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Charlie and her best friend, Alie, had been inseparable since they were in high school. They shared countless adventures, made endless memories, and supported each other through thick and thin. Lately, Charlie feels like Alie is not spending enough time with her. There would be days where they don’t even see each other after class. It was weird but Charlie thought it must just be because they’re in college now, and that their schedule just doesn't match this semester. They have different courses after all.
Busy lang yun. Nagte-text naman siya everyday. Charlie tried to console herself. She just misses her best friend.
Now, as Alie's birthday approaches, Charlie is determined to make it the best birthday ever for her best girl. She is excited and anxious at the same time. Not only does she plan to have this birthday party to be perfect, but she also thinks–this may be her chance to reveal her true feelings to Alie. Finally.
Charlie knew that planning a surprise party would require careful coordination and secrecy. She spent days brainstorming ideas and making a list of all the things Alie loved. From her favorite food to her preferred activities, Charlie wanted to incorporate everything into the party. She enlisted the help of their friends and began putting her plan into action.
The first step is to find the perfect venue. Charlie has an aunt who owns a beachfront house in Batangas. She thinks that since she’s the favorite niece then maybe she can call this in as a favor.
“Tita, birthday na ni Alie… Kung di po pinaparent yung bahay sa Batangas sana kami muna mag stay dun over the weekend lang po… Clean party lang tita kilala mo naman si Alie, ‘di yun umiinom... Ah sige po tita sasabihin ko birthday gift nyo sa kanya.” As Charlie hangs up the call, she makes a victorious punch up in the air.
“Yes!” She exclaimed. Venue secured.
Next, Charlie started to work on the invitations. She designed them herself, incorporating Alie's favorite colors and patterns. On each invitation, she included an adorable photo of Alie. She was almost in tears just looking at Alie’s smiling face in the photo. She took that picture of her on one of their yearly best friend getaway trips.
“Ang ganda mo talaga,” she remarked to Alie’s photo. Napailing na lang siya knowing how crazy she looks like talking to her best friend’s image on her laptop.
“Ang busy mo naman!” Max said from behind. Charlie immediately shut her laptop not wanting anyone to see what she was doing. “Hindi… uhm may tinatapos lang na project.” Charlie explained almost in between stutters. “Sus! eh bat parang secret agent kung makapag close ng laptop. C’mon I wanna see!” Max teased. “Wala nga lowbat na rin laptop ko,” Charlie avoided.
As the day of the party drew closer, Charlie focused on the decorations. She spent hours handcrafting banners, balloons, and centerpieces. Each decoration was made with love and care, reflecting the bond she shared with Alie. Charlie wanted every detail to be perfect, down to the smallest element.
“Oh. Ayusin mo yung mga balloons. Wala sa gitna.” pointed the balloons on the wall while she passed the other balloons to Charlie. “Tulungan na kaya kita sa decorations?" approached, a genuine concern softening her usual self na galit.
Charlie was initially taken aback by Marielle's offer to help with the decorations for Alie's birthday party. had always seemed distant and standoffish, so her sudden change in attitude caught Charlie off guard. Charlie hesitated before accepting the sudden offer, “T-Thank you.”
“Para kay Alie ‘to. She’s a nice friend, deserve niya ng masayang birthday. Wag kang feeling.”
As they worked side by side, Charlie couldn't help but notice the sincerity in Marielle's actions. It was far from the Marielle she had always known – distant, aloof, and often quick to dismiss her, only her. But here she was, lending a hand and showing genuine care for Alie's birthday celebration.
"You know, I never expected this from you, ."
Marielle, smiling softly, "Well, Alie means a lot to you, and she's always been kind to me. I figured she deserved the best."
Charlie was once again taken aback by Marielle's response. It was the first time Marielle had expressed such warmth to her. While watching Marielle diligently work on the decorations, it made Charlie realize that perhaps she had misjudged Marielle all along. The realization weighed heavily on her, she wondered if she fought for their relationship, they wouldn’t be like this. Perhaps if she had reached out to Marielle again, they could have been something better than what they are right now.
