Leaving it to chance [ Serendipity Series #01 ]

XXII: dayang

Dayang — (n.) princess; noble woman; lady.

* should there be any bisaya words used throughout the chapter, translations will be provided.

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The drive to the airport was quiet, mostly because I was asleep. I had an early morning flight and if it weren't for Mikie, I would have overslept. Hindi tumalab ang alarm ko. Si Mikie na talaga ang gumising sa 'kin. Not even the coffee he bought me helped. Hindi na rin niya ako kinausap when he saw me sleeping. I only got a few hours of sleep the previous night since I finished packing late. Hindi na rin umuwi si Mikie sa condo niya. Yes, magkatabi kami and no, walang naganap na milagro if that was what you were wondering. I passed out as soon as I slipped under the comforter.

"Nins, we're here." Mikie shook me lightly. I peeled my eyes open, stretching my limbs to help me fully wake up. He had parked his car instead of dropping me directly to the departure entrance so that we could walk there together. He unloaded my things from the back of his car and headed towards the domestic departure area. I had one large suitcase with me, a backpack, and a smaller body bag. We even fought for a bit who would bring what. He ended up with my suitcase and I, with my backpack. Hala, pati ba naman ito, dadalhin niya. Kaya ko naman yata. Gusto niya kasing siya na ang magdala sa lahat, kulang na lang siguro pati ako ay buhatin na niya.

While we walked, he rolled the suitcase with one hand whilst the other holding my hand. We were pretty early for my flight, so we took our time walking. When we reached the entrance, I stopped and turned to him with a deep sigh.

Hala, ang drama ko. Hindi naman ako ako mag-a-abroad. Well, hindi pa. But that was besides the point. Bakit ako nalulungkot? I was going to see him in a few short weeks.

"You have your ticket?" he asked as he passed the suitcase handle to me.

"You make it seem like first time ko 'to. Oo, I have it with me. Kaya ko 'to, okay?" I rolled my eyes.

"Tanga ka kasi minsan, eh. Bawal mag-remind?"

We laughed until we both fell silent, just staring at each other.

"Pasok ka na," Mikie said with a tight-lipped smile.

"'Yun lang? Ang damot mo naman. Wala bang hug diyan? O kiss man lang? 'Yun lang talaga? Sure na?"

Mikie stepped forward with a deep sigh, arms wrapping around my tiny frame. "'Di ako madamot, 'no. Nakarami ka ngang halik kagabi. I just—" He hugged me tighter. "I just know it's going to be so hard for me to let you go once I have you in my arms."

I felt a lump in my throat that I tried so hard to ignore. Ano ba, Mikie! Uuwi lang ako nang saglit.

"Ang drama mo, Jeremiah. Ang lapit lang ng Cebu. And we're going to see each other very, very soon," I mumbled, hugging him tighter. "Sige na, papasok na ako kasi feel ko if hindi ako papasok ngayon, 'di na talaga ako makakaalis."

I took a step back and adjusted my backpack, looking up to my tall, softie of a boyfriend. "I am going to miss you." I sighed as I caressed his cheek before planting a small kiss on his lips. "I'll see you in a few weeks?"

"I'll see you in a few weeks, love."

That wasn't a goodbye. Heck no. I'll see you in a few weeks nga, 'di ba? If only I could stuff Mikie's six foot something ass into my suitcase and bring him back with me to Cebu, I would. Those weeks would fly by fast, I knew it.

Arriving in Cebu felt surreal. Hindi naman ako balik-bayan, pero bakit ang OA ng reaction ni Mama 'tsaka ni Papa? As soon as I stepped foot out in the domestic arrival area, my parents ran to me. I was immediately attacked with hugs and lots and lots of kisses.