tiffany.
"What?"
"All that." Sabi ni Mommy Taeyeon.
"Alin?"
"Nawalan ka ng spark dun." Sabi ni ate Seulgi.
"Parang sumasakay ka na lang eh." Sabi ni ate Irene.
"No Pink." Opinion ni Yeri. "Boooo." Balik sa pag-inom ng gatas.
"That's normal, guys." Sabi ni Rosie.
"Since when did not having any say on things become normal?" Tanong ni Mommy Taeyeon.
"I have opinions, Mom. I just got used to not saying them out loud."
"What in the world." Sabi ni Mommy Tiffany.
"Suzy hates it when we go against the routine. Ayos na yun. I'm used to it."
"That's not how.." Sabi ni ate Seulgi. Sumubo ng samgyupsal, ngumuya. "Pag ginawa ko kay Irene yung ginagawa sayo ni Suzy eh sisindihan ako ng asawa ko!"
"Talaga." Sagot ni ate Irene. "Pag na-deads ka eh huhukayin pa kita para lang magawa ulit yung pagsindi. Lagyan kita ng fireworks sa buhok."
"Rosie.." Sabi ni Mommy Tiffany. "Ates are right..nawalan ka ng spark. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, guys." Sagot ni Rosie.
"Masaya ka pa ba?" Tanong ni Mommy Taeyeon. "Kasi you don't look like it."
"That's the grown up look, Mom."
"Ayos nga naman palang puro tayo mga children dito kasi di tayo kasing haggard ni Pathta." Sabi ni ate Irene. "Ka-age ka na namin, Yerms. Aren't you happy?"
Shinoot ni Yeri ang bote ng gatas na walang laman sa pouch na nakasabit sa stroller niyang naka-park sa tabi ng table. Ngumiti. "Yay!"
"What are we celebrating?" Tanong ng bagong dating na si Suzy.
"Our anniversary." Deadpan na sagot ni Mommy Tiffany.
"Ahhh. Congrats!"
"Dear god." Sabi ni Mommy Taeyeon.
"Ansabe sa tawag?" Tanong ni Rosie kay Suzy.
Nginitian siya ng girlfriend. Pag kumurap siya ng mabilis at nag-imagine hard enough eh makikita niya yung ngiti nung una silang nagkakilala nung college.
"Glad to see you're interested now." Sabi ni Suzy.
Kibi-balikat si Rosie. "Saks na lang." Sabi niya.
Naubos ang ilang minuto na kanya-kanyang tango ang lahat ng nasa table para kunyari eh gets nila ang kwento ng girlfriend niya. Alam na ni Rosie ang galawan na yun. Ganun naman parati ang reax ng lahat ng nakakarinig. Kahit kapag lumalabas sila para sa bi-monthly inuman. Tinulugan pa nga ni Lisa nung minsan, tinaktakan ng upos ng yosi ni Jisoo sa tuktok ng ulo the other time, binara ni Jennie nung huling inuman.
Nagtaas ng kamay si Mommy Taeyeon. Sumenyas ng bill out sa nakakitang waiter.
Tumango si Suzy. "Was just about to ask when." Sabi nito. "I've got a bunch of stuff to sort out pagkauwi sa bahay eh. Contracts and all that. Been working twice as hard kasi single income lang household namin eh." Biro nito.
Ngumiwi si Rosie. Nagdilim ang mata ni ate Irene. Mabilis itong nahawi ni ate Seulgi. Tamang yakap tapos tapik sa tuktok ng ulo with matching "Shhhh antok na ang baeby! Yieeee tulog naaaa! Buhatin ko nalang kayo ni Yerms papunta sa kotse."
Tinulak ni ate Irene palayo si ate Seulgi with matching "putangina mo. Pantanga yung trip."
"Can't imagine being like that with Rosie. Isn't respect one of the pillars of a stable relationship?" Comment ni Suzy sa nakita.
"Why do you not stop?" Tanong ni Yeri kay Suzy.
"We literally have a child together." Deadpan na sabi ni ate Irene kay Suzy.
Tumayo si Rosie pagkatapos tumingin sa relo niya. Kunyari nalang para maligtas ang girlfriend sa nakikita niyang pagsabog na namumuo sa mata ng Mommy Tiffany niya. Hinila niya si Suzy. "I literally JUST remembered a paper on CORPORATE law that I forgot to work on. Suzy you can help me out since it's CORPORATE. Sorry parentals, sorry ates, sorry Yerms..We gotta go." Hinatak na si Suzy paalis.
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Dalawang linggo ang lumipas mula nung dinner nila kasama ang parentals ni Rosie.
