Sleeping Frat Brother

Well this happened a few years ago in my fraternity . . . . best time of my life.

Dennis was a couple years older than me, but afterall, we were "brothers." He and I shared the same interests - running, swimming, drinking, and having a good time. We were not roommates in the fraternity house, but would spend a lot of time together. He was about 6' with dark blue eyes, and a close crop of cury brown hair. His smile could light up a room and he had an infectious laugh. The girls loved him and he definitely seemed to be the straightest guy around. We would "double date" quite a bit and I was always jealous of what she was going to get at the end of the night!

Since Dennis and I liked to run - I had the chance to see him in some nice tight running shorts. I always knew that he had a huge cock, since I could see how well he filled out his shorts, as well as his jeans. His broad shoulders tapered down to a set of rock hard abs that seemed to accentuate the bulge below.

We would go running in the morning, but I am NOT a morning person. Dennis would come into my room - dressed in a sweat shirt and the tightest pair of shorts. I would be groggy in my bed - either tired from a late night at the bar, or trying to get caught up on my classwork.

"Wake up little buddy," he would say while poking my foot with his sneaker. "Time to go work off those beers and chicken wings."

I would roll over and pretend to fall back asleep.

Then Dennis would get a bit more aggressive in his attempt to wake me up. He'd run his hands up my legs, and slap me on the ass while I slept in my briefs. Then he'd roll me over and poke his finger into abs telling me, "You are going to get a GUT if you don't get out and exercise!" Suffice to say, many a morning he caught a glimpse of my morning wood before I rolled back over and slipped on a pair of running shorts.

I also had a chance to see how this affected Dennis, as he would run over to the window and look out while "adjusting his junk."

One night near the end of the school year (and Dennis' graduation year) he and I went out with a bunch of our brothers and got totally wasted. We stumbled back to the house and Dennis joined me in my room for a couple of belts of scotch that I had in my room. Pretty soon, we were both passed out on my bed.

I woke early the next morning to find Dennis lying directly next to me. I could hear his deep breathing as I watched his chest rise and fall. I looked down and saw his tight abs leading to a full mound behind his jeans. While I looked at him sleep, I got the courage to roll over and causally put my hand on that HOT mound.

I waited for some form of reaction - either waking up to smack me in the face, or something worst!

I did not move for the longest time, and continued to keep my hand over that manhood which I had longed to see and feel. Our breathing was deep, but gaining in cadence. I applied some pressure to his crotch - ever so slightly - to get a sense of his reaction. Slowly I pressed against the mound until I could feel the outline of cock, and the firmness of his huge balls.

My subtle pressure seemed to have a positive effect, and I could feel the blood fill his hot rod, and snake up one side of his tight jeans. Dennis' breathing became faster and deeper, and I applied a bit more pressure to his growing tool.

I pretended to move again, shifting my weight so I could apply more pressure to his now hard cock. I slid my hand below his shaft and could feel a huge nut sack under his jeans. I gave them a gentle carress, and then noticed that he was nearly rock hard.

I became a bit bolder as I fondled his cock, now running my hand up and down that thick shaft, and running my thumb over the top of his swollen head. He moved slightly to better present himself to me, but I could tell that his jeans were definitely holding his massive tool prisoner.

I moved up to the top of his jeans, and slowly unzipped them - pulling them back to free the monster below. His cock was now fully rock hard and I sensed that he knew exactly what was happening, despite the appearance of being asleep.

I ran my hand over and over his head until his bleach white briefs were soaked with precum. I licked my finger clean and went back to massaging his cock. I had now become more aggressive and reached under the band of his briefs to grab hold of his stiff, wet member. I used his precum to lube his generous shaft, while I used my other hand to cup his massive balls.

His breathing intesified and Dennis was leaking like a sieve. He had not moved (other than the huge growth of his cock), and was enjoying the massage from his buddy.

It was not long before his soaked cock erupted in a shower of cum. I milked his shaft and he continued to shoot stream after stream of sweet, thick, creamy cum all over my bed. He was quietly moaning with pleasure, and his breathing was nearly out of control as I emptied his balls with my feverish beatings.

I could not wait and used my cum covered hand to reach down and release my own load all over the two of us.

Only then, did Dennis open his eyes and smile.

"That was amazing," he said with that devilish grin. "I hope you don't do this to ALL the brothers in the house!"

What I thought was the end of a "college experiment" turned into years of an intense physical and sexual relationship with Dennis. That evening, we continued our celebration with our fellow brothers, but this time, we watched the alcohol intake so when we got back to my room, we did not have to pretend.

However, we still remembered our "first time" and whenever we got together - would always attempt to replay that scene.

Our paths have diverged over the years, but I still think of that terrific morning . . .

My Bestfriend's Brother

One of my earlier best friends lived a block away from me and we would cycle around together in the summer time. I called on him one morning but no one was answering so I got on my bike and was about to leave when the side door opened and Michael, his older brother called me in. He was in his sweats and obviously had nothing on underneath. I flustered because I always had a lust for him and seeing his tubesteak outlined down his left pant leg set me on fire. And I knew he caught me scoping him out. So I was desperate to get away as fast as I could, but he insisted I come in and wait.

I followed him upstairs to his bedroom, which was across the hall from Steve's and he started chatting away, saying that his brother wouldn't be gone long and I could hang out with him until then. He let me sit down in front of his computer and play HalfLife, as long as I didn't override his save game. It was a pretty cool game. I loved those barnacle thingys with the tongue that hangs down and grabs its victim and swallows them whole. I was just getting into it and finally getting rid of the boner I sprung a few minutes earlier, when Michael announced that he was going to shower. I could see him yanking down his sweats with my side vision and I could feel my boner re-emerging. He idled up beside me and gave me hints on how to proceed but I was too excited to hear him. I could feel his heat and a strong smell coming from his groin. At this point I was ready to make a run for it, but he laughed at my apparent discomfort and told me not to worry and that he liked that I was interested in his cock. I denied it at first of course, but it was obviously a lie.

Michael then asked if I would do a favour and measure his cock size. He wanted a strangers confirmation in case someone had to vouch for him. That was a stupid reason, but I felt very much inclined to follow his instructions. The trap was set and he had me and he knew it. I would do anything he asked. So he gave me one of those sewing cloth measurement tapes and he sat naked on the floor with his back against the wall and spread his legs. I took the tape and started at the root of his cock and measured up to the head. I was about to give him a number (7.5") when he told me that it can get harder if I play with it. I asked him what he wanted me to do and he told me to grab hold of it and squeeze slightly. I did and I could feel the shaft expand in my hands. I was dizzy with desire at this point, but I still kept control and was about to re-measure when Micael asked me to lick his cockhead. Well, that was all I needed to hear. I bent forward and engulfed his crown in my mouth and licked away, running my tongue around his flange and along his slit. My first taste of precum happened then. But I wanted more. I wanted the good gooey stuff. So I started going down on his shaft and sucked and licked as much as I could. In under a minute I was gulping down shot after shot of Michael's jizz. And I loved it. He loved it too, as I looked into his eyes and saw the deep satisfaction I gave him.

Now I was in charge. I told him it was his turn to taste me. My shorts were already wet with precum, but he didn't care, as he pulled them down and gave me my first blowjob. That didn't take long of course. But he didn't miss a drop. We both laughed at each other and Michael suggested I shower with him quickly before Steve gets back.

When Steve eventually showed up, we went on our way and spent the day cycling. He later asked where my thoughts were as I seemed to be preoccupied, but I never told him what happened. We remained friends for that summer, and I had a few more encounters with his brother, but they moved out of town that fall and I never heard from them again.

Swim Team Initiation

My freshman year in college I decided to join the swim team. I had heard a lot about the team, they were pretty good, but I was really interested because I’d heard they were really a close nit group, and I hadn’t really met anybody, besides I’d seen some of the swimmers and they were hot. Yep I’m gay, but not out in the least. I was a fairly good swimmer, and it’s a small college, so I thought I might have a chance of making it.

When I showed up at the pool there was a table set up with a couple of very hot guys signing prospective swimmers in. They were very friendly and seemed to size me up as they signed me in. They told me to go in the locker room and change clothes and that try outs would start in around 20 minutes. I went into the locker room and several guys were there already. I noticed that every one was wearing speedo swim suits, some in the school colors and a few in just blue ones. I didn’t have one I just had normal swimming trunks. I started to change and noticed a couple of the older guys kinda watching me. When I started to put on my trunks they walked over and handed me a pair of blue speedos. I took them and said thanks. I was a little nervous, since I’d never worn speedos before. I’m fairly well endowed, but was actually a bit afraid I might get a hard on.

After changing, we were told to come out to the pool and line up. I noticed that there were 7 other guys in line with me. The guys already on the team just kinda milled around and were looking at us. The coach came out of his office and said “ok guys, glad to see you all here, unfortunately we only have slots for 5 of you, so 2 of you won’t get to be on the team.” He started us out just swimming a few laps to loosen up. He then asked us to line up one in each lane. He timed us swimming various strokes. The whole time the team watched and cheered us on. After timing us, he had everybody swim laps for the next hour and a half. It was the hardest workout I’d ever had. After the laps, the coach said for us to hit the showers, and that he’d meet with each of us the next day before practice. I really had no clue how I’d done, but went on to the locker room. I noticed that all the guys went to the shower wearing there speedos so I grabbed a towel and followed suit.



I took a shower in the corner, and begin to rinse off. I couldn’t help but notice the two hot members of the team closest to me. Damn they were hot. Not an ounce of fat, very nice tight butts, and awesome legs. Well, this was not really a bright move on my part. I realized that I was starting to get an erection. I looked away and turned my body toward the corner to try and hide it. After a few moments, my erection started to subside and I finished showering. I immediately headed out of the shower keeping my eyes off the hot bodies around me. I dried off and changed into my street clothes. One of the guys that had signed us in walked up to me and followed me out. “Hey Josh,” I was surprised that he remembered my name. I turned to face him. “You looked pretty good out there, swam ok too,” he said laughing. I blushed, his comment wasn’t lost on me. “Thanks,” I answered a bit meekly, “I hope I make the team.” “You really want to make the team?” He asked. “Sure,” I answered. “I bet you will, see you tomorrow,” he said with a very big smile, as he walked back inside.

The next day I arrived early and the coach motioned me into his office. “Sit down Josh,” he said. “Josh, I’ll get right to it, your times weren’t the best yesterday.” I looked down disappointed. “Actually you fall below the cut.” I didn’t know what to say at this point. “However, there’s more to it than just times. Some of the guys say they saw something in you yesterday that the team could use, and sometimes that’s more important. So, if you think you can handle it, we’d like you to be part of the team.” I was really excited, I was on the team. The coach gave me a bag with several team speedos in it. I thanked him and walked out to the locker room and changed for practice. It was longer and more difficult than the day before. I walked into the shower and took the same place I had the day before. This time I was careful and kept my eyes off the hot bodies around me.

Practice went on with this similar routine for a week or so, and I was getting to know the guys. They were all really cool, and nicer to me than I expected. I had really gotten kinda tight with Rob, the guy who talked to me after the first practice. He was a senior, and the best swimmer on the team. He also drove me nuts. He was 5’11” tall with brown hair and beautiful green eyes and was ripped. When I allowed myself a peek I could see that he sported quite the bulge in his speedo. After practice that Friday night he asked me to come back to his apartment, and I agreed. When we got there he gave me a beer and got one for himself. I sat down on his couch. He came over and sat in the chair across from me. “So Josh, you are coming along nicely, really improving your times.” “Thanks,” I answered. “You are really fitting in with the team too. Of course being a freshman, tomorrow night is your initiation to the team.” I gave him a puzzled look. He laughed and said “don’t worry Josh, we all went through it.”

“What is it?”

“Well Josh, I think you are a pretty smart guy, so I figure you have noticed that we are really a close group”

“Yeah, so?”

“Well, we are very very close. And tomorrow, you will see just how close.” I was really kind of nervous now. “What do I have to do?” “Nothing I didn’t do as a freshman” he smiled. “Look Josh, we couldn’t help noticing you check us out the first night and Kyle couldn’t miss the wood you were sporting in the shower, so we know you are into it.”

“I don’t know Rob, I mean I’ve never done anything like that.”

“I kinda figured that, but that just makes it better. We’re going to have fun with you.”

“Ummm, we?” “Yeah, we, the team, like I said we are a close group.” “Rob, I don’t know about this.” I was shaking a little. Rob laughed and slipped over to the couch beside me and put his arm around me. “You’ll be ok. I mean you do want to be on the team right?” I answered that I did. “Well you do find me attractive don’t you?” Again I said I did. “Well, you get through tomorrow night, and you and I will spend a lot of time together,” he said with a sly smile. “Now, go home and get a good night rest, you are going to need it. We’ll be in touch in the morning.”

