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The last time August’s parents actually cared for him was when he was born. Or maybe when he was 2 weeks away from going to school as a Nursery pupil. He’s not really sure. But he knows that from one of those that he mentioned was the only time they’ve ever shown him what parental love is. Sad, if you think about it. However, August finds it amusing because those close to him have always assumed he had it all. Well he does, at some point. His parents are extremely wealthy, so he can ask for anything he wants with the simple phrase "Gusto ko po ng...," Pero, hanggang doon lang. He thinks that if he truly has everything, why does he feel as though something – or someone – is still missing from him?
“You’re spacing out again.”
August gave a quick glance at the boy and shook his head to make him come back to his own senses. They’re on top of their village’s hill. Both of them should be sleeping by now, or maybe doing something else, but instead one of them persuaded the other (guess who did what) to come here and sit in silence while August is drowning in whatever thoughts he has at the moment.
“Shut up. I had to cancel my plans just for you.”
Jo laughed at the younger’s words. It’s true. August was supposed to be on a call with his friends as they’ve planned to do a movie night but then Jo came, and well, here he is.
“You always cancel your plans for me, Gust. That’s how much you love me nga ‘di ba?” said the older one and laughed. August rolled his eyes. Kasi nga totoo naman.
“One day I will get rid of you and tignan natin sino pa mahihila mo para sumama sa ‘yo dito.”
With August's words, the both of them chuckled. It took them a few minutes to grasp what it meant, and so their laughter died down.
“2 weeks na lang, Gust.”
August looked away. “I know.”
He added, “Tingin mo ba.. kung hindi mo nakita si Ate na umuwi no’n.. magiging kayo pa rin?”
“Gust..”
“Random thought lang naman,” says August and laughed. “Akala ko lang kasi may something sa ‘tin noon. Buti pala dumating si Ate, edi nalaman ko yung totoo,” he added and once again laughed.
Jo looked away. Di nya ata kayang tignan ang binata ngayon, now that he knows what he’s been thinking of simula pa kanina.
“Sorry… I’m sorry, August.”
August stared at him. Iniwas ni Jo ang tingin niya kay August at saka yumuko.
“Mhm. Ayos lang. Wag mo na ako alalahanin.”
“Sorry because I gave you so many reasons to think that way. I’m sorry,” Jo continued. “Pero Gust, mahal kita, okay? Hindi lang–” August cut off the older, “Hindi lang gaya ng pagmamahal mo kay Ate? Alam ko na yun, Jo. Sabi ko sa ‘yo ayos lang nga.”
A moment of silence filled their space.
“Wag mo na ituloy, Jo.”
“Ang alin?”
August chuckled. “Yung sasabihin mo. Akala mo ba yung kasal?”
“August..”
“Joke lang. Alam ko namang hindi mo yun gagawin,” August says. Nanahimik muli sila parehas. Hindi sigurado si August kung gusto nya pang patagalin ‘tong oras na ‘to.
“Basta alagaan mo ate ko ha? Mahal na mahal ka nun..” Kaya nga hinayaan ko siya sa ‘yo, eh.
“Yeah, I will. Thank you, Gust. And.. sorry. Sana.. sana hindi magbago yung kung ano man tayo now that… you know, we’re gonna be in-laws.”
He smiled. Ayun lang. He doesn’t know if he should laugh or cry, pero ngayon, parang August just wants this night to end para makaisip na siya ng coping mechanism kapag nasa kwarto niya na siya. Ramdam niya na nagbabadya nang tumulo ang luha niya kaya naman tumayo na siya agad at inabot ang kamay ni Jo.
“Uwi na tayo,” Jo reached out for his hands and stood up next to him.
“Ang ganda rito, ano? Baka balikan ko ‘to sa susunod.”
“Me too,” Jo shifted his gaze on the man in front of him. “Samahan mo ‘ko?”
There was a long silence before August answered.
“Okay. Next time?”
Jo smiled. “Next time.”