Namimili siya ng damit na nakapatong sa kama. Tamang hanap ng pupwedeng isuot para sa na-score na job interview kahit part time.
Pumasok sa kwarto si Suzy. Poker face.
"Hey babe!" Masayang bati ni Rosie. "Help me pick out what to wear? I've scored a job interview."
Umupo sa edge ng kama si Suzy. Bumuntong-hininga. "We should break up."
"Eh?" Nabitawan ni Rosie ang hawak na hanger. "Ano kamo?"
"We should break up."
"Wh--Bakit?"
"I got an email from the office."
"Okay?"
"I'm up for a promotion."
"NICE! We should celebrate! Sa usual. We can go for the full course steak meal and the salad!"
Umiling si Suzy. "No, Rosie..it's uhh..it's okay. We don't have to celebrate."
"Achievement yun! Gotta mark it!"
"No..di kailangan. It's not an achievement. It's a stepping stone." Humawak sa noo si Suzy. "We should..let's..let's break up."
Umupo nalang din si Rosie sa kama. Di niya gets. Kaya nagtanong siya like she does. "Why?"
"Kasi nga I'm up for a promotion."
"What's that got to do with it?"
"I'm taking that job."
"Okay? We don't have to break up."
"Yes." Sagot ni Suzy. "Yes we do."
"At least tell me a decent reason." Sabi ni Rosie. "This came out of nowhere, I thought we're okay? Perfect..well-oiled..routines.."
"No, Rosie..I..mauubusan ako ng oras lalo sa relationship natin once I formally accept that post."
"We can always find a way still.."
"No..it's not worth it..at this point..di nadin tayo compatible eh."
"What does that even mean?"
"It means..that we.." Tinuro ni Suzy ang sarili. Tinuro si Rosie. "Don't fit together anymore..I'm focused on going up that ladder, Rosie..you're stuck on being a kid still. With your Pink and all your dumb games for everything..tsaka your scatterbrained ideas..I can't have that..it's gonna hold me back."
Suminghap si Rosie. Di napigilan ang singhot at tulo ng luha. "You could have said that nicer." Sabi niya. "I'm trying, Suzy. Sinusubukan ko naman sumabay..I was literally telling you just earlier that I landed a job interview. Part time..but still a job right?"
"On where, Rosie?" Sabi ni Suzy.
Tumingin sa floor si Rosie. "There's this start-up.."
"That's..does that even count!? Start-up..at least find a part time somewhere more established."
"Why are you like this?! This isn't you!"
"I'm far from me when you met me, Rosie! I grew up! Ikaw nalang ang hindi and still stuck in college! That's TWO years ago! Grow up!"
"Holyshit."
"I..listen..I'm sorry. Pero this isn't gonna work anymore..let's..let's just break up. Quietly..with zero fuss."
"Break-ups tend to have a lot of fuss."
"Curb the sarcasm. I get it. Oo na. Ako na yung mali."
"No no..di ka mali..I just think..we can still work this out. That's two years Suzy, are we really gonna just toss that out? It's not like we're unhappy..we have great times."
"The greats do not outweigh all the other not great things we have to deal with. It's final, Rosie..I won't change my mind..My career has to come first. Future ko yun."
"You're..going for a work promotion..and breaking up with me while you're at it."
"Yes. I'd prefer going at it alone. Kasi with you..I'll have more unnecessary stuff to worry about."
"You don't mean that.."
"I don't mean..how harsh that sounded. I'm sorry..but the idea still stands."
"Please tell me this is a prank. I'll laugh it off, don't worry. Oks lang. Go, Suzy. Hahaha..issa prank..right?"
"You know what I think about pranks..why..would I do one?"
"Pranks are inane and childish..yeah..I get it.."
"I'll have Jisoo drop by bukas to help you move out..I'll be at work so I won't disturb you."
"There has to be something else..please, Suzy..di pwedeng yun lang yun..there's something else.."
"Wala na, Rosie. Wala nang reasons..wala na ding tayo."
"We're you somehow bothered about my family's comments nung dinner? I can tell them off..I already did..pero I can do worse." Offer ni Rosie. Umiiyak na. Di na niya alam kung kelang part ng usapan nagsimula pero di bale nang ugly cry. Justified naman.
Inabutan siya ng panyo ni Suzy na dinukot sa bulsa. "I'm not bothered about what your family said. At the end of the day..alam ko naman na maayos intentions ko. It's just..mahirap yung pinipilit and that's what we're doing. Like I said..Di na tayo match. I'm growing and you're stuck. I can't be dragging you up kung ayaw mong sumama."
"I..don't you see I'm trying?"
"Not fast enough. Di ka aabot..better to quit the race while you can."
"Di naman instant yun."