Lost in her thoughts, Charlie's gaze lingered on . She couldn't help but feel relief as she noticed Marielle's warm smile directed at her for the first time since their fight. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes to Charlie. It was like a reassurance that perhaps their friendship was salvageable, despite the misunderstandings and conflicts that had arisen between them.
She returned Marielle's smile with one of her own, a genuine expression of appreciation.
As Charlie stormed away after their argument, felt a pang of regret and frustration. She knew she had let her temper get the best of her once again, causing Charlie to walk away in anger. Determined to make things right, quickly followed after Charlie, going through the crowd in search of her but as she hurried after Charlie, she couldn’t catch up.
“Charlie! Saglit lang!” exclaimed, her voice sounded desperate as she tried to look for Charlie through the crowd. But Charlie was already disappearing into the distance, and felt a sinking feeling in her chest as she lost sight of her.
Frustrated with herself and the situation, took a moment to catch her breath and collect her thoughts. Despite the anger she’s feeling within her, she made a silent promise to herself that she would be there for Charlie, no matter what.
continued to search for Charlie in hopes of seeing her but her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of raised voices nearby. Curious, she followed the sound until she stumbled upon Charlie and Alie in a heated argument.
"... Diba sinabi ko sayo hintayin mo ko? Bakit may kasama kang iba? Bakit mo naman ako iniwan tapos si Max pa kasama mo." Charlie's voice was laced with frustration and hurt.
Alie sighed, her expression apologetic but firm. "Charlie, I’m sorry. Akala ko kasi you’ll be with Yel since you guys won the contest saka niyaya kasi ako ni Max to get drinks for us. She’s harmless, I promise."
Charlie scoffed, still upset at Alie but she didn't want to hurt her with what she might say so she chose to walk away instead.
Marielle's heart sank as she watched but still chose to help them.
Marielle shook her head and went to Alie. "Okay lang yun, Alie. Bigyan mo muna space. Kausapin ko muna, ha? Don’t worry."
Alie let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair.
“I didn't mean for it to escalate like that naman eh…” she muttered, her voice tinged with regret.
Hurrying after Charlie, Marielle caught up to her.
"Charlie, wait!" she called out.
Charlie stopped in her tracks, her shoulders tense as she turned to face . "Anong gusto mo? " she snapped, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
Marielle took a deep breath, her voice softening as she spoke. "Na-misunderstand mo lang si Alie. Bumalik ka na dun."
Charlie's expression softened slightly, curiosity in her eyes. "Ano namang ibig mong sabihin?"
Marielle hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Di naman sinasadya ni Alie saktan ka, Charlie. Kilala mo naman kaibigan mo, diba? Maybe she doesn’t handle things the best way all the time pero alam ko na for sure she cares about you a lot. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt you."
"But what about Max?" she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Marielle reached out, gently placing a hand on Charlie's shoulder. "Kaibigan ko yun. Mukha lang siyang red flag pero green flag talaga yun! Tara na dun, kausapin mo na si Alie."
“Kaibigan mo lang yun eh kaya mo sinasabi yan!” They started to laugh.
“Tara na nga.” Charlie held Marielle’s hand and allowed Marielle to lead her back to where Alie was waiting.
Marielle could see the relief wash over Alie's face when she saw the two of them, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment because of it.
Watching them made her wonder if things would ever be the same with her and Charlie. She really hoped that someday they would find their way back to each other, but for now, she had to come to terms with the fact that what they had wasn't real, except for her.
With a heavy heart, Marielle quietly slipped away, unnoticed by her friends who were lost in their own conversation. She couldn't help but feel upset as she walked away because she wished that Charlie would notice her leaving and come after her.
But as Marielle glanced back over her shoulder, she saw Charlie smiling at Alie, completely in love with her and there was just no sign of Charlie to look for her, and that broke Marielle’s heart into pieces.
