The event finally ended. They didn't say goodbye with each other. They just went their separate ways: Diana and Albert on the left door, and Arjay and Hanney went on the right door.
While walking towards the car, Albert cleared his throat.
"So... did you enjoy?" he asked.
"Enjoyed what?" Diana asked back.
"Well, the party...and the dance...?" he asked.
Diana looked at him but she didn't say a single word.
"Why are you just looking at me? l asked a question, didn't I?" he laughed a bit.
"l am tired. I don't think I could answer that. My mind's starting to cloud. I feel so sleepy." Diana
acted out to divert Albert's attention.
"You can sleep in the car on the way home. I'll just wake you up when we arrive at your house."
Albert said and opened the door for her.
"Thank you." she said and went in.
She felt guilty for lying to him. But what will she say? She doesn't want to ruin Albert's night by saying she did enjoy the dance. But she doesn't want to ruin her night, too, by lying that she did not enjoy,
because she obviously did!
Albert knew Diana was just teling an alibi. She probably doesn't want to hurt his feelings, but she
subconsciously did. Maybe he's too late. He probably won't get a chance to win her over. Maybe she really is in love with Arjay and she's just being polite towards him because they are friends. He sighed. He went inside the driver's seat and started the car. They drove off.
Ariay and Hanney went to the car silently. As usual, he opened the car for her.
"Thank you." she said coldly.
Arjay closed the door and sighed before getting in on the driver's seat. He started the car and they
went out of the parking lot. They were heading towards the subdivision where Hanney lives. The car was enveloped with deafening silence. Arjay cleared his throat. Hanney glanced at him but she looked back outside the window.
"Are you mad at me?" Arjay asked.
"No." Hanney simply said, still gazing outside the window.
"Why are you so quiet, then?" he asked again.
She sighed and looked at him.
"1 was just wondering... and thinking. You like her, don't you? And when I say her, I meant, 'Diana',
Albert's date tonight." She stated.
He fell silent. How could he tell her yes without hurting her feelings? Hanney smiled and nodded.
"1 supposed that's a yes. Then why are you still here with me? Why are you still here with me when it's crystal clear that you already liked somebody else?"
He can hear the pain in Hanney's voice. He sighed.
"Because l---"
"Because you pity me? Why? Why do you pity me? Because I said that you were my standard? That I can't find someone like you? Come on, Arjay! Do l look pitiful in your eyes?" Hanney was trying her best not to cry but her voice broke while saying her last sentence.
Arjay stopped the car to console her. She's already crying.
"No, Hanney. I don't pity you. You are the strongest woman I have ever known. How could I pity
someone as strong-willed, as independent, and as open-minded person as you?" he said.
She wiped her tears and looked at him.
"Then why are you still here with me?" she asked.
"I'm still here because you are my friend. And you are kind... so kind to me. And l wanted to return
the favor. I wanted to be kind to you as well. I wanted to be there to you, too, like you were there for me
back then." He sincerely said.
"Why are you hurting me if you wanted to be kind?"
"1 don't want to hurt you. If I did, then l'm sorry I don't mean it. I was just ignorant to not know that you're hurting because of me."
"Do you like her? Since when?"
"Yes, I like her... a lot. I didn't know when it started. It just happened."
"Couldn't you just lie and tell me that you didn't like her? How could you be so cruel to admit in my face that you like her?"
"You know I try my best not to lie."
She sniffled and looked at the window. She nodded and bit her lip to stop herself from crying.
"Was she the reason why you quitted the seminary?" she asked.
What will he say to her?
"I guessed that's another yes." She said without looking at him.
"I'm.." he sighed. "I'm sorry." he finally said.
She sniffled again.
"Just take me home, Arjay. I'm tired now. This was a very long night. I know you' re tired, too." Hanney said and wiped her tears.
"I'm really sorry..." he apologized.
"Don't feel sorry for me. It's my fault. I actually hoped we could go back to what we used to be. Anyway, never mind that. Just take me home." Hanney insisted.
He didn't say anything. He turned on the engine and started the car. They continued their way. If only Arjay could take back everything that he said to Hanney to make her feel a little better, but he couldn't.
When they arived in front of Hanney's house, she didn't wait for him to open the car door for
her. She immediately went out of the car and went straight to the gate. When the gate opened, she didn't even look back to say goodbye.
Arjay sighed and went on his way. He knew he hurt her big time, but what can he do? He tried his
best to be a good friend to her but that's his limit. He can't force himself to be in love with Hanney again.
He just can't.
Albert and Diana were already at the junction when he noticed that she wasn't asleep.
"1 thought you were tired." He said, more of a statement.
Diana turned to look at him.
"Hmn?" she asked.
"You said you were sleepy. Why aren't you taking a nap? Don't you trust me?" he asked.
"What?'" she asked, frowning
He shrugged.
"Because you said a while ago that you were already tired and you were sleepy. But you're still
wide awake. So I'm guessing you're not comfortable alone with me and you don't trust me." he said.
"Don't be dramatic. Of course, I trust you. It's just that sleep won't visit me. I was sleepy a while ago but now, even a yawn won't visit me. I guess my insomnia is kicking in." she said.
He nodded.
"So I guess you can answer my question a while ago, then." He said.
"What question?" She asked.
"1 asked whether you enjoyed the party and the dance or not."
"Oh, that one... to be honest, I was a bit intimidated by your friend. I think she hates me." she said.
Albert didn't say anything because he knew the answer to that.
"So, did you enjoy or not?"
"A bit, but mostly not. Why do you ask?" she asked back.
"1 was just curious because I was the one who invited you. You know just a little act of courtesy." He alibied.
Diana nodded. They continued their travel silently. After a few minutes, they reached Diana's house. Albert went out of the car and opened the door for her. She went out of the car.
"Thank you. You can go home now. I'Il be fine. I'm already here." She said.
"No, I will accompany you. I'Il be going if you're already inside your house." He said.
"Okay, if you say so." She said and they both walked towards the door and Albert knocked. The door opened. It was her father.
"Good evening, uncle. I'm just taking Diana home." Albert said.
"Good evening Albert. Thank you." the old man said.
"Goodbye. Be careful on your way home." She said and entered the house. "Go now. I won't close
this door until you go." She insisted.
"Then l should get going. Good night." He said and he went on his way. Diana closed the door as soon as the car engine started. She went to her room.
Arjay arrived at their house. As soon as he got off the car, the door opened and his mother went
out on the porch. He locked the car door and went to his mother.
"How was the event?" his mother asked while he was walking towards the porch.
He kissed his mother on the cheeks.
"It was great ma. Let's get inside?" he said.
They both went inside.
"Did you and Hanney enjoyed the night?" she asked again.
"1 wouldn't say that, ma. I guess reality hits differently towards each person." he remarked.
His mother frowned.
"Oh dear, did something bad happen?" his mother asked.
"In the event, ma, there's none. It was great. After the event actually." He said.
"Well, do you want to talk about it now, son? l'm ready to listen." She said.
"I'm tired ma. Maybe some other time. Besides, it's getting late. I know you're tired too, ma.
Good night." He said and kissed his mother good night.
"Good night son." She said.
He went ahead upstairs, straight to his room. Reality really hits differently, he knows that now.