The Homophobic Series: Book 2-B [I] CHAPTER 8 (The Gay Guy Turns Homophobic)

The Homophobic Series Book 2-B [I]: 

(CHAPTER 8) 

"The Gay Guy Turns Homophobic"
Written by: Adrianne A. Aguilar


Hello Kissers! Wow more than a year bago ako nakapag update, thank God at nasimulan ko na ulit! Maraming Salamat sa pag hihintay... 
(Sensya na sa mga errors, wala nakong time i proof read)

continuation from Chapter 7:
http://boykissesbydane.blogspot.com/2012/10/coming-soon-this-friday-homophobic.html

“Salamat Mr. Veraperez, medyo in a hurry na rin ako, I’ll just ride on a cab. Text text na lang for the other details.” Pilit ko pa rin ikinubli ang aking sarili, and for the last time, he smiled at me again.

I exited at Ayala Avenue. My hands are all wet di ko makuhang inumin ang ice cold drink na iniabot nya sa akin at sa halip, naihambalos ko pa ito sa isang granite pillar ng isang building, at pinag susuntok ko pa ito. Ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay lumuha ng lumuha… Walang tigil na pag luha hanggang sa umuwi ako sa bahay sa Bel-Air ganun pa rin ang tanging naramdaman ko, na as if I am in this impossible nightmare. I was lost, lost in this labyrinth that fate has put me in.

***********

That was the point na I became numb. Numb sa lahat ng bagay, sa pamilya ko at sa mga kaibigan. I rarely visit Jenny pa nga on how she is doing with her pregnancy on our kids. All I can think of now is focus on work, work and more work.

I isolated myself sa mga invites sa parties or gatherings, as in I missed a lot, to the point na unawarely nasasaktan ko na naman ang mga tao sa paligid ko.

March 26, 2010

Lumapit si Jessica sa akin, “Dane, remind ko lang today yung 1^st birthday ni baby Red, iniwan ko sa table mo three days ago yung invitation, I just hope na makapunta ka…” she said with a bit of hesitance dahil ramdam nya na I am not in the mood for any talk, nararamdaman ko na kahit sila na staff na itinuring ko ng kapamilya ay napapalayo na sa akin.

I didn’t respond, umiling lang ako, sagot na I can’t make it sa party today.

“Please Dane… Sana you’ll be there… Alam mo naman na hindi makukumpleto ang lahat kung…” hindi ko na nahayaang patapusin pa si Jessica.

“I told you hindi ako pupunta…” I said in a high modulated voice, “makukumpleto ang lahat? Makakapagparty kayo ng wala ako, so leave me alone okay?”

Tamang-tama naman na narinig ni Keiji ang usapan namin na iyon. “Pare, ano bang problema mo? Iniimbita ka lang sa birthday ng inaanak mo, pwede ka na naman sumagot ng maayos…”

Wala na nahibang nako, sumagot na lang ako ng, “Yan kasi si Jessica ang kulit kulit… When I told you to leave… Just leave! Mga engot ba kayo?”

“Please Keiji, wag na kayong mag talo, naiintindihan ko naman si Dane… Please hayaan na lang natin syang mapag-isa…” nagmamakaawa na si Jessica, sumabay pa ang pag-iyak ni baby Red. They were about to walk away... ng nasabi ko…

“Ass-hole…”

Nag init na ang ulo ni Keiji, that was the time ng hinablot na nya ako with my shirt “Whattafuck pare? You are better that this, sa tingin mo sa ngayon sino ang nagmumukhang asshole? Tang-ina pare, tae ka. Tae. You do have a shitty life na kahit balikan ka pa ni Raine wala na syang babalikan sayo… Naiintindihan mo iyon? Ilang linggo na rin kaming nag-titiis ni Jessica sayo, nag aadjust kami thinking na you are just on this phase, pero to treat us like we are just some piece of shit. Tang-ina, mas tae pa ang buhay mo ngayon…” and he pushed me back on my office chair, “Jessica come on…” tawag ni Keiji, kitang kita ko naman ang mga mata ni Jessica na tila ay ayaw akong iwan, wala na lang syang magawa dahil inaya na sya ni Keiji.

That was the point when my bubble bursted, a sign na nawala na ang mahahalagang tao sa paligid ko.

Hindi nga ako nabaliw, but the feeling is still the same. Ang bigat bigat ng pakiramdam ko.

