Her Fleeting Love

Chapter 02

Eleazar, Eunoia Millicent A. - With Highest Honors/ Class Valedictorian

"Congrats anak, I'm so proud of you..." My dad mumbled. It was fulfilling to hear, I've been longing for these sweet words. 

"Thanks dad" I responded awkwardly. We're on our private resort celebrating my academic achievement. Madami ang inimbita ni dad, his friends and their children. I invited also my classmates, including Lucas Connor. I doubt he'll come.

My dad excused himself to talk to his business partners. I was on my to the seashore yet I saw my friends coming my way. They were euphoric to see me, the smile on their faces made me happy as well.

"Congrats Euniks!" My gals congratulated me. They've been with me since 8th grade. They're the purest. Kahit mayroon pa silang kanya-kanyang circle of friends, they did not left me. They did not make me feel alone. 

"Thank you..." Naiiyak kong sambit. I feel at peace when they suddenly hugged me tight. Kahit di ko sabihin, they know. Alam nilang sinisisi ko ang sarili ko sa lahat ng nangyayari pero alam ko this guiltiness will pass.

I was the first person to let go of the tight hug and then excused myself to the bathroom. Kahit na sa dalampasigan talaga ang pupuntahan ko. I lied to the people I cherished the most, like what I always do.

"Mom, I'm sorry.." I cried while watching the stars above. Ngayon ko lang narealize na hindi proud si mama sa pananahimik ko. Pero huli na, huli na para itama ang pagkakamali dahil tapos na ang graduation rites.

"I ruined someone's life because I am too selfish to be praised by Dad... Am I evil mom?" Tanong ko sa kawalan habang humihikbi. Yes, I am academically victorious pero I felt defeated by my own conscience.

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang mga luhang tumutulo sa aking pisngi. I just ignored it, I must feel the pain of my own karma.

"I think you need this..." A man's monotonous voice broke the deafening silence. Tila ay binibigyan ako ng isang panyo. 

When I look up to see who's this thoughtful man halos matumba ako sa inuupuan kong malaking bato nang makita ko ang mukha ng lalaki...

"Ba't ka nandito? Aren't you mad at me?" I asked him. I sounded embarrassed, the man behind these tears is infront of me!

"Holding grudge against someone is too childish, Millie. I came here to congratulate you, you deserve it. You deserve to be happy..." He smiled. It was the most genuine smile I've ever seen.

"Paano ka naman? Isn't your happiness not worthy para isakripisyo mo lang?" Tanong ko. He's too selfless, he's really out my league.

"Na grant pa rin naman scholarship ko sa dream school ko, Millie. Hindi nga lang dream course ko..." Kitang-kita ko sa mga mata niya ang lungkot kahit hindi niya ito sabihin.

"Tingnan mo na, you could be more. Kung sinabi ko lang na may mali ako." I interfered. Napakabait niya, kung magkaka-girlfriend man siya sana kasing bait din niya. He doesn't deserve this, not at all.

"Wala nang mawawala sa akin Millie, sayo marami. I'm an orphan since elementary. Binuhay ako ng mga kapatid nila mama at papa pero pinaglupitan. I escaped that hell and lived a life na kailangan kong magpursige. I took part-time jobs, scholarships, at marami pa, para hindi gaanong malaki ang gastos ko at para makapag-ipon for college.  Mula pagkabata, I always wanted to be a lawyer kaya gusto ko mag PolSci pero hindi na raw pwede eh. Kaya I choose another course, entertainment-related course... I'm happy Millie, kaya sana ikaw rin." He assured me. 

"Entertaiment course lang? I asked. He's too smart for that.

"Walang course na "lang",  Millie. All courses are important, all courses are equal." He counter-attack.

Gosh, he's misunderstanding me! Alam ko iyon, what I meant was he deserve to be a law student if it weren't for me. 

"I'll be enrolling sa kung saan course ka, para quits tayo" I said with finality.

I don't know if I'll regret this decision pero I want to console him, in a way that I can. I'll be risking my career because of my stupid and selfish acts. Bahala na talaga.

"Baliw ka ba Millie?!" He sounded mad. I know napakabobo ng suggestion ko pero I want to eradicate this guilt, okay?

"Gusto ko rin mag BA FILM, Lucas. Bawal ba?" I responded with anger too.

"Oo dahil matatalo na naman ako! Pota Millie, wag mo naman ako parusahan ng ganito. Sapat na ang apat na taon." He pled.

"Matatalo saan, Lucas? Ano pinagsasabi mo---" I was cut short.

"Millie, it's time to eat. Come here!" My dad shouted from the cottage.

I runaway from Lucas yet I heard him mumble some words. I am certain its about me. Well I don't care, I will follow him.

He thinks he's the loser where in fact I am. 

I am too dumb when it comes to him, always.