Chapter 2

Zoella Anson

“Ella!” Sienna wailed for my name while blowing her nose on the tissue. Kanina pa siya umiiyak simula nang makauwi kami sa apartment namin. Her sob echoed in the entire flat.

“Here,” mahina kong sabi sa kanya at inabutan siya ng tissue habang pinipigilan kong tumawa dahil sa pamumula ng mata at ilong niya sa pag-iyak.

“My poor Ella!” patuloy na ngawa ni Sienna sa pangalan ko.

“Hindi pa ko patay iniiyakan mo na ‘ko. Grabe babe, ha? Advance eulogy mo na ba ‘to?” biro ko naman sakanya gamit ang tawagan naming magkaibigan. Hindi ko na napigilan ang aking tawa, kaya naman hinampas niya ‘ko sa braso.

“Aray!” Kunwaring hinimas ko ang hinampas niyang braso ko habang kinakalma ang sarili ko sa pagtawa.

“Ang oa naman kasi ng iyak mo. Dinaig mo pa ‘ko. Look at you. Oh my god.” I extended my arm to hand her another piece of tissue which she annoyingly grabbed from me.

“You’re being a brat right now. How can you even laugh at this time?! Ella, your heart is failing. Let’s go tell tita Laurel. Please.” Sienna pleaded in between her sobs while wiping her tears and nose.

“I told you so many times, Sienna. If you dare tell my mom, I won’t forgive you.,” sinubukan kong magpanggap na galit sa boses ko para tigilan na niya ang pagkumbinsi sa ‘kin.

“The doctor said we can still consider a surgery. Why don’t you try it?” Sienna, once again, begged.

This time, I deeply sighed and rose from my bed and nonchalantly opened my drawer to take out my planner, trying to stay levelheaded with this conversation with my best friend as I took my seat in front of my desk.  

“Even if I get one, I can still die from it. Unless you want me to die early, then I’ll consider.” I picked up a blue pen from my organizer and started writing something.

Naramdaman kong lumapit si Sienna sa pwesto ko bago siya magsalita ulit, “Can you please stop saying that?! I’m already scared to death, and the way you say things like that as if it’s nothing is terrifying me. How can you not even be scared?”

Hindi agad ako sumagot, ngunit napangiti lamang ako. I doodled on my planner quietly and even decorated the frame of the entire page with my art materials from the organizer. After being satisfied with my design, I calmly spoke again, “Fear is only going to hinder me from enjoying the remaining time I have left.”

I genuinely smiled and finally fronted her, “Death is not something we should fear. It’s something we should accept. Don’t you think?”

Humihikbi pa rin si Sienna pero tumigil na ang kanyang mga luha. Alam ko napaisip din siya sa sinabi ko kaya hindi agad siya nagsalita. After a while, I watched her subtly sigh and faintly smiled.

“I will never win an argument with you, won’t I?” Sienna scoffed and shook her head to which I just teasingly shrugged off.

Kinuha ko ang planner ko mula sa aking mesa at masayang pinakita sa kanya. “What do you think?”

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ng kaibigan ko bago niya binasa ang nakasulat, “Bucket list?”

I excitedly nodded, “Yep! I did one a year ago, pero na-realize ko mas masaya kapag kasama kitang tumupad ng bucket list ko.”

Pagkatapos kong sabihin ‘yon, muli akong nagsulat sa planner ko ng mga bagay na gusto kong gawin. Sienna stood up and watched me scribbled on my list as she read it one by one.

“Travelling for art inspirations…”

“Work at different art galleries…”

“Go to Paris…”

“Have my own art exhibit…” Sienna continued reading.

“See my dad…”

“Fall in love…”

I looked up to Sienna and gave her expectant eyes as I wiggle my brows. “So?” I inquired.

“I probably can help you with everything except the last one.” she honestly told with a grin on her face.

“I’m Zoella Anson. I can take care of that myself,” mayabang kong sagot sakanya na dahilan naman nag kanyang pagtawa.

“Kaya pala single ka pa ‘rin hanggang ngayon, because you can take care of yourself?” Sienna imitated my tone when I said those words.

