So there they were, chatting away with Auntie.
I felt nothing. It was like my brain was a blank canvas. Even trying to daydream about Jennifer didn't work.
"Hey, is that your girlfriend?" my cousin asked, all curious-like.
"Huh? No way!" I shot back, annoyed.
"That's our cousin. That's your big sis Jennifer," I introduced her, no hesitation.
Jennifer and I stayed apart all day. She was in the kitchen with Auntie. Auntie handed me some cash for my fare home and told me to go. I didn't argue. I didn't even say goodbye to Jennifer or look back at her. I felt like a lost soul.
...
Back to reality.
As I turned the gate lock, I heard footsteps from the kitchen. The door opened, and it was Dadoy.
"Bro, why'd you leave me hanging?" We clapped our hands together in greeting.
"I took Kate home. Got caught up in conversation."
"Come on, bro!" I locked the gate and followed him inside. Dadoy locked the door. We headed straight to the dirty kitchen.
"Looks like you and my brother had quite a bit to drink, huh?" I greeted my bro too.
I sat down quietly. We were in the dirty kitchen. Dadoy, always the hyper one, broke the silence.
"You took Kate home? Damn, is she your girlfriend now? Is that why you kept her away from us?" We all laughed.
"Yeah, we just started, bro," I said softly. Then I looked at my bro, who rarely talked to me.
"Bro," I got his attention, "It's true we got close when she came to Bulacan. We hit it off. I couldn't help but like her. She's pretty, cute... I didn't mean to, bro, I didn't know she was your prospect." He looked at me at my last words.
"If you want her, just say so, bro. I'll back off. I'll split up with her," I added. But deep down, I knew I couldn't do that.
"Why are you guys so distant?" Dadoy asked.
"I was in Pangasinan for a long time, bro. From 1st year to 2nd year. You know, transfer and all."
"That's why I didn't see you in 1st and 2nd year. I met your bro at the J.S Prom. We took down a troublemaker. Remember that, bro?" Dadoy reminisced.
"Oh... Doy, that girl with you? I tried to court her but didn't continue. My mind was a mess. I couldn't handle a girlfriend. I left someone in Pangasinan, no closure. But I got close to Weng, your girl. She complained to me about some boys bothering her. I told her, if I punch one, they'll back off! And they did! Then you came... more of them showed up. But those punks scare easily. I was in a bad mood, wanted to pick a fight. I was broken, bro... had nowhere to turn."
"That's how I met your bro, Cy. He's awesome! We weren't that close, but we're both a bit crazy. Always ready for trouble! That's why I drag him along. You just don't want to get hit. I'd have your back. We could've been brothers now."
"Whatever, I don't want to join a frat."
"That's cool, bro!" Dadoy high-fived me.
....
A bit later...
"Bro, let's drop the sentimental stuff. Arcy and I have something to say," Dadoy changed the topic.
"Want to have some fun, bro? Those two girls are still here, not wanting to leave! Seems like they're up for it!" Dadoy whispered.
"Who?" I asked.
"Lorraine and Jessica. We've been flirting with them, no resistance!"
"Oh?" I whispered back. "So my bro's already got some action?"
"Almost, bro! Almost!! Almost but not quite!" Dadoy said in English, which I didn't quite get.
That night, my mind slowly descended into darkness.