Flashback
A year ago, Isabela, and I were in the school cafeteria. She was asking about my date last night. She knew I was on a date, but she didn't know with whom. She was expecting a girl of course. Since I trust her so much, I decided to come out to her. I was so nervous and I didn't know how to start since she would be the first person to know my secret. I opened my mouth but I cannot say a word. I took a deep breath then opened my mouth again, but still, no words came out. She noticed that I was so jittery. She held my hand and said, "Relax Basti, why are you so nervous? Did you do something to her?" Then, she giggled. I sat beside her and whispered in her ear, "I am dating a guy."
Further Flashback
Three years ago, I didn't know anyone in med school. Joining a group is like a must for newbies to avoid being called a loner. So, I joined the first group that invited me to lunch. Isabela was part of it. The group was essentially a show, as we don't really like each other that much; nevertheless, we have to eat with a group so that we won't be branded as losers. Eventually, our group disintegrated as each one of us found the barkada where we really fit in. As for me and Isabela, we were never absorbed by another barkada because we're already fine and happy with each other. Isabela and I clicked a lot. We are inseparable which made my classmates think that we're a couple. Up to this day, I think, they still believe that we're a couple in denial.
Well, I must admit that there was a time when I developed feelings for her. We're together most of the day, even on weekends. We study together...eat together...and do other things together... well, except for taking a bath. However, my feelings for her just died down eventually.
Isabela and I also have close friends in the class. One of them is Shaira. She has a sister who came to Manila to review for the upcoming civil engineering board exams. Shaira introduced us to her sister, Fatima. Fatima is a lively, talkative girl, who is always the life of the party. She easily gains friends everywhere she goes.
Fatima and Isabela became close. Soon, Isabela also considers Fatima as her bestfriend. I was happy for her because she finally found a girl bestfriend. However, there were times when Isabela would bail out on a dinnerdate with me, reasoning that she already had plans with Fatima. There were several more times when she used those Fatima-excuses. Her life seemed to be revolving around her new best friend. I got fed up and stopped talking to Isabela.
To cut the long story short, after several months, Fatima had to go back home while Isabela and I patched things up.
To cut the long story short, after several months, Fatima had to go back home while Isabela and I patched things up.
Just Recently
Isabela went to the city in the southern islands where Fatima lives to spend the Christmas break there. After the break Isabela sent me a message.
Isabela: "Where are you? I wanna tell you something."
Me: "In a mall."
Isabela: "Can you go here? I'm in our favorite coffee shop."
Me: "Ok. It looks important. Wait for me. I'll be there in a few."
Isabela: "Ok. Thanks. Brace yourself."
Brace yourself... It must be something big. I hurriedly made my way to the coffee shop. It is not that far from where I am at. While walking, I began to speculate about things that she might say.
I arrived at the coffee shop and saw her sipping a cup of coffee. I greeted her and sat on the chair across the table."What is it?" I asked her.
She was smiling but her movements were jittery. It seemed like she wanted to say something but can't express it. It reminded me of someone...me a year ago when I came out to her. She finally leaned forward and placed her lips near my left ear. Then she whispered, "I have a girlfriend."
"Is it Fatima?" I asked her
"Yes, how did you know?" she wondered
"It's so obvious, duh." I replied.
"Kainis ka!" she exclaimed
After that, she told me how it began. I realized that she was already in a relationship with Fatima months before I came out to her. "Gago ka! Naunahan mo pa pala ako!" I told her.
She then asked me, "Do you think... we clicked...because we're both gay?"