Kahit ang mga tawag ni Ate Mandy ay hindi ko sinasagot. Naging laman ako ng mga bars every other day. Buti na lang nagagawa ko pa ang aking trabaho ngunit napansin ng aking mga customers na may nagbago sa aking mga style lately, mas naging dark at malungkot ang atake.

March 27, 2010

Ng mga sumunod na araw ay purely business na talaga ang pinag uusapan sa opisina, gustuhin mang umalis ni Keiji sa negosyo ay may shares na rin naman sya rito. While si Jessica, hindi naman nakakalimot na iwan ako ng pagkain sa mesa, minsan kinakain ko minsan kapag nawala na sa sarili ay di ko ng makuhang pansinin.

Sa mga sususnod na araw at linggo naging madalang na ang pagtawag ni Ate Mandy, napansin ko na mukhang kay Jessica na sya nangangamusta.

Mga text naman ang natatanggap ko kina Jenny at Nemo patungkol sa kalagayan ng dinadala nyang mga sanggol, mabuti naman ang kanilang kalagayan.

Mas lumalala yata ang mga pangyayari dahil sa mga sumunod na buwan ay napapadalas ang pagbisita ni Ms. Anya Marie Ferrer sa shop, ihahatid sya ni Dan Veraperez, at aalis din ito, for the whole time na nasa shop ay magkukwento ito tungkol sa mga recent trips nila sa iba’t ibang lugar sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas.

Minsan pumapasok tuloy sa aking isip what if ako mismo ang gumagawa noon kasama ang pinakamamahal ko, ngunit, wala na sya, wala na si Raine na nagpapatibok ng puso ko.

Isang araw sa mga pagbisita ni Anya, out of nowhere, ewan ko ba biglang bumulalas sa aking bibig ang isang tanong, isang tanong na sa tingin ko, dati ko pa dapat naitanong sa kanya… Madalas kasi ay nakikinig at sumasangayon lang ako rito.

“So how did you meet Dan?” it was just a simple question na napakalaman, there are lots of possibilities, ngunit gusto ko lang malaman mismo sa babaeng nagpakilala sa akin sa kanya.

“Ah eh…” sagot ni Anya. Namumuo ang pawis nito sa noo.

“Ano ka ba Dane, na I kwento ko na sayo un di ba?” pasintabi ni Anya sa akin.

Ngunit hindi maiguhit ang aking mukha, senyales na hindi ko maintindihan ang kanyang paliwanag.

“Okay mukhang di ko pa nga yata naikukwento…” napabuntong hininga naman ito. “Actually, matagal na kaming mag-kakilala nyan si Dan.” Sabay lunok ng kanyang laway, “Pero ng mga nakaraang taon lang kami nagkaroon ng steady relationship. He has been working in the network siguro junior reporter pa lang ako noon, at ayun nag krus ang landas namin sa isang corporate event. Before I knew it, nakasama ko na rin sya sa show, at ayun doon na nagsimula un…” after nyang ipaliwanag yun ay as if nakahinga na sya ng maluwag.

Well as for me, gusto ko lang talaga marinig ang side ng kanilang pagkakakilala, she doesn’t owe me any explanation. Habang tumatagal kasi mas nawawalan na ako ng pakiramdam, manhid na ang buo kong katawan, tuwing si Dan Veraperez na ang pag uusapan.

And speaking of the devil,

“Anya shall we?” si Dan na pala yun, hindi ko namalayan na dumating na pala sya, “So Dane, kikidnapin ko muna itong future bride ko ha…” and he gave me this manly reserved smile.

“Ayy honey, Thank God at nasundo mo nako… Haha… Si Dane mukhang he is a bit under the weather today… Anyways, Dane mauna na kami…” at bumeso na sa akin si Ms. Ferrer.

“Got to go Dane, see you next time!” and they have bid their farewell.

At ayun, balik ulit with my same usual boring life.

Tulala sa wall of memories, na halos half filled na ng mga events namin ng mga nakaraang buwan.

Sa gitna ng aking katamikan, nagulat ako ng tumunog ang aking pintuan, “knock, knock” “Dane?”

Kumabog ang aking dib dib, “Si Dan yun bakit pa sya bumalik?” pinagbuksan ko naman sya.

And there he was at my office door, hinihintay ko na sambitin nya ang aking pangalan, at sabihin na nag balik na ang pinakamamahal kong si Raine.

“Ahhhmmmm… Sorry… Naistorbo ba kita?” tanong ni Mr. Veraperez.