Feeling disappointment, Marielle continued on her way, her footsteps now in the sand which made her hope she’ll walk with Charlie here someday even though it's impossible to happen. From there she knew that Charlie's loyalty will always be with Alie, she couldn't blame her for that because she knows she couldn’t compare. It did hurt though when she realized that she had always been there for Charlie but when was Charlie there for her?
Little did Marielle know, Charlie did notice her leaving in the corner of her eye but she couldn’t go to her. She should’ve, but Alie is in front of her. She couldn’t despite the regret she felt as she watched Marielle disappear into the distance, realizing she’s too late once again to make up for everything that she did to .
As they continued to work together, Charlie found herself opening up to Marielle when the tension disappeared, sharing stories about her friendship with Alie and the memories they had created together.
"Alala mo yung time na nagplano ng surprise si Alie para sakin nung birthday ko? One of the best talaga yun! Kinikilg pa rin ako hanggang ngayon…"
Marielle, listening attentively, "Oo naman ano sarap ng kain ko nun eh! Libre eh. Alam mo naman si Alie maeffort tapos thoughtful pa, cute cute talaga nun."
“Di ko talaga alam gagawin ko sa birthday ni Charlie… Ang dami ko pang requirements, naiiyak nalang ako, Yel.” Alie opened up to her about to break down.
“Picnic nalang with the girls? I’ll help you. Ako na magprepare! Specialty ko ‘to eh. Galingan mo dyan, beh!” Marielle quickly went to buy all the things to prepare for the picnic and told the location to Alie for her to decorate the place.
When Marielle arrived, she saw how happy Charlie was. She thought that Charlie was looking at her but to Marielle’s disappointment, it was directed towards someone else - Alie, who was standing behind her.
Marielle knew that, of course. She watched in silence as Charlie rushed to hug Alie tightly while she held the flowers tightly in her hands.
Gathering her courage, Marielle stepped forward, clutching the bouquet of flowers tightly in her hands. With a forced smile, she approached Alie and extended the flowers towards her.
Alie's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the flowers, a grateful smile spreading across her face.
"Thank you talaga, Marielle."
Marielle nodded, her heart heavy as she turned away from the scene. She did hope for a different outcome, but she knew that Charlie's affection belonged to someone else. With a heavy sigh, she walked away as always.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and Charlie felt something familiar that she couldn’t pinpoint or maybe it was just because this was the longest time she and Marielle talked without fighting. It was a side of Marielle she hadn't seen before, and it made her realize that perhaps there was more to her than meets the eye.
By the time they finished decorating, Charlie felt grateful for Marielle again because of how the party decorations looked even more beautiful than she had imagined, thanks to their combined efforts.
As all the guests arrive, Charlie is so excited that she greeted each one of them with a warm smile and welcoming embrace. She’s so happy that all Alie’s close friends and even her family are there.
Kakayanin ko kaya ‘to? Charlie told herself, anxious at what is about to happen tonight.
Time passed and Alie still hadn't arrived, she felt uneasy but stopped herself from drinking because she wanted to be sober when it was time for her to confess her feelings for Alie. She glanced anxiously every now and then at the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of the familiar figure she had been dying to see among the arriving guests.
Roaming around to entertain the guests, she scanned the room desperately, hoping to catch a glimpse of her Alie. Suddenly, her heart sank as she noticed Alie entering the room, accompanied by Max. A wave of mixed emotions washed over Charlie as she observed them together.
Confusion clouded Charlie's mind as she tried to process the sight before her. Questions raced through her thoughts, wondering why Alie was with Max instead of arriving alone. She felt disappointed but still orced herself not to overthink.
My Chawie <3
Sunduin ba kita, Awie?
No na! I can manage grr wait mo nalang me hehe :p
Sure? Wag mo lakarin to ha malayo baka bukas ka
pa makarating sinasabi ko sayo, Alie!
Sendan mo ko gcash hehe for pamasahe
Ulul di porket birthday mo.
GCASH my beloved
You have received P143.24 from Charlie Nicole Vargas on 1-27-2024 2:30PM w/ MSG: Oh ayan, happy birthday. Your new balance is xxxxx.xx Ref. No. xxxxxxxxx
GCASH ‘to di si Awie!