"Hmmm."
"Suzy.."
Umiling ang tinawag ni Rosie. Tumayo. Naglakad papunta sa pintuan ng kwarto. "I'm sleeping sa sofa. Jisoo should be here around 1 in the afternoon..I suppose you'd be awake by then? I'm sorry, Rosie.." Bago lumabas.
Naiwan si Rosie na nakatitig sa mga damit na nakalatag sa bed. Welp..looks like I don't need these anymore.
Tahimik niyang niligpit. Di na sa closet. Diretso na sa maleta na hinila niya mula sa ilalim ng kama.
------------------------------------------------------------
Nagising siya sa sigawan na nagmumula sa bandang living room.
"Putangina mo rin eh noh?! Anong trip mo?!" Boses ni Jisoo.
"Mga tulad mong sige-sige lang sa buhay eh di magegets reasoning ko!" Sagot ng boses ng girlf-ex niya.
"Lakas ng loob magsabi ng ako yung sige-sige sa buhay amputa! Nakapagtrabaho ka lang sa kumpanya ng tatay mo kala mo na kung sino ka na!"
"Shut the fuck up, Soo. Dad's company is what it is kasi he worked hard to grow it. Why wouldn't I be proud working there?!"
"Your Dad HAS a company to grow because my Dad GAVE him the money for it. Wag kang mayabang, Suzy. Dugo tayo. I can remind you of this mistake everyday for the rest of your life!"
"That's old news, Jichu. Di na ako papabully sayo..I'm higher up now. And I keep fucking climbing. This isn't a mistake career wise!"
"Have fun growing old with your career then!" Banat ni Jisoo. "Tangina neto. You had the BEST person..the BEST person..na GG lang baguhin buong pagkatao niya para ma-accomodate yung trip mo sa buhay..na ayos lang na pangalawa siya sa career na mahal na mahal mo..tapos tatapon mo ng ganun ganun lang..real mature. Have fun with the regrets."
"That isn't gonna change my mind."
"I wasn't trying to make you change your mind, dumbfuck! I was just telling you what's gonna happen kahit di mo deserve malaman. Tanginang to. Walang nagbigay sayo ng karapatan na saktan ng ganun kaibigan ko."
"What makes you think she's hurt even?"
"Putangina mehn. Ewan ko sayo. Labo mo kausap, sana masarap yung feeling ng nilamon ng 'career.' Lul. Pakyu."
Nadinig ni Rosie na may naglalakad papunta sa bedroom. Mabilis siyang pumikit. Nagtulugtulugan sakto pagkabukas ng pintuan.
"Psst. Roseanne." Tawag ni Jisoo. Sakto sa padabog na pagbukas-sara ng front door. Umalis na siguro yung ex niya.
Di nag-react si Rosie. Naramdaman niyang umupo sa gilid ng kama si Jisoo at bumuntong-hininga. "Alam kong gising ka." Sabi ni Jisoo. "Pero sige oks lang. Wag ka na muna magsalita. Gets ko. Ligpit ko na gamit mo ha? I assume sayo yung mga may kulay at hindi boring..isipin nalang natin..eh ayos na tong ganito..kesa lalo ka pang masakal ni Suzy kasi feeling ko lalala pa yung pagiging ewan nun eh..pasensya na..kasalanan ko..kung alam ko lang talaga..sana di ko na sinama nung gabing yun.."
Tumayo nadin. Narinig niyang nagsimulang magkaluskos sa paligid, bukas-sara ng drawers, closet, pinto ng banyo. Nadinig niya ang bukas ng ilang zipper ng ilang bag, tunog ng paglagay ng masking tape pang reinforce ng mga kahon, tambak ng gamit. Suminghot si Rosie.
"Tulog mo nalang yan, Roseanne. Tapos na ako dito pag-gising mo. Tatawagan ko na din si Wendy para balitaan." Sabi ni Jisoo.
Dumilat si Rosie. Seungwan. Isip niya. Would be so disappointed in me. Grabe pa naman pag-ship nun samin ni Suzy..Moms..would be disappointed..ate Seulrene would be disappointed. tsk. Yan tayo, Rosie eh..can't even do your ONE relationship right.
Napagdesisyunan na wag nang i-kwento ng buo kahit kanino ang ganap. Humarap siya sa naglalakad sa paligid na si Jisoo. Nag-ehem. "Jichu." Tawag niya.
"Oh?"
"Wag mo na ikwento kay Wendy lahat pag tumawag ka." Request ni Rosie.
"Eh? Bakit?"
"Madi-disappoint yun. Can't have that. Ako na bahala..uh..kahit sa family ko..ako na bahala."
"Sure ka?"
"Yeah..sure."