Natulala ako sandali ngunit ng naramdaman na I am acting awkwardly sumagot naman ako ng, “Hindi naman…”

“Sorry, naiwan kasi ni Anya sa table mo yung mobile phone nya… Eh hindi na sya bumaba ng sasakyan mukhang napagod ata…” paghingi nya ng paumanhin.

Dali dali naman akong sumagot ng, “Ah okay lang, sige kukunin ko na…” Dali dali naman akong tumakbo sa mesa,

“Hindi Dane, ako na lang…” as if nakipagpaligsahan pa si Dan.

At bago ko pa marealize, nanlaki ang mata ko ng makita kong nagkahawak ang aming mga kamay.

~AWKWARD~

“Ayy Sorry pare…” sagot ko sa kanya.

“Ano ka ba Dane wala yun…” sagot nito sa akin, “Mauna nako ha… Salamat ulit…” ng palabas na sya ng pinto,

“Dan wait…” biglang bumulalas na naman sa aking bibig.

Sabi ko subconsciously sana hindi nya narinig, “Ano yun Dane?” ngunit huli na ang lahat.

“Can I invite you over coffee?” un lang bigla ang lumabas sa isip ko.

Hindi ko tuloy alam at hindi na naprocess ng utak ko ang reaction ni Dan sa aking imbitasyon.

Defensively inexplain ko na lang ung sinabi ko, “Hey hey don’t get me wrong dude, this is purely business… Si Anya kasi madalas ang nakakausap ko, gusto ko lang makuha ung point of view mo sa upcoming wedding nyo…” ay salamat nakalusot.

“Ahh yun ba… Sige, I am free this weekend…” walang ka abog abog namang sinagot ni Raine este ni Dan pala.

And we have parted ways.

Hayyyy…

Gago, gago, gago…

Habang tinatapik ko ang aking utak ng aking kamay, ano ba ang iniisip mo Dane at inimbita mo pa sya para magkape? Date? Hahaha! I am really going insane na talaga.

Mas lalo pa akong nabaliw ng natanggap ko itong text message:

Dane, nasabi sakin ni Dan yun invite mo over the weekend,

Gusto ko talaga maging involve sya sa wedding process namin.

Salamat for initiating… xoxo

-Anya Marie Ferrer

+6392114380**

Anya at Dan… Dan at Anya… Dan… Bibiyakin nyo talagang dalawa ang ulo ko…

~*~

March 31, 2010

I pulled a pinstriped shirt over my wardrobe. I’ve checked if every bit of my facial hair was already shaved, (since I’ve been sporting a scruffy look lately).

“What am I doing? Bakit ba nag-agree ako with his invite? Gago ka talaga Dane, Gago!” but deep inside me I know that I was ecstatic to see him.

Dahan-dahan ko pang inayos ang aking buhok, not a hair out of place.

Upon going at the parking lot I’ve check my very clean car, kagagaling ko lang sa Baclaran church earlier so I’ve decided to bring it along to the cleaners. Bakit ba sobra ang paghahanda ko today.

I was about to start my car when I’ve heard my phone’s tone. At first I was a bit hesitant na tignan, but ginawa ko pa rin ang dapat ko gawin, it was him, it was Dan Veraperez who texted:

Hey Dane,

See you at the Dome Café at Shangri-la Mall later,

I’ve made a reservation there…

Hopefully it is all set…

Dan Veraperez

+63927*******

I don’t really know on how I would really respond to his text message. But in the end I have managed to give him a decent reply:

Thanks, I’ll be there

~My Number

“Simple but vague” vague nga ba? Hahaha… Nababaliw na naman ata talaga ako na kahit mismong mga text messages ko pinagtatawanan ko.

Upon arriving at the said place, pansin ko na pawisan nako, it is the summer season anyway kaya sabi sa news mas titindi pa ang init because of the High Pressure Area in the Metro.

Pinunasan ko muna ang sarili ko bago ko tanungin ang server from Dome Café about Dan’s reservation.

To my relief nauna akong dumating sa kanya, dahil sa totoo lang kinakabahan ako if ever I would be the one na mag aapproach sa kanya. I was then ushered in a couched table alongside the windows, a very cozy place to lounge while waiting for him.

I decided to distract myself para di ako kabahan, I’ve decided to pick my phone and started playing a game installed unto it.

But here we go again a text from him just came suddenly.

Dane, I am already at Shangri-la’s vicinity,

I am just having a hard time parking my car,

Kindly wait for me, my apologies.

Dan Veraperez

+63927*******

And I just answered briefly:

Sure, anyways I’ve just arrived here at the café.

