I don't remember everything that happened that night. All I know is that Gab was with me. We drank beer at Reyster and Erica's house. But I didn't think that would be the start of trouble.
I woke up to Erica's loud scream. I closed my eyes, trying to remember what had happened, but I couldn't remember anything. When I opened my eyes, Reyster was lying next to me. I was naked. My mind cleared slowly and my body felt different.
Before I could even move, I felt Erica slap me. I could feel the heat of anger in her eyes. Before I could even respond, Reyster pulled Erica away. I could feel the tension between them, like a volcano had erupted around them.
"This is your fault," Reyster shouted at Erica, as the woman denied what he said.
I wrapped myself in a blanket in shame, not wanting others to see my condition. Reyster looked at me intently, as if searching for answers in my eyes.
“What did you see?” he asked when we were alone.
“Nothing. Let me get dressed,” was my weak reply.
I followed him to the bathroom. When I came out, I saw him sitting there, staring at his phone, deep in thought. “Let’s go,” he said.
“Kayang-kaya ko namang umuwi mag-isa,” tugon ko habang hinahawakan ang bag ko.
He looked at the floor, and I noticed Gab's necklace. I suddenly remembered Gab in the situation — I asked, “Where is Gab?”
“I sent him home,” Reyster replied.
I quietly walked out, confused and ashamed of what had happened. He silently followed me.
“I want to walk,” I said, thinking about what had happened.
“‘Don’t fight me,’ he replied, pulling me into the car.
While driving, I started to feel hungry. Reyster laughed. “Fred, stop at Jollibee,” he said.
“I’m not hungry,” I replied.
“Your stomach says it’s different,” he joked.
I smiled despite the chaotic night and difficult morning. I knew it wasn't all over yet.
