SAHC: Playlist of Yesteryears

My high school barkada and I were into dance music of the 80's as .  Vacation afternoons, or even after school hours were spent listening to the latest 'disco' or extended remixes of popular tunes.  And practicing what the dance groups would be doing on TV.  From WEA, to OctoArts to Dyna to Dance Promo, we were fans.  

We expanded this dance horizon, and eventually expressed it, when we started hanging out in the gay bar 690 in Retiro St.  This happened when we were in our 4th year in college, when we could save enough of our measly allowances for that night out.

Funny, now that I look back at it.  A couple of college badings hanging out in a gay bar, the kind with gogo boys (called macho dancers then)!  But that bar gave us the space to express ourselves.  No need to be conscious of who might see us.  We went there to drink a little and dance a lot.  (We didn't even have enough money to have those charlie browns (callboys) sit with us.)

Gay bars like that would always have gay impersonation as entertainment.  And those pretty trannies would always amaze us.  And from their shows we would actually learn a few more songs to add to our playlist.

I finally found two of the songs I remember from that period.  They never became popular.  But to us, this was the ultimate bading music (baklaan kung baklaan! LOL). 

In the barkada, I became associated with two other female singers because of these two songs.  I saw them on Video Hit Parade (the show on Channel 2 that puts together all the music videos in a one-hour program, before MTV channel came to our shores).  And I instantly liked them.
I was ridiculed for my choices, especially Meri D. Marshall.  She was just too plump to be a gay diva!  But at least Martika crossed over to the Billboard 100 with 'Toy Soldiers'!  

These songs had me singing along, ala gay impersonator, complete with dance steps!  Thank God for YouTube! (and for those kind souls who actually uploaded these videos.  KINDRED SPIRITS!)

p.s. SAHC = Sex at Hayskul College, what was supposed to be a continuing series on cc's growing up years

Emily 11, John 3

"Luc, pinapatawag ka ni Boss Von." sabi ni Tere habang sinasalubong siya sa may lobby.

"Huh? Bakit daw? Galit ba? tanong ni Lucas.

"Ewan. Basta pinasok ko kahapon yung request mo for leave. Baka tungkol dun."

"Kailan? Ngayon na?"

"Pumasok ka na sa kwarto niya."

Dumiretso siya sa pinto ng boss at kumatok.

"Sir, si Lucas po. Pinapatawag niyo po ako?"

"Come in, Lucas." ang sagot ng boss. "Sara mo yung pinto. And take a seat."

"Opo." Tinignan niya ang boss niyang nasa desk pa niya, nakatingin sa mga pinipirmahan. At nung natapos, hinanap ang isang papel, ang leave request ni Lucas.

"I'll be straight to the point. I saw this request."

"Yes, Sir."

"One week leave. Eto na ba ang paternity leave mo?"

Nagulat at namutla si Lucas. Wala siyang sinasabihan tungkol sa kaso nila ni Emily, maliban kay Tere. Paano niya nalaman?

"Don't be surprised, Lucas. I know everything that goes on in here or sa field."

"ah Opo, Sir."

"Lucas, you are a performer. Turn-around guy ka. But I was so disappointed when I found out about what happened between you and Emily. Kayo pang dalawa. Parehong magagaling. Kung hindi nagresign si Emily, I was about to fire you. Hindi pwede sa kumpanya natin yan."

Yumuko na lang si Lucas sa kahihiyan. "Yes, Sir."

"Bakit hindi mo pinakasalan si Emily?"

Nagulat na naman si Lucas sa tanong ng boss. "Ah, Sir, kasi ... hindi pa ako handa. At hindi naman niya hiningi yun sa akin." Hindi pa rin niya lubos maisip na nagaganap ang pag-uusap na eto.

"Panindigan mo yang batang yan. Anak mo yan."

"Opo. Wala pong patid ang tawagan namin ni Emily."

"Tandaan mo, nobody is indispensable here. Don't mess with me. Ayokong maulit eto, is that clear?"

Napalunok na lang si Lucas. "Yes, Sir."

Ang laking takot niya sa kaganapang iyon. Hindi niya naisip na hahantong sa pagkatanggal niya sa trabaho kung sakali.

Nung kagabihan, tinawagan na niya si Emily upang mangamusta.

"Hello, Em. Musta na? Galing ka ng OB?"

"Uy. Oo. Nanggaling ako kanina. Healthy pa rin ang baby. On schedule daw. Ano, pinayagan ka ni Boss?"

"Oo, pero nasabon ako. Dahil sa atin. Alam niya pala ang lahat."

"Oo naman, si Boss pa. Bakit anong sabi?"

"Kung di ka raw umalis, kakasuhan niya ako. Hindi ko alam kung ano. Basta nagalit."

"Ay ang sweet ni Boss Von sa akin. Hanggang ngayon, inaalagaan pa rin niya ako." natawang sinabi ni Emily. "Tapos na yan. Wag ka ng mag-emo. Sus, naka-move on na ako! Hahaha"

Napangiti na rin si Lucas. "Thanks, Em. Ang bait mo talaga. Kung hindi lang..."

"Kung hindi ka lang bading eh nagpakasal na tayo, ganun ba? Haha"

"Mismo. Hahaha. Pero nagpapasalamat ako na isang katulad mo ang magiging nanay ng anak ko."

"Tama na ang drama. Anyway, naka-book na yung hotel mo. Sasama ba si Carl?"

"Hindi siya pwede. Ako lang. Buti na rin yun para naka-focus tayo sa delivery."

"Okay. Basta i-email ko yung reservation. Oh siya. See you in two weeks."

"Bye, Em. Thanks talaga."

Ang laki ng pinagbago ng kanilang ugnayan ni Emily. Naging maging magkaibigan na talaga sila. Excited na rin siyang pumunta sa Tacloban. Dun manganganak si Emily kasama ang kanyang nanay. May dumating na text.

"Ei, fren. Musta?" galing kay John.

"Im ok. Pagod. Ayos trip to Tacloban.”

“Uy. Sama ako. Wen?”

“Nxt wk.”

“Cool. Pagod k? Tara, masahe kta. hehe”
“Y? Magaling k magmasaj?”

“Yup. Nag-aral me. Nung wa pa work.”

Nagulat si Lucas sa alok ng masahe. “Ah. ok. sarap nga sana.”

“Ano? Bahay k n b?”

“Yup.”

“Punta me?”

“Nxt time. ok lng. kaya p.”

"K, fine. Txt txt. Swit drims fren"

Laking hinayang niya sa pagtanggi sa alok ng masahe. Dahil nararamdaman niya talaga ang pagod, galing na rin sa nakaka-stress na pag-uusap nila ni Boss.