~My Number

Ewan ko ba, bakit kinakabahan ako, anu ba kasi ang naglalaro sa isip ko, na this is like sort of a date?

And then from a distant I saw him passing, and he talked to the restaurant’s doorman and he was ushered in palapit sa akin. Dahan dahan ko syang tinignan. With the way he stood, the way he walked the way he dressed up.

"He’s not Raine really… Wake up!” Sabi ko sa sarili ko.

“Hi Dane! Kamusta?” and then smiled, at natunaw ako sap ag-kakaupo ko. Gusto ko ng ma convince na sya nga ang Raine ko.

And then Dan Veraperez reached his hand to me... A man's gonna do what's he suppose to do...

And so he just sat there maybe thinking on where he would start.

Napansin ko rin na mayroon syang dalang bag, but it was not just any ordinary kind of bag.

"Napansin mo na pala..." ang sabi ni Mr. Veraperez while pointing to the said bag.

And in response tumango lang ako.

"Well anyways mamaya na ito, umorder muna kaya tayo... It is my treat..." and then inabot nya ang isa sa menu card na inabot sa kanya ngayon ngayon lang ng isang server.

Maraming nag lalaro sa isip ko ngayon, obviously since I am a photographer alam ko kung ano ang laman ng bag na iyon.

"So have you made up your mind yet?" As he asked me about my choice of food.

Well I have been in this restaurant before so it was really a unanimous choice for me, "I'll just have the chef's special please, and a freshly squeezed mango juice."

"And how about some dessert?" Dan said while smirking.

"Oh thank you but I am not really into desserts lately..." I politely declined, but to my surprise somehow Dan agreed with me.

"Yeah me too, pass din ako sa desserts lately" as he explain while browsing the menu card.

In no time he had placed his order as well... Some fresh green salad, with tossed mixed vegetables and slices and strips of chicken, he has specifically asked the server if he can get the white meat part of the chicken. And maybe some reduction to the fat content of the dressing.

That is another thing na napansin ko sa kanya, he is very cautious with what he eats, very opposite ng Raine ko na halos makaubos ata ng isang bucket of chicken from KFC.

Our drinks were then served first. He just got some Perrier for his drink. He eventually started the conversation.

"Masaya ako at pinaunlakan mo ang aking imbitasyon" as he had a sip of some ice cold Perrier.

"Masaya sya? What does he mean by that? Nakakaalala na kaya sya?" As I gave give this puzzled look.

Siguro napansin nyang tahimik lang ako kaya sya na talaga ang nag initiate na pag usapan kung bakit nga ba kami naruruon.

"By the way Dane I hope you don't mind, siguro naman somehow you do have an idea na kung bakit may dala ako na bag na ganito?" paliwanag ni Dan sakin.

"Yes that is one big camera bag..." sabi ko sa kanya.

"Yup, Anya gave this to me as a gift. Sabi nya kasi na it is now time for me to have an outdoor hobby." As he continuously explain, "You see I am a homebuddy here... You may be wondering I do directing for a TV show, pero here I am, about to ask you things about handling a photographic camera..."

"He is asking me to be his mentor?" Mas lalo akong kinabahan ibig sabihin ba nito mas lalo ko pa syang makakasama.

"Syempre iba pa rin ang still photography, that is why I would like to ask you if I can be your apprentice... that is if you dont mind" he sincerely told me.

I was caught off guard, there was a part of me na hesitant gawin un, but "Yes I would be glad to help you out on this..."

"Wow that's great so I guess it is time for us to have a celebration" Dan was all smiles.

"Celebration?" Again I was puzzled.

"I guess a bottle of fine beer wouldn't hurt right?" And he ordered some.

Well yup I guess that would not hurt that much.

He then showed me the DSLR camera that he was talking about. It was the expensive kind. and the lens was humangous.

Tinuruan ko sya on how to make use of the settings at paano ang tamang focus sa camera as well as choosing a subject. Napansin ko from the other table na there were like this group of men who's checking us out. Nadistract ako by the idea na may tumitingin samin. Clumsy me naibaba ko ung camera sa table and na dip ung part ng strap ng camera sa dressing.

"Oh I am terribly sorry Dan..." at kinuha ko ang aking panyo at pinunasan ito. Buti na lang at kaunti lang ang dumi at sa leatherette part nalagyan at di kumapit sa strap, pero nalagyan din ung kamay ko.

"Hey I need to excuse myself, I'll just wash my hands over the washroom" and then I stood up.