I walked home in a daze, amazed at what I’d been told. I was scared to death, but also aroused beyond belief. I could feel my underwear soaked with precum. When I arrived at my room, I went in and lay in bed for over an hour imagining what tomorrow would bring, before I fell asleep.

The next morning I was awakened by Kyle banging on my door. I let him in and he said he was there to fill me in and prepare me for my initiation. He said it was his job as Rob’s junior to get me ready. I wondered what he meant by Rob’s junior, as well as getting me ready. Kyle looked at me and smiled, obviously he could tell I was confused. “First of all, hope you aren’t hungry, you won’t be eating today. I also recommend that you get a lot of rest this afternoon, it’s going to be a long night. I’ll be back around 3:00 to get you ready.”

I just hung out the rest of the morning, and took a nap in the afternoon. I was again wakened by Kyle banging on my door. He came inside carrying a grocery bag. “Let’s get you ready, take off your cloths.” I blushed a bit and obeyed. He pulled a very large enema bag out of the grocery bag. He looked over at me and took a moment to check me out. “Oh yeah this is going to be fun, I see that Rob picked well. Turn around and let me get a better look at you” I did as he asked. “Yeah, really well. Ok Josh, you ever had an enema?” “No” I answered. He walked toward me with the bag. “Get on the bed doggie style.” He walked over got behind me. “Hum, I think I might just have to get a preview,” he squirted some lube on his finger and rubbed it around my tight hole. I shuddered a bit and he just laughed. His finger worked all around my hole, and he slowly slid it in. “Damn, definitely virgin material.” He continued to finger me, as his other hand reached around to grab my now rock hard cock. “Yeah, you are definitely into this.” I felt him remove his finger and replace it with the tube from the enema. He slipped it fairly deep. I felt the enema start to fill me. It was really warm. Kyle worked the bag until it was empty. Then he removed the tube. I felt some of the liquid squirt out as the tube exited. “Now, sit down, and hold it as long as you can. You’ll know when it’s time to go to the bathroom.” I sat there, feeling fairly uncomfortable, and a little embarrassed as Kyle just stared at me. I still had a raging boner. “I’m going to do you a little favor, but you can’t tell anyone.” “I won’t I answered.”

“It’s pretty important that you have some, shall we say stamina, tonight. So I’m going to try and help you with that.” He stepped in front of me and knelt down and took my cock into his mouth. I was totally taken by surprise, but it felt awesome. He worked my cock over with his tongue. I don’t know if it was just excitement with the situation or the enema, but I didn’t last very long at all. It was the most intense orgasm of my life. He pulled his mouth off my cock and swallowed. “Damn, I don’t know that you can be helped,” he said laughing. “I’m starting to feel sick.” “That’s the enema, you better go ahead and hit the toilet.” I rushed to the bathroom, and barely made it. After several minutes I came out and found Kyle sitting on the couch. “Feel better?” “Yeah,” I answered.



Kyle handed me a pill. “What’s this,” I asked. “Something to relax you, Rob said to give it to you and not to tell anyone. He wants you to do good tonight. Get showered up, we need to leave in a few minutes.”

After showering and dressing, Kyle and I walked to his car. After pulling out Kyle said “look Josh, tonight is going to be pretty hard on you, but I promise, you’ll look back on it and remember it very fondly, as I do. It’s also my job to tell you what’s expected of you, and how this all works. As you know every year there are 5 new team members selected. Several things go into the selection process, but really the most important is how much the team likes you, and of course the fact that you will be willing to “participate” in the teams alternate activities. Each senior on the team picks a freshman, to be “His”, and I guess you’ve figured out Rob picked you. The Juniors and sophomores were also picked this way, kind of like a family. I’m in Rob’s “family” and so is Chris. You know the team has a house like a frat house, and after your initiation you will move in there. Your room mate will be Rob. Mine is Chris. Next year you will be with Chris, and I’ll get a Freshman, and so on. You’re lucky that Rob picked you, because your senior year you’ll get first pick and be captain of the swim team.” I was really amazed, it sounded like some kind of secret society, but it also sounded great.



“Now, about tonight, you are getting the initiation we all go through freshman year. The team is really a tight group, so the whole team will “welcome” you. All night tonight, you will be ours, and you will do every thing you are told.” “But Kyle, I really don’t think I can, I mean, the whole team?” “Yeah, and you can, we all did it and you will, you might even find you like it, almost every one does.” I was really nervous and didn’t think I could handle it, but strangely enough I was aroused by the thought of it.

We arrived at the swim team house, and went inside. Every one was there waiting on us. They all welcomed me, most of them with very large smiles. They took me down to the basement. As we entered the basement I saw a large bed in the middle of the room, with two or three cameras set up around it. They gave me some wine, and handed me a pill. I knew immediately it was a Viagra. “We’ve all had ours, go ahead and take yours,” Rob said. I did as I was told. “Kyle has filled you in on your duties tonight, I assume, so we’ll go ahead and get started.” One of the guys took one of the cameras, and began taping. Rob walked over and started removing my clothes. After I was stripped he had me display my body for the group. “Now Josh, here’s how were going to do this, you will start by sucking my cock, when you make me cum, I am then going to take your virginity. You’ll do this with all the seniors, then the Juniors, and finally the sophomores. Don’t worry, we have all night. Tonight is about your team Josh, and how much of a team player you are, so tonight your cock is off limits and nobody will touch it. However, if at any time tonight you cum, you get to come back and show that you are a team player by helping to take the load off your team mate Justin during his initiation.”



Rob walked me over to the bed and began removing his clothes, I watched. Damn he really was hot, I hadn’t ever really allowed myself to check him out closely, but I was now taking it all in. He had a fairly dark tan to go with his brown hair, a six pack with a light wisp of hair running to the top of his underwear. I could see his pubes slightly above his waistline. I checked out his legs, they were extremely muscular and quite hairy. He slipped his boxers down, my eyes immediately locked on his cock. It was already mostly erect, and around 7 inches, very thick, cut and beautiful. I guess it was the Viagra, but I was immediately erect. I heard several of the guys talking smack and cheering us on. “Ok Josh, you know what to do.”

I dropped to my knees and took his cock in my hand, and moved my mouth toward it. I ran my tongue over the head, it tasted so good, maybe I was going to enjoy this. I moved down on his cock, and began to suck him. He ran his fingers through my hair and pulled me up and down on his cock. I’d never sucked a cock before, but it seemed to come naturally to me. Before long, I was going all the way to the base of it, feeling his head in my throat. I could tell when I really did something that pleased him. After what seemed ages, I felt his whole body tighten, and felt his cock seem to swell in my mouth, and begin to spasm. His hot cum began to fill my mouth. It tasted so good. I’d tasted my own, but his was so much better. He slowly pulled his cock out of my mouth. “That was good Josh, now swallow it.” I did as I was told. “You did pretty good Josh, now we’ll see how you do with the second part.”

He took my arm and pulled me up to face him. He then positioned me on the bed. He had me lay on my back, climbed on the bed between my legs. He raised my legs, exposing my virgin hole. “Check it out guys,” I was a bit embarrassed having all the guys looking at me and making all kinds of comments. The camera man came in for a close up. Rob was handed a tube of lubricant, and he put a bit on his index finger. Kyle and Chris climbed on the bed on either side of me and held my legs up, as Rob slipped his finger into me. He was very gentle and slipped it in and out. It actually felt good. The guys were all watching and I noticed a couple guys running the cameras. Rob removed his finger. He rubbed a handful of lube on his once again rock hard cock. He moved into position, taking my legs from Kyle and Chris and placing them on his shoulders. I felt his large head touch my hole. I could feel the pressure as he tried to enter me. I could feel him really pushing at this point, and I felt it slip, but not inside me. “Damn he is tight.” He moved his cock back to my hole and began to press again. Finally his head popped inside. It came as a shock, and hurt. I flinched and let out a little moan.

Rob started moving forward, inching into me. The pain was almost unbearable. I knew there was no way I could do what they expected of me. I felt Rob’s bristly pubs against my ass, and knew he was all the way inside me. He lay there, holding me in position under him. He leaned his face forward, looking into my eyes. Even through all the pain, looking at his face, seeing those eyes, I knew that somehow I had to make it through this. He put his lips to mine and began to kiss me, his tongue exploring my mouth. I no longer felt the pain of that large cock inside me. I felt him slowly backing out of me. When he was almost all the way out he reversed his movement and fully penetrated me once again. He continued this for a few moments, slowly picking up speed. It still hurt some, but not like it had. After a while, it actually started to feel pretty good. He kept kissing me while he made love to me. I began to move with him and actually noticed that I was thrusting my hips against him. As time passed, I began to really get into it, it was really starting to feel good.

I couldn’t believe it but I was close to having an orgasm, but I couldn’t. If I did, I’d have to come back the next week. I tried to think of something else. It didn’t work, all I could think about was the really hot guy kissing me, pinning me to the bed and screwing my brains out. I became more and more excited. I gave in and began to spray cum all over my chest. I heard all the other guys start cat calling and making comments. Rob moaned and thrust forward. I felt his cock begin to throb inside me. I felt each throb and spurt of hot cum fill me. He lay there for a few moments, and finally pulled out. “Well Josh, that was really good, and I can tell that you liked it so much that you are going to come back next week.”

Jarrod, another senior stepped forward and started to undress. “My turn,” he said, taking my arm and raising me up to face him. He was a good bit smaller than Rob. He was not quite 6 inches, and fairly thin and cut. I took his cock and my mouth and began to pleasure him. He lasted a few minutes, and filled my mouth with his seed. After a few moments he positioned me on the bed. He took me doggy style. I felt him slide in, and it really didn’t hurt too bad. He fucked me for some time and finally filled me with his load. He removed his cock and climbed off of me. This continued through the three other seniors. I was impressed to find out that Rob had the largest cock of the group. Now it was the Juniors turn. Kyle stepped forward and started to undress. I heard several laughs and other comments, and wondered what they were talking about. When Kyle removed his underwear, I understood. How in the hell had I not noticed it in swim practice. Kyle was hung like a horse. His cock was every bit of 9 inches, probably more. It was really thick too. It looked like a hickory farms beef stick. I heard one of the other guys say that I wouldn’t be any fun after Kyle got through with me.

I was actually afraid. I knew that I couldn’t handle that. Kyle laughed, “don’t worry Josh, you’re going to love it.” I sucked his cock, and with some encouragement from the group, was surprised to find out that I could take it all. He seemed to last forever, but finally shot my throat full. He pulled me up and walked me across the room to the pool table. “We going to play pool?” I asked laughing feebly. Kyle laughed and said “Sure Josh, that’s what we’re going to do.” With the help of several of the guys he lifted me to the table. He laid me flat on it and raised my legs. I noticed the guys filming coming in really close. I guess this was a shot they really wanted to get. I felt his head press against my hole. It was just like when Rob had taken me. He couldn’t seem to get it in. He pressed it harder and harder. It finally penetrated me. The pain was unbearable. It felt like it was ripping me apart, and he wasn’t even all the way inside me, it just kept coming. The guys were cheering and oohing. Finally I felt his pubes against my ass. I felt like my insides were going to explode. He pulled it out most of the way, and started back in. He was no where near as gentle as Rob had been. I heard lots of cheering from the group and moaning. I realized the moaning was me. Damn, it felt good, how in the hell did it feel good. He had to be shredding my insides. He started to pump harder and harder. Holy shit it felt awesome. Kyle smiled and seemed to eat the attention up. He kept working me harder and harder. I was really getting into it. After several minutes I was nearing climax again. Kyle seemed to sense it and doubled his efforts. I exploded, and sprayed cum all the way up on my face and over my head onto the table. I had never felt anything like that, and never came close to cumming that much or hard. The team went nuts cheering and laughing. I was so spent I didn’t even feel Kyle’s orgasm inside me. He withdrew his cock leaving me laying on the pool table to recover. One of the guys with the camera had the others raise my legs so he could get a shot of my abused ass.

“Sorry guys, I think he’s going to be a bit loose from here out,” Kyle said with a shit eating grin. The rest of the night was kind of a daze. The other juniors took there turn, followed by the sophomores. After Kyle I hardly noticed, but surprisingly I really did have a good time. When I had gone through them all they all hugged me and welcomed me to the group. Rob then took me to his room, where I immediately went to the bathroom. When I was done he came in and we took a shower together. He then took me to bed. “I’m really proud of you Josh, you really took that like a man. I’m really glad I picked you. You are also very good in bed,” he finished, pulling me close. “This is going to be a great year”

Graduation Night 2

This is a continuation of the story of my first gay experience.