Pabiro ko siyang siniko at tumawa na rin. Nagulat ako nang kumuha siya ng coloring pen at sumulat ng bagong entry sa bucket list ko. Hinayaan ko lang siya habang nawiwili sa mga ngiti niyang ngayo’y wala nang bahid ng luha ang mga mata niya.

After putting her own entry on my list, I read it out loud, “Bar hopping outside the city while getting drunk, meet a guy, and get laid… hey!”

Mahina ko siyang hinampas pagkatapos ko mabasa ang sinulat niya. Tumawa lang siya bago nagsalita.

“Why? You want fun, right? We’ve never been out of town except for work.” Sienna ecstatically said.

“Is this how you met your ex?” pabiro kong tanong na dahilan ng pag-irap niya.

“He’s an asshole. Oh, wait!” biglang pasigaw na sabi ni Sienna, “Are you allowed to drink? Oh, no. Let’s just scratch that.”

Kukunin na sana niya ang coloring pen nang bigla ko namang hinugot ang planner ko mula sa desk at sinarado ito bago yakapin. I gave her a big grin, “Touch move! Let’s go to L.A this weekend.”

“Hey, Zoella Anson. Are you sure?” tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Sienna ngunit kita sa mukha niya ang pananabik.

I just gleefully nodded, and we both squealed at the idea we had. We’ve been to Los Angeles couple of times for work, but we never really had a chance to explore the city. Kaya naman, labis din akong nanabik na simulan ang aking bucket list. And now that I have Sienna with me, I’ve never been this happy and motivated to execute my list.

-x-

I am never a heavy drinker and so is Sienna. Though my best friend had her own embarrassing moments with alcohol, we still know how to have fun with our own moderations. The trip to L.A never felt that thrilled like the ones we had before. Just the thought of the fun we could do in the big city already made my chest hurt, but not from my condition. It’s the kind of happy pain.  

Los Angeles is a city boosting with beauty of its own and the fact that it’s nicknamed as the city of angels makes people swarm in this place. We started exploring the attractions in the downtown city, enjoyed new and different flavors for our palates, and of course the non-stop photo taking.

Kahit na nararamdaman ko ‘yong pagod at minsang pagkirot ng d****b ko, mas nanaig ‘yong saya at pakiramdam na wala akong iniindang sakit. I’m breaking away from the restrictions I set for myself and slowly starting to enjoy life at its face value worrying about nothing. I guess that’s the beauty of having limited time. You appreciate everything life offers you and forget to look for what’s missing.

“I already found a club!” I was suddenly distracted from my thoughts when I heard Sienna’s voice.

We’re now eating our snack in a random regular café. Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganito ka sabik ang kaibigan ko. Marahil dahil hindi naman ako mahilig sa ganitong klaseng saya at ngayon dahil sa ‘kin, nandito kami sa L.A. Because my definition of fun is me inside my art room doing my arts or having a serene and cozy afternoon chilling while watching movies or most of the times, going to art galleries whenever I can.

“Please don’t let it be too far from our Airbnb. I can’t carry you alone once you get drunk,” pabiro kong sabi sa kanya. Hindi niya ito pinansin at ngiting ngiti pa ring kinakalikot ang kanyang cellphone.

The rest of the afternoon went well. Pumunta kami sa mga museo dahil na rin sa ‘kin para naman magkaroon kami ng kaunting pahinga bago sumabak na naman sa mismong dinayo namin dito. Kagaya ng hiniling ko sa kanya, ang club na pupuntahan namin ay labing limang minuto lamang mula sa aming Airbnb kapag nag-Uber kami. After getting our light dinner, we headed to this place called Club Royale.

The place was indeed a popular among club goers and people who enjoy night life. As soon as we arrived, there weren’t any long lines, but the bright neon lights decorated in classy fonts and vintage theme demanded attention even from people passing by. Hindi nga ito basta bastang club lang at kudos sa kaibigan ko sa paghanap nito sa internet.

As soon as we arrived on the main entrance, we are immediately welcomed by the colorful blinding lights, people swaying through the rhythm of the music, while others roamed around trying to find a good spot just like us.

