"What took you so long, Psycho?"

Yuan broke the silence.

I was already doubting this decision, but I'm glad I made it.

I saw Jelai looked at Roni, and when she nodded her head, she ran down the stairs and hugged me.

"Borj....", I hugged her back, missing her and her low key strong character.

Jun jun came near me next, pulled Jelai and held her possessively, as if there is still a need to make that declaration.

I shook my head and looked at him funny.

"Borj Jimenez... pare, buhay ka pa pala", he said smiling, then offered his hand.

I took it then he pulled me to a hug.

"Benjamin", I heard Tonsy said.

"Antonio"

He stopped in front me and nodded his head.

It feels like a thorn has been pulled out of my life.

I didn't realize how much I miss this group, until this time.

I looked at the stairs, and saw Roni smiling at us.

I lifted my hand, gesturing her to come near.

She shook her head, laughed, then ran towards us.

"Finally", I heard Yuan said. "How many years has it been? Ten years?"

"Ten years from when? When this guy pulled the disappearing act?", Jun jun asked, which I fully understand.

"Pare...", I said, trying to find words to explain what happened that year.

"Jun jun", saway naman ni Jelai.

"We'll have the time to discuss that.. for now, group hug", Tonsy said, addressing the tension.

We are all gathered at the living room.

Jun jun was sitting on the floor, while Jelai was on the sofa beside him.

Tonsy was sitting on the arm of the chair, where Roni was seated.

Yuan pulled a chair from the kitchen, while I remain standing near the door.

Everyone is telling their stories, reminiscing our childhood.

We laughed at the things that made us cry before, and somehow felt sad when we remember the carefree life that we had.

We talked about almost everything, but no one is brave enough to talk about the things after those laughter, the year I left, or what happened from then and now.

I guess a can of beer is not enough to cover those five years.

I saw Roni yawning, like forcing herself to stay awake.

Tonsy was whispering to her, as if they were having an argument.

"Roni, what time did you sleep last night?" Yuan asked, worry evident in his voice.

"I'm good Kuya. I was just catching up on some case studies last night"

"Lana normally wakes up at 6. I think we better leave. Will just come back again tomorrow", Tonsy said, silently scolding her.

Their dynamics is still the same, but somehow Roni rested her case when the name Lana was mentioned.

"Sis, we'll be here by lunch time tomorrow. You don't need to cook. We'll just get some things on the way here", Jelai said, standing up and gathering her things.

"Borj, where do you stay?", Yuan asked, while collecting all the beer cans.

"Don't worry about me, Pare", I said still looking at Tonsy and Roni.

"Kuya, Borj had a couple of beer", Roni said, which made me laugh.

She looked at me, as if asking why I laughed.

I just shook my head, smiled and said, "Roni, I'm here. You can actually talk to me"

She rolled her eyes, then said, "You should not drive. You can probably go with Jelai and Jun jun, or with Tonsy. Guys, can you send Borj wherever she's staying at? Or I can book you a Grab"

"You and your Grab"

"Benjamin Jimenez", she said which scared me still... I think the rest of the group was surprised when they heard her raise her voice.

"Kayong dalawa... hindi pa rin kayo nagbabago. Borj, dito ka na matulog. Dun na tayo sa guest room"

"Oi.. yung magbayaw o", Jelai said, then suddenly covered her mouth. "Sorry..."

"Jelai, halika na. Tonsy pare, mag-convoy na lang tayo"

I think it was early in the morning, probably around six, when I feel movement in the room.

I felt small fingers trying to open my eyelids.

I held those little hands, and slowly opened my eyes.

There she was, a chubby little girl with curly hair and who looks exactly like the one sleeping in the other room. If I didn't know any better, I'd think...

"Hi! Why are you sleeping here? Who are you?", that little girl asked.

"Lana! Where are you?", I heard Roni calling for someone.

"Ooops... Mom, I'm here with the stranger in the room"

I think I'd say, I didn't know any better.