You have received P23.33 from Alie Janine Hermoso on 1-27-2024 2:35PM w/ MSG: Ikaw talaga hahaha di naman kasya yan as pamasahe, Chawie Your new balance is xxxxx.xx Ref. No. xxxxxxxxx
She watched Alie and Max make their way through the crowd, laughing and chatting looking lovingly at each other.
Bakit bagay sila? Tangina naman. Now, she couldn’t hide the disappointment in her face anymore.
Despite her feelings of disappointment and confusion, Charlie hoped that despite Max’s presence, there is still a chance for them. She looked at Alie and saw how her face lit up with joy at the sight of the decorations.
Charlie knew that the party would be a success by seeing how happy Alie was.
Charlie then approached Alie, "Hey, Alie," Charlie said softly.
Alie turned to look at her, her eyes glistening with tears as she took in the sight of the beautifully decorated venue. "Charlie, this is... this is amazing," she whispered, her voice filled with so much emotion.
Charlie felt content as she saw the genuine joy in Alie's eyes. "I'm glad you like it," Charlie replied, her smile widening as she reached out to gently squeeze Alie's hand. "Gusto ko lahat perfect para sa’yo."
Alie's eyes met Charlie's, and for a brief moment, there was something. In that specific moment, they both felt it, the possibility that perhaps there was actually a chance.
But just as quickly as it came, the moment was interrupted as Alie felt Max's hand on hers. The touch brought her back to reality, reminding her of the person standing beside her. Alie's gaze shifted away from Charlie and found herself instinctively drawn to Max instead, flustered by what Max just did.
Charlie saw how Alie’s demeanor shifted. She could see how Alie reacted to what just happened compared to the connection they had just shared. It was different, Max didn’t have to try hard to get Alie’s attention. She did it effortlessly.
Kailangan ko na ata ng alak. Charlie thought.
Realizing that the moment had passed, Charlie suppressed her own feelings of disappointment and forced a smile. She knew that she couldn't compete with the presence of Max, and she had to respect Alie's feelings and choices.
The party continued and it was her nth bottle already, Charlie found it increasingly difficult to shake off the lingering unease in her heart. Every glance exchanged between Alie and Max, every touch, every shared laugh, only served to fuel Charlie's growing sense of unease.
Deep down, Charlie knew that confronting Alie about her relationship with Max would only lead to more heartache. She feared the possibility of losing their friendship altogether if she were to bring up the issue. And so, she made the difficult decision to bury her feelings and pretend as though everything was normal.
She forced a smile and engaged in polite conversation with the other guests, all the while struggling to push aside the doubts and insecurities that plagued her mind. Despite her efforts to focus on enjoying the rest of the evening, Charlie couldn't shake off the feeling.
Tangina ang sakit.
Maybe it’s time?
Asan ka na ba, Alie? Charlie looked for Alie everywhere.
Am I too late?
Bakit parang biglang kailangan kong magmadali?
As Charlie looked for Alie through the crowd, she stopped as she overheard Max’s voice in the distance.
"Alie, there's something I need to tell you. I've been meaning to say this for a while now..."
Charlie's breath caught in her throat as she listened, her heart sinking with each word. She felt a mix of shock, sadness, and a twinge of jealousy as she realized that Max was confessing her love for Alie, the same person Charlie had been hoping to confess her own feelings to.
“I like you. I told you this earlier, I hope you made up your mind. No rush.” Charlie saw how they both smiled at each other but still she hoped even though it sounds selfish that Alie would say no.
Please say no, Alie. Say no.
“Yes of course! Nakakainis ka I want to be the first nga to ask eh kasi it’s my birthday and I’m hoping na you would say yes kasi birthday ko, di ka pwedeng mag-no!”
“Please, Maxine Francesca Miranda… Will you be my girlfriend?”
“Hmmm… Yes? Duh! God, I love you, Alie Janine Hermoso.”
Frozen in place, Charlie struggled to process everything that was happening before her. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions, unsure of how to react to the unexpected confession she had just overheard.