Todd lay there watching as I licked him clean. I slid up the bed and looked at his beautiful blue eyes. I moved my mouth closer to his, and he put his arms around me, and passionately began to kiss me. I lay on top of Todd, his hands moving down my back to my ass, sliding down my boxers. After a few moments, Todd rolled over on top of me. He pulled his lips from mine and moved down to my neck, kissing as he moved. He kept moving and kissing, pausing to lick my right nipple. He moved further down, following my treasure trail.

Todd paused just above my boxers, looked up at me with a smile, and said it looks like you already cummed. I hadn’t, but my boxers were so soaked with precum that it appeared that I had. Todd slowly pulled my boxers down revealing my rock hard cock. He took it into his hand and slowly tugged on it. He said I love the way it feels as the skin slides up over it.

He experimentally touched his tongue to my head. He seemed to savor the taste(I’m sure it was pretty well soaked with precum). All at once he dove onto it, like an attacking predator. I would like to say that he sucked me for several minutes, like most stories I’ve read on here, but I guess I’m just not that good, I probably didn’t last much more than a minute, before having the best and longest orgasm of my life. I shot what seemed like load after load in his throat. Todd slowly moved off my cock, and back up my body. He climbed on top of me, and began to kiss me. I could taste my leftover cum in his mouth as we kissed. It somehow tasted better than any time I had tasted it before. We lay there kissing for a while. At some point we dozed off.

I awoke sometime later. Todd was still on top of me, and breathing calmly. I knew he was still asleep. His head rested on my right shoulder and mine was nestled against the back of his. His curly blond hair tickled my nose, and smelled so good. I could feel his hard cock touching mine. I also felt where one of us, I’m not sure which, had cummed as we slept. The semi dry cum was kinda sticking us together. I lay there, savoring the feeling of this awesome hot stud lying on top of me. My dream come true. I slowly moved my hands to his smooth ass. I gently rubbed his cheeks, and slid my fingers between them. I felt Todd stir slightly. I continued to rub his ass. He moved more this time. I felt him raise his head off my shoulder and begin to kiss my neck.

I want to suck you again, he whispered in my ear as he playfully nibbled at it. I want you again too, I said. I’ve got an idea, he said. Lets do it at the same time. I about shot right there. You want to be on top or you want me to, he asked. I told him I wanted him on top. Todd turned around on the bed and raised his leg over my chest. I reached up and took his cock in my hand, and moved it to my mouth. I could see it was already leaking precum. I placed it in my mouth, and he buried it in my throat. I could smell his musky scent as his nuts rubbed my nose, and his pubes tickled me. I lay there looking up at his beautiful balls and ass. I felt him licking my cock, and finally take it in his mouth.

Todd fucked my throat, and continued to rub my nose with his sweet smelly balls. He continued to tease my cock and balls with his tongue, as he buried his cock in my throat. (I guess he was afraid I wouldn’t last long enough!) After a few minutes, I felt him start to move faster, and finally thrust forward. Todd’s cock isn’t huge, but I thought it was gonna go into my stomach. I felt it begin to throb, and fill my throat. As he cummed, Todd started to work my cock much harder, for someone who didn’t have much experience, Todd was a quick study. As he worked me over I writhed in pleasure under him. I couldn’t stand it any longer, and began to shoot. Todd eagerly drank my spunk, and collapsed on top of me. After a couple minutes, he raised up off me, and turned around and lay back down. We just lay there, in each others arms. His eyes drive me wild, and I just stared into them. We began to passionately kiss, as I ran my hands all along his back and ass.

After a while we both went to sleep. Todd slept all night on top of me in my arms. I awoke to Todd nuzzling my neck and gently nibbling my ear. I lay there enjoying his attention. Wanna take a shower? I whispered. Hell yea, was Todd’s reply. We walked to the bathroom, and climbed into the shower together. We washed each other from head to toe. It was so hot running my hands over his soapy hard body. After the warm water rinsed us, I dropped to my knees, and began to run my tongue over his cock and balls. For a couple minutes I knelt there, warm water splashing over me as I serviced him. Finally, he filled my mouth again. I savored the slightly salty warm spunk, and swallowed. I slowly rose and switched positions with him. Todd returned the favor. By the time he finished, the water was getting cool, so we climbed out and dried each other off. We spent the rest of the morning just talking and laying around, before leaving for home.

Since that night Todd and I have had several “sleep overs” but that’s another story.

Graduation Night

This is the story of my first time doing anything with a guy.

Todd and I are both 18, and have been friends for several years. We have played soccer together all through high school, and I have secretly lusted for him the whole time. He has curly blond hair, blue eyes(that drive me nuts) and an awesome body. (Yep I’ve seen him naked in the shower) For the last few months of our senior year I noticed that we were getting closer, and I started noticing that he seemed to be looking at me like I was looking at him. We have always messed around and wrestled around and smacked asses like other guys do and so on, but recently he had kind of been doing more.

A couple weeks before graduation, (with the help of some friends on Lifeout) I got the nerve to ask him to go camping on graduation night to my dads hunting camp. He sounded as excited about it as I was when he said he would. I couldn’t wait.

Graduation night came, and I think I kind of remember a little about it, but I was thinking more about later. After the ceremony and a little reception, Todd and I packed up my truck and headed up to our camp.

We started drinking and playing cards. We got drunk fairly quick (neither of us drink much). We were still playing poker, and Todd said he was bored. I asked what he wanted to do. He said he didn’t know. I said we could make the poker more interesting, we could make bets, and the looser would have to do whatever we had bet. He looked at me and smiled and said kinda like truth or dare. I said yea.

He told me to pick what the first bet would be. I told him the looser would have to strip and streak the yard of the camp. He laughed and said ok. I won the first hand and he started to strip. He peeled his shirt slowly. I couldn’t help staring at him as he pulled his shirt over his rippled abs. I think by this time I had given myself away, because he was teasing me. He slowly undid his shorts and let them drop. He had on black boxer briefs. I did my best not to stare but couldn’t help myself. I could see the outline of his soft cock, and nuts. He took the waistband in his hands and pulled them down and stood right in front of me completely nude enjoying teasing me. I noticed it was beginning to get a bit hard, and he walked over toward the door. By this time it was dark out and really there’s no one around to see him so he didn’t hesitate to pay his bet. After coming back in he dressed again, He said it was his turn to decide the bet. I said fine. He looked at me and said the looser would have to strip and jerk off in front of the winner. Fine with me I said.

I lost this time. I started undressing, and noticed he was watching me like I had watched him. By the time I was completely undressed I was getting a decent boner with him watching me. I started to slowly rub my cock. Todd was staring intently at my cock as I continued to rub. After a couple minutes I asked if that was enough, and he told me that was ok for now. When I got dressed again I said the looser this time would have to jerk the winner off. He agreed.

He lost again, and he seemed happy. When I took my boxers off we both sat down on the couch. He reached over and experimentally touched my cock(Rock hard already). He started to rub it slowly. He took my cock into his hand and pulled my foreskin completely off my head (I’m uncut). I’ve never seen an uncut cock hard before, he told me. He slowly started to move his hand up and down my shaft. I watched him, and could tell he was enjoying it. After a couple minutes I told him he better stop unless he wanted me to cum all over him. He looked at me and smiled and told me not right now and stopped. I pulled on my underwear. Todd looked at me and said the looser this time would have to blow the winner. I swallowed, and just kinda looked at him. He said I couldn’t back out now. I told him I wasn’t, that I’d just never done anything like this before. He said he hadn’t either, but it was no big deal. I said ok.

Of course I lost the next game. Now to be honest, I had 2 wild cards and an ace that I threw away on the draw. He gave me a big smile when his pair of queens beat my pair of 10s. He asked me where I wanted to do it. I said I guessed on the floor. He dropped his shorts, and I was staring on his rock hard cock. I guess he was excited too. He’s cut and about 6 inches and is fairly thin, but a beautiful dark brown mushroom head.He lay down and I knelt beside him. I looked up at his gorgeous face, and he just smiled and nodded. I licked my lips and slowly moved forward. I touched my tongue to his shaft just under his head and slowly licked up to his head. I looked up and he was watching me intently, and he said go ahead. I licked it again. He tasted so much better than I was expecting. I moved my mouth down over his head, and back up.

I went further down the second time and felt him shudder slightly when I moved back up. I started going up and down faster and faster. I heard him start to moan a could feel him moving around with pleasure. After less than 2 minutes I felt him clench and his moaning became more rapid. His cock began to throb in my mouth, and I got my first taste of what seemed load after load of his cum. His orgasm seemed to go on and on. I had no choice on his first shot, I was down on him and he shot so hard I swallowed it immediately but the rest of his shots went into my mouth. I pulled my mouth off his cock and moved his cum around in my mouth. It tasted so good. After getting the taste of it, I swallowed it and licked his cock clean of any leftover cum.

That was just the beginning of one of the best nights of my life, and if anyone is interested I’ll write about the rest. We have gotten together a few times more since then also.

Chances 8

Nasa loob ng Operating Room si Darwin. Napakabagal ng mga sandali habang naghihintay sa labas sina Alvin at Mimi. Tahimik sila. Batbat ng magkakahalong emosyon – shock, takot, pangamba.

Pagkaraan ng halos tatlong oras, bumukas ang pinto ng Operating Room. Kaagad na sinalubong nina Alvin at Mimi ang doktor. Nagtatanong ang kanilang mga mata.

Makulimlim ang mukha ng doktor na humarap sa kanila. “I’m sorry…” ang sabi.

Nayanig sila sa mga sumunod pang narinig. Nagsikip ang dibdib ni Alvin. Nanlambot ang kanyang mga tuhod. Napakapit siya nang mahigpit kay Mimi.

Nagsimula siyang umiyak. Niyakap siya ni Mimi.

“Oh my God. Oh my God,” ang paulit-ulit niyang usal.

***

Mula sa glass window ng ICU ay pinagmasdan ni Alvin si Vincent.

Nakalulunos ang ayos nito. Balot ng benda ang ulo. Naka-oxygen at nakakabit sa aparato. Walang malay at under observation pa dahil grabe ang mga pinsalang tinamo.

Dumaloy ang mga luha ni Alvin. Parang dinudurog ang kanyang puso.

“Lumaban ka, Vincent. Lumaban ka,” ang bulong niya.

Kung maaari niya nga lang hawakan at hagkan ang kamay nito.

***

“All I wanted is to love and be loved,” ang sabi niya kay Mimi. Nasa isang coffee shop sila sa may tabing dagat habang papalubog ang araw. “Bakit kailangang maging napaka-kumplikado ng pag-ibig?”

Nakikinig lang si Mimi. Alam niyang bottled-up na ang mga emosyon sa dibdib ni Alvin kaya hinayaan niya itong maglabas ng saloobin.

“Bakit kailangang mangyari ito?” ang tanong pa ni Alvin.

Bumuntonghininga si Mimi. “Hindi kita sasagutin ng cliché na may purpose ang bawat pangyayari sa buhay ng tao. Dahil maaaring wala. Pang-asar lang. Mapagbiro ang tadhana at gusto lang tayong gawing miserable. Pero bakit natin papayagan iyon? We only become miserable if we allow ourselves to be. Bakit ko hahayaang maging biktima ako ng putang-inang tadhana? Gawin niya na ang lahat ng gusto niya. Patayin niya na ako. Lalaban pa rin ako at hindi magpapatalo.”

“I actually feel defeated right now. Parang wala na akong lakas lumaban.”

“Alam mo kung bakit? Dahil ayaw mong tanggapin ang mga nangyari. Bakit hindi mo harapin ang biro ng tadhana. Pagtawanan mo kasi biro nga.”

“Hindi nakakatawa ang biro sa akin ng tadhana.”

“Pero wala kang choice. Hindi mo kontrolado ang mga pangyayari. Kung hindi mo pagtatawanan, talo ka. Hindi pwedeng maloka ka na lang forever dahil kapag nagkaganon, ikaw na mismo ang magiging biro. Alam mo, Alvin, marami na rin naman akong mga pinagdaanan pero heto, alive and kicking pa rin ako dahil sa bawat pagsubok na dumating sa buhay ko, lumalaban ako.”

“I wish I could be as strong as you.”

“Maaari kang maging strong. At magsisimula ang lahat sa acceptance.”

“Pero parang nawasak na ang mga pangarap ko sa buhay.”

“Kapag nagkaroon ka na ng acceptance, magagawa mo nang buuin muli ang mga nawasak sa iyong buhay. Maaari mo nang buuin pati ang iyong sarili.”

***

Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, idineklara nang out-of-danger si Vincent. Inilipat na ito sa isang private room. Nababalutan pa rin ng benda ang ulo at naka-cast ang leeg at braso. Naka-oxygen at naka-dextrose. Unconscious pa rin dahil sa epekto ng mga gamot.