Siguro, hindi na rin siya dapat magtaka sa ganyang alok ni John. Nung mga nakaraang araw, may ganyang landian sila sa text, at minsan sa telepono. 'Ika nga nila, maharot rin etong batang 'to.

Minsan, may mga 'mwah' at 'tsup' ang mga text. O kahit na yung 'Swit drims'. Ganyan kalambing ang bagets. At kung tutuusin, di na rin bagets si John. Nakatatlong jowa na rin siya. Single lang ngayon dahil ini-enjoy niya muna ang walang commitments. Marami ring nagpadaanan. Naging masalimuot rin ang nakaraan niya sa ibang jowa.

Galing siya sa isang simpleng pamilya. Kaya nagsumikap, bata pa lang. Kung anu-ano na ang mga binibenta sa mga kaklase. Maabilidad at may ambisyon. Sa sariling kayod nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo. Kasama na diyan ang crew ng Jollibee, ang pagiging sekretarya sa isang maliit na construction office. At ngayon, nalaman pa niya na nakapag-aral magmasahe ngunit hindi niya naipagpatuloy.

Masayang kasama si John. Nakapag-coffee na sila minsan. At dun, ang gaang ng pakiramdam nila sa isa't-isa. Kahit makulit at makwento, kaya rin niyang maging seryoso. Dun na aninag ni Lucas ang isang binatang balanse ang pananaw sa buhay. Kaya madali rin siya naging kampante sa kanya. Nakikinig lang kahit mga problema sa trabaho o sa kanila ni Carlito. Kahit sa kanya ay na-ikuwento na rin niya ang tungkol kay Emily.

Inaamin niyang nan duon pa rin ang atraksyon niya kay John. Siguro, mas lalo pang lumalim ng makilala niya ang pagkatao. Ngunit hanggang dun lang sila. Konting landian sa text. Konting lambing. Yung saktong kilig lang.

Binaba na niya ang kanyang cellphone at tinapos ang pag-empake. Kahit sa susunod pang linggo ang byahe ay tapos na ang bagahe niya. Excited siya maging tatay.

Ngunit naalala niya ang kanilang pag-uusap ni Emily. Hindi totoong maraming ginagawa si Carlito at hindi makakasama. Ang totoo ay malamig si Carlito sa ano mang balita tungkol sa bata. Akala niya noon ay lilipas rin, pag matagal na ang nagdaang panahon. Iba rin talaga si Carlito magtanim ng galit. Tahimik ngunit malalim ang pinanggagalingan ng poot. Akala niya, para kay Carlito, ang bata ay paalala ng sakit na dinulot niya. Mali pala. Noong isang away nila lumabas ang katotohanan. Tinuturing niyang parang karibal ang bata sa atensyon ni Lucas. At kung tutuusin, hindi lang sa atensyon, kahit sa gastusan. Malalim nga ang pinanggagalingan.

Tinabi na muna niya ang bagahe. Naramdaman ang pagod at nagpahinga. Masarap nga magpamasahe. Tinignan niya ang cellphone niya at hinanap ang isang pangalan - "Justin". Eto yung nirekomenda ni Carlito. Eto yung regular na nagmamasahe sa kanya. Natawa na lang siya ng maisip niya na parang kailan lang, eto rin ang kanilang pinag-awayan, ang masahistang nagbibigay ng extra service sa kanya.

Ang layo na rin ng pinagbago ng kanilang relasyon ni Carlito. Ngayon, tanggap na nila na okey lang ang masahe na may e.s. Basta hanggang dun lang.

Nagtext at nagpa-iskedyul ng masahe. Hindi pa niya nasubukan si Justin. At ang balitang performance level na e.s. ang kanyang hinintay.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Carlos 25, John 2

"Babe, short ako for this month para sa rent."

"O, paano nangyari yun? Carl naman! Ang dami ko ring bayarin ngayon."

"I don't want to ask sana. Kaso, naningil na si Tita Remy."

Kinuha ni Lucas ang wallet at nag-abot ng pera. "Eto lang ang cash ko ngayon. O, eto."

Inabot kay Carlito, ngunit hindi niya itinago ang pagkainis.

"Bakit ba ang sungit mo?"

"Anong gusto mo? Sino bang matutuwa, ka-aga-aga, utang agad ang pinaguusapan."

Bigla niyang binawi ang mga masasakit na salita. "Babe, I'm sorry. Marami lang trabaho. Sobra sa pressure."

"Ok. Sorry rin. Hindi na ako mag-short next time. Nagkasabay-sabay lang, Babe."

Niyakap ni Lucas si Carlito. "I know. I'm sorry, ok?"

Kapadala pa lang ni Lucas ang sustento ni Emily. Ika-pitong buwan na rin niya. At dumadalas na ang pagpapadala ng pera. Excited rin naman siya para sa pagpapanganak. At kung papayagan siya ng opisina makapag-leave, pupuntahan niya para masaksihan ang panganganak.

Nakatanggap siya ng text mula sa di kilalang numero.

"hey luc. c john eto. musta?"

"sori but john hu?"

"yung sa party ni Roel. yun truth or consqwens"

Bigla siyang kinabahan. Naalala niyang hindi niya binigyan ng number niya si John. Kanino kaya nito nakuha?

"helo. im ok. kaw?"

"im gud. eto ppasok work."

"ok. cge. txt txt n lng. bc pa."

"k. ingat."

Inaamin niyang may kilig pa rin. Naalala niya ang itsura ni John. Ang kinis ng kutis, ang ganda ng ngiti. Ang ganda ng hubog ng katawan. Ngunit hanggang dun lang dapat yun. Hanggang paghanga lang. Ipinangako niya sa sarili na hindi na niya guguluhin ang buhay niya.

Nagtext siya kay Roel nung nagkalibreng oras siya.

"teh, cnong nagbgay no ko k John?"

"cnong john?"

"yun bitbit ni louie sa diner"

"call me." At dali-dali niyang tinawagan si Roel.

"Sis, sino kaya ang nagbigay ng number ko?"

"Kapatid, malamang si Louie. Selosa yun. hahaha"

"Eh kung selosa, bakit niya ibibigay kay John?"

"Ay pwedeng resignation baga. Alam niyang walang mararating ang kanyang pagsintang pururot. HAHAHA"

"Teh, seriously? si Louie kaya?"

"Ma at pa! At bakit naman kailangan mong malaman?"

"Teh, ayoko na ng gulo."