She ran away, getting the nearest bottle that she saw because she definitely needed it.
As the night went on, Charlie found herself observing from a distance as Alie and Max danced together,everyone especially their laughter could be heard from afar. She was no longer the center of Alie's world, someone else had taken her place.
Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Charlie turned to find Marielle standing beside her, a concerned expression etched on her face, “Uy, Charlie. Okay ka lang?”
Charlie forced a smile, trying to hide the pain she has been feeling since Alie and Max arrived, "Oo naman putangina, enjoying na enjoy nga sa party eh. Sarap ng alak."
Marielle studied her for a moment, her eyes filled with understanding.
"You know, it's okay to feel what you're feeling. You don't have to pretend everything's fine."
Charlie's facade wavered, her defenses crumbling while Marielle showed genuine concern.
Charlie, sighed, "Di ko na talaga alam, Marielle. Di ko alam, I don’t know how to deal with this. Ang hirap, napakahirap. Paano ba ‘to? Ano ba kailangan kong gawin?" Charlie couldn’t believe that she just said that maybe it was the alcohol talking.
Marielle placed a comforting hand on Charlie's shoulder, offering silent support, "I understand, Charlie. But remember, your feelings are valid. And you don't have to face this alone. I'm here for you, okay?"
Charlie nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders at Marielle's words of reassurance. wrapped her arms around Charlie, offering a comforting embrace as tears streamed down Charlie's cheeks. She held onto Marielle tightly, she couldn’t control it anymore.
"Sige lang, Ilabas mo lang yan. Nandito lang ako."
Charlie buried her face in Marielle's shoulder, allowing herself to release the pent-up emotions she had been holding back.
Marielle gently rubbed Charlie's back, offering silent comfort as they stood together. At that moment, Charlie realized just how much she valued .
Charlie, muffled, "Salamat at nandito ka palagi, Marielle. Di ko talaga alam gagawin ko kung wala ka."
The party began to wind down and the guests started to leave, Charlie found herself alone with Alie, the one person she had been yearning to spend some private time with. Finally. However, as she tried to articulate her feelings, she realized that the alcohol she had consumed throughout the evening had left her feeling more intoxicated than she had anticipated.
“Alie, c’mere!” Max’s voice echoed from afar.
"Alie, halikha dito dali! May sasabihin ako sa’yo. Importante ‘to!" Charlie spoke at the same time as Max.
Alie pointed at Charlie while looking at Max, “I need to take care of her!” Alie shouted.
“Just text me, if you need anything!” Max shouted back after opening the gate.
Alie looked at Charlie with a mix of concern and amusement, noticing her friend's slightly slurred speech and unsteady movements.
"Charlie, are you okay? You seem a little... drunk."
“Huy bumalik ka dun. Yung jowa mo pinabayaan mo lang umuwi?” Charlie waved her hand dismissively, her words coming out in a jumble as she struggled to maintain her composure.
“Wala ‘to. Okay lang ako. Ang gusto ko lang sabihin ay… I love you. Sobra. Happy birthday. I hope I made you happy. I hope you’ll be happy… always. Kaya go to her na, it’s okay! I’m okay!” Charlie pushed Alie away.
“ Mahal na mahal kita, Alie. ”
A blush spread across Alie's cheeks as she processed Charlie's confession, touched by her friend's sincerity despite her being drunk.
"Charlie, thank you. That means a lot to me. I know."
“I know.” Alie repeats what she said.
Sabihin mo naman pabalik, Alie.
“Mahal kita, Alie.” Charlie tried to sound more serious now.
Alie chuckled softly, wrapping an arm around Charlie's shoulders to steady her.
"Tama na, Charlie. Lasing ka na. Tara, let's get you some water and make sure you're comfortable. We can talk more when you're feeling better."
As Alie gently guided Charlie to the bed, she could see the tears streaming down her friend's cheeks. Without hesitation, Alie climbed into bed beside Charlie, wrapping her arms around her in a comforting embrace.
"Shh, it's okay, Charlie. I’m here. Awie is here."