Lumapit si Alvin. Naupo siya sa tabi ng kama. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Vincent. Pinagmasdan niya ang mukha nito. Nanumbalik sa kanyang alaala ang masasaya nilang sandali. Mahal na mahal niya pa rin ito subalit nakapagpasya na siya.

Idinikit niya ang kamay ni Vincent sa pisngi niya. Umiyak siya nang umiyak hanggang sa masaid ang kanyang mga luha.

“Goodbye, Vincent,” ang usal niya.

Hinagkan niya ito sa huling pagkakataon bago siya lumabas ng silid.

***

Panahon ng taglagas. Nagkalat ang mga tuyong dahon sa park. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin na tila hihip ng pamamaalam.

Mula sa malayo, tinatanaw ni Alvin ang imahe ng dalawang nilalang na pilit ibinabangon ang mga sarili at humaharap sa bagong simula. Dalawang nilalang na nakakapit pa rin sa pag-ibig at humuhugot ng lakas sa isa’t isa.

Tulak-tulak ni Vincent ang wheelchair ni Darwin na nakukumutan ang ibabang bahagi ng katawan upang itago ang kawalan na nito ng mga binti.

Sinadya ni Alvin na magkubli. Ang balak niya sana ay magpapaalam siya subalit minabuti niyang huwag nang balikan pa ang mga mapapait na pinagdaanan nila. Sapat nang makita niyang masaya ang dalawa.

Bukas ay nakatakda na siyang mangibang-bansa upang harapin din ang bago niyang simula.

May kirot man sa kanyang puso, may kapanatagan naman sa kanyang kalooban dahil natanggap niya na ang lahat. Naroroon pa rin ang kanyang pag-ibig subalit hindi na iyon makasarili kundi mapang-unawa na at mapagparaya.

Tumalikod siya at humakbang palayo.

Umihip ang hangin at itinaboy ang mga tuyong dahon sa daanan niya.

Tiningala niya ang mga puno. Nahuhubdan man ang mga sanga nito ngayon, alam niya na muli itong sisibol sa pagpapalit ng panahon.

-=WAKAS=-

Chances 7

Humakbang siya patungo sa kinaroroonan nina Darwin at Vincent. Kasunod niya si Mimi.

Bumabayo ang tibok ng kanyang puso at pumipintig pati ang mga ugat sa kanyang sentido.

Nang makalapit, napansin niyang magkahawak-kamay ang dalawa. Nagsikip ang kanyang dibdib. Nag-init ang kanyang mukha. Nawalan ng puwang ang pagpapakahinahon.

“Ano’ng ibig sabihin nito?” May dagundong ang kanyang tinig.

Nagulantang sina Darwin at Vincent. Kaagad na nagbitiw. Gumuhit sa mukha ang ligalig.

Matalim ang tingin sa kanila ni Alvin, bakas ang galit.

“Nag-uusap lang kami,” ang sagot ni Darwin.

“Ano’ng pinag-uusapan n’yo? May dapat ba kayong pag-usapan?” Maigting ang mga salita ni Alvin.

“It’s not what you think…” ang sagot naman ni Vincent na umakmang aakbayan siya.

Tinabig niya ang braso ni Vincent. “Huwag na kayong magkaila. Huling-huli ko kayo.”

Hindi nakasagot ang dalawa.

“Hindi n’yo man lang inisip na nandito ako. Ang lakas ng loob n’yong gumawa nang ganito.”

“Wala kaming ginagawang masama,” ang giit ni Vincent.

“Nandito kayo sa isang sulok. Halos magdikit ang mga mukha ninyo. Magkahawak-kamay pa kayo. Tapos sasabihin ninyo, wala kayong ginagawang masama?” Malakas na ang boses ni Alvin at nag-a-attract na siya ng atensiyon sa iba pang mga taong naroroon.

“Alvin, please. Tone down,” ang saway ni Vincent. “Nakakahiya sa ibang tao.”

“Nakakahiya sa ibang tao? Pero sa akin, hindi kayo nahihiya?”

Hinarap niya si Darwin. “Minsan mo nang pinagtangkaang agawin sa akin si Vincent. Wala kang narinig sa akin. Pero hanggang ngayon ba naman, hindi ka pa rin titigil? Kailangan ko pa bang magmakaawa sa’yo para layuan mo si Vincent? Tama na ang panggugulo mo sa amin. Itigil mo na ang pang-aagaw kay Vincent.”

“Alvin, please…” Muli, ang saway sa kanya ni Vincent.

Binalingan niya si Vincent. “Hindi pa ba sapat ang mga ginagawa ko para sa’yo? Ano pa ba ang kulang? Nagkukunwari ka lang ba na mahal mo ako pero si Darwin talaga ang gusto mo? Bakit n’yo ginagawa sa akin ito?”

“Wala kaming ginagawa sa’yo.”

“Meron. Niloloko n’yo ako! Ginagago!”

Napapaligiran na sila ng mga usyuso na nanonood at nagbubulungan.

Hindi na nakatiis si Mimi. Hinawakan niya sa braso si Alvin at hinila palayo.

Kahit nanginginig sa galit, kusang sumama si Alvin dahil pagkaraang maibulalas niya ang damdamin, nagsimula siyang makaramdam ng panghihina.

Napakapit siya kay Mimi. Maya-maya, napaiyak na siya.

Niyakap siya ni Mimi at inalo.

Matagal din siyang humagulgol sa balikat ni Mimi. At nang mahimasmasan, siya na mismo ang nagyayang umuwi.

Tinungo nila ang labasan.

“Alvin, wait,” ang sabi ni Mimi nang nasa tapat na sila ng restroom malapit sa exit.

Tumingin siya kay Mimi.

“Can you give me a minute?”

“Bakit?”

“Ihing-ihi na kasi ako. Hindi ko na matiis.”

Nag-roll ang mga mata ni Alvin.

“Bilisan mo, bakla. Panira ka ng moment.”

***

Naiwan sina Darwin at Vincent na gulat at parang hindi makapaniwala sa naging pagkumpronta sa kanila ni Alvin.

Totoong nakalimot sila nang maaktuhan sila. Siguro dahil sa nainom kung kaya hindi nila napigil ang kanilang mga kilos. Siguro dahil nangibabaw ang tunay na damdamin nila sa muling pagkikita kaya nadala sila.

Pareho nilang alam na mali iyon subalit ano pa ang magagawa nila. Nakita na ni Alvin ang hindi nito dapat makita.

Hindi nila alam ang sasabihin sa isa’t isa. Magkakahalo ang nararamdaman nila. Pagkapahiya, pagsisisi, pangamba. Nalulungkot din sila dahil humantong iyon sa gulo. Paano pa nila aayusin iyon?

Kasalanan din nila. Pero masidhi talaga ang damdamin nila para sa isa’t isa. Pareho nila iyong hindi maunawaan at nahihirapan silang paglabanan.

Nakakapaso na ang tingin ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kanila kaya niyaya na ni Vincent si Darwin na umalis.

“Uminom na lang tayo sa labas,” ang sabi ni Vincent.

Napasunod na lang sa kanya si Darwin. He needed a drink.

Lumabas sila ng Bed at naglakad patungo sa Silya. Nang hawakan ni Vincent ang kanyang kamay, hindi tumutol si Darwin. May nadama siyang comfort nang gagapin siya nito nang mahigpit.

***

“Tama ba ang ginawa ko?” ang tanong ni Alvin kay Mimi habang nagda-drive na sila pauwi.

“Tama ba ang ginawa nila?” ang buwelta ni Mimi.

“Sana nagpakahinahon ako. Nagpaka-disente.”

“Sila ang dapat na nagpaka-disente.”

“Hindi ko ngayon alam kung paano haharapin si Vincent. Hindi ko alam kung paano aayusin ang gulo namin.”

“Mag-usap kayo. Bigyan mo siya ng pagkakataong makapagpaliwanag. Huwag mo siyang aawayin. Nagawa mo na iyon kanina. Huwag mo rin siyang papipiliin. Hayaan mong siya ang magdesisyon.”

“Natatakot akong malaman iyon. Masasaktan ako kung iiwan niya ako.”

“You need to know where you stand. At kung taliwas man iyon sa iyong inaasahan, kailangan mong tanggapin.”

“Hindi ba dapat ipaglaban ko ang pag-ibig ko?”

“Ginawa mo na ‘yun. At sa giyera, kung mas malakas ang kalaban, kailangan mong umurong. Dahil kung hindi, siguradong mamamatay ka.”

“Pero… mamamatay din ako kapag nawala sa akin si Vincent.”

“Anong gusto mong isagot ko sa’yo? Ipalilibing kita? Huwag kang OA, bakla. Akala mo lang yan. Hindi nakamamatay ang mawalan ng minamahal. Tingnan mo ako, fabulous pa rin.”

“E hindi ka naman loveless. May boyfriend ka, di ba? Yung asawa ng kaibigan mo?”

“Wala na.”

“Anong wala na?”

“Nag-break na kami. Nag-usap kami at sinabi niyang mas mahal niya ang kanyang asawa. Kesa ipagpilitan ko ang aking sarili… kesa ipaglaban ko ang aking pag-ibig… tinanggap ko na lang. Talo na eh. Kaya move on na lang.”

“Pero kabit ka. Ako, asawa.”

“Sa kaso n’yong mga bading, kung sino ang mas mahal, ‘yun ang asawa. Kung mas mahal niya si Darwin, ikaw na ang kabit. Ipagpipilitan mo pa ba ang iyong sarili?”

***

Magkaharap sila sa mesa, nakatingin sa isa’t isa habang tumutungga ng Red Horse. Maingay ang paligid pero tahimik sila at parehong nag-iisip.

Pagkaraang maubos ang tig-isang bote, umorder uli sila. At saka nag-usap.

“Dahil sa nangyari ngayong gabi, kailangan nang ituwid ang mga pagkakamali,” ang sabi ni Vincent.

“Ano’ng ibig mong sabihin?”ang tanong ni Darwin.

“Kailangan na nating magpakatotoo sa ating damdamin. Mahal kita, Darwin.”

“Mahal din kita, Vincent. Pero paano si Alvin?”

“Hindi niya rin gugustuhing mabuhay sa pagkukunwari. Hindi ko kayang ibigay sa kanya nang buong-buo ang pag-ibig ko.”

“Mahal mo ba siya?”

“Oo. Pero naguguluhan ako dahil hindi ko alam kung anong uri ng pagmamahal ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Pero sa’yo, sigurado ako. Mahal kita dahil gusto kitang makasama… maging partner sa buhay… makasiping sa kama.”

Humugot ng malalim na buntonghininga si Darwin. “Ayoko sanang magmukhang kontrabida pero hindi ko rin mapaglabanan ang damdamin ko. Ayoko rin sanang saktan si Alvin pero nagawa ko na at sa puntong ito, hindi ko alam kung maibabalik pa sa dati ang friendship namin. Maaring hindi na. At kung mawawalan din lang ako ng kaibigan, ayokong mawalan ng minamahal.”

“Panahon na ng pagpapakatotoo. It has to be you and me. Huwag na nating ipilit ang isang bagay na magpapahirap lang sa ating tatlo.”

Muli silang tumungga ng beer. Bottoms up. Hindi nila alintana ang bumabanat ng “There’s No Easy Way” sa videoke.

***

“Should I bring you home now?” ang tanong ni Darwin kay Vincent. Marami na silang nainom at bago pa tuluyang malasing, tumigil na sila dahil magda-drive pa si Darwin.

“Yeah. Iuwi mo na ako sa bahay mo,” ang sagot ni Vincent.

“Seryoso ka?”

“Yeah. I want to be with you.”

“Hindi ba dapat umuwi ka muna ngayon kay Alvin?”

“What for? I am leaving him.”

Hindi alam ni Darwin kung matutuwa siya o malulungkot sa kanyang narinig.

***

“I think you should do this right,” ang sabi ni Darwin. “Hindi maaaring basta mo na lang talikuran si Alvin. Hindi madali pero kailangan mong makipaghiwalay sa kanya nang maayos.”

Nasa kotse na sila at nakahinto sa stoplight sa isang intersection.

“You owe it to him, ang ipaintindi sa kanya ang sitwasyon,” ang patuloy ni Darwin. “Kailangan muna ninyong mag-usap.”

Nakikinig sa kanya si Vincent at nag-iisip.

Sabay sa pagpapalit ng ilaw ay ang pagdedesisyon nito. “You’re right. Turn around.”

Dahil sa biglaang utos ni Vincent, kumabig pakaliwa si Darwin sa halip na dumiretso.

Hindi niya napansin ang paparating na truck mula sa kabilang lane. Mabilis ang takbo nito.

Hindi na nagawang umiwas ni Darwin. Sumalpok sila rito.