"Gaga ka pala. De wag mong sagutin. Besides, ano ba sabi? Sex raw kayo?"

"Hindi naman. Hello hello lang ang drama."

"Chos! Kung ayaw mo, wag mo, teh! Ganun lang kasimple."

"Ayaw ko namang bastusin ang bata."

"Asus! Dinahilan pa ang pagbabastos! Aminin mong gusto mo rin!!!"

"Hindi no. Basta alamin mo lang, teh. At sabihin naman sana wag ng bigay ng bigay ng number ko. Alam mo naman na napakaselosa ni Carlito."

Nakaraan rin ang ilang araw bago nagtext si John sa kanya. Ngayon alam na niya dahil sinave niya ang number cellphone. Para alam niya ang kanyang iiwasan.

"ei luc. musta?"

Pinalipas niya ang ilang sandali bago magreply.

"hey. im gud. tnx. can i kol?"

"sure bro."

Tinawagan niya agad ang bagets.

"Hey John. ahmm. You know naman may partner ako."

"Oo naman. Malinaw. Dude, all I want is to be a friend. Wala naman akong balak na iba. Luc naman."

"Ah..I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. Ayaw ko lang kasi gulo."

"Look, Luc. Ay ang saya! haha magka-rhyme! Anyway, look, among the rest kasi ikaw lang ang magaang ang dating. At pareho tayong nasa sales kaya gusto kitang maging kaibigan."

"Ah ganun pala naman. Ok. Sorry, praning ako."

"And I respect that. Mabuti ngang ganun. So malinaw na ang lahat? So we could be friends?"

"Sure, sure. Salamat. At sorry talaga sa assumptions ko."

"Ok lang yun. Minsan coffee tayo. Kuwentuhan mo ako, okay?"

"Sure. Friends! Gotta go! Bye!"

Nakangiti pa rin si Lucas habang binabalik sa bulsa ang cellphone. Masaya dahil nalinaw niya kay John ang magiging estado ng kanilang samahan. Ngunit di pa rin maalis na may atraksyon siya kay John. At dahil dun, itutuloy niya ang kanilang "friendship."

Napadaan siya sa isang department store pauwi upang bumili ng mga gamit para sa katawan at sa buhok. Nakita niya ang paboritong shampoo ni Carlito, shampoo na matagal na niyang hinahanap. Binili niya, para na rin makabawi sa kasungitan niya kanina.

Pagdating sa kanilang bahay, nadatnan niya si Carlito paalis pa lang ng bahay.

"Oh Babe, you're still here?"

"Hello Babe. Yeah, binago na naman ang shift ko. Hay. Napapagod na ako, Babe."

Niyakap niya ang mahal. "Hold on, Babe. Mahirap humanap ng trabaho. At di rin maganda kung pabago-bago ka ng kumpanya."

"Hay, I know. Nahiya rin ako sa iyo, Babe."

"Don't worry, okay? Basta nandito lang ako." Hinalikan niya si Carlito sa labi. "Sige, ako na bahala dito." At sabay kuha ng pasalubong. "Babe, I got you this"

"Uy! Saan mo nakita? Tagal ko ng hindi nakikita eto!"

"Dun sa Rob. Mayroon dun."

Niyakap ni Carlito si Lucas ng mahigpit. "Thank you, Babe. I love you." Umalis na rin siya papuntang trabaho.

Nang matapos ang kanyang hapunan, naligo si Lucas. Masarap ang shower. Relaxed kasi ang pakiramdam niya. Umupo siya sa sofa at nanuod muna ng TV. Walang gaanong magandang palabas. Tinignan niya ang cellphone para sa mga messages. At nang makita niya uli ang message ni John, naisipan niyang i-text.

"ei. gcng p?"

"ei, luc. yup. d p antok. ano gawa u"

"la lng. nuod tv. tamad."
"hehe. ako gawa report."

"cge d kta disturb."

"k lng. basta kaw, fren." Natawa siya sa "fren" nung nabasa niya. Seryoso naman etong bata maging kaibigan lang.

Tinext rin niya si Louie, ang kaibigan na nagdala kay John sa hapunan ni Roel.

"Teh, Luc here. Can i kol?"

Matagal rin ang lumipas bago sumagot si Louie.

“Sure, honey”

“Hello, Louie!”

“Oh ano? Napatawag ka, bakla?”

“Nangangamusta lang.”

“Hindi! Naku hindi ka nangangamusta! HAHAHA” Kung maingay si Roel, mas maingay pa etong si Louie. Natatawa na lang siya habang kausap niya.

“Oh di ba? Alam ko ang pakay mo, kapatid. At oo, ako ang nagbigay ng number mo sa haliparot na yun.”

“Haliparot? Teh, bakit mo naman binigay ang number ko?”

“Aba, galit ka pa? WAHAHAHA Teh, aminin, may kagandahan ang jagets!”

“Oo naman. Pero alam mo namang may jowa ako. Super seloso pa.”

“Huwell, hindi ko problema yan. HAHAHA. And for the record, ayaw ko sanang ibigay. Kaso ang kuleeeeet!”

Kinilig na naman si Lucas. Mukhang type na type siya ni John.

“Wait, di ba type mo yan? Di ba kayo?”

“Heeexcuse me! Kapatid EX-type ko siya. At binasted ko na siya.” Sa pagkakilala niya kay Louie, mukhang baliktad ang tunay na kuwento. Ngunit sinakyan na lang niya.

“Bakit naman, kapatid? Gwapo naman”

“Ay! eh kung kasing kati ba naman ng balat ng sayoteng kinudkud mo sa iyong singit! Wag na!”

“Ah ganun ba siya?”

“Naman! Player yan no? Joz ko! kung anong inosente ng fez, yun naman ang kakatihan sa tunay na anyo! WAHAHA!”

“Hahaha. Ikaw talaga, mukha namang mabait.”

“Bakeeet? Nahuhulog ka ba? May namumuo na ba??”

“Wiz, teh. Intrigera ka ha? Friends lang kami. Hanggang dun lang yun. Ayoko ng komplikasyon.”

“Teka, narinig ko na yan. HAHAHA”

“Hindi, teh. honest. Hanggang dun lang. Anyway, wala na akong magagawa. Nasa kanya na ang number ko.”

“Flakak! Teh, kung hind mo type, wag mo! He’s a big boy. He’ll understand WAHAHA”

“Yah, baka nga ganun mangyari. Anyways, sige, teh. Salamat na rin!”

“Oh di ba? talagang si John lang ang topic natin! Ni hindi mo ako kinamusta!? Wahaha”

“Ay sorry naman! Kasi ikaw, siningit mo agad si John!”