While washing my hands I didn't notice that this guy from the same table that was checking us out earlier was already at my back. He is on his mid 30's I guess.

"Hi I am Stevie, you and your partner are so hot, can we invite you over for some orgy?" he just casually invited me without any hesitations.

"Sorry it seems that you are barking on the wrong tree dude..." I answered in return.

"But it seems you are not the type who doesn't say No for an answer." he was about to touch me when.

"Is this guy bothering you??" It was Dan, he grabbed him by his shirt. He was so strong na kahit alam kong mas matangkad ako sa kanya ay nabuhat nya ang lalaking yun.

Sa takot halos humingi ng sorry ng nakaluhod ung lalaki at umalis din.

"You don't have to do that... I can handle it by myself..." ang sabi ko sa kanya.

"Ayaw ko lang ng mga ganun ung nangbabastos. Sa totoo lang that is the thing ba lagi ko sinasabi sa mga staff ko na wag silang pababastos sa mga ganun. I do also have my fair share ng ganung experiences lalo na sa gym, pero takutan lang yan. I have nothing against gay men, pero sana lumugar sila lalo na ung mga style nilang ganun." it was a relief to hear that Dan is not the homophobic type, well ganun din naman talaga sya even before at alam nya ang about samin ni Raine.

The lunch invite was eventually cut short ng tumawag na si Anya. I also received a text message kay Jessica na kailangan daw ako sa office.

"Lunch was awesome, salamat Dan..."

"Ako ang dapat magpasalamat... Sa uulitin Dane..." and we had that very warm handshake and then we eventually parted ways.

On my way to the office while driving my car, na realize ko na somehow baligtad na ata, Raine is the one or este it is Dan who is doing the saving part and not the other way around, usually ako kasi ang lumiligtas sa kanya sa mga ganun na pagkakataon. Kung si Raine man sya ibang iba sya.

Habang nag mumuni muni ako ay biglang may natanggap akong text, na excite tuloy ako thinking it was him.

Maraming Salamat Dane,

for helping Dan out for a very big favor.

Hopefully masamahan mo sya sa isang event

next week, hopefully you are free.

God Bless!

Anya Marie Ferrer

+6392114380**

Event? Next week? Yung totoo pagkakataon lang ba talaga ito kung bakit kailangan mas mapalapit ako sa kanya.

NEXT:

Chapter 9 - The Homophobic Series Book 2-B [I]:

The Homophobic Series: Book 2-B [I] CHAPTER 7 (The Gay Guy Turns Homophobic)

The Homophobic Series Book 2-B [I]: 

(CHAPTER 7) 

"The Gay Guy Turns Homophobic"
Written by: Adrianne A. Aguilar



Message from yours truly: I am really sorry for the late upload, medyo naging busy this week, tama ung unang nag-comment, next week ko nga na post. Again sorry and enjoy the rest of the story.

The crew for the whole shoot arrived earlier, nag-bigay na raw kasi si Mr. Veraperez ng instruction kung ano ang magiging layout at takbo ng shoot nila for today. Kahit nandoon naman sila business as usual pa rin naman kami, si Ms. Anya Ferrer ang unang dumating. The hair and make up ladies were already there to fix her up.

“Dane, maraming salamat talaga at pinaunlakan mo kami to have our shoot here. We would be starting at around 5pm, anyways on the way na rin rito ung director/TV producer natin. So be ready ha…” at hinaplos nya ang aking mga kamay, some sort of an encouragement.

And after an hour it was around 10 minutes before five in the afternoon ng dumating na ang hinihintay namin na director.

Laking gulat ko ng ang tinutukoy pala ni Anya ay si Mr. Dan Veraperez. For all I know akala ko he was just a production assistant sa show nya. Pero mukhang marami pa talaga akong hindi alam.

“So Snaps of Time Team, Mr. Sto. Domingo, I would like you all to meet our director/TV producer… My fiancé Dan Veraperez… I believe that you have met each other right?” pakilala nito. Matipid namang ngumiti si Mr. Veraperez to acknowledge Anya’s introduction.

Maging sina Jessica at Keiji, kitang kita sa kanilang mga mukha ang pag-ka puzzled sa mga nangyayari.

“So guys, we would be starting in maybe 10-20 minutes, I’ll just check on the lightings…” paliwanag ni Dan.

Tamang-tama naman na kararating lang ng kaibigan kong fashion designer na si Tats Gonzales, Anya requested him to be there for some personal reason. He just walk into the chaos in our studio.