Sa sobrang lakas ng impact, bumaliktad ang kotse at tumilapon sa center island.

(Tatapusin)

Chances 6

The days rolled by.

Natanggap si Vincent sa call center at naipasa niya ang isang buwang training. Ngayon ay hired na siya at regular nang pumapasok.

Mula nang maging sila ni Alvin, naging mapagmahal naman siya rito. Hindi na iyon naging mahirap para sa kanya dahil college pa lang sila, malapit na sila sa isa’t isa. At hindi man na-verbalize ang feelings nila noon, naroroon ang care, love at pagpapahalaga sa kanilang relasyon. Ang ipinagkaiba nga lang ngayon, nagkaroon na ng physical expression ang mga damdaming iyon. And he could not complain. Dahil kung noon maalaga na sa kanya si Alvin, higit ngayon na ang mundo ay tila sa kanya umiinog. Napakamaasikaso nito at laging iniisip ang kanyang kapakanan. Ang bawat gawin nito ay tila laging paghahayag kung gaano siya nito kamahal. Bagay na naa-appreciate niya at pilit sinusuklian.

Parang nakumpleto naman ang mundo ni Alvin at nagkaroon ng kahulugan ang kanyang buhay. Ang bawat araw ay laging puno ng saya at sigla. Ang masilayan at mahaplos ang mukha ni Vincent sa bawat paggising niya sa umaga ay laging may hatid na inspirasyon sa kanya. Higit siyang naging masipag at masinop. Ginampanan niya nang masigasig ang lahat ng tungkuling inaasahan sa isang “maybahay”. Wala na siyang mahihiling pa sa bawat gabing magkayakap sila sa harap ng tv habang nagre-relax dahil iyon na ang katuparan ng matagal niya nang pangarap.

Pilit namang binibigyan nina Alvin at Darwin ng semblance of normalcy ang friendship nila. Parang dati pa rin kahit pareho nilang nararamdaman na may nabago na. Alam ni Darwin na may nagawa siyang kasalanan subalit hindi niya iyon maamin-amin. Alam naman ni Alvin ang kasalanang iyon subalit minabuti niyang umiwas sa kumprontasyon. Anyway, nasa kanya na si Vincent at naagapan niya ang muntik nang pang-aagaw ni Darwin. Hindi na nila iyon kailangang palakihin pa at dahil may pinagsamahan naman sila, mas mahalagang pagtuunan na lang nila ng pansin kung paano isasaayos ang nagkalamat nilang pagkakaibigan.

Sa panig naman ni Darwin, mas pinili niya na lang ang manahimik at piliting maging masaya para kay Alvin. Kahit na masakit iyon para sa kanya dahil, aaminin niya, hanggang ngayon may pagtingin pa rin siya kay Vincent at hindi iyon nawawala kahit hindi na ito muling nakipag-communicate sa kanya mula nang magka-relasyon kay Alvin. Ipinagpasiya niyang tanggapin na lamang ang kanyang kabiguan. May panghihinayang man, kailangang magpatuloy ang takbo ng buhay, kalimutan ang maiksing kabanatang iyon at pagsumikapang ibalik sa dati ang lahat.

May nabago nga lang sa routine nila. Hindi na sumasabay si Alvin sa pag-uwi kay Darwin. Ang mga dahilan: dadaan pa sa supermarket, may bibilhin sa department store, nagpapasama si Mimi, et cetera. Hanggang sa dumating ang point na paglabas nila sa opisina, given na iyon na kanya-kanya na sila. Nagchichikahan pa rin naman sila katulad nang dati at sabay pa ring mag-lunch pero may mga topic na silang iniiwasang pag-usapan. Isa na roon ang tungkol kay Vincent.

Pero dumating din ‘yung time na nawala na ang ill feeling sa pagitan nila. Nakalimutan din nila ang nangyari at nabura ang hurt. Sabi nga “time heals all wounds” at dahil galos lang naman ang nangyari sa kanila, hindi naman naging mahirap na paghilumin iyon.

At nagkataon namang paparating na noon ang kaarawan ni Alvin.

Nagplano si Alvin ng intimate dinner. Siya, si Vincent, si Darwin at si Mimi. Secure na si Alvin dahil sa pagdaan ng panahon, naging matapat sa kanya si Vincent. Hindi na siya nag-alala sa muling pagkikita nina Vincent at Darwin. Gusto niya na rin kasing mailagay sa tamang lugar ang lahat. Okay, they may have stumbled at first pero kailangan nang kalimutan iyon dahil there is still a long road ahead na kailangan nilang lakbayin nang matiwasay. Parte ng buhay niya si Darwin kung paanong parte rin ng buhay niya si Vincent. At panahon na upang magkaroon ng harmony ang relasyon nilang tatlo.

May reservations si Mimi sa plano niya. Pero hindi siya nito pinigilan. Ang rason niya kasi: “Mas mahirap iyong natatakot ka sa multong nasa imahinasyon mo lang. Mas mabuting makaharap mo ito para malaman mo kung may dapat ka ngang ikatakot.” May punto naman siya kaya hindi na nakipag-argue si Mimi at umasa na lang na mapaplantsa nga ng pagkakataong iyon ang gusot na namagitan sa magkaibigan.

Nag-leave si Alvin sa mismong kaarawan niya at naging abala siya sa paghahanda para sa dinner party niya. Rest day naman ni Vincent at kahit puyat dahil nalipat sa graveyard shift, maaga itong gumising upang tulungan siya. Magaan at masaya ang kanyang pakiramdam habang nagluluto siya. Ito na ang pinakamasayang birthday niya dahil natanggap niya na ang pinakamagandang regalo sa buhay niya – si Vincent na extra lambing sa kanya habang sila ay gumagawa.

Bago mag-alas siyete na oras ng imbitasyon niya, nakaayos na ang mesa at nakapag-freshen up na sila. Unang dumating si Mimi.

“Happy birthday!” ang kaagad nitong bati kay Alvin pagbungad sa pinto sabay halik sa pisngi. May inabot pa itong regalo sa kanya.

Kaagad na pinagkilala ni Alvin sina Mimi at Vincent.

“Finally, I’ve met you,” ang sabi ni Mimi, pretending na iyon ang first time niyang makita si Vincent.

Nakangiti si Vincent na bumeso sa kanya at hindi napigilan ni Mimi ang mag-quip: “Gosh, you’re so guwapo. Kung hindi ka lang taken, liligawan kita!”

Natawa si Alvin at minsan pa ay naging proud siya sa boyfriend. Para namang nahiya si Vincent. Iyon ang isa sa mga endearing qualities nito na kahit totoong guwapo, parang hindi ito aware at nagiging uncomfortable kapag napupuri ang itsura.

Maya-maya pa, narinig na nilang pumaparada sa labas ang kotse ni Darwin. Curious si Mimi sa muling pagkikita nina Vincent at Darwin in the same way na hopeful din siya na walang magiging tensiyon whatsoever dahil gusto niya na ring matuldukan ang “away” nina Alvin at Darwin.

Kaagad na sinalubong ni Alvin si Darwin. Nagyakapan ang magkaibigan. Nakatayo sa likuran ni Alvin si Vincent na magiliw din ang ginawang pagtanggap kay Darwin. Nagkamay ang dalawa. Nahalata ni Mimi ang effort nilang magpaka-normal – nakangiti pareho na parang wala silang naging sikreto. Nakangiti rin si Alvin na parang limot na ang nakaraan. Good, ang naisip ni Mimi at para siyang nakahinga nang maluwag.

Bumeso si Darwin kay Mimi. “Bakla, ang ganda mo,” ang sabi.

“Ikaw din,” ang sagot ni Mimi.

After nilang mag-aperitif, nag-dinner na sila. Puring-puri nila ang mga pagkaing inihanda ni Alvin. Magaan ang kanilang conversation at wala namang naging tensiyon.

Nagko-coffee na sila at nagyo-yosi nang magkaroon ng idea si Mimi. “Hey, guys. Why don’t we go clubbing? Masyado pang maaga para tapusin ang selebrasyon.”

Nag-light-up ang mukha ni Darwin. “Yeah, let’s go to Malate. Mag-Bed tayo.”

Tumingin si Alvin kay Vincent na parang nanghihingi ng approval.

Vincent shrugged his shoulders. “Sure. Why not?”

Ilang sandali pa, palabas na sila ng bahay upang sumakay ng kotse. Si Mimi na ang kusang gumawa ng choreography.

“Vincent, sa akin ka sasabay. Ikaw, Alvin, kay Darwin ka.”

At habang on the road sila, nagkaroon ng pagkakataong mag-usap sina Darwin at Alvin.

“Friend,” ang sabi ni Darwin. “I have a confession to make. Hindi ko na sana ito sa’yo sasabihin pero after tonight, gusto ko totally ma-clear na ang air sa pagitan natin.”

Tahimik si Alvin. Nakikinig lang.

Nagpatuloy si Darwin. “There was this one time na sikreto kaming nagkita ni Vincent…”

“Alam ko,” ang tugon ni Alvin.

“Alam mo?”

“Hindi sinasadya, nakita ko kayo sa Starbucks.”

“Bakit hindi ka nagsalita about it?”

“Dahil ayokong mag-away tayo.”

“I’ve been meaning to tell you kaya lang nag-alala ako na magalit ka sa akin.”

“Tapos na iyon.”

“I am sorry. Inamin ko sa’yo noon na may gusto ako kay Vincent. Mali ang naging judgment ko na makipagkita sa kanya. Nagpadala ako noon sa damdamin ko.”

“Kalimutan na natin iyon. Ang mahalaga, maayos na ang lahat ngayon. Kami na ni Vincent and I hope, natanggap mo na iyon.”

“From the very start, sa’yo naman talaga siya at kailangan ko iyong tanggapin. ”

Katahimikan.

“May I just ask you something?” ang sabi ni Alvin pagkaraan.

“Ano yun?”

“Bakit kayo nagkita?”

Pinili ni Darwin ang maging truthful. “Pareho kami ng nararamdaman and we were trying to explore the possibilities.”

Truth hurts. Hindi nakasagot si Alvin.

“But that was before he made a decision na makipag-relasyon sa’yo. I think he finally realized na ikaw ang mas gusto niya at hindi ako.”

“Yeah,” ang naging tugon na lang ni Alvin. Mabuti na lang naging maagap siya.

***

Bed was bursting with life that night. The music, the lights and the beautiful people were all in synch. OMG was playing and everybody was dancing. Kaagad silang nag-blend in. Umakyat sa ledge sina Mimi at Darwin. Nanatili naman sa dancefloor sina Alvin at Vincent.

Ilang beses na ring napunta roon sina Alvin, Darwin at Mimi kaya at home na sila. First time naman ni Vincent at mukhang enjoy naman ito at hindi naaasiwa.

Nagsayaw sina Alvin at Vincent, nagyakapan at naghalikan. Siguro dahil na-carried away sila sa ginagawa ng iba pang mga pareha sa paligid nila.

Maya-maya, nagpaalam si Vincent na magre-restroom. Nagpaiwan si Alvin at hinanap ng tingin sina Darwin at Mimi. Si Mimi lang ang nakita niya, may kasayaw nang iba. Kinawayan niya ito.

Iniwan ni Mimi ang kapareha at bumaba ng ledge. Lumapit ito sa kinaroroonan niya.

“Nasaan si Darwin?” ang tanong niya.

“Ewan ko, biglang nawala,” ang sagot ni Mimi. “Siguro sumama na dun sa guwapong kasayaw niya. E, si Vincent?”

“Nag-CR lang.”

“Halika,” ang yaya ni Mimi. “Samahan mo ako, magsi-CR din ako. Hanapin na rin natin si Darwin.”

They squeezed their way paakyat sa second floor. Sumilip sila sa VIP room sa pagbabaka-sakaling naroroon si Darwin.

Kahit maraming tao, kaagad nilang natagpuan ang hinahanap.

At pareho silang nagulat.

Si Darwin. Nasa isang sulok. Kasama si Vincent. Halos magkadikit at seryosong nag-uusap.

Sinaklot ng panibugho si Alvin. Naningkit ang mga mata.

Tumingin siya kay Mimi. Tumingin din ito sa kanya, nakataas ang isang kilay.

“This time, hindi na kita pipigilan,” ang sabi ni Mimi. “Sugurin mo na sila. Go!”

(Itutuloy)

Chances 5

Nang nagdaang gabi, walang pagsidlan ng tuwa si Alvin habang binubuksan ang apartment niya. Kasama niya na kasi si Vincent at sa kanya na titira.

Buong araw silang magkasama at masayang namasyal sa Mall of Asia. Parang nanumbalik muli ang samahan nila noong college.