“Joke lang, teh! hahaha napakadefensive mo! Baboo!”

Mas lalo tuloy siya na-intriga kay John. Player nga kaya o bitter lang etong si Louie? Hindi niya mawari ang katotohanan. Ngunit malinaw sa kanya na ang nais lamang niya ay maging kaibigan.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Ram and Omar 2

The contract was the first thing he noticed on his desk when he arrived that Thursday. It had a note from Dragon Lady: "Ram, pls process. Approved as supplier." He had a huge smile on his face as he read it. And he actually felt proud of Omar. This one he accomplished totally on his own, without any nudging from him.

It took more than a month, which was pretty much the time it took for others to get accredited. And in that span, he had probably seen Omar about four to five times. He was asked a few times for coffee or drinks. And he politely refused. He certainly didn't want to be seen wining and dining with potential suppliers.

But looking at this contract, all ready for signing, he felt he could relax those rules a bit. It certainly appears that all is done and, well, they could 'celebrate' the accreditation. He couldn't help but remember how good Omar looked the last time, with his short-sleeved polo, bursting at the biceps. And those trademark sexy jeans. Only he could pull it off. And though not really a stunner, Omar has the face that you just like looking at, with a boyish smile and a slang that just rolls out of his tongue so well. I'm daydreaming at 830am, he thought to himself.

"Hello. Your contract is ready for signing." he texted him.

And the reply was almost instantaneous. "Wow! Thanks! Super thanks! Do I go to your office later?"

"No need. I need to go over that with you in detail tomorrow."

And almost as if Omar read his mind, "Where do you want to have dinner?"

"After dinner. There's this place near the condo. I'll see you by 830ish."

"Cool, Thanks. Thanks."

He still had a smile on his face as he went through the chores of the day. And not even the bitchy comments from Dragon Lady on the new office furniture could wipe that smile off.

Friday afternoon seemed to take forever. Too long. He hurriedly left the office to be home before 7pm. He caught take-out dinner on the way. And he made sure not to forget the contract.

He looked at his tidy condo and realized there wasn't much fixing needed. Yes, suddenly he had hatched a plan for the night. And that night would end in his condo. He brought out some of the drinks in his ref. Hmmm. Omar looks like the beer type. But that will take forever to take effect. He lined up the Absolut Vodka and the Jack Daniels, all left-overs from dinners past. He brought out the Corona, just in case the guy insists. And the chips. Something light. And that special salsa.

He took a long shower, using that loofa to make sure that his skin is all smooth. He looked at the mirror as he was drying himself off. Not bad for a guy pushing 30. Okay, past 30. Waay past 30. He laughed. He liked how his body is so toned now. He had the right muscles. And his midsection has slimmed considerably. Well, the abs you could discern with enough imagination. Will Omar find me sexy? A moment of self-doubt.

It was past 8pm when he was done. The flossing and toothbrushing and mouthwash gargling was an effort. But he had to make sure that he was make-out worthy. And the cologne had to be perfectly chosen, too. Nothing too strong, or flowery or lemony. After a few dabs, he was done. The clothes had been chosen previously. Friday night casual. Hang out wear. Perfect.

He left at 825pm, for it was 5-10 minute walk to the bar. Sure enough, Omar was already there, looking even more handsome. He melted with the smile as he approached the table. He ordered for beer (figures, Ram thought) while he had his Chardonnay. The talk was about little Tommy, and work and business in general. The place turned out to be noisier than he remembered, so they were leaning towards each other. And he could smell the heavenly, masculine scent of Omar.

"Oh, I forgot the contract at the condo. Let me get it." Ram interjected carefully.

"No need. I can sign it there, I guess?" Omar asked.

"Yeah, you could. But you'd have to walk a bit."

"I don't mind. Need to burn this" pointing to a non-existent belly.

"Oh ok." Ram concurred.

"We can go now, if that's okay with you."

"Sure. Let me settle this."

"No, Ram, this is on me."

"Omar, we are friends now, I insist on at least going Dutch."

"Not today. Next time."

With that settled, the walk back to his condo seemed more like floating. Ram was giddy , and laughing at Omar's witty remarks and stories.

When they got to the condo, Ram showed him in and pointed to the contract on the dining table.

"Silly me. I placed it there so I won't forget to bring it. Still I did! Senior moments, I guess." Ram wailed.

"You never looked your age, Ram. You look great."

Ram blushed and immediately made for the kitchen to prepare drinks.

"Can I look around?" asked Omar.

"Sure. Feel comforable. That's the bedroom door on the left."

Omar went in as Ram took out ice cubes and placed it in the glasses. And when he was done, he wondered why Omar hadn't come out yet.

He brought the two glasses filled with whiskey to his bedroom. And he almost dropped them when he walked in.

On his bed, Omar was sprawled with only his red underwear on. He was busy texting on his cellphone when Ram walked in. He looked up and immediately put aside his cellphone.

"I made myself comfortable." he said with a smile.

Ram was transfixed for a moment. He regained his composure and slowly placed the glasses on the side cabinet. He looked at Omar before slowly taking a seat on the bed, as Omar moved over to give him space. He still wasn't saying anything. He was just looking at Omar, looking at his eyes. And what he saw in those big, beautiful eyes of his was not lust. It was affection. And it melted him more.

Omar slowly moved to kiss Ram. Ram was still unmoving and speechless. And finally, Omar's lips landed on his, very lightly, even tentatively, as if Omar was expecting Ram to suddenly react violently and pull away.

But that didn't happen. Ram closed his eyes and allowed himself to taste those lips, lips he had always fantasized about. Up till that point, a part of him was still stuggling. That part that felt that this is way out of line and totally unprofessional.

However, with that one tentative kiss, all fears just faded into the abyss of affection. And he opened his mouth to receive Omar's mouth, and tongue. And soon, he feft Omar's hand pushing his face even closer and closer, the kiss becoming more urgent, more intense.

Omar fumbled with the buttons of Ram's shirt when Ram suddenly pulled away and stood up. Looking disoriented, Ram didn't know whether he should proceed. He felt conscious of his body, especially beside such a perfect specimen as Omar, with his abs, and his chest. He felt so fat, so unattractive suddenly.

It was as if, again, Omar read his mind.

"Will you please stop being so self-conscious? Ram, you're gorgeous, you're hot. I knew it the first time I saw you." Omar got up and kissed him once again.

"I... I'm just..."