“This looks so fun!” Sienna squeaked in her tiny, excited voice.  Ngumiti naman ako sa kanya at nagpatuloy sa pagmangha ng lugar.

Wala pang limang minutong paglalakad namin, huminto na agad kami pag-akyat namin ng Mezzanine kung saan kami pinapwesto ng host.

“This is your table, Madame. I’m Andrew, your host. You can call me if you need anything. Here’s the menu for the food and here’s for our drinks,” aniya ni Andrew.

“Thank you,” mahinhin na sagot ni Sienna. Lihim naman akong napatingin sa kanya at binigyan siya ng tingin sa biglang pagbago niya ng boses dahil lamang sa magandang lalaking nakatayo sa tabi ng table namin.

“You don’t have to wait, Andrew. We can just call you once we have our orders.” I courteously requested of him to which he flashed us a friendly smile.

“Sure! You can just press the button here if you need me.” Andrew gave his last instruction before excusing himself.

At saka naman ako sinunggaban ni Sienna nang tuluyan nang mawala ang lalaki.

“Bakit mo naman pinaalis? Ang ganda na nga ng view natin dito,” pabirong sumimangot si Sienna at inirapan ako bago tumingin sa menu.

Natawa naman ako sa kanya at napailing. “Masyado pang maaga para kumuha ka ng ka-table mo.”

“We’re here to have fun! Don’t hold your horses and just enjoy our night, princess.” Sienna gave me a flying kiss and just like she said, I loosened up and let her introduce me to this new kind of fun.

Kahit dalawa lang kami sa upuan namin dahil na nga din sa set-up ng bar kung saan ang mga couch na may mataas na sandalan ay naka semi-circle upang bigyan ng personal space ang mga clients nila, nagsimula na rin ang aming saya. The food was great, too. Tama lang na hindi kami masyadong kumaen ng dinner dahil na rin gusto naming magtagal sa lugar na ‘to.

Sienna was having her best life, and so was I. Nakakadalawang pitcher na kami ng margarita at kaming dalawa lang ang umiinom. Andrew would join us, but he wasn’t allowed to drink as per policy. However, he was also nice to grant Sienna’s request to accompany us in the couch. Kahit na maingay ang paligid at padami na rin ng padami ang tao dahil lumalalim na ang gabi, unti-unti na rin kaming tinatamaan ng alak. Pero umorder pa ulit ng isa pa si Sienna. This time, she ordered cocktail as recommended by Andrew for ladies’ drink.

Ganito pala ang pakiramdam na wala kang ibang iniisip kundi ‘yong ngayon lang… ‘yong pansamantalang saya lang na dulot ng alak. ‘Yong humahalaklak lang ako sa mga kwento ni Sienna tungkol sa kabataan namin na tingin ko’y naririndi na si Andrew sa pakikinig sa kanya. But I saw the genuine interest he gave Sienna while she talks. Maybe it’s part of his job, too – to mingle and get along with the guests as much as possible and have them the optimum fun as they could give.

I roamed my gaze around the place again. It was really a fancy place for someone like me who wasn’t used to these kinds of hangouts. But I admit, I’m slowly starting to like the excitement and thrill this gives me. It makes me forget about my condition and I can feel my heart beating.

“Oh, do you want me to walk you to the ladies’ room?” narinig kong tanong ni Andrew. Paglingon ko, nakatayo na si Sienna at palabas na ng couch.

“Hey, are you okay? Halika, samahan na kita,” I offered her and was about to hold her arms because she’s already a little wobbly on her steps, but she only dodged me.

“Ella, I’m fine, okay? Don’t leave Andrew alone. I’ll be back,” hinawakan ni Sienna ang magkabila kong pisngi at hinalikan ako sa noo saka ko naman siya mahinang hinampas hampas sa braso.

“Alright. Don’t cause any trouble, okay?” I genuinely requested of her in between my giggles, and I watched her blew me kisses while she steps back.

