by M.G. Marquez
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
MAGGIE
“I told you a hundred times already – DON’T. DO. IT. ANYMORE. But what did you do? You still pushed through and he got mad. Great work, Maj,”
By the time Kate had said those words, they all clapped as if it was such an amazing act. Geez. I did know that Guji does not celebrate his birthday on October 30th because it’s his Mom’s death anniversary. I did know that I could hit some special nerve on him and he’ll be angry. I did know because Yvan told me everything about him. I did know.
I thought I could make him change his mind over this. But he didn’t.
It’s my fault, I know. But what can I do now? I’ve already done it and there’s no rewind button to undo all the things I planned for him that day.
It sucks because I miss him I don’t want him to be like that.
“It’s okay. He can’t resist you,” Fred snapped.
Then I was bewildered. The last time I checked, it was only I, Kate, Via, Paola, and Nikki who spent the night here at Via’s house. Fred wasn’t invited.
“Why the heck are you here?”
“That’s because…” Fred looked from left to right before turning back to me, irritated. “EVEN KLEIN IS HERE! Why are you shouting at me and only at me?!” He even pointed at Klein who’s innocently eating his share of longganisa. He was confused at first, but when he realized that Fred was trying to put him into his trouble, he kicked Fred’s leg. He yapped in pain.
“E, why are you here anyway?” Nikki interjected as she threw a ’mumu’ (rice grain) at Klein.
“Guji pushes us away. He said he wants to be alone. So, here we are,” he explained as he fired several mumu at us. One of them landed on my eye – BULLSHIT. I took the pitcher that’s in front of me when I had removed the grain on my eye.
“Do it again and I’ll splash this juice to you –” and he did. He threw another grain in my face and I pursed my lips in complete irritation. “What did I tell you?”
“Do it again –”
“AND I’LL SPLASH THIS JUICE –”
“Oh please, Janella. You can’t do that –”
“WHAT IF I CAN?”
“And please, don’t shout. You’re hurting your throat and I’m 100% concerned.” Klein nodded many times that meant ‘Hey, I’m serious so believe me.’ I let out a gasp.
I put down the pitcher and took my seat. I saw a smile on Klein’s face which I define as a smile of victory. I made a face at him before I could continue eating my meal.
Then Guji’s angry face popped into my head.
I ate my inner cheeks in utter guilt.