The Beginning of the End

Summer.

It's where it all started. It's where it always started.

They were both stuck in a loop for how many years already.

Stuck.

They do not know how to get out or if they have any plans on getting out.

All they know is they have each other, ever since day one and that fact have grown in their system already. They somehow learned to like it in the past years. And that is probably the reason why they can't let go any of it.

There's something that tells them that they will regret everything if they finally have the guts to let go and move on, and so they wait until the confrontation comes.

And here is it.

Walong taon nang magkita ulit sila sa paborito nilang lugar. Sa dati nilang paboritong lugar.

Walong taong walang paramdam, ni-ha, ni-ho, wala.

Ni hindi nila alam kung ano na ba talaga ang estado ng relasyon nila at nandito sila ngayon, sa wakas, upang pag-usapan ang matagal na nilang dapat pinag-usapan.

The scourging heat brought by the summer almost burned Julie's soft, pale skin. Good thing, she's into beauty products that is just right for her type of skin, and that is why she's not prone to the bad effects of sunlight anymore. It's just that she doesn't want to feel the sweat all over her face and doesn't want the sun rays to be directed at her eyes.

Nevertheless, she continued walking, going to the place after she parked her car.

As for Elmo, he's cool with the weather, and doesn't care much about it because he's more concerned with his agenda for the day.

He left his car and the flower he was supposed to give to the person he is going to meet. He just wants to talk and clear things out.

A really awkward silence surrounded the whole place. No one dared to look each other in the eye, or at least clear their throat to give a sign that they can talk.

They were both simply observing each other's physical appearance as it's already been almost a decade since they last saw each other, well, except by the fact that they sometimes (read: most of the times) visit one another's profile in their respective social media accounts.

When one of them finally had the courage to speak up, that's when the atmosphere slowly loosen up to fit with their current feelings.

"Hi, Julie. Kumusta?"

It's the same old Elmo with a husky morning voice and oh, so cute minimal smile and his over-all pogi impression whenever he talks to someone. Julie still likes all of it (and maybe everything about Elmo, who knows?)

"Okay naman, ikaw?"

Hindi nila gusto pareho kung saan pupunta ang usapan, pero kailangan nilang habaan ang kanilang pasensya dahil pareho nilang ginusto ito—pareho nilang ginusto na makawala na sa nakakapagod na paulit-ulit na lang na nangyayari sa kanila sa nakalipas na halos dalawang dekada na.

"I'm also doing okay. Hmm, I just want to say you're getting prettier day by day, Julie"

The girl tried to let out a chuckle as she just knows that Elmo still didn't change at all (or he did, she just doesn't want to point it out) in his way of complimenting her to warm up a conversation.

"I know that already."

The confidence in Julie's voice surprised Elmo. He was used to the shy Julie, who is not accepting any compliment regarding her physical appearance, talent, or just her whole being, and yet, here she is, suddenly accepting Elmo's words without hesitation. Elmo is just glad with the fact that the girl in front of her had grown so much.