"Shut up. Let me do it." Slowly, with more dexterity this time, Omar unbuttoned Ram's shirt to expose a developed chest. Omar's free hand glided gently across his torso as Ram closed his eyes to feel it. Soon he felt Omar kissing his neck, licking it as both arms went around his waist to draw him even closer. His wet kisses felt so good even before his tongue finally found his ear lobe. With light flickers that suddenly changed tempo to wide licks, he felt his ears burn with passion.

Meanwhile, his own hand grasped Omar's back and slowly made their way into his firm butt. He could feel his own cock stiffen as he squeezed one butt cheek and feel the smoothness against the fabric of the underwear. Omar pulled back slightly to allow him to lick and bite his nipple. Though ordinarily not his primary erogenous zone, he was suddenly responding to each bite, to each lick. He realized how sensitive Omar has made his nipple feel.

Omar gently guided Ram back to the bed. And as he lay there, Omar unzipped his pants and pulled it. He looked at the image of Omar on top of him, smiling, looking every bit as sexy as he always imagine him to be. And aware that he was being stared at, Omar finally removed that red underwear, to expose a manhood so thick and hard that Ram gasped under his breath.

Omar bent over and yanked his briefs out. And proceeded to give him a blow job he wasn't about to forget. With the way Omar was working on his cock, he couldn't believe he even thought of him as straight previously. But the guy is really good. He knew when to pull back and when to be tight. His tongue even played around the head of his cock, and that drove him nuts. The sight of Omar's big, round shoulders, and triceps as he went down on him was too much.

Omar then stood upright again and then kneeled on the bed and approached him as he lay there. He placed another pillow under Ram's head and pointed his cock toward his mouth. Without any need for prompting, Ram engulfed the engorged cock as much as he could, gagging a bit at the start. It was definitely thick. And in that position, he couldn't control Omar's thrusts. But he was not about to just give up on sucking the juiciest dick he has ever laid eyes on.

He looked up to see Omar looking at him, so turned on by the sight of his cock inside Ram's mouth. He kept on moving his pelvis to make sure that he could see his shaft going in and out of the mouth. He also started to play with himself, as he felt his mouth and throat adjust.

Soon enough, Omar pulled away and was jerking his cock frantically.

"Ram, I'm near. Shit, I'm about to come."

"Come on my chest. I want to see you come here." pointing to his own developed chest.

Omar couldn't hold it any longer. He pointed his cock towards the chest and heaved as semen spurted out of the head, thick globs of come. The first one reached Ram's neck. And Omar continued to pump the thick cock until all the juice had been extracted.

And yet he wasn't done. He grabbed some of his come and immediately placed it on Ram's own hard cock. He proceeded to pump the come-lubricated dick wildly, tightly. It was almost hurting Ram but he was too close to the pinnacle to complain.

"Shit..... Oh shit. Ahhh" His own come flew in the air, landing on his bed sheets. Omar continued to pump the rigid cock until Ram was about to shout in pain.

"Stop, Om, please stop... Aahhh" he grabbed hold of Omar's hand and pulled it away.

Spent, Omar lied down beside him, panting.

After a few minutes, Omar started the conversation.

"Look, I know about all this 'no shitting on your backyard.' thing. I wasn't born yesterday. But... I couldn't help myself."

Ram looked at Omar, wondering if this was really happening.

"I like you a lot. Whether or not I got the contract, I wanted this to happen. And please, it's not about this contract. "

"I ... I guess it's not. Look, I wanted this to happen, too." Ram admitted.

"But I thought I'd have to try so hard to even get to first base."

"Hahaha. I guess we both had the same thing in mind."

"And just to set your mind at peace, I made projections. Even at your best, your stores will just be giving me max of 15% of my business. I can easily get that elsewhere, you know what I mean?"

"Yeah, and I appreciate what you're saying. Really, I do."

"So, if this is going to be complicated for you, I can even just abandon the application."

"What??"

"That's how much I like you, Ram."

"No need for that, Omar. That's extreme. I told you. I thought about this, too. And as far as my conscience is concerned, I am pretty clear that you did this on your own merit."

Omar blushed a bit. "Thanks. Really. But beyond that, I want to take this further."

"Aren't you going a bit too fast?"

"Fast? Ram! We've been practically seeing each other for more than a month. Besides, I know how I feel. ... I just don't know how you feel." and Omar turns away.

"Omar, I like you. That's it. And if you want to take this further, I'll go there with you."

Omar's face lit up like a light bulb.

"Let's just take it slow. No need to rush. I'm not seeing anyone anyway. I don't even know about you. You've got a family."

Omar cut him. "I've got a kid, and parents. That's my family. And even if I'm not out to them, I know we could work something out."

"Slowly?" Ram asked.

"Fine. Slowly." Omar replied and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Let's cuddle some more."


Note: This is a friend's story. A few years after, Ram and Omar are still going strong. When PC and I heard about their romance, we knew it had to be shared. You don't find love. Love finds you, even in the most unexpected places. Even in those places you thought Love shouldn't exist. If it's meant to be, it will happen. Cheers! CC



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Ram and Omar 1

It looks like it's going to be one hell of a week again, wailed Ram as he was looking at the applications on his desk. How did all these start piling up? I thought I had this cleared last week. He can imagine Dragon Lady breathing down his neck if she sees the pile. Ugh.

A text message came through. This one came from Charlie, his frenemy. Ah Charlie, what to do? He is actually a good friend to him. But he can be so high maintenance. And not in the financial way. On the contrary, when he is in the mood, Charlie is just generous! Treating him here and there. But one misstep, just one text, not immediately replied to, can set him off. And the tirades of emotional blackmail start pouring in his mobile phone.

Anyway, it is all peaceful with Charlie again. So he read the message: "Hey girl. A friend of mine submitted his application two weeks ago. Could you check status please? Thanks."

Fearful of another barrage of hate messages, he quickly looked at the pile and saw an application with Charlie's cover note. "Hello Ram. I would appreciate if you could process this." He looked at supplier accreditation form from Omar Rivera. He seems to be supplying gift items. Another one. Ho-hum.

"Hello Charlie. Saw it. Will see if it can be prioritized. Thanks." was his quick reply. And he quickly put it back in the middle of the pile. He wasn't about to just switch papers for him.

Ram is the right-hand, assistant merchandise manager, to the powerful merchandising VP, Sandra. Yes, Sandra the dragon lady. She is supposedly a family friend of the owners of the retail chain. So they hold her in confidence.

She is a darn good merchandise person, too. She's got the eye for it. And the haughty attitude to match. But after working with her for 3 years, Ram has gained her trust. She knew his abilities. He was confident that he had learned the tricks of the trade. So he is the powerful 'mini-me', the gatekeeper. And rightfully, suppliers and would-be ones, treat him with as much reverence as his boss. And he enjoys it. Never abuses it.

