Raffy's POV
I hadn't seen James in what felt like forever, not until recently when I finally got a break from my packed schedule. After a quick vacation in Hong Kong, I was thrown back into a whirlwind of commitments and responsibilities. The grind started with preparing for the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT), a ticket to my college journey. Now, I'm deep into my second year, all part of a grand plan to contribute to our family business sooner rather than later. Money and connections seem to guide my path, directing me toward a future that's been laid out for me.
But amid the chaos of deadlines and expectations, James's upcoming eighteenth birthday stood out like a beacon of anticipation. We share the same birthdate, just a few months apart – he's in December, and I'm in October. The thought of reuniting with my dear friend filled me with excitement. James has been on my mind constantly; he's even shown up in my dreams. The idea of seeing him again, of giving him a hug, made my heart race.
As I inched closer to Tandang Sora, traffic slowed me down. The driver, assigned by my father, struggled to navigate through Manila's bustling streets. It was annoying, to say the least. I wished I could have taken the wheel myself, but my father thinks I'm not ready for that. Frustration aside, I was getting closer to my destination.
M.Aquino Street came into view, a road that leads to our old place. I asked the driver to stop at a corner, away from prying eyes, where the Tandang Sora shrine served as a point of reference for my waiting driver.
Stepping out of the car, I spotted James with another guy. My attention was momentarily divided – the new guy looked sharp, dressed well, tall, and composed. But it was James who held my gaze. He looked amazing, almost as if he belonged to a different world than the one I last saw him in. His smile lit up his face, and he seemed to glow against his tanned complexion. My heart raced as I took in how good he looked. I couldn't help but stare; his smiles were captivating, like they held some kind of magic.
Drawing nearer, a wave of happiness washed over me, and I couldn't help but call out his name. But then something unexpected happened – James shared a quick kiss with the other guy. It caught me off guard, a mix of surprise and maybe a hint of annoyance. I chose to push those feelings aside, not wanting to disrupt his day.
Closing the gap between us, I repeated his name, hoping for a reaction. He turned to look at me, and our eyes met. It was a moment filled with unspoken thoughts. I couldn't quite decipher his expression – was he happy to see me, or was there something else?
As we finally faced each other, a rush of emotions flooded over me. Memories, hopes, and a sense of connection swirled together. It was a moment that held the promise of understanding, a chance to reconnect despite the time that had passed.
James greeted me as if I was just someone he knew, "Hey there. It's good you dropped by. Oh, by the way, this is Glenn, my boyfriend."
"Hi!" Glenn, the guy he introduced me as his boyfriend.
"Ah! Um, hello. And, uh, happy birthday, James." I said, my thoughts slowing down as I processed what I just learned. It takes a few moments to respond.
"Thanks. Come on, let's head to the house. Let's go, babe." James spoke while holding the guy's hand and walked.
I smiled at the two and followed their lead. Awkwardness settled over me in their presence – a blend of envy and puzzlement churning inside. It's like my mind couldn't quite grasp the mix of emotions. It's difficult to put a label on it – is it jealousy? Is this what I'm feeling?
I mentally scolded myself for engaging in an internal conversation. I could tell something has shifted with James, yet I can't quite pinpoint what it is. He's not the reserved guy I used to know. Now, he strides confidently with the guy he's holding hands with, like they own the world. Many people greeted me, inquiring about my well-being as if genuinely glad to see me. Yet, the two individuals right in front of me don't spare me a single glance, despite knowing I'm tagging along.
I'm torn between regretting my decision to come and the urge to let my emotions out. It's a pang of hurt witnessing how James is behaving – I expected a warmer reception. I'm beginning to feel a bit silly. Is he purposefully acting this way? Is he upset about my prolonged absence? Is he mad because I didn't immediately fulfill my promise to him?
"James," I thought introspectively. I didn't even realize that we had arrived at their house. They entered ahead, while I lagged, lost in thought as I grappled with the unfolding scenario.
"We're here, Mom. By the way, this is Glenn, my boyfriend," said James. His boyfriend Glenn smiled and waved.
I entered the house, finding it hard to believe what I had just heard. He introduced Glenn to his parents as his boyfriend. It was as if I was the nervous one, feeling his courage as he disclosed this to his mom, Martha, and his dad, Rene. But my expectations of their reaction were off – they didn't get angry. It's as if James having a boyfriend is completely normal for them.
James has truly undergone a massive transformation; he feels like a different person. It's as though we've been apart for a long
time because I'm clueless about everything going on with him now. I can't handle this feeling; sadness has taken over, accompanied by regret.
"By the way, you have a visitor. Maybe you missed him?" said James, with a tone as if I was a stranger to him.
Mom Martha turned to me; surprise evident on her face. "Oh yes, that's right! Raffy, come and have a seat. Lezel, Irene, and Raffy are here. Come and greet him and your brother's boyfriend too."
The siblings quickly emerged from their small room and greeted me simultaneously. Fortunately, I'm still welcome in James's family. It somewhat eased my sadness. Despite that, the two lovers carried on, engrossed in their conversation and ignoring my presence.
"Mom, Dad, can we go inside the room for a moment? I'm not feeling too well. Come on, babe," said James, excusing himself.
"Alright, why don't you all go in first? Maybe you should eat too. Your companion might be hungry, as well as Raffy," Dad reminded James.
"Oh, that reminds me, are you hungry, babe?" asked James.
"Ah, not really. I had something to eat at home before leaving," his boyfriend answered in a shy voice.
"Glenn says he's not hungry, Dad. You can go ahead and eat first; we'll just follow," said James. Then, they entered the room without even glancing at me.
James's anger became evident through his words. There was nothing I could do but understand him. It was my fault for taking so long to return. Yet, I hoped he would find even a bit of understanding for my situation. As they entered the room, I couldn't hold back my tears any longer, tears that I had been suppressing since earlier. I wanted to speak up and ask for forgiveness, but I didn't know how to put it into words. Mom Martha came over and sat beside me, patting my shoulder, trying to console me. But it felt like it wasn't enough to ease my heavy heart.