When Heaven Smiled

33

Chapter 33
Still a no

Today, I woke up with a smile on my face. The thought that our paths would never cross again gives me inner peace.

Sometimes, you have to let go of the things that prevent you from moving on. Cutting people off isn't a bad thing. If they're toxic and consuming every bit of you, feel free to let them go.

Love should never stop you from choosing yourself.

Kahit sino pa 'yan, kahit pamilya pa 'yan dapat handa mo ring bitawan... I laughed mentally. My teenage self would never imagine this situation. She's a firm believer in her parents' love story. She also thought she'd marry her first love. Hindi niya kailanman naisip na darating ang panahon na ang mga pinakaiingatan niya ay masisira ng gano'n gano'n lang.

I focused my attention on the mirror in front of me. Nanginginig kasi ang daliri ko habang inilalagay sa mata ko ang contact lenses. I blinked twice when it already fit. The grey color suited me. Naglagay ako ng solution at pinagpatuloy na ang makeup ko. I created a short wing on the outer corners of my eyes. Ngayon ko lang din napansin na paubos na ang lipstick ko. I need to buy a new one. I dabbed it on my lips slightly so I wouldn't have to consume more product.

Nakasuot ako ngayon ng navy blue polo shirt na mayroong logo ng school sa may kanang parte ng dibdib. Uniform namin 'yon kapag casual events. I partnered it with mom jeans and white sneakers, the usual.

I was finding my hairbrush when something lying on the center table caught my attention.

"Kanino 'to?" I pointed at the bouquet of flowers. Walang sumagot sa 'kin dahil hindi ata ako narinig ni Kristoff.

Kinuha ko iyon mula sa lamesa at binasa ang nakasulat sa card.

It's nice to be back because I'll be able to see you.

- Adrian

Wow, he's also back?

"Ayan 'yong shinashabe kor—"

"Lunukin mo muna 'yan wala akong maintindihan sa sinasabi mo." I told Kristoff when he came closer. Matagal pa uli bago siya nagsalita dahil ngumunguya pa rin siya.

"That's what I'm telling you last night, kaya lang nag-walk out ka." he explained, bumalik siya sa dining area nang hindi nakakuha ng response mula sa 'kin.

If he's back from Dubai, bakit hindi siya nagparamdam muna sa group chat?

I brushed my waist-length hair thoroughly while scrolling through my phone. I grew it long so I'd feel better. Walang paramdam ang group chat, kahit kay Mikee ay wala akong natanggap na text.

"Kristoff may ibinilin ba siya sa 'yo no'ng dumaan siya rito?"

"Wala. He just asked for permission," he replied lazily while fixing his things.

"Permission to what?" tumigil ako sa pagsusuklay at hinarap siya.

"Permission to court you." he chuckled sarcastically.

What the hell?

"I'm not in the mood for jokes, Kristoff." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Totoo nga!" he raised both of his hands while laughing. "You know what Ate? Your suitors are stressing me out. Hindi naman ako ang tatay mo pero sa 'kin sila nagpapaalam." he scratched the back of his head.

"So gusto mo sa tatay ko sila magpaalam?" I arched a brow. Lumapit ako para pingutin siya pero umiwas agad siya. Hindi namin namalayan na paikot-ikot na kami sa center table.

"Joke lang Ate! Sorry! Pero seryoso? Bakit ganyan mga manliligaw mo? Baka sa susunod may estudyante mong magpaalam na rin sa 'kin ah!"

I stopped for a moment when I remembered something. I also received love letters and some chocolates from a student when I was still new. But of course, I confronted him immediately when I caught him. I explained that it's inappropriate and he'll meet new people along his journey. Besides, he was in high school at that time. He's still young.