Drowned World (Second Part)

I went to the ex dance partner to acknowledge his presence, and to extend my courtesy to someone who responded to my calling when I was the one seeking other people's approval. It came as a surprise to him that I still remember the pairing we did last week. He tried to re-ignite the flame of bonds by stealing a kiss and planting it on my neck but I wasn't interested. Someone had already caught my attention earlier. Looking around to seek an acquaintance, I caught glimpse of an old friend talking to a guy near the ledge. We haven't seen each other for a ages and getting reacquainted was a better idea than letting someone seduce me whom I don't feel anymore.

"Huy na-tiyempuhan rin kita rito!" I nudged his shoulder which made him turn around to face the one who interrupted his conversation.

"Oi! Kaw pala! Ikaw lang mag-isa?"

"Yup ako lang. Hindi mo yata kasama si Coralde?" Coralde is our common friend.

We had a pleasant conversation despite the visible annoyance of the prospect whom I snatched my friend's attention from, but I knew something has changed. Surrounding my friend were guys I haven't met before - perhaps - his new pack after he stopped showing up from our get-togethers in the group we both belong. His lukewarm reception was a far cry from the time we used to hang-out, watch movies and attend Grand Eye Balls together. He was still in college then, while I, was barely exploring the sexuality I just learned. Had I not seen him as a kid, he could have been a lover. I could have proposed to him. However, in those days, he merely preferred to remain a fence-sitter - a guy who enjoyed hanging out with gay and bisexual men, but was afraid to consider himself as one. I respected his choice and waited for him to finally see the light. He did a few years later but the closeness we had faded away the more guys he got acquainted with.

"Alam mo ba yung guy na nasa tapat natin, tinataguan ko." I was pointing my chin towards the ex-dancer partner from last week.

"Bakit?" One look and you would feel that he was merely forced to accommodate my presence.

"Ummm... sabihin natin na naging kapartner ko siya rito before. Yoko, gusto ko bago naman." He smiled and then turned his head around towards the guy he was talking to earlier.

A few minutes later, dead air surrounded him and his prospect. My friend returned to his groupie and engaged them in a small talk. His prospect remained seated on the bar stool, waiting for him to return.

"Labas muna kami." He told me a little later.

"Sige, andito lang ako. Kitakits na lang mamaya."

And I was left alone trying to follow the beat of the house track spinned by the DJ. The guy who my friend was having conversations earlier finally left his spot - perhaps - to seek a new prospect while the ex-dance partner I evaded earlier has already paired with another clubber.

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