Nang papauwi na sila, nakumbinsi ni Alvin si Vincent na lumipat na sa bahay niya. Kaagad silang dumiretso sa bahay ng Tiyahin nito upang kunin ang mga gamit.

Pagdating nila roon, naunawaan ni Alvin kung bakit kaagad niyang napapayag si Vincent. Maliit ang apartment at siksikan ang mga nakatira.

May kunwari pang pagtutol ang Tiyahin ni Vincent subalit dama ni Alvin ang relief nito nang sila ay magpaalam na.

Nang mabuksan ang bahay niya, excited si Alvin na pinatuloy si Vincent.

“Feel at home,” ang sabi niya. “Mula ngayon, bahay mo na rin ito.”

Payak man ang mga kagamitan, maayos naman ang lahat. May maliit na salas, kusina at dining area. Isa lang ang kuwarto subalit dalawa ang kama.

Inilagak muna ni Vince ang mga gamit niya sa kuwarto.

Kaagad na nag-asikaso si Alvin ng hapunan. Nagsalang siya ng sinaing.

“Magluluto ka pa ba?” ang tanong ni Vincent.

“Maggigisa ako ng corned beef.”

“Huwag na. Pagod ka na. Bumili na lang tayo ng lutong ulam.”

“Sige. Lalabas lang ako sandali.”

“Ako na,” ang prisinta ni Vincent. “May malapit bang karinderya rito?”

“Diyan sa labasan. Katabi ng convenience store.”

“Ako na ang bibili. Magpahinga ka na lang muna.”

Hindi na nakatanggi si Alvin dahil nagmamadali nang lumabas ng bahay si Vincent.

Inayos niya na lang ang hapag at nagtungo siya sa kuwarto upang magpalit ng pambahay.

Pagkabihis niya, may marinig siyang tumunog na celfone. Message alert ng Nokia. Hindi kanya iyon dahil naka-Ericsson siya. Nakita niya ang celfone ni Vincent na nakalapag sa mesita. Hindi niya man ugali ang makialam, dinampot niya iyon dahil siya ay kinukutuban.

1 message received

Pinindot niya ang Show.

“Hey, Vince. Kumusta?” Ang sender: si Darwin. Sinasabi niya na nga ba.

Nakadama siya ng ngitngit at kaagad niya itong binura.

Naisip niya, kailangan niyang magmadali dahil pursigido ang kalaban niya. Hindi niya mapapayagang maagaw pa ni Darwin si Vincent sa kanya. Nasimulan niya na, he should not blow his chance.

Ibinalik niya sa kinalalagyan ang celfone. Inayos niya ang sarili – pati na ang kanyang emosyon – at lumabas siya ng silid na parang walang nangyari.

Ilang sandali pa, bumalik na si Vincent. May dalang dalawang klase ng ulam. Nagulat siya nang makita niyang may binili rin itong beer in cans.

“Uminom tayo nang kaunti mamaya,” ang sabi habang ipinapasok ang mga ito sa ref.

Perfect, ang naisip niya.

Nag-click ang rice cooker, hudyat na luto na ang kanin. Inayos niya ang mga ulam sa lalagyan.

Hinintay niya munang makapagbihis ng pambahay si Vincent bago sila sabay na dumulog sa mesa.

Naghapunan sila.

“Maayos pala ang tinitirahan mo rito sa Maynila,” ang sabi ni Vincent. “Tahimik ang neighborhood.”

“Si Darwin ang tumulong sa akin na mahanap ito.”

Sa pagkakabanggit ni Alvin sa pangalan ni Darwin ay tila natigilan si Vincent. Bagay na hindi nalingid kay Alvin.

“Actually, kaibigan niya ang dating nakatira rito,” ang patuloy niya na parang walang anuman. “Nag-abroad na. Iniwan sa akin ang mga gamit kaya hindi na ako nagpundar pa.”

“Masuwerte ka na rin na naging kaibigan mo si Darwin.”

“Oo nga,” ang sang-ayon niya sa kabila ng umaahong panibugho dahil sa compliment ni Vincent.

Sandali silang natahimik. Nag-wonder si Alvin kung ano ang iniisip ni Vincent.

“Pasensiya ka na,” ang sabi nito pagkaraan. “Medyo magiging pabigat muna ako sa’yo habang hindi pa ako nagkakatrabaho.”

“Huwag mong isipin ‘yan,” ang sagot ni Alvin. “Dati pa naman tayong nagtutulungan kahit noon. At saka, confident ako na matatanggap ka sa pinag-apply-an mo. Makikita mo, after 2 or 3 days, tatawag na sila sa’yo.”

“Sana nga para makapagsimula na rin kaagad ako.”

Nang makakain, magkatulong silang nagligpit.

Pagkatapos, naupo sila sa salas. Nagbukas ng beer si Vincent -- tig-isa muna sila -- at nagsimula silang uminom.

“Natuloy din ang plano natin,” ang sabi ni Alvin. “Ang magkasama dito sa Maynila.”

“Oo nga,” ang sagot ni Vincent. “Alam mo, noong magkahiwalay tayo, parang nanibago ako. Na-miss talaga kita.”

Napangiti si Alvin. Parang haplos sa puso ang kanyang narinig. “Na-miss din kita.”

Kung anu-ano ang napagkuwentuhan nila habang umiinom. Hanggang sa malasing sila.

At dahil lasing na, bumaba ang defenses ni Alvin. Nawala ang pag-aalinlangan at lumakas ang loob.

“Vince, may sasabihin ako sa’yo…”

“Ano yun?”

“Tungkol sa damdaming matagal ko nang inililihim.”

Nakikinig si Vincent.

“Mahal kita. Matagal na.”

Maulap man ang kamalayan, nabigla si Vincent.

“Hindi ko masabi sa'yo noon dahil natatakot akong lumayo ka.”

Nakatingin lang sa kanya si Vincent, hindi makapagsalita.

“Wala akong ibang pinakaaasam kundi ang mahalin mo rin.”

Awkward silence. Matagal.

“Mahal din kita,” ang sabi ni Vincent pagkaraan. “Pero hindi ko alam kung katulad iyon ng sinasabi mong pagmamahal sa akin.”

“Hindi na iyon mahalaga. Sapat nang malaman ko na may damdamin ka rin para sa akin.”

Yumakap siya kay Vincent.

At sa kabila ng tila pagkabalisa, yumakap din ito sa kanya.

Dalawa ang kama sa kuwarto ni Alvin subalit nang gabing iyon, isa lang ang nagamit.

(Itutuloy)

Chances 4

Bago pa narating ni Alvin ang pinto ng Starbucks, nahawakan na siya ni Mimi sa braso.

“Alvin, sandali!”

“Bitiwan mo ako, Mimi!”

“Ano ba? Get hold of yourself!”

Natigilan si Alvin. Matigas ang timbre ng boses ni Mimi at mahigpit ang pagkakakapit sa kanya.

“Huwag kang padalos-dalos. Mag-isip ka muna.” Determinado itong pigilan siya. “Halika, mag-usap tayo.”

Hinila siya nito palayo. Napasunod na lamang siya. Napangunahan man ng galit, unti-unti rin siyang pinangibabawan ng rason kasabay ng tila panghihina ng kanyang tuhod – at loob.

***

“Bakit tayo nagkita nang ganito?” ang tanong ni Darwin kay Vincent. Patuloy sila sa pag-uusap sa loob ng Starbucks at walang kamalay-malay sa muntik nang pagsugod ni Alvin.

“Do you really have to ask? Kahit siguro hindi ko sabihin, alam mo na kung bakit,” ang sagot ni Vincent.

“Maaaring mali kasi ang aking iniisip.”

“Kung ano man ang iyong iniisip. Tama iyon.” Nakangiti sa kanya si Vincent. “Ano pa ba ang ibig sabihin ng imbitasyon ko na magkita tayo ngayon, na tayong dalawa lang? I am interested to know more about you. At gusto ko ring ipakilala ang sarili ko sa’yo.”

“Ang inaalala ko ay si Alvin. Baka masamain niya ang pagkikita natin nang hindi niya alam.”

“Bakit niya naman mamasamain? At bakit niya kailangang malaman?”

Hindi masabi ni Darwin ang dahilan dahil ayaw niyang i-preempt si Alvin. “He should be here with us, don’t you think so?”

“This is just between the two of us.”

“Bakit nga, Vincent?”

“Because I like you.”

Hindi nakasagot si Darwin.

“There, I’ve said it.” Tumawa si Vincent, maiksi, marahil upang pagtakpan ang discomfort sa biglaang pag-amin. Tapos, biglang sumeryoso. “Naramdaman ko iyon kahapon, nang makita kita… nang magkamay tayo.”

Sa kabila ng tuwa sa kanyang narinig, hindi makapagsalita si Darwin. Gusto niyang sabihin kay Vincent na gayon din ang kanyang damdamin subalit binabagabag siya ng pag-aalala tungkol kay Alvin.

***

“Hindi ka dapat nagpapadala sa emosyon mo,” ang sabi ni Mimi kay Alvin. Nasa Seattle’s Best na sila at kalmado nang nagkakape.

Tahimik si Alvin, panay lang ang hithit ng yosi.

“Hindi mo dapat ipinakikita ang kahinaan mo,” ang patuloy ni Mimi. “Sa palagay mo ba kung sinugod mo sila, gaganda ka sa paningin ni Vincent? Magkakaroon lang siya ng resentment sa’yo.”

Nakikinig lang si Alvin kay Mimi.

“Kung may natutunan man ako sa pagiging kabit, iyon ay ang ilagay sa tamang lugar ang aking sarili. Kung ang asawa ay mag-iiskandalo at magbubunganga kapag nahuli si Mister, ang kabit ay iiwas at mananahimik. Kung ang asawa ay mang-aaway kapag may maling nagawa si Mister, ang kabit ay uunawa at magpapatawad. Kaya nga mas minamahal ang kabit dahil kadalasan, OA sa drama si Misis.”

Gulo man ang kalooban, interesado si Alvin sa pinupunto ni Mimi.

“Hindi ka kabit pero mas makabubuting iyon ang isipin mo dahil may kaagaw ka. Sa halip na mag-react ka na parang asawa, do the reverse. Gumawa ka ng kabutihan para sa kanya. Pakitaan mo siya ng dagdag na kabaitan. Nang sa gayon, ma-appreciate ka ni Vincent at tuluyang mabaling sa iyo ang kanyang pagtingin.”

Dahan-dahang napangiti si Alvin. Nagliwanag ang kanina ay makulimlim na mukha.

“O, bakit?” ang tanong ni Mimi.

“I think alam ko na exactly kung ano ang aking gagawin.”

***

“Gusto mo rin ba ako?” Point blank ang tanong na iyon ni Vincent sa kanya.

Hindi nagawang magkaila ni Darwin. Napatango siya.

Napangiti si Vincent. “Pinasaya mo ako.”

Nagulat si Darwin nang biglang hawakan ni Vincent ang kanyang kamay. Kaagad niya itong binawi.

“Why?” ang tanong ni Vincent. “May problema ba? Are you committed?”

“No. Kaya lang…” Si Alvin. Pero hindi niya iyon masabi.

“Kaya lang ano?”

“Masyadong mabilis.”

“I like you, you like me. Kailangan pa ba nating mag-aksaya ng panahon?”

“Siguraduhin muna natin na tama ang ating gagawin. Para walang masaktan.”

Ipinagpasiya nilang ipagpaliban na muna ang pag-uusap tungkol sa kanilang dalawa.

Nag-getting-to-know-you na lang sila.

At habang nagsisiwalat sila ng mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa kanilang sarili, dama nila pareho ang higit na pagkagusto sa isa’t isa.

Nang oras na upang umuwi, nag-offer si Darwin na ihatid si Vincent.

Tahimik sila sa kotse kahit pa naghahawakan sila ng kamay.

At bago bumaba si Vincent, hinagkan niya si Darwin.

Gulo ang isip ni Darwin habang nagda-drive pauwi subalit dama niya ang pagbabaga ng kanyang damdamin – at mga labi.

***

Kinabukasan, hindi pumasok sa office si Alvin. Hindi ito tumawag o nag-text man lang sa kanya.

May pagtataka at pag-aalala si Darwin kaya tinanong niya si Mimi.

“Ay, hindi ko alam,” ang sagot ni Mimi.

“Hindi ba sumabay siya sa’yo kahapon?”

“Oo, pero wala siyang nababanggit na mag-a-absent siya ngayon. Hindi rin siya tumawag.” Pero ang totoo, nag-text na sa kanya si Alvin at hindi lang ipinasasabi kay Darwin ang dahilan ng kanyang pag-aabsent.

“Bakit kaya?”

“Baka may sakit. Sa puso.” Hindi napigilan ni Mimi ang magpasaring.

“Ha?”