Ngunit, kakapaalala ko pa lang sa kanya, nakita kong may natamaan siyang lalaki na may hawak na baso at naglalakad papunta sa direksyon kung nasa’n ako. Sienna was startled and slightly yelped before turning to the man she just bumped. He’s almost towering Sienna with his height, but traces of drunkenness evident on his handsome face.

“Sienna, are you okay?” I immediately aided for her and checked her dress. May mga parte itong nabasa ng alak pero hindi naman gaano kadami.

“I-I’m sorry.” Sienna apologized in her frantic voice.

I saw Andrew from my side stood up, too, but he stopped on his way when the man looked at him.

“Can you not walk properly?” his voice was deep and bold. Pero halata ring medyo lasing na siya dahil na rin sa pamumula ng mukha niya na nakikita ko sa tuwing natatamaan ng ilaw ang mukha nito.

The irritation in the man’s voice cowered Sienna and backed up to me.

“I’m sorry. Oh… here,” she rummaged her purse in panic and offered her hanky. “…you can use this to dry your… suit.” Sienna tried to awkwardly flash her smile, but the man just annoyingly scoffed at her and glared.

Binigay niya ang baso sa kasama niyang lalaki sa kanyang likuran at namulsa bago humakbang papalapit kay Sienna. He was wearing an arrogant smirk on his face, so I blocked him from getting near my best friend and forced a smile.

“My friend is a little tipsy, so we’re really sorry. If you want, we can pay for your drink and maybe, pay for the dry cleaning?” I kept my tone as friendly as I could while spitting things that might compensate for the trouble.

I had to slightly look up to meet his eyes because he’s taller than us. I saw him run his gaze from my head down to the floor. His haughty smirk slowly turned to a smile as he continued to offend me with his luscious stares.  

“You got some beautiful guests here, Andrew.” The conceited man paid a look at Andrew. Kaya naman naisip ko na baka VIP ang lalaking ito sa lugar.

Maliban sa amoy ng alak na natapon sa mukhang mamahaling damit niya ay amoy ko rin ang matapang na pabango na masasabi mong mamahalin ito.

Dahil na rin siguro sa alak sa sistema ko, hindi ko na napigilang mainis at magsalita ulit, “Look, I’m sorry about my friend. Just let us know how to compensate with the trouble. So, we can all go back to having fun. Hmm?”

Lalo akong nainis nang tumawa siya sa sinabi ko. Nang muli na sana akong magsalita, naramdaman ko ang malamig niyang palad sa pisngi ko at hinawi niya ang maliliit na buhok na nakalugay sa mukha ko. Bahagya naman akong umatras para iwasan siya. But my eyes widened when I saw his face slowly leaning towards me and when I realized what he was about to do, I surprisingly slapped his cheek. He was trying to kiss me!

I heard Sienna gasped and the men behind him were about to walk at me when he quickly stopped them while he aided his cheek.

Ramdam ko ang lakas ng kabog ng d****b ko at ang malamig na pawis sa likod ko. Ngunit nilakasan ko ang loob ko kahit pa na nakita ko ang takot sa mukha ni Sienna sa ginawa ko.

“I am kindly asking you. Let’s not cause more trouble.” I firmly uttered and glared at the man.

Tumawa lang ulit siya at tiningnan si Sienna pabalik sa ‘kin. “You both are interesting.”

The conceited man stomped at me to close our distance and he was about to grope me from my waist when I raised my hand again aiming for another slap. But my wrist was caught mid-air by another cold hand. Akala ko si Sienna ang pumigil sa ‘kin ngunit pagtingin ko sa nagmamay-ari ng kamay, nakatayo ito sa tabi ng lalaki. He was a few inches taller than the annoying man I’m currently dueling with. His scent instantly harassed my nose, and his eyes were pierced in mine.

“Let me go.” I clenched my jaw and tried to break loose from his grip, but he was too strong.

There was something in his eyes locking in mine that made my heart pounded hard. At sa bawat dampi ng liwanang ng ilaw sa kanyang mukha na nagmumula sa iba’t ibang bahagi ay lalong nagbigay ng malinaw na imahe sa mukha ng misteryosong lalaking hawak hawak pa rin ang aking kamay.

“Lucas…” I heard the former man softly called out to the man staring at me.