Upon walking in ang unang una nyang nakita was Dan Veraperez.

“Raine, since when…” he was about to talk to Dan ng bigla ko syang nilapitan. “Nope Tats, hindi sya si Raine… Well I am also trying to convince myself na hindi nga sya… Hayyy” napapabuntong hininga ako sa dismaya.

“Huh? Bulag ka ba? Well there might be changes, pero kamukhang-kamukha nya…” reaksyon din nito.

“Hay Tats. Ganyan din ang reaksyon namin ni Jessica, pero mag observe ka pa malalaman mo rin ang tinutukoy namin.” Paliwanag ni Keiji.

After some minutes, nakuha na ni Tats ang sinasabi ni Keiji. To the point na nasabi nya na, “I agree hindi gumagana ang gaydar ko sa kanya. And look oh, may pakiss kiss pa kay Ms. Ferrer. Mag ano ba sila?” natanong ng aming designer friend.

“Fiance” sagot ni Jessica.

“Fiance? Hahaha, never gagawin ng sisterette Raine ko yun, na pumatol with a girl. At mag fifiance pa? Kahit mag ka amnesia pa yun tyak beki pa rin ang sis ko at di papatol sa babae…” natatawang sinabi ni Tats.

On the middle of our conversation, lumapit na ung PA nila, “Mr. Sto. Domingo, 3 minutes mag simula na po tayo, doon po ung spot ng interview nyo…” paliwanag nito.

Naisip ko naman na it was the moment na ipakilala si Tats sa kanila.

“Anya, Dan… This is my friend, Mr. Tats Gonzales…”

“And finally na-meet ko na ang THE Tats Gonzales, I’ve seen your work in some of our premiere wedding magazines and I must say I am a fan…” pag-bigay ni Ms. Ferrer ng compliment sa aking kaibigan.

“The pleasure is mine madame, maraming salamat for appreciating my work.”

“I see, yup nakita ko rin yun, pinakita sakin ni Anya, I must agree with her choice…” paliwanag ni Dan.

“Choice?” nasabi ko sa sarili ko.

“Ahhmmm… With all due respect can you be more specific?” pagtanong ni Tats.

“Oh I am sorry if we vaguely explained it. Siguro excitement na rin siguro. I wanted you to design my wedding gown. Dan and I are getting married this year.” And Anya has dropped the bomb already.

Tats was speechless upon hearing that. “Well Mr. Gonzales, I am also interviewing you later as part of our debutante-prom feature. I’ll just proceed with Dane’s interview, and if it is not too much after the shoot we can visit your place para mapag usapan na rin ung details?” paliwanag ni Ms. Anya sa kanya.

Tats was in awestruck, ang nasabi nya lang is “Sure. Let’s talk later… Salamat Ms. Anya for choosing me…”

“Anya na lang ano ka ba” politely she said.

And so the interview pushed thru, the lighting all over was a bit blinding on my part, medyo hindi pako nakakarecover sa pag iyak ko last night at buti naitago ng concealer ang mga eyebags ko.

“So Mr. Sto. Domingo if you are to answer some of the questions this would be the angle on where you are be looking, and please don’t be shy in doing hand gestures when talking. It gives life to scenes pag natural lang ang mga galaw natin…” as Dan gave me his directions, ako naman eto lunod na lunod sa bawat salita na nariring ko sa kanya. I was intoxicated with how he talk, he really reminder me of my love Raine. Wala pa rin ako sa aking sarili pero narinig ko na ang signal nyang lights camera action!

“So Mr. Sto. Domingo what inspired you to put up this business Snaps of Time?” unang tanong ni Anya sa sakin.

Alam ko naman ang isasagot syempre ang kaisa-isang dahilan is si Raine lang yun, pero right now I am extremely distraught with what I am feeling lalong lalo na na kaharap ko lang si Raine este si Dan.

“Dane, are you okay?” natanong ni Anya.

“I am sorry, but I am just new at this…” pag hingi ko naman ng paumanhin. Nakita ko naman na palapit si Dan sa amin.

“Dane, just be cool. In my very first shoot this year with Anya kinabahan din ako, pero after learning the tricks to the trade, nalaman ko na natutunan din ang lahat, and eventually nakuha ko rin doon yung confidence ko, sige think of it as a very casual talk, like a talk over coffee… Alright…” and he had tapped me on my back. Something that really felt reassuring coming from him.

“Action!” sigaw nito for the second take.

“About your question. It was really a labor of love…” and eventually ikinwento ko nga ang part ng love story namin ni Raine.

