My Guard for Life

Chapter 22

End na naman ng semester, so I had to process my grades and the papers para sa pag-alis ko. I talked to my block mates about it. I decided na magpa-despedida party with them this week. I will miss them, especially Philip and his friends.

I was walking in the corridor alone. Pierre became distant ever since that day I told him about my plan. He's back in his old self. Naiintindihan ko naman ang pagka-persistent niya na sumama sa akin. But it doesn't work that way. I explained naman that I would be gone for only seven months. Puwede naman akong bumisita rito because Daddy won't be with us pa. I have to visit him here too.

Pierre's birthday is this week. I've yet to decide kung ano ang ireregalo sa kanya. Nagpatulong na rin ako kay Ate Avi sa pagpili ng perfume. I even asked Kuya Renz what to give Pierre. He answered my heart daw.

Saktong paglabas ko ng building, I saw Pierre going inside. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. Susunduin niya ba ako kaya papunta siya rito? My heart melted thinking about it. Tumitig kami sa isa't isa. Ngayong nasa harap ko na siya at may balak akong sunduin, I can't help but feel excited.

I smiled at him before stepping outside the building. Sumunod siya sa akin sa labas. Nasa tabi ko lang siya at naglalakad din patungo sa kotse niya. Sumusulyap ako sa kanya pero hindi niya sinusuklian ang tingin ko.

"How are you?" mahina kong tanong nang pumasok na kami sa parking lot.

It was three in the afternoon, that's why it's quiet here. My heels were heard dahil hindi ako sinagot ni Pierre. Bagsak ang balikat ko nang pagbuksan ako ng pintuan ni Pierre.

I stood in front of him. He looked at me blankly. Akala ko ay okay na ako dahil nagkasalubong kami kanina. But here I am, doubting him. My lips trembled, controlling my anger.

"Girlfriend mo pa ba ako?" nanghihina kong tanong ulit.

Nagkaroon ng emosyon ang mukha niya. He clenched his jaw and looked away. He exhaled a harsh breath then stared at me again.

"I'm sorry, Dae," maikli niyang sagot.

Umiling ako. "Don't apologize. Sagutin mo na lang ang tanong ko. If you don't like a long-distance relationship, maiintindihan naman kita, e."

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko hinugot ang lakas para sabihin 'yon sa kanya. I know in my heart, I will be broken as heck if he agreed that he can't do long distances. I have no choice but to understand him.

"Damn that. I don't want this to end. I will wait for you."

My tears started to fall to my cheeks. I chuckled. Naramdaman ko ang paggaan ng dibdib ko. I was stressed kasi this past couple of days tapos hindi pa niya ako kinakausap. Sa bahay, sina Mommy ang iniisip ko. Here at school, pina-process ko ang pag-transfer ko sa New York. Even my Student Visa.

I felt Pierre hugged me. Mas lalo lang akong nanlambot.

"I've been so tired these past few days. Everything is only bearable because you're here. I missed you so much."

Hinagod niya ang likod ko. Pinapatakan din niya ng maiikling halik ang noo ko.

"I'm sorry, baby."

Mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang pagyakap sa kanya. Wala na akong pakialam kahit na pakinig sa buong parking lot ang malakas na pag-iyak ko.

"I know that long-distance relationships are complicated, but I will try to visit here. I will always call you. I will always message you. Gagawin ko ang lahat so you won't get tired of us."

He cursed. Humiwalay siya sa yakap ko. He held my cheeks and wiped off my tears.

"I won't get tired of us. Never, Dae."