“Joke,” ang kaagad niya ring bawi. “Bakit hindi mo i-text?”

“Sige.”

Pero hindi iyon ginawa ni Darwin. Gusto niyang iwasan si Alvin bunsod ng guilt na nararamdaman niya dahil sa namagitan sa kanila kahapon ni Vincent.

Naghintay siya buong araw na ito ang makipag-communicate sa kanya pero wala siyang natanggap na tawag o text man.

Strangely, wala ring tawag o text sa kanya si Vincent.

Hindi siya nakatiis. Tinext niya ito.

“Hey, Vince. Kumusta?”

Crickets.

Malalim na ang gabi at nakahiga na siya upang matulog, naghihintay pa rin siya ng reply.

***

Nang sumunod na araw, masaya si Alvin nang dumating sa office.

Uneasy si Darwin nang magkita sila pero hindi siya nagpahalata.

“Good morning!” ang bati nito sa kanya, unusually chirpy. “How are you today, my friend?”

“I’m good.” Nagsinungaling siya. Halos hindi siya nakatulog buong gabi dahil sa pag-iisip. “And you?”

“Couldn’t be better.” Naupo ito sa kanyang mesa, may ngiting hindi mapawi-pawi sa mga labi.

“Bakit ka absent kahapon?” ang tanong niya, trying to make a casual conversation at upang i-satisfy na rin ang kanyang curiosity.

Tumingin sa kanya si Alvin at ngumiti. May ningning sa mga mata nang magsalita.

“Sinamahan ko si Vincent sa kanyang pag-a-apply. At pagkatapos, namasyal kami.”

Instant ang kirot na naramdaman ni Darwin.

“And guess what. Nakalipat na siya sa bahay ko kagabi.”

Nagsimulang manikip ang kanyang dibdib.

“Nakapag-usap na kami nang maayos. Nasabi ko na sa kanya ang damdamin ko. And you have to congratulate me, my friend…”

At tuluyan nang dinurog ang kanyang puso sa sumunod na narinig.

“Kami na ni Vincent!”

(Itutuloy)

Chances 3

“Hey, Darwin,” ang kanyang naulinigan nang ito ay kanyang sagutin.

“Vincent, hi,” ang kanyang nasambit.

Huminto ang elevator at kaagad siyang bumaba kahit hindi pa iyon ang floor ng office nila. Hindi siya kumportableng makipag-usap sa loob ng elevator dahil marami siyang kasakay.

“I just wanna say thank you,” ang sabi ni Vincent.

“For what?” ang tanong ni Darwin habang nakatayo sa corridor.

“For helping me out. Tinawagan na ako ni Alvin. I am applying tomorrow.”

“Well, good luck.”

“Sana matanggap ako.”

“Matatanggap ka.”

Short silence.

“Uhm, Darwin…”

“Yeah?”

“Maybe we can have coffee later?”

“Uhm, sure. Sasabihin ko kay Alvin…”

“No. Huwag mo nang sabihin sa kanya.”

“Why? Nasabihan mo na ba siya?”

“No. It’s just that…”

Short pause.

“I want it to be just the two of us.”

***

May guilt si Darwin nang humarap siya kay Alvin. Tinanggap niya ang imbitasyon ni Vincent at kailangan niya iyong ilihim.

“O, friend, where have you been?” ang tanong ni Alvin.

“Sa baba. Nag-yosi lang.”

“Natawagan ko na si Vincent. He’s getting ready for tomorrow.”

“That’s good.”

Nagkunwari si Darwin na busy na uli siya sa trabaho. In the mood naman si Alvin na chumika.

“Di ba, friend, kapag natanggap siya sa call center, magte-training muna siya. Hindi pa naman siya officially employed. I was thinking na kahit ganoon, palilipatin ko na siya sa bahay. Mas mabuti iyong settled na siya para makapag-concentrate siya sa training. Mahirap iyong nakikisama pa siya sa Tita niya. At least with me, wala siyang iintindihin.”

“That’s a good idea,” ang sagot ni Darwin habang nakatingin sa mga papeles sa mesa niya. Parang hindi niya magawang tumingin kay Alvin.

“I think I should tell him later. Maybe I should invite him for coffee. You want to join us?”

“Ha?” Naghagilap ng isasagot si Darwin, ng alibi dahil may usapan nga sila mamaya ni Vincent. “I can’t, friend. I was about to tell you na may lakad ako mamaya kaya hindi tayo pwedeng magsabay.” May kotse kasi si Darwin at hini-hitch niya lagi si Alvin hanggang sa sakayan malapit sa inuuwian nito.

“Saan ang punta mo?” ang tanong ni Alvin.

“I am meeting a friend.” It was the truth. Half-truth. His best attempt upang huwag magsinungaling.

“Ah, okay.” At tumahimik na si Alvin.

Tahimik na rin si Darwin. Kahit mukha siyang abala sa kanyang ginagawa, hindi siya makapag-concentrate. Ang hirap pala nang may itinatago, lalo na kung sa best friend mo.

Maya-maya, nakita niyang may kausap sa phone si Alvin.

“Hindi siya pwede,” ang sabi nito pagkaraan, disappointed ang expression.

“Sino?” ang tanong niya.

“Si Vincent.”

“Ha? Bakit daw?”

“May ka-meet daw siyang friend mamaya.”

“Ha? Sino raw?” Kinabahan siya.

“Hindi ko na tinanong. Nagtataka nga ako, kararating niya lang dito sa Maynila, may friend na kaagad siya.”

Hindi na sumagot si Darwin. Pilit na lang pinayapa ang sarili. At least, hindi rin nagsinungaling si Vincent. Hindi nga lang din nagsabi ng buong katotohanan.

Ipinagpatuloy niya ang pagkukunwaring abala sa ginagawa upang umiwas kay Alvin.

Pero deep inside, dama niya ang pagtindi ng guilt niya.

***

“Friend, mauuna na ako,” ang sabi ni Darwin kay Alvin nang mag-uwian. Kaka-text lang sa kanya ni Vincent upang ipaalam na on the way na ito sa meeting place nila.

“Ok,” ang sagot ni Alvin. “Enjoy your lakad.”

“Paano ka uuwi?”

“Sasabay na lang siguro ako kay Mimi.”

“Ah, ok. Ingat.” At lumabas na ng office si Darwin. Nagmamadali, walang lingon-likod.

Nakamasid si Alvin, may pagtataka at pagtatanong kung bakit parang kakaiba ang kilos ni Darwin buong araw. Nasanay kasi siya na tinatapatan nito ang kanyang pagiging madaldal. Strangely, tahimik ito ngayon at parang nag-iisip.

Nagkibit-balikat si Alvin. Baka may period. Lihim siyang napangiti sa sariling joke. Inayos niya ang kanyang mga gamit at tinungo ang mesa ni Mimi na executive assistant ng kanilang boss.

“Mimi darling!” ang bati niya.

“Yes, Alvin sweetheart?” Nagre-retouch na ito at naghahanda na ring umalis.

“How heartbreaking to see a lovely lady like you going home by her lonesome. May I volunteer to be your escort?”

Nag-pause si Mimi sa kanyang pagli-lipstick. “Nambola ka pa, makikisabay ka lang pala. Of course, kelan ba naman ako nag-refuse sa isang debonaire gentleman like you.”

“Thank you.” Ngumiti si Alvin at pinanood ang pagpapaganda ni Mimi. Nagsisimula na itong magpulbos. Next to Darwin, si Mimi ang closest niya sa office. Bakla rin ang babaing ito kaya vibes sila.

“Asan ang best friend mo?” ang tanong ni Mimi.

“Nauna na. May imi-meet daw na friend.”

“I’m sure, may date ang bakla.”

“Siguro. Bilisan mo na, girl. Sobrang ganda mo na.”

“Echosera ka. Hoy, di pa muna tayo uuwi ha? Sasamahan mo muna akong rumampa.”

“Saan naman?”

“Sa Powerbooks lang. May bibilhin akong libro.”

“May choice ba ako. Siyempre papayag ako kasi makikisabay lang ako.”

“Sige na, para makapag-chikahan din tayo.”

***

Nagda-drive pa lang sila papuntang bookstore, chumichika na si Mimi.

“In love ako ngayon, bakla,” ang sabi kaagad sa kanya.

“Talaga? Kaya pala mukha kang masaya,” ang sagot niya.

“Masaya sa kung masaya. Kaya lang… medyo complicated.”

“O, bakit naman?”

“Married kasi ang boyfriend ko.”

“So kabit ka, ganon?”

“Oo. Pero ok lang sa akin ‘yun.”

“So anong problema?”

“Asawa kasi siya ng best friend ko.”

“Ha? Keri mo yun?”

“Anong magagawa ko e sa na-in love ako.”

“So paano ‘yun?”

“Ingat na lang kami na huwag makahalata ang friend ko. Ang hirap ngang magkunwari.”

“Paano kapag nalaman ng friend mo?”

“E di eksenang pang-telenovela. Sumbatan. Sampalan. Sabunutan.”

“Gosh, ayoko ng ganon! Worth it ba na iyon ang magiging kapalit ng happiness mo ngayon.”

“Maybe. But honestly, I don’t know. It’s not that gusto kong magtaksil sa kaibigan ko. Nagkataon lang kasi na na-in love ako. I know, mali pero hindi ko kayang kontrolin sa ngayon ang emosyon ko.”

“Gaga ka, ako ang kinakabahan para sa’yo. Hindi ka ba nagi-guilty?”

“Nagi-guilty. Pero nababalewala iyon ng pagiging happy.”

“What about the future? Ano sa palagay mo ang kahihinatnan ng relasyon ninyo?”

“Ayokong mag-worry about the future. Basta masaya ako ngayon. Bahala na kung ano man ang mangyari. I am willing to take the consequences.”

Napatingin na lang si Alvin kay Mimi at napailing. Pagdating sa pakikipag-relasyon, daig pa nito ang bakla sa sobrang pagiging walang takot.

***

Akala ni Alvin sa Powerbooks lang ang punta nila. Pero pagkatapos makapamili, biglang nagyaya si Mimi na mag-coffee.

“Ikaw naman ang magkuwento,” ang sabi ni Mimi habang naglalakad sila papunta sa Starbucks. “Kumusta na ang lovelife mo?”

Napangiti si Alvin. “Kung happy ka, happy din ako.”

“In love ka rin, bakla?” Na-excite si Mimi.

“Yup. But unlike you, hindi kumplikado ang lovelife ko.”

“At sino ang masuwerteng lalaking ito?”

“His name is Vincent. Classmate ko siya sa college. We were so close kaya lang nagkahiwalay kami nang mag-Manila ako. Nandito na siya ngayon, sumunod siya after a year.”

“Kayo na talaga kahit noong college pa?”

“Hindi. Actually, matagal na akong in-love sa kanya, hindi ko lang masabi. But now, sasabihin ko na sa kanya. At palagay ko naman, hindi ako mabibigo dahil kahit noon pa, nararamdaman ko naman that he also cares for me. And guess what, he’ll be moving in with me soon. Kaya doon na talaga kami papunta.”

“Wow, I am so happy for you. Sarap ma-in love noh?”

“Sinabi mo pa.”

Sinapit nila ang Starbucks.

Patungo na sila sa pinto nang biglang mapabulalas si Mimi. “Hey, look who’s here!”

Mula sa glass window nakita niya ang tinutukoy ni Mimi.

Natigilan siya at nagulantang. Nanlamig.

“Sabi ko na sa’yo, may date si Darwin. At ang guwapo!”

Parang hindi siya makakilos sa pagkabigla.

Napansin ni Mimi ang kanyang reaksiyon. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Mimi,” he managed to say kahit nagsisikip ang kanyang dibdib. “Ang ka-date ni Darwin…”

“W-what?”

“Siya si Vincent. The boy I just told you about. The boy I have loved since college.”

“Ha? Paanong…?”

“Silang dalawa pala ang magkikita. Pinagmukha nila akong tanga.” Nagdilim ang mukha ni Alvin. “Ang mga taksil…”

Kinabahan si Mimi. “Alvin, ano’ng binabalak mong gawin?”

Mabilis na humakbang si Alvin, pasugod sa kinaroroonan nina Darwin at Vincent.

Nataranta si Mimi. “Oh my God, Alvin. Wait! Wait!”

(Itutuloy)

Chances 2

Naupo sila. Nakangiti, nakatingin lang sa bawat isa. Parang wala munang gustong magsalita.

Halos hindi makapaniwala si Alvin na kaharap niya si Vincent. Kaytagal niyang pinanabikan ang sandaling iyon. Dama niya ang pag-uumapaw ng kanyang pagmamahal na tinimpi niya at hindi nawala sa loob ng matagal na panahon.

