Garden of Wounds (Panacea Series #1)

Chapter 27

Twenty-seven.

You can't change the past— and that's fact, but you can start from where you are right now and change your future. Before, because of my pasts, I lost hope, I lost everything, and I deeply regret everything that I've did in the past and I wish I could just erase it or change it.

But as I've realized everything, I can re-start my life from where I am right now. Enjoy the present and plan your future. Kung hindi mo na mabago ang nakaraan, sa hinaharap ka bumawi. Natuto ka na mula sa nakaraan at maaari mong gamitin ang iyong natutunan para sa kinabukasan.

I have survived my college days.

College made me feel that even if I'm still alive, parang nasa impyerno na ako. It was full of disappointments, pressures, heartbreaks, satisfactions, and happiness. It gave a mixed emotions. Makukuntento ka na lang sa kung ano'ng mayro'n ka dahil ang mahalaga rito... ay nakaka-survive ka.

Hinulma ako nito sa katauhan na hindi ko inaakala.

"Congratulations, graduates!"

Nagawi ang tingin ko kay Zavion na kinukuhaan ako ng litrato. I stuck my tongue out and even if he's afar from me, I could clearly see how his lips moved to let out a short laugh. Katabi niya sina Lolo na kumakaway sa akin. My parents didn't attend my graduation ceremony and that's not new. Kay Elaine ang kanilang pinaghahandaan. Aaminin ko, nagbigay iyon ng lungkot sa aking dibdib ngunit wala na iyon.

This is the result of my sleepless nights, sacrifices, and hard works... but because I'm not the favorite daughter, I'm not Elaine Aleah Fonsesca, they won't appreciate my efforts.

They congratulated me after the graduation ceremony. We threw our cap above and shouted in happiness. Halos mangawit na ang aking bibig sa kakangiti sa mga kakilala. I was in the middle of talking with some acquaintances when a familiar hand crawled into my stomach. I looked back in shock and when I confirmed that it's Zavion, I immediately jump on him because of too much happiness. Natatawa ako nitong sinalo. His hands gripped my thighs as he was staring at my orbs.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zavion. He swallowed the lump in his throat. Because of too much thirst, I quickly pulled his neck towards me and made him kiss me. Hindi na ako nakapaghintay pa dahil ako na mismo ang sumunggab sa kan'ya. I planted a long and passionate kiss on his lips. His hands are supporting me as he was kissing me back.

Parang nawala ang lahat ng tao sa paligid naming dalawa. It's only the two of us... kissing each other, my hands were on his neck, as he was holding me tightly.

Ito... sapat na siguro 'to. Ayos na ito. Kahit wala na sila, basta nandito siya.

"Wait, Elvira. The flower..." He chuckled, still kissing me.

Lumayo ako sa kan'ya. I licked my lips and stared at him. I cupped his face and kissed him again.

Damn, after how many years, all of my hard works had paid off.

"Congratulations, baby..." He said in his hoarse voice. "Proud na proud ako sa 'yo."

"Thank you," I said, almost a whisper. "Thank you for attending, love."

"Elvira Itzel!" I heard my Lola's strict voice.

Nawala ang atensyon ko kay Zavion. Nalayo ko agad ang sarili sa kan'ya at nilingon si Lola na may mga multo ng ngiti sa kan'yang labi. I looked down as my cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Zavion chuckled and rubbed my thigh. Napanguso ako at inayos ang nagusot kong damit.

"Talaga bang hindi ka na makapaghintay na hagkan 'yang nobyo mo at dito mo pa talaga hinalikan 'yan?" Grandma's eyebrows furrowed. "What a scene," she shook her head, but her lips were smiling.