While having that interview napansin ko naman how focused Dan is into his work, as if he has been doing this for ages. So I realized na possibleng hindi nga sya si Raine.

My interview eventually ended I just gave Anya answers na hindi ko nga alam if it made any sense. And then it was Tats’ turn. After some time natapos rin ito and it was the time for them to wrap it up.

Ewan ko ba I am still uneasy with this kind of set up. Mas may lalala pa ba rito.

At lumapit si Anya sakin, “Dane maraming salamat at pinaunlakan mo kami… I would love to have some coffee with you again pero pupunta kasi kami sa shop ni Tats tonight…” paliwanag nito.

“It is alright, may next time pa naman. Actually salamat din at you did a feature on my business…” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Or it might be better kung sasama ka sa amin? Ain’t that a good idea right Tats?” sabi ni Anya dito.

“That is fine with me, cool nga yun eh…” pag sang ayon ng aking kaibigan.

“At kailangan talagang sumang-ayon ka?” sabi ko sa aking sarili. Kung kalian ganito pa ang nararamdaman ko.

“Ah alright so it is all set now. By the way hon, dala ko ung isang sasakyan. So susunod na lang ako sa inyo.” Paliwanag ni Dan kay Anya, and it was the first time na I’ve heard na may term of endearment sila.

“That is fine hon. Si Tats sasabay sa akin, at para mapag usapan namin yung mga details ng gown ko. At di mo marinig, hahaha!” tawa ni Ms. Ferrer, sabay lapit nya sa akin, “Would it be alright Dane kung kay Dan ka na sasabay at least may makakausap sya on our way and at the same time mapag usapan nyo na rin ung para sa aming wedding photography?” pakiusap nito.

“Hon, okay lang naman… I can manage to be alone sa byahe. And besides nakakahiya naman kay Mr. Sto. Domingo.” Ang sabi naman ni Mr. Dan Veraperez.

There is a part of me saying na I should go and be with him and another part na nagsasabi na huwag at masasaktan ka lang, and then I answered, “Nope, okay lang sakin Dan. Wala naman problema kung sayo ako sasabay and at least mapag-usapan din natin yung about sa inyong wedding photography.”

And so nag-paalam muna ako kina Jessica at Keiji.

“Are you sure na magiging okay ka lang?” pag aalala ni Jessica sakin.

“I hope so, sana maging okay nga ako.” Isang tipid na sagot ko rito.

Tats and Anya went to the Mercedes car while I went with Dan sa Pajero nito.

Sa may Ayala-Makati pa ang location ng shop ni Tats, at pagkakataon nga naman syempre we are trapped on the heavy traffic ng EDSA.

“Anya just texted, bili muna daw tayo ng take out coffee sa Ayala vicinity before tayo pumunta ng shop ni Tats…” paliwanag ni Dan sa akin.

I smiled briefly sign na I acknowledged yung sinabi nya.

Wala naman ng lumabas na isa pang salita in the next 15 minutes. He was a really focused driver. Maingat mag-maneho. Naalala ko tuloy si Raine, ayaw na ayaw nya with my reckless driving. Reading his journal entry that was the time ng tumuloy sya ng hotel because I was drunk driving. Malalim ang aking pag sulyap sa langit, ng biglang, “By the way Dane it was nice hearing your story sa interview kanina. It is rare nowadays na makakita ng ganyang klaseng relasyon just like yours and your departed partner. Raine ang pangalan nya right?”

Sa buong oras pala ng interview ay nakikinig sya sa istorya ko. Something na kumurot sa aking puso. Raine kung ikaw man yan sana maalala mo na. Pero the more na nagkukwento sya, mas lumalayo ang katotohanang hindi nga sya si Raine.

“Actually Anya and I met 5 years ago thru one of our colleagues. Junior reporter pa lang sya noon, ako starting director and TV producer pa lang. Pa side line side line lang. Pero there was one time, that was the very first time that we had coffee together sa may Greenbelt ng nakilala ko sya ng lubusan. At nasabi ko sa sarili ko, sya na ang babaeng para sa akin. You cannot meet a lady as sophisticated and classy and gentle as Anya is, it is to good to be true na nakilala ko sya. Hindi naman kami on a hurry na magpakasal. But just last October of 2009, I popped the question anyway.” At bigla syang napangiti.