Masaya naman si Vincent na muli ay makita si Alvin. Nang magkalayo sila, parang may nabawas sa kanya. Subalit ngayon na magkasama na uli sila, parang muli ay nakumpleto siya.

Masaya rin siya na makilala si Darwin. Hindi niya maipaliwanag ang gaan ng loob na kaagad niyang nadama. Parang malapit na rin ito sa kanya, kagaya ni Alvin.

Si Darwin naman ay pigil ang damdamin. Pilit ikinukubli ang pagkabighani kay Vincent. Sa panlabas ay kalmante siya subalit sa kaloob-looban ay hindi siya mapakali.

Lumapit ang waiter. Saka lang parang na-break ang ice sa pagitan nila. Umorder sila.

At pagkatapos, nagsimula ang kanilang conversation.

“Saan ka nga pala tumutuloy?” ang tanong ni Alvin kay Vincent.

“Sa bahay ng Tita ko. Balak ko ring lumipat kapag nakahanap na ako ng trabaho.”

“So, naghahanap ka ng trabaho?” ang tanong ni Darwin.

“Yeah. May opening ba sa inyo?”

“May opening ba sa atin?” ang tanong ni Darwin kay Alvin.

“Ang alam ko freeze hiring tayo,” ang sagot ni Alvin.

“Teka,” ang sabi ni Darwin. “May friend ako na nasa call center. Ang alam ko patuloy ang hiring nila.”

“Talaga? Matutulungan mo ba ako?” ang tanong ni Vincent kay Darwin.

“Sure. Tatawagan ko ang friend ko. Itatanong ko ang requirements.”

“Can you please let me know? I’ll give you my number.”

“Sige. Text ko sa’yo tomorrow.”

At nag-exchange numbers sila.

Nakatingin lang si Alvin. Although natutuwa siya sa alok na tulong ni Darwin kay Vincent, parang may discomfort siya sa usapan ng dalawa, higit lalo sa pagpapalitan nito ng numbers.

Una sa lahat, siya ang dapat tumulong kay Vincent. At dahil sa offer ni Darwin, feeling niya ay sinasaklawan siya nito.

Hindi niya rin gusto ang tila kaagad na pagwa-warm up ni Vincent dito.

Pero hindi siya magpapatalo. Hindi niya hahayaang maagaw ni Darwin ang atensiyon ni Vincent.

“Friend,” ang sabi niya kay Darwin. “Maybe tomorrow, you can ask your friend. Pero ako na ang bahala kay Vincent. Nakakahiya kasi sa’yo, maaabala ka pa.”

Tumingin sa kanya si Darwin na parang na-sense ang kanyang pagtutol. “Yeah, sure. But I won’t really mind.”

“Hindi,” may diin ang salita ni Alvin. “Responsibilidad ko si Vincent. Ako na ang tutulong sa kanya sa pag-a-apply. Sasamahan ko pa siya kung kinakailangan.”

Hindi na kumibo si Darwin kahit deep inside, gusto niyang mag-insist. Gusto niyang may magawa para kay Vincent. Pero alam niya rin na dapat niyang ilugar ang sarili.

Hindi nagtagal, dinner was served.

“Siyanga pala, Vincent,” ang sabi ni Alvin nang nagsisimula na silang kumain. “You can move in with me. I am renting my own place. It’s not much but it can accommodate the two of us comfortably.”

Kailangan niyang maging assertive. Kaytagal niyang nanahimik at naghintay. Hindi niya sasayangin ang chance na magkaroon na ng katuparan ang pag-ibig niya kay Vincent.

***

“Aaminin ko, attracted ako kay Vincent,” ang sabi ni Darwin kinabukasan sa office.

“I appreciate your honesty,” ang sagot ni Alvin, walang pagkagulat.

“Alam ko na siya ang greatest love mo. And I value our friendship. Kaya wala na akong iba pang intensiyon. Gusto ko lang makatulong as a friend. Wala kang dapat ipag-alala.”

“Salamat. Ngayon, mapapanatag na ako.”

“Sa halip na mangamba o magselos, ang pagtuunan mo ngayon ng pansin ay kung paano mo ipapaalam sa kanya na mahal mo siya, kung ano ang gagawin mo upang magkatuluyan na kayo.”

“Nasimulan ko na. Niyaya ko na siyang tumira sa bahay, di ba?”

“Pumayag na ba siya?”

“Oo. Lilipat siya kapag nagkatrabaho na.”

“Speaking of trabaho, natawagan ko na ang kaibigan ko sa call center.” May kinuhang kapirasong papel si Darwin sa ibabaw ng kanyang mesa. “Heto ang requirements. Pag-apply-in mo na kaagad si Vincent. Natimbrehan ko na ang kaibigan ko. May posisyon ‘yun doon. He will keep an eye on his application.”

“Thank you, friend.” Inabot ni Alvin ang papel.

“Bilis, tawagan mo na si Vincent. Paghandain mo na. Para matuloy na ang mga plano ninyo. I can’t wait na marinig ang magandang balita na finally ay may relasyon na kayo.”

“Huwag kang mainip. Malapit na.”

“Kapag nangyari iyon, ako ang magiging pinakamasaya para sa’yo.”

Napangiti si Alvin. “Sige na nga, tatawagan ko na siya.”

“Good. Now, maiwan muna kita. Pupunta lang ako sa restroom.”

Lumabas ng office si Darwin. Pero hindi siya tumuloy sa restroom. Sumakay siya sa elevator at bumaba sa lobby. Lumabas siya ng building at nagsindi ng yosi.

I appreciate your honesty.

Parang naririnig niya pa ang sinabing iyon ni Alvin. Pero naging honest nga ba siya?

Kahit sinabi niya na wala siyang ibang intensiyon, hindi iyon ang totoong nararamdaman niya. Dahil hindi mawala si Vincent sa isip niya. At ini-entertain niya ang mga possibilities sa kanilang dalawa.

Ayaw niyang masira ang friendship nila ni Alvin. Pero parang ayaw niya ring i-give up ang nararamdaman niya kay Vincent. Alam niyang mali subalit matindi ang kanyang paghahangad to take a chance at being happy. To pursue love against the odds.

Pinakamahirap na kalaban ang sariling emosyon. At habang nag-iisip at naguguluhan, dama ni Darwin ang unti-unting pananaig niyon.

Pinatay niya ang kanyang sigarilyo at muli siyang pumasok sa building upang bumalik sa office.

Nasa elevator siya nang tumunog ang kanyang phone.

Sinilip niya kung sino ang tumatawag. Nagulat siya sabay sa pagkabog ng kanyang dibdib.

Vincent, ang sabi sa screen.

(Itutuloy)

Chances 1

“Hello. Nandito na ako sa Manila.”

Parang lumukso ang puso ni Alvin pagkarinig sa boses ni Vincent. Muntik na niyang mabitiwan ang telepono dahil sa excitement.

“Kailan ka dumating?”

“Kanina lang.”

“Kailangan nating magkita.”

“Pwede ka ba mamaya, paglabas mo sa office?”

“Sige. Mag-dinner tayo. Treat kita.”

“What time? Saan?”

Nagtakda sila ng oras at lugar.

Naibaba niya na ang telepono, hindi pa rin mapawi ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Alvin.

Bagay na hindi nakaligtas sa pansin ng best friend at officemate niyang si Darwin. “Sino 'yung kausap mo?”

“Wala. Just a friend.”

“Must be a very special friend.”

Hindi na siya nakapagkaila. “Si Vincent. Kaklase ko noong college sa probinsiya.”

“Kaklase nga lang ba? Ako, kapag tinatawagan ng mga kaklase ko, hindi ako ganyan kasaya.”

Nagtapat na siya. “Okay, isa nga siyang espesyal na kaibigan.”

“Gaano ka-espesyal?” ang untag ni Darwin.

“We were sort of… best friends. Malapit sa isa’t isa. Magkasama lagi. We were always there for each other.”

“Best friends nga lang ba? O boyfriends?”

“How I wish na naging boyfriend ko siya.”

“Sinasasabi ko na. Now, tell me more about him.”

Isiningit ni Alvin sa gitna ng kanilang pagtatrabaho ang pagkukuwento tungkol kay Vincent.

“After graduation, ang balak talaga namin, sabay kaming pupunta dito sa Maynila para maghanap ng trabaho. Kaso pinigilan siya ng tatay niya dahil walang magma-manage sa farm nila. Recently, umuwi ang kuya niya galing sa Dubai. Ayaw nang bumalik at in-assume ang farm. Kaya nalibre siya at itinuloy niya na ang pagluwas. Nandito na siya ngayon sa Maynila kaya tumawag siya.”

“So, talagang sinundan ka niya.”

“Yeah, kaya masayang-masaya ako.”

“Guwapo ba siya?”

Napangiti si Alvin sabay sa pagniningning ng mga mata. “I have yet to meet someone na hihigit sa kaguwapuhan ni Vincent. Para sa akin, siya ang ultimate.”

“Hmmm… Now, I am very curious to meet him.”

“Ipapakilala ko siya sa’yo.”

“Talaga? Kelan?”

“Ngayon.”

“As in now na?”

“Mamaya magkikita kami for dinner. And you are invited to join us.”

***

Nagkakilala sina Darwin at Alvin nang magkasabay sila sa pag-a-apply sa kumpanyang pinapasukan nila. Kahit laking-Maynila si Darwin at si Alvin naman ay laking-probinsiya, kaagad silang nag-click. Nang pareho silang matanggap at magkasama sa training, higit silang naging close. Naging madali para kay Alvin ang pag-a-adjust at pag-a-adapt sa bago niyang kapaligiran dahil kay Darwin.

Ang premise ng friendship nila ay ang magkatulad na seksuwalidad. Maaga pa lang ay inamin na nila na parehong boys ang preference nila. Kahit pareho silang good-looking, hindi nila type ang isa’t isa kaya nag-progress ang relasyon nila na parang sisters. And maybe because they had each other kung kaya kahit nakikipag-date sila, nananatili pa rin silang single.

Ang friendship naman nina Alvin at Vincent ay nagsimula noong first year college. Nagkatabi sila sa first subject at dahil block sectioning ang freshmen sa eskuwelahan nila, hindi na sila naghiwalay. Nag-shift pa nga si Vincent kaya naging magkapareho ang kurso nila at hanggang fourth year, magkaklase at seatmates sila.

Sa kanilang dalawa, higit na matalino si Alvin at siya ang tumulong kay Vincent sa mga subjects na nahihirapan ito. Kapag may exams, sabay silang nagre-review at pinagtitiyagaan niya talaga ang pagtuturo rito.

Dahil lagi silang magkasama at halos dependent na ito sa kanya, nagsimula siyang makaramdam ng kakaiba. At kahit dumating siya sa puntong nahihirapan na siya sa damdamin niya, pinili niya pa ring ikubli iyon dahil ayaw niyang may mabago sa kanilang pagsasama. Natatakot siya na baka layuan siya ni Alvin kapag nalaman nito ang feelings niya.

Kaya nagkunwari siya at umasa. Na balang araw, magkakaroon din ng katuparan ang pag-ibig niya. Akala niya mangyayari na iyon nang magplano silang sabay na lumuwas ng Maynila. Subalit hindi iyon natuloy.

Kaya ngayon nga na naririto na si Vincent, walang pagsidlan ng galak si Alvin. Sa paglipas ng panahon, patuloy niya itong inibig. At kung mayroon man siyang naging resolve, iyon ay ang magpaka-honest na sa kanyang damdamin dahil wala siyang ibang pinakaaasam kundi ang mahalin din ni Vincent.

***

Akala ni Vincent, siya ang mauuna sa meeting place nila. Subalit pagdating niya, naroroon na si Alvin.

Napangiti siya pagkakita sa kaibigan at kaagad siyang humakbang upang ito ay lapitan.

Oblivious siya sa mga tingin ng paghanga na ipinukol sa kanya ng iba pang mga tao sa restaurant. Sa tangkad niyang 5’10, latino features at matikas na pangangatawan, hindi maaaring hindi mapansin ang stand-out niyang dating.

Ngiting-ngiti si Alvin pagkakita kay Vincent. Kaagad niya itong kinawayan. Muli, naramdaman niya ang lukso ng kanyang puso. Tumayo siya upang ito ay salubungin.

Kung wala lang sila sa public place, yayakapin niya ito dahil sa tuwa at pananabik.

Kaagad niya itong ipinakilala kay Darwin.

Hindi nakapagsalita si Darwin nang makipagkamay siya kay Vincent.

Si Vincent naman ay parang nakalimutang bitiwan ang kamay ni Darwin.

Nagtama ang kanilang mga mata.

Nakamasid lang sa kanila si Alvin.

And for a while, nag-standstill ang paligid.

(Itutuloy)