Charlie buried her face in Alie's chest, her sobs muffled against the fabric of her friend's shirt. Alie held her close, murmuring soothing words and stroking her hair as Charlie cried herself to sleep.
“Don’t leave me, Alie. Please. That’s all I ask.”
Alie held Charlie closer, feeling the weight of Charlie's words hurt her because she knows what Charlie is going through . She gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from Charlie's face, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I won't leave you, Charlie. I promise. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
Charlie clung to Alie, her grip tightening on Alie’s shirt making Alie press a tender kiss to Charlie's forehead, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
"I'll always be by your side, through thick and thin. I'll be right here when you wake up."
As Charlie slowly stirred awake the next morning, her heart felt heavy from last night and her head was aching. Groggy and disoriented, she reached out beside her, expecting to find Alie's comforting presence by her side.
Her hand met only an empty space. She furrowed her brow and finally opened her eyes to scan the room.
"Alie?" Charlie called out.
But there was no response and there was no trace of Alie anywhere.
Feeling lost and alone, Charlie collapsed back onto the bed, burying her face in her hands as she tried to process everything. Alone.
Suddenly the door opened and Charlie looked up and saw Marielle entering the room.
"Oh tanga tanga lasing lasing ka pa, ha! Eto oh. Uminom ka para sa sakit ng ulo tapos inumin mo yung tubig dyan. May orange juice ka rin dyan."
Charlie nodded gratefully, accepting the medicine from Marielle's outstretched hand. She forced a weak smile, touched by Marielle's gesture of kindness in her time of need.
"Thank you, Marielle. I appreciate it. Asan si Alie?"
Marielle offered a reassuring smile in return, her eyes reflecting genuine concern for her friend's well-being.
“Kaya nga ako nandito kasi si Alie umalis may kailangan daw siya gawin. Alagaan daw kita kala mo naman, laki laki mo na.”
“Tulog nalang ako ulit, sakit ng ulo ko eh. Salamat ulit…” With a nod of understanding, Charlie settled back onto the bed, the throbbing ache in her head made her fall asleep again.
Marielle watched as Charlie settled back into the bed, concern etched on her face. She gently placed a hand on Charlie's shoulder, a sign of comfort. She gave her a reassuring squeeze before heading towards the door. Before leaving, she turned back to Charlie, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“Charlie, take your time. Ganun talaga, some things have a way of working themselves out kaya wag ka magalala. Magiging okay ka rin.”
“Ako na bahala dyan, Alie. Wag ka magalala.” Marielle volunteered after hearing what just happened to Max.
“Sorry, I need to go. May emergency kasi si Max daw na-aksidente.” Alie rushed before looking at Charlie one last time. “Ingatan mo best friend ko, Marielle.”
then carried Charlie to bed, “Ang bigat mo, Charlie Vargas! Nakakainis ka.”
After seeing tears streaming down Charlie’s face, Marielle sat quietly beside the bed, watching over her as she slept.
"Shh, it's okay, Charlie. I’m here. Yel is here."
Charlie buried her face in Marielle’s chest, her sobs muffled against the fabric of Marielle’s shirt. held her close for the first time, murmuring soothing words and stroking her hair as Charlie cried herself to sleep.
“Don’t leave me, Alie. Please. That’s all I ask.”
Marielle's heart ached for her friend as she held her tightly, knowing that Charlie was drunk. "I know," she murmured, her own voice tinged with sadness. “I won't leave you, Charlie. I promise. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
Marielle held Charlie closer, feeling the weight of Charlie's words hurt her because she knows what Charlie is going through. After all, she likes Charlie, but Charlie likes someone else too.
She gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from Charlie's face, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Charlie clung to Alie, her grip tightening on Alie’s shirt, making Alie press a tender kiss to Charlie's forehead, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
"I'll always be by your side, through thick and thin. I'll be right here when you wake up."
After exiting the room, she sank down on the floor leaning back on the cold wall, closing her eyes for a moment as she let out a long sigh.
Kelan mo ba ko makikita, Charlie?