Last Summer's Catastrophe

Chapter 45

Hello this is the last chapter of Last Summer's Catastrophe, the first installment of Nagcarlan series. I had a lot of fun writing this story. I remember writing this during my darkest time. I was so anxious with what's happening around me, I was away from my friends and from the things I was used to. Gladly, the thought of Nagcarlan and creating new characters in my head came up. I hope that my story touched your heart and make some sense.

Nagcarlan

I remember before, Nagcarlan was my nightmare when I was just sixteen. Ayaw ko sa bukid, ayaw ko sa madumi at tahimik na lugar. I prefer being in the crowd. I like the wild and loud environment. Kaya nga ipinatapon ako ng mga magulang ko rito. I nearly cursed them for doing that to me.

Then I meet the annoying Genesis. I admit that he's handsome but he's always pissing me off. He always have side comments about the things I do, he's not afraid of pointing out my bratty attitude and show me his principles. But he knows how to compliment me too.

Having nothing to do and frustrated of my long vacation in Nagcarlan, I end up loving every part of the town. I met people who soon became my friends. I treasure them and cherish every moment I have with them.

Then the disaster happened. It tore us apart. I lost them and I lost myself too. But now I'm starting to pick up all of my pieces and get up again. I'm healed. The scar of the past finally healed. It may be still there, has become part of who I am but atleast it doesn't hurt anymore.

Nagising na lang ako sa mainit at nakakasilaw na pagtama ng liwanag sa mukha ko. Mula sa pagkakahiga ay napabangon ako.

How did I end up sleeping in his bed?

Sa pagkakatanda ko ay nanonood kami ni Tita Linda sa salas kanina. At siguro nakatulog ako dahil sa pagod sa biyahe. But how come I'm here? Hindi naman siguro ako naglakad habang tulog.

Iginala ko ang tingin sa kwartong kinaroonan ko. The familiar gaming set, the wooden cabinet, picture frames and familiar scent of the room, I'm very sure of who's room is this. Wala gaanong nabago, nadagdagan lang ang mga gamit sa loob.

Bumangon ako at inayos ang nagusot na kama. Nilapitan ko ang picture frame na mayroong hindi pamilyar na litrato.

It was Genesis in his toga with black background, probably his college photo. Mayroon din na kasama niya si Senyor na mukhang proud na proud kahit pa isang medal lang ang mayroon si Genesis. It made me smile too. I wonder how he was like when he was in college. Is he cheeky? Serious or a playboy?

Lumipat ang tingin ko sa picture nilang apat, the bukid squad. They were all grinning in the picture.

Nasaan na kaya sila? I want to meet them again.

Napalingon ako sa pinto nang marinig ang biglang pagbukas nito. Iniluwa nito si Genesis na pawisan habang suot pa rin ang kaparehong damit. Nagtama ang mga tingin namin at kumibot ng kaunti ang kilay niya.

"H-Hi," I greeted awkwardly.

Lumapit siya sa closet niya at kumuha ng panibagong pares ng damit. Kagagaling niya lang sa trabaho? Napanguso ako ng making alas-singko na pala ng hapon. Gaano ba ako katagal natulog.

"May miryenda sa baba. Kumain ka muna. Pagkatapos bibiyahe na tayo pabalik sa inyo."

"But I want to stay here," matapang kong sabi. Nilingon niya ako at tinaasan ng kilay. "May dala akong mga gamit, nasa kotse. I want to have a vacation here."

His lips parted. Tapos ay marahang lumandas doon ang kanyang dilang. He looks at me as if weighing my expression.

"Seryoso ka ba diyan?"