A few days later, Charlie called him up.

"Hello Ram! Are you free for dinner? Let's catch up."

"Hello Charlie. Uhmm. When were you planning?"

"This Friday. I'll be in your side of town. My treat!"

"Uh ok. 8-ish, fine with you? I'll be coming from the office."

"Sure dear! See you!"

Well, it has been a while since he got together with Charlie. So this treat was no surprise to him. And he chose the nice restaurant, one he always wanted to try. It should be good dinner.

When he walked towards the reserved table, he was surprised to see another person with Charlie. He usually comes alone.

Charlie stood up to give his friend a hug.

"Hello!! Nice to see you again. Ram, I'd like you to meet Omar."

"Hi! Nice to meet you, Sir."

"Sir? Call me Ram. That's what everybody calls me."

He was trying to recall where he heard the name. And soon enough, it dawned on him, just as they were starting on the appetizers. This is one of the supplier-applicants! How sneaky of Charlie to do this!

He tried to play cool, even as Omar eventually talked about his work and his business, and asked about the status of his application. Ram was looking him over. He didn't look half as bad. He actually looks quite sexy underneath that long-sleeve shirt. But that didn't matter. He was still quite annoyed that this dinner was a set-up.

"Uhm, Omar, just a bit more patience, okay? There are just a million other applications right now. But I'm sure it will get to Sandra soon."

"Thanks. I really appreciate that."

And the evening remained pleasant until the end.

Soon enough, he called Omar for the appointment.

"Hello Omar. This is Ram."

"Ah yes, sir. Hello! How are you?"

"I'm good. Thanks for asking. About your application, Ms. Dy is ready to see you. Can you come over by tomorrow, 10am?"

"Yes, definitely. I'll be there."

"And please bring the sample merchandise."

"Of course! I'll see you then. Bye. Thanks."

Omar was more than punctual. He was an hour early for his 10am appointment. Ram felt sorry that he was all alone in the waiting area. And since his workload was quite light that day, he told Omar he could wait in his office.

"So how did you meet Charlie?"

"Met him at the gym. He approached me one time. And we've been hanging out from time to time. He's been a lot of help with the business. Always gives me free advice." This got Ram's right eyebrow raised. He just realized that Charlie was into this guy. So stupid of him not to realize earlier!

"Oh. That's good. Charlie likes hanging out."

"Yeah. Also quite persistent. hahaha'"

His eyes rolled (only to himself) at this. So typically Charlie.

"Anyway, can I show you some of the merchandise now?"

Omar got up and walked over to his bag. Ram noticed the tight jeans he was wearing. And how it just made his butt look so big and.... bubbly. But the surprise came when he faced him. There in front of him was a basket, a big basket, packed. He couldn't help but stare.

"Ahem. Here is a sample of the bags we import." There was a slight smile in his tone. Ram looked up and figured out that Omar saw him staring at his crotch. He turned red, embarrassed.

And by reflex, he became ice cold. He didn't dare show this side of him to a supplier, to an applicant at that!

"Ok. Well, Sandra will be the judge of how good it is." he said icily. And he turned to his computer to work. "I need to get something done."

"Ah sure." Omar felt the change and retreated.

The meeting with Sandra went well actually. Omar was in his element, presenting the merchandise. And to his credit, the stocks were actually well-made and priced competitively. Ram let Sandra do all the talking. He was still quite upset with himself for having been caught.

And as potential suppliers go, this was not going to be the last meeting. He would be asked to submit other samples. And would even have to design and produce some goods exclusive to their chain. It was going to be a long process of accreditation.

The first meetings after that were quite tough for Omar. And Ram made sure of it. He was not accommodating at all. And for his part, Omar respected the wall Ram erected between them. But that didn't stop him from trying his best to be on his good side.

By the third meeting, the ice had thawed. Ram felt the sincerity to build a friendship, or at least a supplier-client relationship. And in between the actual meetings, they would talk about other things. And slowly, he started to look at Omar in a different light.

He was certainly a self-made young man. Well, not as really "made" yet. But he was on his way. He was a single parent. His wife left him a few years back. And he was so proud of his 4 year old son. A lot of the time, he would simply be sharing the next naughty thing little Tommy did or learned.

The one thing they never talked about was about being gay, He sensed it, definitely. Moreso after he mentioned being a single parent. But he never volunteered any information. And neither did Ram.

So Ram found himself becoming quite comfortable with Omar. Yet he knew that Omar remained a supplier. And that meant distance. But the more that he got to know him, the harder it became to put that wall between them.



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Kumpare!

I introduced Innova Guy (Iggy) in this post, way back in January 2010.   For the weeks that led to that post, he was making my days at the office a little brighter.  With the way he would pass by my window.  Or how I would catch a glance of him at the commercial area.

Then it finally happened.  I met him.  Inside my office.  Even more dashing.  And that meeting led to a series of inumans.  And the inevitable reality ending.  Nothing was going to come out of this.

I gave an update about Iggy a few months after.  And I wasn't as affected anymore.

Fast forward to 2012.  That is still pretty much the state of affairs.  I would still receive nangangamusta messages.  And through those exchanges, I find out what he is up to now.  The new house.  The new business.  And a new baby.  I'm happy for him.  And I'm glad that he still reaches out to me.  Even if I never initiated any communication.

Last Sunday, another kamusta text.  Which ended predictably with: Sige I'll see you soon! Catch up tayo.  Then a few minutes after, I get this Facebook notification: Baby Iggy wants to be your friend.  Curious, I clicked through and found that he actually created an FB profile for his 6-month old son!  LOL I approved the request.

Soon enough, there was a private message: Hello Tito!  Could you be my ninong?  What the..?  I replied in the affirmative, and sent Iggy a verification text: Boss, ginagawa mo ba kong ninong?

Well, it was no prank.  He confirmed that he wanted me to be one of the ninongs.  And when he finally brought over the invite to me, he just said that he truly values the friendship that we have established.  And the best way to cement that was as Kumpare!

So there!  The ending to the story of "The Man Who Used To Pass By My Window".  

The Previous Posts:

ahente lang pala - January 21, 2010
up close and personal - February 6, 2010
then reality - February 12, 2010
whatever happened to... innova guy - May 26, 2010

Carlito 23, John 1

"Sir? Sir? Nandito na tayo sa Buendia." Nagising si Lucas sa tanong ng taxi driver. Naalimpungatan pa siya. At nun pa lang niya naalala na nasa loob pa rin siya ng taxi, papauwi. Tinignan niya kung nasaan na sila. At binigyan na lang ng direksyon muli ang driver.