We are now approaching the vicinity of EDSA Ayala, tuloy naman sya sa kwento. “Naalala ko pa nga rito rin sa vicinity na ito, nag-mamadali ako kasi on that day na I popped the question, nag-MRT ako, nasiraan ako ng sasakyan, nag hihintay si Anya sa coffee shop.” And then I realized sya rin yung same guy na hinabol ko sa MRT ng October 2009. “And there she was, divine as always, alam mo yung feeling na your heart beats slower then faster at the same time.” Kitang kita mo sa mga mata ni Dan how sincere ang kanyang kwento. Hindi ko mapigil ang aking sarili na malungkot upon hearing his story. Kahit ako that day when I asked Raine’s hand in marriage, hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman. Natatakot ako na he might reject me pero buo ang tiwala ko sa kanya na he wanted to be with me. Seeing him in his usual self, na kikigising lang, and that smile na hinding hindi ko makakalimutan. Oh God why of all people sa kanya ko pa maririnig ang ganitong seemingly parehas na story. Naramdaman ko na mamasa-masa na ang aking mga mata. Pilit ko namang pinunasan ito.

“Are you alright Dane?” tanong ni Dan.

Syempre di naman ako nag pahalata, “I’m okay, may naalala lang ako…”

“You must really love him right?” sa lahat ng sasabihin nya yung ang lalong dumurog sa puso ko, those words coming from Raine’s doppelganger.

“Yes, if you just knew how I loved him.” As I passionately answered. At napabuntong hininga ako.

The group decided to stop by sa Starbucks sa may Greenbelt. May I checheck din kasing gamit si Anya na gusto nyang bilhin. Pero we went ahead na sa coffee shop. While sinamahan naman ni Tats si Anya sa gusto nyang bilhin na bag.

“So Frap sayo Dane? Anya texted they would be here in a while, I’ll just get their Caramel Machiatto…” at pumila naman Dan while ako na ang pumili ng pinag-kakaupuan namin.

I just opened my phone and browsed on a picture of Raine and I, habang pasulyap na tumitingin kay Dan. Pilit ko pa ring kinukumbinsi ang sarili ko na kung ano ba talaga ang tama.

After a while ay dumating na sya, “Medyo marami din ang tao dito ngayon, I think ganito rin karami yung tao nung nag propose ako sa kanya rito.” And he smiled again, bawat ngiti nya ay pumipilas sa sugatan kong puso. “By the way, the wedding is on May 28, 2010, we decided to have it on that day for some personal reason. We are expecting our baby by July of this year na rin kasi.” At ayun na, nasagot na ang tanong ko, kailangan ko ng tuldukan ang kahibangang ito. Malayong si Dan at si Raine ay iisa. Lalo pa at mag bubunga pa ang kanilang pag mamahalan. Pero realizing it there is something with that date that tickled my heavy heart but it seems I can’t really point it out.

Hindi na maipinta ang aking mukha, buti na lang tinawag na si Dan for our ordered coffee, tamang tama naman na dumating si Anya, “Oh nandito pala kayo. I’ll just order some pastries and cakes” ng tumayo ako bigla, “Anya, something came up…” pilit kong pinigilan ang pag iyak ko.

“I needed to go, Jessica texted din kasi, something happened doon sa isang print out namin and I need to get at the office quick… And besides napag usapan na rin namin ni Mr. Veraperez yung details sa wedding, I’ll be there…” at kinamayan ko sya at dali daling umalis.

Nagulat ako ng hinabol pa pala ako ni Dan, “Hey Mr. Sto. Domingo, here’s your coffee, take out naman ito. Anyways pwede naman kitang ihatid, pasasalamat na rin sa pag-sama mo sa amin.” At iniabot nya ang Mocha Frap sakin.

“Salamat Mr. Veraperez, medyo in a hurry na rin ako, I’ll just ride on a cab. Text text na lang for the other details.” Pilit ko pa rin ikinubli ang aking sarili, and for the last time, he smiled at me again.

I exited at Ayala Avenue. My hands are all wet di ko makuhang inumin ang ice cold drink na iniabot nya sa akin at sa halip, naihambalos ko pa ito sa isang granite pillar ng isang building, at pinag susuntok ko pa ito. Ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay lumuha ng lumuha… Walang tigil na pag luha hanggang sa umuwi ako sa bahay sa Bel-Air ganun pa rin ang tanging naramdaman ko, na as if I am in this impossible nightmare. I was lost, lost in this labyrinth that fate has put me in.

NEXT:

Chapter 8 - The Homophobic Series Book 2-B [I]: 
http://boykissesbydane.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-homophobic-series-book-2-b-i.html