Nakatulog siya habang inaalala niya ang nakaraan. Masakit alalahanin ang pangyayari kay Carlito. Kahit ilang taon na pala ang dumaan, may mga bagay sa puso na hindi kayang kalimutan. Oo at may mga detalye na wala na. Ngunit ang lamat ay nagpeklat na, paalala ng mga bagay na pinagsisihan. At nagpapapansin minsan-minsan.

Naka-uwi na siya sa condo na nirerentahan niya. At nagtext muna siya kay Nandy, kay Tisoy.

"nkuwi na. hope ok nmn paguwi mo. tnx 4 d nice aftie. c u." Binasa niya muna ng ilang ulit bago niya sinend. Di naman mukhang masyadong atat. Sakto lang.

Ilang sandali ay nagtext na rin ang isa. "had gr8 time. c u soon." Uuy! may "soon" yung kanyang reply. Kinilig si Lucas. Oo, type niya si Nandy. At mukhang masarap kausap kasi matalino at may lalim. Teacher kasi. Ngunit naalala na naman niya na may sabit si Nandy. May jowa pa. Hay. Saan naman kaya mararating nito? Bahala na. Ayaw ko munang isipin.

Naghanda na siya sa pagtulog. At muli niyang binalikan ang pag-alaala sa nakaraan nila ni Carlito.

"Carl, ano ba? Kaibigan ko lang yun?" sagot niya kay Carlito habang nagdadabog na naman ang isa.

"Kaibigan? With benefits na naman?"

"Carl, move on na tayo!? Hindi na ba ako pwedeng magkaroon ng bagong kaibigan?"

"Eh makati pa sa higad yang baklitang yan. May gusto yan sa iyo."

"I don't know and really, I don't care. I was just being a friend. Carl naman, you've got to start trusting me!"

"I trust you. Wala na sa akin. Yung haliparot lang na yun ang hindi ko pinagkakatiwalaan."

Nagalit na si Lucas. "Pucha naman, Carl. Nagpabalik ako dito sa Manila para maayos tayo. Wala naman tayong ginawa kungdi mag-away." Tumahimik lang si Carlito at umalis.

Tinawagan ni Lucas ang barkadang si Roel. "Aba! Nabuhay ang bakla?! Tapos na ba ang reign ng Miss Cebu? HAHAHAHA!" ang hiyaw ng mahaderang bading Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang tinig niya. Mader na mader pa rin.

"Balik Manila na ako, sis. Masarap man ang lechon Cebu, iba pa rin ang karne sa Maynila! HAHAHA!"

"Mabuti naman! Ikaw ang anak kong naligaw ng landas. Kayo pa rin ba ni Carlota?"

"Carlito! Gaga! Hahaha. Kayo talaga, hindi niyo na tinanggap siya."

"Paano ko namang tatanggapin ang manugang kong iyo? Eh nung nakilala mo siya ay nilayo ka niya sa piling ng iyong inay! At kahit kailan, ang feeling-feeling niya!"

"Oh tama na. Alam ko na ang litanya niyo. Oo kami pa rin. Kaya rin nga napabalik ako. Ay dami kong kwento. Kita tayo!"

"Aba! Bakeeet? Papayagan ka ba ni Carlotang sumama sa amin?"

"I don't care, no? He has to learn to accept that you are my friends."

"Si Lucas! Nagkabayag na! May Himala! Hahahaha"

"Gaga ka talaga! hahaha! Marami na rin nagbago sa amin."

"At kasama dun ang katapusan ng pagigiging under-d-saya mo!?"

"Che! Hindi naman ako under! Ayoko lang ng gulo kaya hinahayaan ko siya. Basta! Kita tayo. Saan na ba kayo tumatambay?"

"Sa totoo lang, kapatid, ay tumatanda na ang mga lola mo. Kaya pa-dinner-dinner na lang kami sa mga bahay-bahay."

"Arrange mo naman, sis! Makalabas lang dito."

"Ayun! I'm sure nag-away kayo, noh??!"

"Basta, Magkukuwento ako. Ano? Sa Friday? After office. Text mo ako."

Dumating ang Friday at excited si Lucas. Gumawa na lang siya ng rason kay Carlito para walang mahabang usapan. Office activity. At dumiretso na siya sa condo ni Roel. As usual, maaga siya. Ang mga ibang bading ay wala pa.

Mahigpit na yakap ang salubong ni Roel sa kanya! "Joz ko, Luc! Nakakamiss ka! At ang katawan, nagkaka-figure na, ha? Nasaan na ang baby fat?" sabay kurot sa tagiliran.

"Aray! Sis, ano ba, tinatago na nga! Mayroon pa rin. Kainis nga!"

"Kapatid, gumanda ka. Hiyang ka sa Cebu, no?"

"Ayan na nga ang kwento ko. Pero hintayin na natin ang lahat."

"Sis, magkwento ka na. Matagal pa ang mga bakla. At maraming bago. I'm sure hindi mo naman ikukuwento yan sa bago." At inumpisahan na niya ang kuwento ng buhay niya sa Cebu, kay Emily at kay Paolo. At ang huling pangyayari sa buhay nila ni Carlito.

"Wagi ka talaga, kapatid! Kahit kailan, mahilig ka sa gulo! Sobrang selosa na nga yang jowa mo, nagawa mo pa rin ang pagloloko! At may babae pa! YUCK!!!"

"Oo nga. Pero tinapos ko na rin naman lahat. After that fight with Carl, I decided to go back to Manila for good. Nagpa-transfer ako. Inaayos ko na ang buhay ko, teh."

"Good luck, kapatid. Pero hindi ikaw lang ang masisisi sa gulo mo. May kinalaman rin naman yang jowa mong may sayad."

"Wala na akong magagawa sa kanya. Siguro ganyan lang niya ako kamahal."

"To the point of calling those people? Are you crazy? Hindi gawain ng matinong tao yan, Luc!"

"I know, I know. But it's all over. And I'm trying to make it work. Kaso away pa rin kami ng away."

"Hay, wala na akong mapapayo sa iyo. Ayan, may nag-doorbell na. Tuloy natin mamaya ang kuwentuhan."

Malaking grupo rin ang napagsama-sama ng kanyang matalik na kaibigan. Matagal na rin niyang hindi sila nakakasama. Masarap makita muli ang mga barkadang kasama niya noon sa mga gimmick, sa lasingan, sa landian. Nagpunta si Louie, at si Jonathan, si Noel. Bitbit ang mga jowa o mga date.

Kaya may mga bagong mukha. May itsura, lalo na yung isa, si John. Tahimik lang ngunit ang ganda ngumiti. Kayumanggi at may porma. Kaagad niyang napansin.

"Sino yun?" bulong niya kay Roel.

"Si John? Bagong bitbit ni Louie."

"Jowa niya?"

"Wiz. Pinagnanasahan. Wahahaha!"

"Shhhh! Tumahimik ka nga! Halatang siya ang pinaguusapan!"

"Sus! Ang arte mo, sis! Ano, type mo no?"

"Slight lang." naghagikhikan silang dalawa. "Gaga, baka pagpapatayin kami ni Carlota."

"Carlito! Carlito! hahaha"

Masaya ang kwentuhan. Parang dati lang. Nariyan pa rin ang tuksuhan at laitan. Tipikal na usapang bading. At habang lumalalim ang gabi at uma-apaw ang Red Horse, mas lumalala ang mga tukso. Napunta sa mga bagets ang usapan.

Tanong ni Roel sa mga bata "Oh sino ba sa inyo ang taken na? Walang sasagot sa mga jurang, ok?"

May dalawang nagtaasan ng kamay at nagtatawanan. Si Felix at si John.

"Ay totoo ba iyan?? Single ka ba talaga, John?" mapanuksong tanong ni Roel.

"Ah yes, po"

"Ay may po! Lumayas ka! HAHAHA Etching lang!"

"Ay parang hurt ang look ni Mama Louie, o?" sabay turo sa bading na biglang napahiya.

"Gaga, friends lang kami." sagot naman ni Louie, dinipensa ang bagets.

"Oh siya, oh siya. Truth or consequence, John?"

"Huh, may laro pa bang ganun?" kinabahan ang binata.

"Hijo, dated ang mga games namin. At sumagot ka."

"Truth na lang po"

"Sus, eto na naman ang mga pow-pow na yan!"

"Fine! Truth, ika mo? K, fine! Sinong type mo dito?"

Biglang nag-blush at nautal si John. "Wala po."

"Ang ibig sabhin mo ba na lahat kami dito ay FANGIT at hindi mo ma-type-an?? Aber?" sigaw ni Roel. Naghahalakhakan na ang lahat.

"Hindi po sa ganun. Lahat naman po ay ok. Mababait kayo."

"Bingi ka ba, hijo??? Tinatanong ko ba kung sino ang mabait dito?? Mag-ayos ka! Sino ang type mo dito?"

"Wala po talaga!"

"Hahalikan kita, sige ka!"

Sigaw ni Lucas "Sus! Yan lang naman ang gusto mong gawin, Roel! Sige na! Halikan mo na!"

"Manahimik ka! Hahalikan niya ako kung gusto niya! Choz!"

"Sige, ibahin ang tanong. Sino dito ang masasabi mong may itsura na PWEDE mong magustuhan?"

"ahh... hindi siguro po magustuhan. Pero parang mabait siya." sabay turo kay Lucas.

"AT ANG NAGWAGI BILANG BINIBINING UNDAS, SI MS LUCAS" at nag-akmang nagpatong ng korona sa ulo ni Lucas. Biglang natulala si Lucas at namula.

Sabay hinarap ni Roel si Lucas. "Kapatid! Consequence or consequence??"

"Huh? Bakit nawala ang 'truth'?"

"Che! Ako ang game master!"

"Wala naman akong choice!"

"Pwes! Ang consequence mo! Halikan si John!"

Biglang pumalag si Lucas at si John. "Huy! Walang ganyanan, sis!!!" protesta ni Lucas.

"At bakeeeet? Hindi ba pwedeng mag-kiss man lang??"

"Sis! May jowa ako, no?"

"Sus! Friendly kiss lang naman! Pare! Walang malisya, di ba, John?" sabay tingin kay John, na biglang napa-inom ng maraming Red Horse.

At biglang humawi ang mga bakla upang makalapit si Lucas kay John.

"Oh ano ang hinihintay mo?" tanong ni Roel kay Lucas na ayaw gumalaw sa kinauupuan.

"Sus! Kailangan pang pilitin!"

"Basta, wala akong kinalaman dito! Walang magsusumbong!"

Hindi mapigil ni Lucas ang kilig. Dahil type naman niya talaga etong morenong si John. Nilapitan niya at binulungan. "Wag kang matakot. Peck lang. Pagbigyan lang natin." At tumungo si John sa pagsang-ayon.

"One.. Two.. Three.." bilang na mga bading.

Nilapit ni Lucas ang mga labi niya sa labi ni John. At dumampi. At nang hihiwalay na sana siya ay naramdaman niyang bumuka ang bibig ni John. At tuluyan na silang nag-French kiss.

Naghiyawan ang buong barkada. At dun pa lang bumitawa sa isa't-isa.

"Naku! Parang ayaw ng bumitaw! Parang humahabol ang nguso ni Lucas!" Tawanan at hiyawan pa rin ang lahat. At hindi na bumalik si Lucas sa dating upuan.

Nagpatuloy ang inuman at chikahan na magkatabi si John at si Lucas. At pa-simple silang nagnanakaw ng sandali upang makapag-usap.

"May lover po kayo?"

"John naman, tanggalin mo na yun 'po' ha?"

"Ay sorry po... Ay sorry." at nagtawanan sila. Nakita na naman niya ang matamis na ngiti ni John.

"Yes, may partner ako. Live-in kami."

"Bakit wala siya dito?"

"Barkada ko 'to. At hindi nila type si Lucas masyado."

"Ah.. kawawa naman siya."

"Hindi rin. Hindi naman siya enjoy kasama sila. At gusto kong makapag-isa minsan."

Pagdating ng alas dos ng umaga, nagpaalam na ang mga bisita ni Roel. Nagpaalam na rin sa kanya si John.

"Sige, mauuna na kami. Sasabay lang ako kay Louie."

"Sure, John. Ingat kayo."

"Thanks. Ahh, Luc, may number ka ba?"

"Uhmm. John, mabuti siguro na hindi ko muna ibigay. Not that I don't like you. But better this way, ha?" Gusto niyang suntukin ang sarili sa mga binitiwan niyang salita.

"Ah sure. No problem po." at bumagsak ang mukha ng bagets.

Narinig ni Roel ang usapan at pinisil ang kamay ni Lucas. At nang sila na lang ang naiwan, sinabihan niya si Lucas.

"Bilib ako sa iyo, kapatid! Nakapagpigil ka. Sana nga ay maayos niyo ni Carl ang problems niyo."



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